People Award Editors’ Picks of December 2024

Following last month’s People award, judged by the legendary Steve McCurry, we are thrilled and privileged to showcase a selection of exceptional competition entries that, while not making the final selection, left a lasting impression due to their extraordinary quality.

A mother and daughter dance together as the sun dips over the Tibetan plains. A priest reads scripture by candlelight in one of Tigray’s ancient rock-hewn churches. Workers in traditional hats harvest tea in the lush fields of Vietnam. In Amman, Jordan, two old friends—and a feathered companion—argue playfully over a game of backgammon, escaping the afternoon heat. These unique moments, captured with remarkable artistry, perceptivity, and skill, collectively celebrate the extraordinary diversity that defines our world.

“Tibetan Mother And Daughter Dancing” - Tibet, 2024
Tibetans are usually married young just like this mother who had her daughter when she was 16 years old. So even though they may look like two sisters dancing, they are one generation apart. © Mikael Wardhana
“Eternal Light” - Tigray, Ethiopia, 2012
In the mystical heights of Tigray’s rock-hewn churches, a priest’s voice echoed softly, ancient words illuminated by the warm light of a single flame. The deacon stood still, holding the heavy Bible with quiet reverence. To stand in this sacred space, carved into the very rock of the earth, felt like stepping out of time itself. The treacherous climb to this church was a small price to pay for the privilege of witnessing a mass here. A glimpse of eternity captured in the flicker of a candle. © Mitchell Kanashkevich
“Romería de El Rocío I” - Andalusia, Spain, 2024
The Romería de El Rocío is a procession/pilgrimage on the second day of Pentecost to the Hermitage of El Rocío in the countryside of Almonte (Huelva), Andalucia, Spain, in honor of the Virgin of El Rocío. In recent years the Romería has brought together roughly a million pilgrims each year. © Leon Foggitt
Harmony in the Tea Fields - Vietnam 2024
This image captures the quiet beauty of tea harvesting in Vietnam. A group of workers, dressed in vibrant traditional attire and wearing iconic conical hats, move gracefully through the rolling tea fields. The frame highlights a single worker, her basket resting against her back as she pauses amidst the lush greenery. The serene atmosphere and soft light bring attention to the timeless connection between the people and the land, celebrating the cultural heritage and dedication behind this intricate craft. © Chris Ha
“Coal miner Mike Synder” - Somerset, Colorado, USA
Coal miner Mike Synder photographed at the Oxbow mine in Somerset, Colorado, USA. From “Colorado Coal” project. © William Woody
“The Deepest Gaze” - Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
An extremely large family took a liking to me and each asked to have a picture taken with me. After about 75 selfies, the light was growing dim and I asked if I could take a picture in return. I was met with a deep, honest gaze from this girl in red. © Ronan Buckley
“Dice And Feathers” - Amman, Jordan, October 2024
In the heart of Amman, two old friends gather for their daily ritual—a heated game of backgammon, played with the passion and familiarity of decades-long companionship. The man on the left, a retired shopkeeper, always brings his colorful companion, a lively parrot who perches on his shoulder, observing the game as if judging every move. The room, with its peeling walls and faded decor, tells its own story of time passed, while the men’s animated conversation and laughter breathe life into the scene. “Dice and Feathers” captures the warmth of friendship, the charm of tradition, and the unexpected joy of shared moments. © Laurin Strele
“Tara” - Sikkim, Northeastern India
“When I found the courage to propose her posing for a portrait, she was busy collecting signatures for the Indian government to allow her teacher to teach at Rumptek Monastery in Sikkim. She kindly said no. The next day I told her about myself, my work as a photographer, showed her some prints I had with me and she agreed. Once at the location I asked her which mantra and deity she practiced. She said Green Tara and I asked her to do it. She started to do it and I shot. © Federico Frangi
“Shore Bound” - Sat Sugatag Village, Romania, 2021
Christmas is full of color in Maramures, Romania. The entire community gathers at church happy to see and to be seen with traditional costumes. Young girls on the balcony were listening to the prayer between beautifully painted saints. © Marian Plaino
“Guard of Baltit Fort” - Hunza Valley, Pakistan, 2024
The guard of the ancient Baltit Fort in the Hunza Valley is famous for his signature mustache grown and styled after the Marco Polo sheep. His mustache was initially tucked behind his ears when I first met him, but to my surprise, he quickly and proudly put it on full display when I asked for a photograph. © Justin Tay
“Martha and Teresa” - La Paz Golf Club, La Paz, Bolivia, 2023
Martha and Teresa, 2 Aymara Cholitas, pose alongside their golf clubs. They’re workers and passionate golfers at La Paz Golf Club, one of the highest golf courses in the world, sitting at 3600 meters above sea level in La Paz, Bolivia 2023 © Michael Dunn
“Renaissance” - Ireland, 2024
This self-portrait is inspired by the artistry of Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael, capturing the spirit of the Renaissance. I sought to reflect not only the visual richness of that era but also its profound sense of transformation, curiosity, and the search for new meanings. © Veronika Verbitskaia
“One among Many” - Varanasi, India
A group of young brahmacharis in front of a traditional gurukul in Varanasi, on the banks of the Gange River. They are wearing vibrant yellow and red robes that symbolize their devotion and pursuit of spiritual knowledge. These children, immersed in an ancient system of learning, study sacred texts like the Vedas and Upanishads under the guidance of their guru. Their focused expressions and disciplined posture reflect their dedication to mastering rituals, prayers, and philosophies. © Thibault Gerbaldi
“George”
George is a non-binary individual who fled his home country because he was born with albinism. His portrait radiates both pride and grace, evoking a sense of timelessness. It is a celebration of George’s essence, an ode to their identity and beauty that defies and transcends the passage of time. © Annelaure Pothin
“Kumkum” - Jharkhand, India
Kumkum helps her family to bring coal to the village. The coal mine is located just next to her village and many children help to bring coal back to town to sell or use. …It is a lunar landscape and there is a thick layer of fine dust on everything. The mines have spread into and around the villages. The ground is on fire, and huge burning pits with open flames are spewing out toxic fumes. Glowing pits of fire open up the gates to the underworld. Dhanbad is called the ”Capital of coal” and is located in Jharkhand in India. Coal is mined everywhere. The locals call it “Black Diamond”. © Sebastian Sardi

Published January 20, 2025 - Congratulations to all selected artists: Mikael Wardhana, Mitchell Kanashkevich, Leon Foggitt, Chris Ha, William Woody, Ronan Buckley, Laurin Strele, Federico Frangi, Marian Plaino, Justin Tay, Michael Dunn, Veronika Verbitskaia, Thibault Gerbaldi, Annelaure Pothin, Sebastian Sardi,

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