Street Photography Award Editors’ Picks of May 2022

“If you can smell the street by looking at the photo, it’s a street photograph.” – Bruce Gilden

Following the results of last month’s street photography award, judged by acclaimed Magnum photographer Bruce Gilden, we would like to share some of the competition entries that didn’t make it to the final round but nevertheless showed remarkable dexterity, creativity, and skill.

Candid moments of quotidian life; meticulously timed and framed scenes, and unexpected situations: we had the pleasure of discovering compelling street images from across the globe, and it was truly inspiring to see photographers respond to the theme in such a diversity of ways.

Using both digital and analog and a litany of classic and experimental techniques, photographers displayed remarkable versatility and an extraordinary eye for composition, and it is our delight and pleasure to feature these 12 extraordinary works.

“Playful souls” - Cambodia
Multi-layered image captured along riverside in Ta Khmau city in Cambodia. The picture depicts an organized chaos in a way that was almost staged. Magical moment when everything fit well together: space, color, action, forms and the scene simultaneously. © Greg Mo
“The Intercity” - Dhaka, Bangladesh
Passengers getting down from roof and window of a train compartment at Airport railway station, Dhaka, Bangladesh. © Mithail Afrige Chowdhury
“Beach Day" - Coney Island, New York, USA
From Series “Coney Island Joy Joy” © Russ Rowland
“The House on the Beach” - Dumaguete City, Philippines
This photo depicts the silhouettes of characters and creatures within a small beachside community in Dumaguete City, Philippines. © Hersley-Ven Casero
“Amusement Park” - China
Shot in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China. © Luning Cao
“A Divine white, a human black ” - Assisi, Italy
I was photographing in the streets of Assisi in Italy. Suddenly a scene caught my attention. A young religious man was holding a sedan chair on which the image of Mary was placed. I immediately imagined the scene in black and white and with strong contrast. This allowed me to realize the idea I had in mind: that is to describe the contrast between the white color of divinity and the dark and almost exclusively shadowy nature of humanity. © Roberto Carnevali
“Shades Of Saffron” - Varanasi, India
A boy checks the mark put on his forehead in Varanasi, India. © Jonathan Jasberg
“Whiteout” - New York City, USA
Winter storm 2021 New York City. © Juan Carlo Calingo
“Streets of Mumbai” - Mumbai, India
Amidst the bustling streets of Mumbai. © Suresh Naganathan
“Low” - Galway, Ireland
Bus window portrait, on a rainy day in Galway, Ireland. © Mark Walsh
“You’re late” - Atlanta, USA
This was shot on Peachtree Center Ave in Atlanta, GA. One man silhouetted while another mama’s shadow enters the frame. © Branden May
“Beach Huts of Paignton #1” - Paignton, UK
From a current project, “Beach Huts of Paignton” documenting the beach huts and users of a small UK seaside town © Kim Aldis

Published June 16, 2022 - Congratulations to all selected artists: Greg Mo, Mithail Afrige Chowdhury, Russ Rowland, Hersley-Ven Casero, Luning Cao, Roberto Carnevali, Jonathan Jasberg, Juan Carlo Calingo, Suresh Naganathan, Mark Walsh, Branden May, Kim Aldis,

Color portrait fashion photo of woman with sunglasses in red car by

2026 Portrait AWARD

Win $2,700 Cash Awards & International Exposure

Can you tell a story with a single glance? – in May, we invite all photographers to share portraits that narrate compelling tales, whether captured in the controlled environment of a studio, the vibrant chaos of the street, or the rich landscapes of travel.