1ST PRIZE: Diana Maria

“The boy in the foreground is highlighted, and from his determined expression – despite the title “Paradise Lost” – one can feel a strong, and unwavering will toward the future that does not waver. The ruins in the background, the boy standing there alongside his shadow, and the overall composition of this image is very beautiful and captivating. This black and white photograph is worthy of being a winner.” — Tatsuo Suzuki

2ND PRIZE: Lukasz Spychala

“As the title “Monolith” suggests, this photograph symbolically and impressively portrays the human form as a single, solid entity. The black and white composition centers on the nude figure, capturing the texture of the skin and the play of light in a way that evokes strong emotions in the viewer. The photograph presents the human body as a monolith, its edges softened and curled into a reflective, introspective posture. This image invites various interpretations and emotions, suggesting that, like a monolith, humans too can become rounded and introspective, both physically and mentally. The work evokes a deep contemplation of the human condition, resilience, and transformation through life’s experiences.” — Tatsuo Suzuki

3RD PRIZE: Alain Mouton

“Mouton describes his image as “an ode to romanticism and pictorialism photography,” and it stands as a fitting tribute to the greats who believed in the medium as an art form. The bird’s beautiful, curved form possesses a sculptural quality, while his use of shallow depth of field allows its feathered body to fade gradually into the inky backdrop, accentuating the sense of ethereality. A captivating photograph that truly demonstrates the artistic potential of monochrome”  – The Independent Photographer Editors