1ST PRIZE: Veronika Verbitskaia

“That’s an excellent example of how creativity in photography doesn’t have to be limited by tools or locations. The photographer was able to create a memorable image using just basic tools: herself and a phone camera. She mentions that she drew inspiration from Leonardo Da Vinci. While I don’t doubt that, I can also see influences from Vermeer, particularly in the use of light, shadow, and color palette. The result may seem accidental, but that’s the beauty of photography; a masterpiece can emerge from a simple happy accident, which is quite different from sculpture or painting.” — Luisa Dörr

2ND PRIZE: Roberto Flores

“It took some time for my brain to adjust to this image. The first flash I experienced was surprising. It felt as if I were looking at a mythological demigod—a portrayal of an ancient warrior with a calm gaze, covered in dirt after an epic battle. A few moments later, I realized that it was just a boy, perhaps a farmer, surrounded by cattle. Nevertheless, for me, the first impression is what truly matters. To me, he remains a demigod.” — Luisa Dörr

3RD PRIZE: Zay Yar Lin

“A striking portrait that captures the quiet pride and strength of the young eagle hunter. Bathed in dramatic, painting-like light reminiscent of the Dutch masters, she is framed by soft shadows and rich textures that evoke a sense of timelessness, embodying a centuries-old nomadic tradition passed down through generations.” – The Independent Photographer Editors