1ST PRIZE: Angelika Kollin

“The photographer shows an awareness of the history of portrait painting in this image that references Flemish Masters such as Vermeer. The natural light pouring from the window highlights the white fabric on the woman’s head and the long sheet draped behind, creating a subtle contrast with the shaded area where the black servant is standing. It’s a domestic scene but she is posing with pride. And the red flowers at her feet, a disturbing detail, add narrative to this well-structured composition. Moreover, there is an interesting historical and pictorial dialectic between the Dutch School and the South African subject of the photograph.” – Magdalena Herrera

2ND PRIZE: Tim Franco

“I am hypnotized by this Korean tattoo artist. Her direct-to-camera stare is striking, and when I escape her stare, I am caught by her rosebud lips that draw me to the tattoo, slightly out of focus, of a woman on her chest. It’s a portrait that manages to have depth despite its apparent simplicity. I like portraits that raise questions, like this one.” – Magdalena Herrera

3RD PRIZE: Hugo Santarem Rodrigues

“A portrait photograph is arguably the hardest image to create, and capturing the essence and complexity of facial emotions is a arduous task. Expressions are fleeting, body language and looks quickly change. Not only this stunning portrait presents exceptional qualities in terms of overall composition, light handling, color tones, and texture; What is truly striking here is how the photographer captured the whole humanity of the moment.” – The Independent Photographer Editors