“People photography has a rich, captivating history, evolving alongside the development of the medium itself,” the organizers explain. “From capturing iconic figures to telling the stories of everyday individuals, it continues to fuel our profound curiosity about the human experience.”
This award sought to celebrate the most powerful and compelling images of people today, highlighting the diverse and meaningful narratives that shape our shared world.”
Crossing borders, spanning cultures and traversing the world’s most remote corners, the People Photography Award celebrates the diverse beauty of humanity.
The People Photography awards were judged by prizewinning photographer Steve McCurry, one of the most celebrated voices in contemporary photography and author of a unique collection of work featuring some of the most famous images of our time — not least his iconic portrait of an Afghan Girl with piercing green eyes.
Nicola Ducati – People Photography Awards, The Independent Photographer
The photo above, winner of the third prize and $400, is one of the series “Shades of white” and was taken in the Yamal peninsula, Siberia, Northern Russia, where the air is thin and the polar day is very short.
For 4 1/2 hours, the light becomes magical and the colors of everything are perfect pastel against the artic sky, with delicate and unreal shades.
This land is inhabited by the Nenets people, nomadic reindeer herders who, guided by the seasonal cycles and the needs of their animals, migrate incessantly in an infinite circle of movements between ice, frozen rivers and incessant winds in search of new pastures in the most remote tundra. The hostile environment didn’t stop their innate adaptability and gave them prosperity for millennia.
“The soft polar light accentuates frosted textures and the child’s rosy cheeks, underscore both the harshness of the environment and the resilience of those who call it home,” the editors wrote. “It tells a powerful story of a people who have forged a life in one of the planet’s most unforgiving regions — but a people whose future remains uncertain.”
Alessandra Manzotti – People Photography Awards, The Independent Photographer
A curious Kazakh nomad from Western Mongolia stops his truck to find out what a group of Westerners are doing walking in this remote and desolate stretch of land in the middle of a bitterly cold winter.
“This image captures the spirit of curiosity and resilience that defines life in remote Mongolia,” says McCurry. “The composition is powerful, with the truck and its vibrant blue color creating a striking contrast against the muted tones of the barren landscape. The candid expressions of both the nomad and the dog evoke a sense of warmth and connection, even in a harsh and unforgiving environment. The attention to detail, like the weathered texture of the truck and the distant herd in the background, adds depth to the story. It’s a beautiful balance of humanity and environment, which makes it a memorable piece.”
Mohammad Kamal – People Photography Awards, The Independent Photographer
A lone Sadhu stands pensively at the edge of a platform in the Ganges River in Varanasi, India.
The image “Contemplation” , taken by photographer Mo Kamal in Varanasi, India, won first prize and $1,000.
“This image embodies a profound sense of stillness and spirituality, which perfectly captures the essence of Varanasi and the sacred Ganges,” said McCurry. “The man’s serene pose, framed against the soft morning light, evokes a sense of timelessness and introspection. The photograph is a poetic depiction of solitude and faith.”
Jimmy Strouse – People Photography Awards, The Independent Photographer
In the Peruvian Andes, a mother carries her baby in a traditional bag. “The backdrop of rugged mountains just added to the beauty, giving a glimpse into the rich traditions of indigenous life,” Jimmy Strouse explains. “After showing her the photo on my camera, she nearly started crying, and it hit me: She probably doesn’t see many photos of herself, if ever.”
Vincenzo Avallone – People Photography Awards, The Independent Photographer
“During my journey, I had the opportunity to visit Thu Sy, a village in Vietnam known for its artisanal production of fish traps,” Vincenzo Avallone explains. “In this photo, I captured a local elderly man transporting an incredible number of fish traps on his bicycle.
Michael Murray – People Photography Awards, The Independent Photographer
In a small settlement outside Villamar, Bolivia, a clothes maker pauses for a portrait.
Wasim Malik – People Photography Awards, The Independent Photographer
This is Lamo, a nomadic woman from the serene Changthang region in Ladakh, India, where the vast highlands meet a life of simplicity and resilience.
Peace LiLy 