Judge: Jody MacDonald is a Canadian-born photographer renowned for her stunning images of some of the world’s most remote areas. Equal parts adventurer and photographer, she has spent the past decade traversing the globe by sailboat, train (amongst various other means), capturing imagery that conveys the beauty and diversity of our world while raising awareness about climate change. Over the years, she has received numerous awards and accolades, and her images have been featured in some of the world’s leading publications and platforms, including National Geographic and Outside Magazine.

Congratulations to all winners & finalists!

1ST PRIZE: Andrew Newey

“What strikes me about this image is its breathtaking composition, beautiful color palette, and the depth of its storytelling. The winding, half-frozen blue river acts as a visual guide, naturally drawing the viewer’s eye from the lower right corner of the frame deeper into the scene, evoking a sense of movement and discovery. The two people in bright red traditional garments, navigating the frozen river with sleds contrast sharply with the muted tones of the landscape, immediately drawing attention to them. But beyond its visual appeal, the photograph speaks to something greater—it’s a story of survival, tradition, and the human spirit’s resilience in challenging environments. It beautifully captures the interplay between nature, culture, and exploration and leaves me wanting to know more about their journey. ” — Jody MacDonald

2ND PRIZE: Thaddäus Biberauer

“I really like unique images and this is one of them. This photograph captures the essence of motion and tradition in a striking, dreamlike blur. The vibrant ceremonial attire, with its rich reds, greens, and golds, contrasts beautifully against the muted, textured background, giving it a painting-like quality. The blurred lines give the image a sense of life and energy, while the subject’s green face paint and intricate headpiece evoke a deep cultural narrative giving this image an almost timeless quality.” — Jody MacDonald

3RD PRIZE: David Keith Brown

“A triumph of light, tone, and composition, David Keith Brown has transformed this early-morning scene in Myanmar, into a painting-like image that becomes more captivating the longer you observe it. The ancient tree, much like the traditional fishing practices it frames, serves as a focal point without dominating the image. Its dark, majestic silhouette and reflection form an abstract border within which the scene gently unfolds. While this may be an everyday moment in this part of Myanmar, for outsiders—like the photographer and most viewers—it offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s unique culture, embodying one of the true joys of travel: discovering the richness of other ways of life.” – The Independent Photographer Editors