People’s Choice 2023 winners announced

PORTRAIT AWARD PEOPLE’S CHOICE

Dino Dimar with Talisman unwavering faith 

The potent Philippine amulet represents both the quest for protection and the fragility of its promises within Filipino culture. Desperate for safety, people turned to its ancient aura, hoping it would shield them from all harm – however, the tragic tale of Commander Lawin, aka retired Staff Sgt. Remigio Mingo unfolds a different reality. Despite adorning himself with multiple amulets after losing his left hand in service, the amulet’s powers proved insufficient. Commander Lawin’s unwavering faith is mirrored in the prayers encircling his waist, a reminder of the limitations of earthly safeguards and the plea for divine guidance. 

This image beautifully captures the intricate interplay between the cultural yearning for protection, and speaks to the complexity of faith and the enduring search for solace in both earthly and divine realms.

LANDSCAPE AWARDS PEOPLE’S CHOICE

Dane Beesley with Untitled.

Dane Beesley’s photographs are visual narratives of the skies accompanying us on our terrestrial journey. Dane captures the dynamic interplay between the sky and its surroundings through careful composition and attention to light. He seeks to freeze these fleeting moments, preserving them for contemplation and reflection. 

Beesley’s untitled image captures the ever-changing interplay between the sky and its surroundings, freezing an ephemeral moment in time. The photo invites us to appreciate the transient beauty of the everyday.

STUDENT AWARD PEOPLE’S CHOICE

Noah Morris with Social life

Disconnected.

Noah’s powerful image serves as a visual commentary on the growing disconnection in our interpersonal relationships, prompting reflection on the profound impact of technology on the fabric of our social bonds.

ENVIRONMENTAL AWARDS PEOPLE’S CHOICE

Natalya Saprunova with Thawing permafrost above the Arctic Circle in Yakutia 

Nikita Zimov, the director of the Northeast Science Station in Yakutia, observes the thawing of the permafrost layer in Duvanny Yar, located along the Kolyma River above the Arctic Circle. This landslide was driven by land degradation accelerated by warming temperatures in the Arctic region. This layer of permafrost is formed during the late Pleistocene is called Yedoma. The decomposition of this organic matter can produce between 2 billion and 12 billion carbon per year in the form of CO2 and methane, which is between 20 and 100% of what is currently emitted by human activity in terms of carbon. 

This image serves as a powerful testament to the urgent environmental challenges we face. It encapsulates the fragile beauty of the Yedoma permafrost layer, as a stark reminder of the alarming carbon emissions unleashed by the decomposition of this ancient organic matter.

Congratulations to all of the People’s Choice winners and thank you to everyone who voted!

We will be in touch with the winners of each People’s Choice category to arrange sending prizes.