The Independent Photographer, a global photography network of artists, industry insiders and photography enthusiasts, has announced the winners of its prestigious People Photography Award, celebrating powerful and compelling images that showcase the diverse beauty of humanity.
Among the finalists is Indian photographer Wasim Malik, whose image Shore Bound was recognized for its poignant portrayal of life in Ladakh, India. The photograph features Lamo, a nomadic woman from the Changthang region, a remote highland area where simplicity and resilience define daily life.
Forbes described the image as “a testament to the serene yet challenging existence in one of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes.” Malik, an independent photographer, has been lauded for his ability to capture the essence of people living in some of the most remote corners of the world.
Taking home the first prize and a cash award of $1,000, Dubai-based photographer Mo Kamal won for his image Contemplation, taken in Varanasi, India. The evocative photograph captures a man meditating along the sacred Ganges River at dawn. Renowned photographer Steve McCurry, who judged the competition, praised Kamal’s work, stating:
“This image embodies a profound sense of stillness and spirituality, which perfectly captures the essence of Varanasi and the sacred Ganges. 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.”
The second prize was awarded to the image Puzzled, featuring a Kazakh nomad in Western Mongolia who stopped his truck to observe a group of Western travelers traversing the desolate, snow-covered landscape.
The third prize, part of the series Shades of White, was taken in the Yamal Peninsula, Siberia, a remote region where the polar day is short and the air is thin. The image received a cash prize of $400.
The People Photography Award, judged by Steve McCurry—renowned for his iconic Afghan Girl portrait—seeks to honor photographs that celebrate the richness of human life and culture. Organizers of the competition noted:
“People photography has a rich, captivating history, evolving alongside the development of the medium itself. From capturing iconic figures to telling the stories of everyday individuals, it continues to fuel our profound curiosity about the human experience.”
The Independent Photographer’s competition has once again highlighted the power of visual storytelling in fostering a deeper understanding of humanity across cultures and borders.
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