Photo by Antigone Kourakou

“In the face of global collapse, I found myself questioning what it means to bear witness with a camera – I cultivate a raw sight aesthetic to clarify reality. The photographic essay Unapologetic; March to Bauhaus; Sweet Indifference came to life not as a project, but as a necessity — a way to participate in global events. It was born in silence, shaped by the daily online images of innocent people being killed, by the disorientation of political decisions, and by the emotional contradiction I felt between the morality of peace and the survival instinct to fight fire with fire. I didn’t ask myself for explanation to observe the eerie reality which appeared beyond the limits of the normal mind.”

“Instead of following the global March to Gaza — a wave of international protests against the assault on Palestinians — I made a solitary decision to travel to Tel Aviv from 12 to 23 June 2025. The 13th of June marked the first day of the 12-day war with Iran. I was able to remain in Tel Aviv until the 17th, after which the Greek embassy escorted us to Egypt, where we boarded a Greek C-130 military aircraft and flew safely back to Athens the 18th.”

Panayiotis Lamprou’s work is rooted in straight photography, where he emphasizes an unintrusive observation of life, allowing the space and light to communicate the essence of existence to the viewer. His work often delves into complex themes such as mental illness, social norms, and the relationship between the individual and the state. With a focus on paradoxes, Lamprou intends to challenge traditional perceptions and to invite the viewer to engage in a deeper understanding of both the self and the world around them. A prominent figure in the photography world, Lamprou has received accolades such as the Second Prize at the Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize in 2010 for his portrait, “Portrait of my British Wife.” His work continues to resonate with those seeking a more profound connection with the themes of life, existence, and the subtle intricacies of human nature.

Website: panolabrou.com

Athens, Greece – House of Lucie
Opening: November 21, 2024 | Event Dates: November 21–23
IPA’s three-day event in Athens began with the Best of Show Exhibition curated by Peter Baki, featuring standout winners from both Professional and Non-Professional categories. The following days included portfolio reviews, expert-led Photo Talks, and a Jury Panel moderated by IPA founder Hossein Farmani. The closing Awards Ceremony on November 23 brought the international photography community together in a dynamic celebration of creativity, learning, and connection.

Ostuni, Italy – House of Lucie
Opening: January 22, 2025 | Exhibition: January 22 – February 23 
The 21st IPA Winners Exhibition launched the global tour at the House of Lucie Ostuni. With the town’s timeless beauty as backdrop, the opening night offered an intimate celebration of award-winning photography. The gallery presented a curated collection of the year’s best projects, welcoming guests from across Italy and beyond to experience the power of storytelling through images.

Koh Samui, Thailand – House of Lucie Samui
Opening Event: May 3, 2025 | Exhibition: May 3 – 11 
The tour culminated in a tropical setting with a special joint exhibition at House of Lucie Samui. Featuring the 2024 winners from IPA, the Tokyo International Foto Awards (TIFA), and the OnePlus Photography Awards, the show included IPA’s category winners, Best of Show selections, and standout entries from the IPA OnePlus initiative. This unique collaboration offered visitors a cross-cultural photographic experience in one of Thailand’s most beautiful locations.

Budapest, Hungary – House of Lucie
Opening Event: June 12, 2025 | Exhibition: June 13 – July 3 
In Budapest, the IPA 2024 Winners and Best of Show Exhibition opened with a lively vernissage at the House of Lucie. On view were 22 winning series and a curated selection of 30 Best of Show images—ranging from candid human moments to grand scenes of nature. Set in the heart of Hungary’s capital, the exhibition offered visitors a powerful and visually rich journey through this year’s most outstanding photography.

From classical galleries to coastal escapes, the 2024 IPA exhibitions celebrated the global impact of photography and the diverse voices behind the lens. With each stop, the International Photography Awards continued to highlight the importance of visual storytelling, creating space for artistic exchange and community.

Before joining National Geographic, Alex served as Photo Director at Bustle Digital Group, where she led photography across seven brands—including Bustle and Nylon—and commissioned a wide range of work from emerging and established photographers. Her leadership emphasized diversity, originality, and strong visual narratives.

Her previous roles include Visual Director at Goop, as well as time at Apple, where she contributed to major campaigns and brand imagery. Earlier, during a six-year tenure as Visuals Director at Bon Appétit, Alex played a pivotal role in redefining the magazine’s photographic style. Her vision helped revolutionize how food is captured and presented in contemporary media, influencing an entire generation of editorial food photography.

Alex began her career as a photo editor at New York magazine, where she helped shape award-winning visual storytelling across news, politics, and culture under tight deadlines and limited resources.

Outside of editorial, Alex co-directed and produced NOT ROD, a short documentary that premiered at the Miami Film Festival, winning the Audience Choice Award and continuing its festival run nationwide.

IPA Highlights at Lucie Awards Week

“IPA Best of Show” Exhibition
The “Best of Show” exhibition displayed the top-ranked entries from 2024. The collection offered a sweeping view of compelling visual storytelling across genres and geographies. The show is curated to showcase outstanding work across a range of genres from fine art to portraiture. This exhibition stood out as a key highlight of Lucie Awards Week.⁠

“What Matters” – IPA Photojournalism Group Show
This powerful group exhibition tackled urgent global issues through the lens of award-winning IPA photojournalists. A standout for its emotional gravity and editorial strength, the show reaffirmed IPA’s commitment to socially engaged photography.

Yvonne De Rosa (IPA Winner)
IPA winner and founder of Magazzini Fotografici, Yvonne De Rosa, held a special talk, offering a deeper dive into her acclaimed documentary work, further affirming the level of talent emerging from the IPA platform. Yvonne is known for projects such as Crazy God and Hidden Identities: Unfinished, exploring themes of memory, loss, and marginalization.⁠

IPA Talk
This dedicated session created a valuable opportunity for IPA winners Chaz Niell, Photographer of the Year 2024, and Małgorzata Fober, Discovery of the Year 2024, to share insights into their work and processes. A gathering point for peers and enthusiasts, the talk helped build stronger connections within the IPA community while celebrating shared creative values.

Conclusion

The synergy between the IPA and the Lucie Awards continues to grow, offering IPA winners not just recognition but a platform among the finest in the photographic arts. From exhibition halls to intimate talks, the 2025 Lucie Awards Week offered an unforgettable experience for IPA photographers and a reminder of the global community they’re a vital part of.

Photo credit: Robert Leslie

Following last year’s unforgettable celebration at the Basil & Elise Goulandris Museum, this year’s gala promises to be just as inspiring, bringing together leading photographers, visual artists, and industry professionals from around the world for an evening dedicated to honoring excellence in photography.

Set in the elegant halls of the Benaki Museum—one of Athens’ most esteemed cultural institutions—the IPA Gala will recognize the 11 Professional and 11 Non-Professional Category Winners, as well as unveil the coveted Photographer of the Year and Discovery of the Year.

Guests can look forward to an unforgettable night of inspiration, connection, and celebration in the heart of one of Europe’s most vibrant artistic cities. Join us on October 5th as we shine a spotlight on the best in contemporary photography and celebrate the visual storytellers shaping our world.

Stay tuned for more updates and details on how to attend this special event!

Layla by Jodie Mann

Layla is a masterclass in high-end beauty photography. Shot for Lucy’s Magazine’s 76th print edition, Jodie Mann’s image brings together a creative team to craft an ethereal and empowered visual narrative. Model Layla’s poised elegance is framed by meticulous lighting, styling, and digital artistry, resulting in a portrait that blurs the line between fashion and fine art. Every element, from the soft textures to the confident gaze, feels intentional, yet effortless.

Clean Girl by Rodolphe Debyser

Simple, striking, and contemporary. Clean Girl embodies the modern beauty aesthetic with precision and grace. Captured using a Sony A7RV and macro lens, Debyser’s portrait of Elisa leans into minimalism to highlight purity and natural allure. There’s no elaborate styling or ornate backdrops here; instead, the photo shines with clarity and control, letting texture, skin, and expression speak volumes. A true study in less-is-more.

Shades of Humanity by Vesper Chen

In Shades of Humanity, Vesper Chen strips beauty back to its emotional core. This black-and-white portrait removes the distraction of color to delve deeper into human expression. Through subtle contrast and fine details, the face becomes a story. Chen’s lens becomes a window into the soul, proving that beauty lies not only in what is seen, but in what is felt.

NATAN by Jeffrey Vanhoutte

When haute couture meets fine art, the result is nothing short of extraordinary. Commissioned by the luxury fashion house NATAN, this visually rich series by Jeffrey Vanhoutte is a symphony of disciplines: fashion design by Edouard Vermeulen’s team, conceptual artistry by Christophe Coppens, and sculptural elements by Annick Vandecapelle. Vanhoutte’s photography seamlessly weaves these elements into a harmonious whole — elegant, bold, and unmistakably high fashion.

Miami Heat by Genevieve Charbonneau

Charbonneau’s Miami Heat takes us on a dreamlike voyage down the Miami River, blending travel, fashion, and storytelling into one irresistible editorial. Captured aboard a sleek catamaran under radiant skies, the series exudes a sense of effortless glamour. Model Paulina’s magnetic presence, paired with the dazzling setting and sleek styling, creates an editorial that feels both luxurious and alive.

Timeless Elegance in Silver and Black by Yumiko Komatsu

Yumiko Komatsu’s entry is a celebration of refinement and collaboration. Created alongside costume artist SU-CUBE and a talented creative team, Timeless Elegance in Silver and Black presents a vision of contemporary fashion grounded in classic aesthetic values. The composition, color palette, and styling all nod to timeless design while embracing avant-garde textures and silhouettes. A visual poem that speaks in tones of silver, shadow, and sophistication.

Conclusion

These six winning entries remind us that advertising photography — whether in beauty or fashion — is as much about vision as it is about craft. Each image tells a story, evokes emotion, and elevates the commercial into the realm of the artistic. Congratulations to all the winners for their inspiring contributions to the world of visual culture.

Toby Binder

By capturing the gritty reality of Belfast youth, photographer Toby Binder has earned 1st place in the People/Children category of the 2024 International Photography Awards. In his series, titled Wee Muckers – Youth of Belfast, Binder documents the lives of working-class Belfast children and adolescents through their streets, parks, and neighbourhoods. These images, with their raw and dynamic quality, communicate to us authentically about the daily lives of the youth that reside in post-conflict Northern Ireland. More than that, the series is a deeply empathetic portrait of young lives shaped by the ramifications of historical conflict, infiltrated by epidemics of suicide and drugs. 

We had the pleasure of speaking with Toby Binder about his experience creating this powerful series, and his insights into the lives of his subjects. Now, we invite you to explore the journey that shaped Wee Muckers – Youth of Belfast. In his reflections, Binder shares the endearing meaning behind the series’ title, his strong sense of social responsibility, and the ethical choices that guided his approach.

Q: What is the meaning behind “Wee Muckers” and what is the inspiration behind this title? 

I tried to find a more sonorous name in addition to the working title ‘Youth of Belfast’ and also wanted to include the special terms of local language used in Northern Ireland. The idea ultimately came from a teacher I was in contact with because I photographed his pupils for the project. It just means “little friends” and thus captures the content of the book quite well, in that it is also about the importance of friendship and solidarity.

Q: Do you feel any sense of social responsibility towards the youth of Belfast? If so, how does that shape your approach to photography? 

Of course! As in all my work, I feel connected to the people I photograph. This always creates a responsibility for how I photograph and also how I use the images. Because in documentary photography you have to deal with real people and your work often has concrete impact on their lives, which can be both good and bad. I always try to approach people honestly and responsibly, which is all the more important when you’re working with vulnerable groups. Young people in particular are not always able to judge the consequences correctly when a great closeness has developed through trust. Of course, it’s this authenticity that you want as a photographer, but I also have to fulfil a responsibility and sometimes protect the protagonists. This is not to be understood in the sense of censorship, but some pictures, for example, I have only published after a time when they were no longer relevant under criminal law – but they are still socially relevant. In Belfast, I’m also trying to get involved in suicide prevention for teenagers, as this topic – regardless of the photography I came into contact with it through – simply concerns me personally.

Q: You’ve documented youth on both sides of the historical Irish sectarian conflict. How similar or different are the struggles they face, and do you see any common ground between them?

Absolutely, that was actually the idea behind the book: to show that so many years after the peace agreement, many things in people’s everyday lives, especially those of young people, are exactly the same. Same clothes, same hairstyles, same drugs, same problems… Catholics used to be discriminated against when it came to getting a job back then, but now many Protestants also have to struggle with unemployment, for example. It is now much more obvious that it is actually a social conflict that is being kept simmering by a few. Please keep in mind, I’m talking here about the situation in the working-class neighbourhoods, which are still mostly homogeneous in terms of denomination. This idea of tradition and culture here, of how you have to be in order to fit into certain patterns, exerts enormous pressure on young people. Because belonging and solidarity have long been paramount. What if I’m not like that? But little by little, a liberation from these structures modelled by the elders is already taking place. In recent years, I have met more and more mixed-denominational teenage couples, for example. Something that would have been unthinkable until a few years ago.

Q: How do you approach capturing the raw, everyday moments in Belfast? Do you have a specific process or style that guides your work? How do you go about building trust with the teenagers?

It’s pretty simple and it’s all about time and honesty. The kids have a good sense of whether you’re really interested in their situation, their life. And whether this interest is authentic and continues even when there’s no photo to be taken. And you’re just chatting. Having a cigarette or revealing something from your own life.

Q: Can you describe a moment or a photograph that particularly stands out to you in the “Wee Muckers” series? What was it about that moment that you felt was important to capture?

I don’t think there’s a single moment or photo. Especially because I see the work as long-term documentation, as a process. I’m waiting for moments, strong individual pictures, of course. But these should come together to form a complete story. Personally, it is always very touching for me to come back and see what has become of the teenagers I photographed. When they grow up, when they’re doing well, when they get their lives together, you’re happy. But of course there is also the other side: death, drugs, mental problems, prison.

Q: There is a recurring backdrop in almost all of the photographs. How important is the setting, or the backdrop, in your work? Do you consider the physical surroundings to be as much a part of the story as the people themselves? 

My work always starts with people; they are always my focus. But I do think that the environment has a massive influence on the people who live there, and vice versa. There are lots of examples for this interaction. Once a house on a street has boarded up its windows, the inhibition for vandalism of other buildings also drops. If someone plants flowers in their front garden, the neighbor’s rubbish is no longer thrown on the street, etc. On the other hand, in Belfast, for example, a fenced-in water reservoir that young people used to gain unauthorized access to was always a popular meeting place. It looked wild there, with fire pits and lots of rubbish. Then the city turned the area into a park, and it’s much nicer now. People go for walks with their dogs. But today’s young people are missing precisely this kind of retreat the kids used to have before…! And in Belfast in particular, the physical shape of the city by history cannot be obscured. There are simply so many fences, walls, and dead ends.

Conclusion

Toby Binder’s Wee Muckers – Youth of Belfast is far more than a documentary series. It is a raw, empathetic portrait of a generation navigating the remnants of a divided past while forging paths toward a shared future. Through gritty backdrops, Binder invites us into the lives of Belfast’s youth with a lens that is both socially conscious and deeply human. His work reminds us that, despite the persistent shadows of conflict and deprivation, there is resilience, connection, and even hope within these communities.

View the full series here. 

Read about other winning photographers 

• Dale May’s “Last Trip Home”: A Powerful Fusion of Photography and CGI
• In the shadows of Silent Women: Exploring Identity, Womanhood, and Community Through Photography with Maryam Firuzi
• “Fine Art of Resilience,” : Paul Szimák’s Award-Winning Photography Series

TIFA celebrates global talent and connects photographers to Tokyo’s vibrant creative scene, while IPA honors the achievements of professional, amateur, and student photographers worldwide. Together, they represent the global photography scene. 

Set on the idyllic island of Koh Samui, the House of Lucie is a cultural hub that showcases award-winning work from around the world. This joint exhibition will feature striking images from recent TIFA and IPA winners, highlighting diverse perspectives across genres like fine art, documentary, and editorial photography.

More than just a gallery show, the event offers an immersive experience with talks, tours, and a celebration of photography. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see the world through the eyes of today’s most compelling visual storytellers.

Opening May 3 at House of Lucie Koh Samui

For more information, check out the Facebook event, or visit www.houseoflucie.org.

The International Photography Awards (IPA) is an annual competition that honors photographers across 11 categories. One of the standout sub-categories is “Children,” which falls under the broader category of People.

In this article, we take a journey through the 2024 IPA winning photographs of children and adolescents from around the globe. These images, captured in both the Children sub-category and other categories such as “Fine Art/Portrait”, invite reflection and admiration. Explore the raw, unfiltered expressions of the children in these powerful photographs.

Wee Muckers – Youth of Belfast 

Toby Binder

1st Place / People / Children

Toby Binder’s Wee Muckers – Youth of Belfast captures the daily lives of teenagers in Belfast, Northern Ireland, offering a powerful look into the complexities of identity in a city shaped by history and politics. After the Brexit referendum, Binder focused his lens on working-class youth in Belfast, exploring how culture, religion, and nationalism are often dictated by the “accident” of where you are born. This notion by Belfast-born novelist Paul McVeigh resonates with Binder’s work. 

McVeigh poignantly observes,“If I had been born at the top of my street, behind the corrugated-iron border, I would have been British. Incredible to think. My whole idea of myself, the attachments made to a culture, heritage, religion, nationalism and politics are all an accident of birth. I was one street away from being born my ‘enemy’” 

In these raw, intimate images, Binder portrays the resilience and vulnerability of the youth, whose expressions reveal both the scars of the past and a hopeful gaze toward the future. As jury member Daria Bonera notes, the work is “powerful and intense,” challenging us to reflect on how children inherit not just their environment, but the tensions that come with it.

Congolese Flower

Reiny Bourgonje

3rd Place / Fine Art / Portrait

Reiny Bourgonje’s Congolese Flower is a striking portrait from his series on adoption and refugee children. The image features a young Congolese girl, radiating grace as she stands in a gleaming gold dress. The shiny fabric captures and reflects the light, adding a layer of elegance to her presence.

As jury member Paris Chong aptly describes, the portrait is “simply elegant”, showcasing not just the beauty of the subject but the strength and dignity that children from challenging backgrounds often embody. The photograph is a testament to Bourgonje’s ability to capture both the vulnerability and resilience of youth.

Natan with His Neighbour

Tariq Zaidi

2nd Place / People / Children

Captured in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tariq Zaidi’s portrait shows 8-year-old Natan (left) with his neighbor (right). Natan, a school student and “sapeur” (a member of the stylish subculture of the Congo) for three years, is dressed in stylish, carefully chosen attire that reflects his pride and individuality. The photograph beautifully captures the bond between these two young friends, highlighting both their youthful spirit and the unique cultural expression they embody.

Parallel Universes of Children

Ugur Gallenkus

1st Place / Book/Other

Ugur Gallenkus’s Parallel Universes of Children is an impactful and thought-provoking series that shines a light on the stark contrasts between privileged and oppressed children worldwide. This 108-page hardcover book presents 50 striking photo collages, blending images of children in drastically different circumstances. From those suffering in conflict zones and poverty, to children enjoying the comforts of modern life, Gallenkus masterfully juxtaposes these realities to highlight the disparities that define childhood for so many around the globe.

As Jury member Jamason Chen notes, the book’s design and thoughtful layout elevate the project from just an online montage to a tangible and collectible visual statement—an “important statement for the human bibliothèque.” 

Conclusion

The 2024 International Photography Awards not only celebrates the skill of talented photographers but also highlights the diverse realities of childhood across the globe. These award-winning photographs, ranging from intimate portraits of youth in conflict zones to celebratory depictions of cultural pride, offer a powerful glimpse into the resilience and spirit of children. Through these visual stories, we are reminded of the universal nature of childhood—no matter where in the world a child may live. As the IPA winners demonstrate, photography has the profound ability to bridge cultural divides and bring attention to the voices of children who often go unheard.

View the 2024 IPA winners gallery here.