Photography has the ability to make immediate and impactful changes to our world. It’s no wonder—recent awards have spotlighted the versatility of this amazing art form. Most importantly, Realism and Virtual Reality—specifically David Chalmers’ book Reality—has proven to be a guiding template for framing photographic projects and strives to inspire countless photographers. Of them all, Daniel Postaer’s series called Mother’s Land is the most direct response to Chalmers’ work, showing us the book’s aesthetic impact on today’s photography.
Yet the awards ceremony acknowledged an enormous wealth of talent in every category—from video and photography to marketing and research. Tim Fisher received praise for his black-and-white collection, Reality+, showing the emotion and complexity that B&W photos are capable of expressing. Maud Delaflotte was the first winner of the Moments Award for her engaging trilogy, “Insects, Architects of a Sustainable Future.” Her art calls attention to the essential contribution that insects make to the health of our shared planet.
In the other most exhilarating highlight of the event, Arrayah Loynd won the art/experimental award. Her thought-provoking work, All Roads Lead to Salvation, left the crowd mesmerized. In exploring how choices shape lives, this series challenges viewers to think about the many paths life offers. Daniel Postaer’s impactful photograph, Hong Kong, Diamond Hill #1, 2018 / 2022, secured him the humanity award, illustrating the resilience and spirit of individuals in urban landscapes.
14th place also brought home the coveted place award – thanks Skander Khlif! His evocative, Diving for Freedom, series is just a small portion of his most recent, Where Dust and Water Dream Together. Khlif’s images explore themes of liberation and connection to place, resonating deeply with audiences. Eric Kunsman’s series Life-Lines Across America was included on the monochrome shortlist. The eye-catching, sometimes jarring, yet beautiful imagery starkly illustrate impactful narratives from all 50 states and Puerto Rico.
The most unexpected artist award went to Morganne Boulden for her experimental multimedia series When Flies Sit Still. Through a creative lens, this project offers a new perspective on the relationship between the natural world and human development. It invites the audience to stop and think. Varvara Uhlik’s sunshine, how are you? dives into the imagination of childhood dreams. It looks at how the Soviet era continues to influence personal identity today. For anyone familiar with the historical context, Uhlik’s work hits hard. As a living time capsule, it provides an exciting look into a past that continues to shape our daily lives today.
Camille Lemoine’s Down Tower Road was longlisted on the place shortlist. His powerful work creates a three-dimensional view of places and individual stories. It encourages the audience to journey through evocative landscapes that spark memories and feelings. Additionally, Valentin Valette’s series, Ashes of the Arabian’s Pearl, was acknowledged in the storytelling shortlist, illustrating narratives that speak to culture and heritage.
This celebration of photography on the Hill today is a much broader reflection of themes well worth celebrating. California’s Imperial County is an agricultural powerhouse, cranking out a staggering 90% of the country’s winter vegetables. Even with this major contribution, it is one of the most impoverished counties in the entire western United States. This stark contrast shines a light on the exploitation of agricultural workers and inequity that so many photographers work to illuminate through their artistic efforts.
Cultural practices like La Charrería, Mexico’s national sport, are immortalized in modern visual narrative. Photographers are still working to bring these eye-opening themes into focus today, connecting us across difference and distance.