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In its 11th edition, the Istanbul Photo Awards, organized by Anadolu Agency, celebrated 29 photographers across 10 categories from nearly 22,000 submissions worldwide, affirming its status as a leading platform in global visual journalism.
In the Single Nature and Environment category, Hungary’s Bence Mate earned second prize for “Surrounded,” a haunting silhouette of an elephant framed by a flurry of quelea birds over the African savannah. Mate described how patience, discipline, and ecological awareness merged to capture what he called a “visual symphony” in a fleeting moment of harmony.
“A powerful image transcends linguistic, political, and cultural boundaries … it can inspire empathy, action, and even political change,” Mate said.
He underlined the responsibility that comes with the medium, saying:
“We must be honest, respectful, and ethical in how we portray our subjects … authenticity must remain a top priority.”
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In the Single Sports category, Colombia’s Camilo Diaz took third prize for “Freediver Among Sardines”, an evocative underwater shot captured off Moalboal, Philippines. Diaz recounted spending a full week diving in murky waters before the murmur of millions of sardines aligned into a mesmerizing formation.
“Underwater photography in apnea … requires care for oneself, the model, and the environment,” Diaz said, emphasizing the physical and ethical demands of underwater photography.
“A camera is a powerful tool … I aim to promote conservation and tourism focused on animal care,” he added.
The competition’s Photo of the Year went to Palestinian photographer Saeed Jaras for “Gaza–Deir al‑Balah,” capturing a family’s grief amid a devastating airstrike.
Other notable winners include:
The jury, composed of luminaries such as Ami Vitale, Carol Guzy, Yuri Kozyrev, and Cameron Spencer, meticulously selected winning images that reflect both technical excellence and powerful storytelling.
A total of $58,000 was awarded across 30 prizes, and the winning images will be featured globally in exhibitions and the annual awards album.
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