Competition awards

Mingzu Liu
China

This year’s winning image contains a philosophical dialectic. What is shown, captured by the camera, is reversed and at the same time demonstrates the fundamental optical principle of photography, namely magnification. We see a person looking at their cell phone through a magnifying glass, but – from the photographer’s point of view – magnifying herself. The person sitting next to him looks directly into the camera, revealing the complex relationship that a street photographer has with his subjects. Street photographers work on an intersection. They are interested in the intimate on the big street, in the universal in the everyday individual. It is precisely this interface that is evident in this year’s winning image.

Moreover, this is the first time in the history of the competition that we have had three exceptional photographs from a single photographer shortlisted, a testament to the author’s remarkable talent, consistency, and unique artistic vision. Each of the three images stood out for its technical mastery, emotional depth, and ability to tell a compelling story, making it clear that the author possesses an extraordinary ability to capture moments that resonate deeply with the audience.

The decision to award this photographer the top prize was further reinforced by the unanimous agreement among the jury that their work not only met but exceeded the competition’s criteria for creativity, originality, and impact. This remarkable achievement underscores the author’s exceptional skill and solidifies their place as a deserving winner of this year’s competition.
Exhibition is on show in Leica Gallery Vienna till 30.04.2025