Aside from how technically impressive it is, this one’s all about the storytelling. It makes me want to dive in, ask the protagonist what happened to the canal, and wander around this gloomy yet beautiful place together.”

There’s something about this photo that just draws you in. The contrasting colors and leaves in the foreground frame the shot beautifully, with the jaguar’s eyes right in the center. It’s as if you’ve been transported to the rainforest, standing only a few feet from an apex predator. However, you don’t feel fear; instead, you feel connected to and concerned for the jaguar, which, as photographer Allec Gomes points out, embodies vulnerability amidst its strength. Many wildlife photos elicit a sense of awe, but not all inspire action - this photo does, and that’s what makes it special. It conveys the message that nature is beautiful yet increasingly fragile, and we are part of the equation - so the urgent efforts we take to maintain its delicate balance must be as intense as the jaguar’s gaze.”

This photo seamlessly brings Shanghai’s iconic skyline into a single frame, through the skillful use of focal length. The image not only showcases the architectural grandeur of the city but also captures its electric, futuristic essence with breathtaking clarity.”

Dynamic Wang’s image stands out in this category for its ability to immediately arrest the viewer with its simplicity. Its experimentation is through a series of clever contrasts. The eerie stillness of a fog that bears down on a lush green landscape contrasts brilliantly with Wang’s unusual movement. She’s chosen to use a wide lens for a self-portrait, yet she’s so little of the image – the central focal point is her contorted body, curled almost into a question mark, that punctuates a large, vast, and hostile backdrop. It’s intimate in that you’re drawn to her, but it’s ostracising as you can’t see her expression or quite make her out as she stands alone and in such a vulnerable position in what seems to be the middle of nowhere. It’s a clever use of space, movement and light or lack thereof. The image’s impact is through how it works with the natural world and what we have at our disposal – grass, gestures, daylight – and is not wholly reliant on Adobe Photoshop’s tools for dramatic digital alteration. In an increasingly augmented and contorted digital world, the only thing that has been obviously manipulated here is Wang’s stance: a powerful autonomous statement in a category full of heavily edited subjects.”

For me this image is particularly successful due to the strong sense of narrative Alyssa has imbued. The skilled use of light, simple props and posing has a cinematic quality and the detached gaze of the model in the almost liminal setting is intriguing. The muted palette which is carried throughout the image is particularly successful, with the pop of colour from the earring in the centre of the frame drawing the viewer’s eye.”

I chose this photo because it stood out to me. I like how the image has a cover of red halation across the water. It makes the lake look a bit mysterious. I also like that you can still see some of the mountains across the landscape in the distance and the amount of sky reminds you how enormous everything is.”

This one made me stop. Click back and really took time to appreciate the visceral reaction I had to seeing it. I’m also a huge cinema fan and the play on red white and black just really caught my eye!”

In the nature category, the power of simplicity in visual storytelling was on display, with many finalists’ images featuring quiet, contemplative, or minimal scenes. Jeremy Bishop’s sand dune image is the opposite of spectacle, and an example of how capturing the right “decisive moment” can lead to a more intriguing image. This composition, filled with satisfying curves, stark contrast, and negative space, invited me to peer closer—with that stunning little bird shadow as a reward.”

The colour and the composition immediately stood out to me; the repetition of the earthen pots and the brilliant flashes of yellow are mesmerising.”

I really like the overall atmosphere of the photo, which leaves room for the imagination. The athlete preparing in the foreground, pressing his watch to perhaps start his training, with a very threatening weather in the background. The cord used to fasten the suit is fluttering in the wind, adding another dramatic meteorological detail to the scene. This is also what high-level sport is about. Training regardless of the weather conditions or even motivation.”

As my winner for the travel category because it powerfully captures the raw, untamed beauty of nature. The silhouetted figure standing in front of an erupting volcano brings in a human element and evokes a sense of awe and adventure, emphasizing the spirit of exploration and the profound connection between humanity and the world's most breathtaking landscapes.”

I was struck by Max’s evocative work instantly. The image is ethereal yet moody in tone and the composition strange but beautiful. An unknown cinematic narrative palpitates gently, like the wings of a butterfly. I want to see more... to know more, when looking at this picture. What came before and what comes after?”

I’m old school, and how you do digital art remains a total mystery to me. Which means I’m also deeply impressed by those who produce it. All the shortlisted entries are, in their different ways, equally impressive, but the one that does it for me to perfection is Luisa Roth’s deceptively simple, cartoonish image of a vast figure with massive feet, huge hands and a tiny head, mesmerized by a phone screen. That’s us, that is.”

This image captures the mysterious and wise essence that owls symbolize. The striking yellow eyes draw immediate attention, conveying a sense of depth and intelligence. The subtle light coming from the side highlights the intricate details of the owl's feathers, adding a layer of elegance and intrigue to the image.”