Following the tremendous success of its Second International Festival — Fine Art Photography Awards — The Knights of Art™ proudly announces the winners of its Third International Festival, dedicated to celebrating the extraordinary artistry and creative vision within People Photography.
The People Photography Awards 2025, curated by The Knights of Art™, embody a powerful ode to humanity — honoring the beauty of emotion, the strength of human connection, and the eternal language of storytelling through the lens.
This year’s winners have unveiled the very essence of humanity — transforming fleeting instants into timeless poetry. Each frame breathes emotion, transcending borders, languages, and the quiet boundaries of the human heart.
Selected by an international jury of acclaimed photographers and curators, these eleven remarkable works represent the perfect harmony of artistic vision, emotional authenticity, and technical mastery.
International Jury for PEOPLE
We are honored to present the distinguished panel of experts serving on the International Jury for People. This esteemed group brings together a wealth of experience and diverse perspectives, ensuring an evaluation process that is both rigorous and genuinely inspiring:
- Safeen B (USA): Editor-in-Chief of The Knights of Art Magazine, Photojournalist, and Photography Educator
- Mehrdad Oskouei (France, Iran): Renowned filmmaker, photographer, and educator. Honored globally for impactful documentaries and over 180 jury roles.
- Ahmad Al Hanjoul (Germany): Visual artist and portrait photographer exploring human expression with emotional depth and technical precision.
- Somy Samani (Iran): Fine Art & Self-Portrait Photographer in search of depicting dreams and the emotional world through real elements.
- João Coelho (Angola): Consultant in Angola, working on modernization and institutional development projects in the public sector.
- Navin Vatsa (India): Photographer and educator focusing on documentary and fine art, exploring culture, spirituality, and human life.
- Armin Abdehou (Austria): Art Director and founder of The Knights of Art Magazine – Photojournalist and documentary Photographer
This jury exemplifies excellence in the art world, and their combined expertise has elevated this year’s Fine Art competition to unprecedented heights.
Award Winners
GOLD WINNER: "MahaKumbh – World’s Largest Gathering" by Savadmon Avalachamveettil, Ireland
An accomplished travel and commercial photographer originally from Kerala, India, and currently based in Ireland.
“MahaKumbh – World’s Largest Gathering” is a profound visual chronicle of faith, culture, and humanity. Captured from a respectful distance using a drone, the work unfolds like a living tapestry — portraying the grandeur of rituals, the rhythm of tradition, and the spiritual energy that defines the sacred Kumbh Mela.
Through his lens, Avalachamveettil documents not just a religious festival but a monumental moment in human history — millions united in devotion, the chants rising with the morning sun, and the timeless flow of the Ganges bearing witness to faith itself.
The knowledge that the next Maha Kumbh will occur in 144 years adds an even deeper resonance to this series. It stands as a lasting testament to human belief and collective spirit, preserving a visual legacy for generations yet to come.
SILVER WINNER: "The Paradise of Forgotten Hearts" by Antonio Aragon Renuncio, Spain
An acclaimed Spanish documentary photographer whose lens continues to illuminate the unseen corners of humanity.
Currently based in Puerto Rico, Antonio’s career spans decades of artistic and humanitarian dedication. A professor of photography for over twenty years across several universities, former Editor-in-Chief of Xplorer Magazine in Nicaragua, and Director of Xtreme PhotoWS in Burkina Faso — his influence extends far beyond the frame.
As a freelance photographer for international news agencies, Antonio has chronicled the fragility and resilience of the human condition. In 2002, he founded the NGO OASIS, leading medical aid initiatives across West Africa — merging compassion, purpose, and vision into one profound human story.
His remarkable body of work, exhibited in over three hundred galleries worldwide and honored with more than two hundred fifty international awards, reflects a deep commitment to issues of conservation, cultural identity, childhood, and environmental sustainability.
BRONZE WINNER: "Stories" by Tadeo Bourbon, Argentina
A visionary documentary photographer from Argentina whose work transforms social realities into powerful visual narratives.
Tadeo’s photography is rooted in empathy — an instrument of truth that channels the voices of communities and individuals often left unheard. His lens captures the pulse of human resistance: the struggles of indigenous peoples, the fight for environmental justice, and the unyielding spirit of those who stand for dignity and change.
His series “Stories” unites fragments from his journeys through Colombia and Peru — from the resilient community of San Pedro to his documentation of the tragic history of forced sterilizations — alongside his recent street photography amidst the protests and upheavals of contemporary Argentina.
Honorable Mentions
- Paul O’Malley from United States
- Gerdie Hutomo from Indonesia
- Xu Zhang from China
- Amirhossein Loloei from Austria
- So Pyay Lynn from Myanmar
- Marijn Fidder from Netherlands
- Sourav Das from India
- Md Shamim UL Islam from Bangladesh
About the Awards
The Knights of Art™ People Photography Awards celebrate the profound beauty of humanity — the emotions, connections, and stories that define who we are.
As one of the most distinguished honors within the global art community, these awards recognize visionary photographers who capture the soul of human experience with honesty, empathy, and artistic mastery.
By presenting extraordinary works from diverse cultures across the world, the People Photography Awards foster genuine cultural dialogue and preserve the timeless language of humanity expressed through photography.
Benefits at a glance
- Cash Prizes & Certificates of Achievement — awarded to winners and honorable mentions.
- Global Publication — featured in The Knights of Art™ Magazine (digital and print editions).
- International Exposure — your work highlighted across leading art media and global platforms.
- Finalist Showcase — presented on our official website and international social channels.
- Anonymous Judging — conducted by a distinguished panel of international jurors.
Seize this opportunity to gain recognition, elevate your portfolio, and inspire the world with your artistry.
For more details, jury biographies, and a curated gallery of winning works, visit: https://theknightsofart.com
About The Knights of Art™
The Knights of Art™ is a prestigious U.S.-registered organization committed to celebrating and advancing international photography through world-class competitions and its renowned magazine, available in both digital and print editions. Our mission is to elevate photographers and their art on a global stage, celebrating creativity without borders.
Our next theme is Street Photography. Starting today, we invite photographers from around the world to share their unique vision in this dynamic category. Seize this opportunity to showcase your creativity and inspire the world with your artistry.
