Looking across a crowded sidewalk, there’s a rather odd coincidence: someone is caught in the act of taking a step and is entirely unaware of it. That’s what makes street photography special: the moment happens quickly, and if you blink, it’s already gone.
The third Macadam Awards, which had the theme "Echoes of the Street", highlight that brief moment of magic by featuring 23 exceptional photographs: three winners and twenty Honorable Mentions. The competition, organized by Street Macadam, drew photographers from around the world, who were judged by an international jury of people from 13 different nationalities.
What gives this collection its special appeal is its honesty. Rather than creating a dramatic effect, the photographs reveal the poetry already visible in ordinary situations: a surprising combination, a solitary figure, a strange gesture, or a perfectly timed moment in everyday life.
The photographers obviously know when to trigger the shutter. Yes, there is spontaneity involved, but there’s also a great deal of patience and visual instinct. It is this combination that transforms a typical street scene into one worth looking at twice.
The winning piece won’t remain confined to the online environment either; the three winners will be shown in Rome and Querétaro, giving these temporary observations a chance to reach entirely new audiences.
What the Macadam Awards really celebrate is curiosity; if you stay alert and are ready, you may find the most unforgettable stories happening right next to you.
You can find more info about Street Macadam:
#1. 1st Prize: Lu Wenpeng
Jury Comments:
Matt Hall:This image includes many layers, of both interest and subjects. I love the balance in shot between the human elements and the anonimity that has been maintained through the shadows and how the primary subject is facing the camera. The shape repetition of the vertical pole, the stripe on the wall and the pavement step is very pleasing also and adds up to an all round, great composition. I love the muted colours of the buildings and agree that this image is a deserved winner!
Lisandra Alvarez: This image stands out for its use of layers and depth within an everyday street scene. The composition creates a perfect visual balance, with a point of tension around the pole that adds depth to the image. The subject in the foreground creates a strong sense of mystery, as the shadow cast by his hat over his face immediately draws the viewer’s attention. The use of strong shadows creates an impeccable color contrast between the warm and cool tones. The presence of passersby at different distances builds a lively visual narrative full of rhythm. It is an image that portrays street life across its different planes, creating a sense of rhythm and allowing the viewer’s eye to move through different moments within the scene.
Valérie Six: An extraordinary mastery of composition that catches the eye at first glance and becomes even more fascinating the longer one studies the shot. Every element—figures, colors, shapes, shadows—is perfectly sized and positioned to guide the viewer’s gaze through the scene. Strips emerge from all corners of the image: on the wall to the left, on the mask and hat of the man in the foreground; on the post with the yellow iron band, on the background wall, on the sidewalk and on the socks perfectly aligned with it! Triangles too, appear as if by magic: on the coat of the figure on the left and on his shadow, on the post again, on the legs of the figures in the background… And finally, how could one fail to notice that band of light delicately framing the head of the woman in the background?
Hersley-Ven Casero: A remarkable study of light, shadow and human encounter. The frame feels completely unchoreographed, yet every element falls into place with extraordinary precision. I love the layers and the tension between what is revealed and what remains hidden. It is a photograph that rewards repeated looking.
#2. 2nd Prize: Perry Hall
Jury Comments:
Matt Hall: Although I have seen this type of shot before this has been excellently executed. The subject is perfectly lined up with the background to create the hat effect and the depth of field does a great job of pulling the subject out of the frame a bit more with increased detail. It is brilliant that all three of the finalists are in colour.
Lisandra Alvarez:The composition is very strong. The central circle created by the hair and the outer circle of the carousel form a perfect natural frame that guides the viewer’s eye. The use of a low-angle camera makes the carousel feel imposing and gives the perspective a unique quality. Likewise, the use of depth of field is perfect, keeping the hair in the foreground sharp while the spinning seats are blurred just enough to convey a sense of movement. The use of vibrant color is also very interesting, with the warm chestnut tones of the hair contrasting beautifully with the light blue of the sky. It is a visual metaphor in every detail.
Valérie Six: How can one remain unmoved by this golden, hazy light that delicately guides our eyes toward the figures in this photograph? From the young boy, his motionless body turned to the right as if indifferent to what is happening, to the old man whose weathered yet proud face and stature seem to defy our gaze. A carefully composed image, enhanced by cinematic lighting, a moment imbued with humanism and mystery… Numerous elements, in short, for a photograph that leaves a lasting impression.
Hersley-Ven Casero: A beautifully timed photograph with a wonderfully instinctive composition. The stillness of the subject against the energy of the amusement ride creates an unexpected visual tension. Simple, playful and remarkably well seen.
#3. 3rd Prize: Gustavo Rojas
Jury Comments:
Matt Hall: This was one of my favourites and im so glad it made the top 3 selection. The atmosphere and feeling that it gives is fantastic. It really puts you in the scene. The positioning of the two subjects encourages you to search the frame whilst still being very balanced. The shadowing on the face of the primary subject adds mystery but I love how he is looking at the camera. The silhouette of the right hand subject with the halo effect is awesome and I love how it is facing the light source creating a mysterious narrative. It could have come straight out of a film, incredibly cinematic and almost moving. An exceptional piece of work.
Lisandra Alvarez: The image stands out for its impeccable use of light and depth, creating a cinematic and mysterious atmosphere. Its composition naturally guides the viewer’s gaze toward a focal point of tension, emphasized by the use of lighting.
Valérie Six: How can one remain unmoved by this golden, hazy light that delicately guides our eyes toward the figures in this photograph? From the young boy, his motionless body turned to the right as if indifferent to what is happening, to the old man whose weathered yet proud face and stature seem to defy our gaze. A carefully composed image, enhanced by cinematic lighting, a moment imbued with humanism and mystery… Numerous elements, in short, for a photograph that leaves a lasting impression.
Hersley-Ven Casero: A powerful use of light, atmosphere and ambiguity. The figures, dust and shadows transform an ordinary scene into something almost cinematic, while still retaining the unpredictability of the street. It is a photograph that leaves a question behind, and that is its strength.
Honorable Mentions:
#4. Antonio Flores Garcia
#5. Cesare Simioni
#6. Jérémy Camuset
#7. Josef Macak
#8. Eléonore Botton
#9. Xin Permhansa
#10. Kenji Wada
#11. Subhran Karmakar
#12. Maude Bardet
#13. Gabriel Lordello
#14. Barry Crosthwaite
#15. Ludovic Viévard
#16. Junaidy Wijaya
#17. Nianzu Chang
#18. Kantaya New
#19. Zhibo Yu
#20. Luca Sanchez Aliaga
#21. Rafael Badura
#22. Melchior Dias Santos
#23. Bego Amare
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the Macadam Awards 2026?
The 2026 Macadam Awards, an international competition in the field of street photography run by Street Macadam, were the third edition to be held, with the theme "Echoes of the Street", and it chose three winners along with 20 Special Mentions from photographers around the world, the aim being to highlight spontaneous moments and everyday urban life.
What was the number of photographs chosen for the Macadam Awards 2026?
A total of 23 photographs were chosen by the 3rd Macadam Awards. Three photographers were awarded the principal prizes, and 20 other photographers received Special Mentions. The images as a whole illustrate the various approaches to contemporary street photography employed by photographers from all over the world.
What is the theme of this year’s Macadam Awards, 2026?
The theme for 2026 is "Echoes of the Street" and it centres on brief encounters, gestures, strange combinations, and spontaneous instances that occur in everyday surroundings, urging photographers to notice the stories which would otherwise vanish amidst the unceasing pace of city life.
In what place will the photographs that have won the Macadam Awards in 2026 be shown?
The photographs that won the 2026 Macadam Awards will be on display in Rome and Querétaro. This will give the public the chance to experience these powerful observations of everyday street life away from digital screens and online photography galleries.
What is the importance of street photography?
Street photography shows real life just as it happens, recording brief gestures, meetings, emotions, and surprising visual scenes. It is powerful because it relies on observation not on staging, and it serves to remind people that fascinating stories can be found in ordinary streets if one pays attention.
