Street photography hits different when it’s raw, real, and straight from the soul, and that’s exactly what the 2026 Artist Gallery Awards delivered. Built as a platform for both emerging and professional photographers, The Artist Gallery continues to spotlight talent from all corners of the world, giving creatives a space to flex their vision and get the recognition they deserve. With monthly themes ranging from architecture to wildlife, this year’s street category brought some serious heat.
Taking 1st place, Remy Pinaton from France nailed it with “Chaouen, La Belle,” capturing the dreamy blue maze of Chefchaouen, Morocco. It’s the kind of shot that feels calm but alive, where color and culture collide effortlessly.
In 2nd place, Kay Erickson from the USA delivered “Balance,” a powerful moment of a woman walking a tightrope at Santa Monica beach, grace, tension, and timing all locked in one frame.
And 3rd place goes to Julia Peterson (USA) for “Hide and Seek,” a playful yet cinematic scene of kids running through open doors, freezing childhood energy in motion.
These winners remind us that the streets aren’t just places, they’re stories waiting to be seen.
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1. 1st Place: "Chaouen, La Belle" by Remy Pinaton, France
"Photo taken in the famous city of Chefchaouen, Morocco, known for its medina and the shades of blue that cover its walls."
2. 2nd Place: "Balance" by Kay Erickson, USA
"A woman balances on a tightrope at the Santa Monica beach, in California"
3. 3rd Place: "Hide and Seek" by Julia Peterson, USA
"A boy and girl play as they chase one another around a home with open doors, front and back."
4. "Walking Through The Shapes" by Alex Polli, Switzerland
"A man (a worker) walks past a distinctly modern building facade near Copenhagen North."
5. "Harmony" by Matthias Ernst, Germany
"A woman, seen only as a silhouette wearing a hat, walks alone through light, shadow and color. The photograph seems almost like a black and white photograph in color."
6. "The Pusher & Pullers" by Saurabh Sirohiya, India
"While going through a narrow lane of Kolkata, my hometown, I came across a funny scene, a local auto pusher on the road and on the wall two kids pulling a rope as a graffiti, where pullers are helping the auto driver in putting the vehicle on move which is out of petrol."
7. "Y Shape" by Witsawarut Kekina, Thailand
"A woman stands beneath spreading branches that naturally form a Y shape, mirroring the same gesture with open arms."
8. "A Divine with a Human Black" by Roberto Carnevali, Italy
"I was photographing in the streets of Assisi in Italy. Suddenly a scene caught my attention. A young religious man was holding a sedan chair on which the image of Mary was placed. I immediately imagined the scene in black and white and with strong contrast."
9. "Fresh Bread Delivery" by Jelisa Peterson, USA
"A young man balances a huge basket full of hot bread on his head as he walks into town."
10. "Hiding" by Axel Gorlach, Germany
"Captured in Nuremberg."
11. "Rushhour Coffee" by Axel Gorlach, Germany
"Captured in Nuremberg."
12. "Non Playable Character" by Mikel Iraeta, Spain
"Seen from up there, our lives resemble those of the NPCs (non-playable characters) we find in video games. Ingredients, impersonal elements that are used as resources to enrich the 3D worlds in which the main character is immersed. I couldn’t help thinking about that when I saw the boy walking along."
13. "In the Maze of Stairs" by Michiko Otomo, Canada
"A woman gets lost in a never-ending maze of stairs. This photo was taken on one of the stairs in the Tokyo Kotsu Kaikan Building."
14. "The Hood" by Brigitte Burckhardt, Switzerland
"It was pouring rain,I found shelter behind a glass wall.He kept on walking,determined,his head covered by the hood."
15. "Going Underground" by Brigitte Burckhardt, Switzerland
"Exploring the city I was going down some steps to catch the Tube when I looked up and saw on the opposite side a man who was about to take his first step to go underground.I took the shot before I knew it."
16. "High Line" by Gary Goldsmith, USA
"Shot from the High Line in NYC looking down at the street."
17. "Sisters Shopping" by Kim Keller, USA
"Three sorority sisters with matching tote bags shop at an outdoor fish in Washington, DC."
18. "Shadow Swings" by Kim Keller, USA
"The shadows of swing riders are projected onto the brightly painted background of the ride at the Michigan State Fair."
19. "Hanging" by Kim Keller, USA
"A snake, his man, a smoker, and a fellow wearing sunglasses all relax on a sidewalk at Coney Island."
20. "Death Cab" by Kim Keller, USA
"A Yellow Cab passes by a yellow construction site creating a momentary warning tableau."
21. "Broadway Bus Stop" by Kim Keller, USA
Layers of advertisements, tourists, and pedestrians at a street corner on Broadway in New York City.
22. "Ghosts" by Chris Myers, USA
"Sarlat is one of the cultural centers of the Dordogne in Southwest France. This medieval city has preserved its Vieille Ville, the Old Town. This image was taken in available light from the main plaza of the city in the late evening that filters into the adjoining covered, cobble-stone streets. These figures melt into this timeless setting."
23. "Leaving ABQ" by Deborah Campana, USA
"Mountains contrasting with the golden highway decorated by cars caught my eye on this fall afternoon."
24. "Cova" by Chris van Dolleweerd
"Made in Eindhoven, the Netherlands reflection of a woman enjoying the sun with a cup of coffee."
25. "The Biker with Cycles" by Saurabh Sirohiya, India
"Cycling is the most economical transportation and it’s good for health also. Tried many shots but all without cycle, I prayed and got captured it after around 2 hours in shooting position in perfect placement of his head in the circle with brightly coloured backdrop, finally relieved!"
What 121Clicks Editors Think
- A Platform That Elevates Talent: The Artist Gallery continues to create space for both emerging and established photographers to shine globally.
- Strong Visual Storytelling: Each winning image tells a compelling, human-centered story rooted in real-life moments.
- Diversity in Perspective: From Morocco to California, the range of scenes feels fresh, dynamic, and culturally rich.
- Perfect Timing and Composition: Every frame shows precision timing, framing, and emotion working together seamlessly.
- Inspiration for Photographers: These awards prove that powerful street photography comes from observation, patience, and the courage to capture life as it is.
