15 Award-Winning Photos Shot on Mobile That Prove You Don’t Need a Fancy Camera

Who says you need a thousand-dollar DSLR to create a jaw-dropping photo? The 14th Annual Mobile Photography Awards (MPA) just proved that creativity beats gear every single time. These 15 award-winning photos, all shot and edited on mobile phones, show that the magic isn’t in the camera—it’s in the eye behind it.

Founded back in 2011, the Mobile Photography Awards has become the longest-running international competition dedicated solely to smartphone photographers. With 12 creative categories, plus a Photo Essay section, this competition celebrates those who turn everyday moments into masterpieces—all through the tiny lens in their pocket.

The 2025 edition is stacked with talent. The Grand Prize winner took home $3,000, while each category champion bagged $250, and the best photo essay earned a cool $500. But the real win? Seeing how mobile photography has evolved from quick snapshots to fine art. From moody street scenes and breathtaking landscapes to surreal digital edits, the range of vision here is just mind-blowing.

Every image tells a story—raw, human, and unfiltered. These photographers didn’t rely on fancy lighting rigs or expensive setups. They relied on timing, emotion, and perspective. Whether captured on a subway ride, a quiet dawn, or a bustling city alley, these photos remind us that the best camera is the one you have with you.

If you’ve ever doubted what your phone can do, these shots will make you think twice. And if you’ve got an eye for beauty, you might just be next year’s winner—entries for the 2025 Mobile Photo Awards are open through December 17, 2025.

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#1. Grand Prize: Cerrina Smith, USA

"In a world saturated with endless information, Smith’s work urges us to pause & observe life’s nuances. Embracing a “minimalist” mindset, she steers clear of busy compositions, concentrating on individual subjects that echo with genuineness. By removing distractions, she emphasizes the core of her subjects, fostering a sense of clarity & calm.
Cerrina Smith’s mobile photography reveals an artist with a diverse palette & a deeply convincing, impressive range of subject matter. She was awarded Honorable Mentions in seven MPA categories in 2024. The MPA is thrilled to reward her outstanding work."

#2. Photo Essay – 1st Place Winner: "Winter Migration" by Alessandra Manzotti

"Every year during the months of February and March about 200 nomadic eagle hunting families embark on a treacherous 5 days, 90 miles long winter migration to their spring camp in the remote reaches of the Altai Mountains of Western Mongolia."

#3. Photo Essay – 2nd Place Winner: "Echoes of Faith" by Joy Saha

"Hundreds of Hindu devotees gather in front of Shri Shri Loknath Brahmachari Ashram temple for the Rakher Upobash, a religious fasting festival called – Rakher Upobash in Narayanganj, Bangladesh. Sitting in front of candle lights (locally named Prodip), they fast and pray in earnest to the gods for their favors during the ritual."

#4. Photo Essay – 3rd Place Winner: "The Dani Tribe" by Joseph Radhik

"These are a series of portraits of the Dani Tribe in Papua, Indonesia. Their customs including chopped fingers & penis gourds are what are usually portrayed, but I found their faces to be their most striking feature."