The 2025 Independent Photographer Awards have unveiled the 10 inspiring winning photos from the People Photography category, a celebration of humanity’s rich diversity captured by talented visual artists from around the globe. This year’s competition, judged by master photographer Steve McCurry, highlights images that cross borders, span cultures, and explore the world’s most remote corners.
Among the winners is Mo Kamal, who received the first prize for his breathtaking photograph Contemplation, taken in Varanasi, India. Each image in the selection reflects exceptional talent and a profound connection to the human experience, making this year’s awards a true homage to the beauty of people and their stories.
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#1. Winning Photographer: "Contemplation – Varanasi, India" by Mo Kamal
"A lone Sadhu stands pensively at the edge of a platform in the Ganges river in Varanasi."
"This image embodies a profound sense of stillness and spirituality, which perfectly captures the essence of Varanasi and the sacred Ganges. The man’s serene pose, framed against the soft morning light, evokes a sense of timelessness and introspection. The composition is beautifully balanced, with the boats and distant cityscape adding layers of context without distracting from the main subject. The subtle reflections in the water enhance the mood, creating a connection between the man, the river, and the divine. This photograph is a poetic depiction of solitude and faith." – Steve McCurry
#2. Second Prize: "Puzzled – Western Mongolia" by Alessandra Manzotti
"A curious Kazakh nomad from Western Mongolia stops his truck to find out what a group of Western are doing walking along in this remote and desolate stretch of land in the middle of bitter cold winter."
“This image captures the spirit of curiosity and resilience that defines life in remote Mongolia. The composition is powerful, with the truck and its vibrant blue color creating a striking contrast against the muted tones of the barren landscape. The candid expressions of both the nomad and the dog evoke a sense of warmth and connection, even in a harsh and unforgiving environment. The attention to detail, like the weathered texture of the truck and the distant herd in the background, adds depth to the story. It’s a beautiful balance of humanity and environment, which makes it a memorable piece.” – Steve McCurry
#3. Third Prize: "Shades of White – Yamal Peninsula, Siberia" by Nicola Ducati
“Ducati’s portrait from his acclaimed Shades of White series is a masterful one. The central composition, with the child framed against a pastel Arctic sky and moonlit backdrop, exudes timelessness, reflecting the age-old traditions the Nenets people continue to uphold. The soft polar light accentuates frosted textures and the child’s rosy cheeks, underscore both the harshness of the environment and the resilience of those who call it home. It tells a powerful story of a people who have forged a life in one of the planet’s most unforgiving regions—but a people whose future remains uncertain.” – The Independent Photographer Editors
#4. Finalist: "Ice Cream Girl – Biarritz, France" by Matthieu Quatravaux
#5. Finalist: "The Art of Fish Traps – Thu Sy. Vietnam" by Vincenzo Avallone
#6. Finalist: "Shore Bound – Ladakh Region, India" by Wasim Malik
#7. Finalist: "Villamar – Bolivia" by Michael Murray
#8. Finalist: "Yves and Banjo – Lower East Side" by Stag Ginzburg
#9. Finalist: "Andean Motherhood – Peruvian Andes" by Jimmy Strouse
#10. Finalist: "Goalkeeper. Bink – Melbourne, Australia" by Guy Little
