10 Photo Award Winners from the Month of February
Close encounters with the majestic whale sharks of the Maldives. A breathtaking starling murmuration over an Irish lake. Two squirrels, part of a vulnerable wildlife population, enjoy a snack. These are just some of the natural wonders celebrated as part of international photo awards throughout February.
Every month, we compile a list of notable award-winners, keeping our finger on the pulse of the industry and where we’re headed. In February, alongside photographs of our planet’s greatest treasures, we saw fine artists recognized across the world, from the Czech Republic to Nigeria and beyond. At the same time, one photojournalist covering water politics in California brought urgent issues to light, while another was recognized for his work at the White House.
Explore below, and stay tuned for next month’s edition.
The Heising-Simons Foundation has awarded the 2022 American Mosaic Journalism Prize to the journalist Julian Brave NoiseCat and the photojournalist Ryan Christopher Jones, a photojournalist. “Much of my work explores the complex relationship between Mexican and American identities, and how those issues manifest in the cultural and political relationships between the two countries,” Jones says.
“Two 2021 collaborations with the Center for Collaborative Investigative Journalism examined the nebulous politics of water in California’s Central Valley.” Granted to freelance journalists reporting about underrepresented or misrepresented groups in the United States, the American Mosaic Journalism Prize consists of a $100,000 cash prize for each winner.
Chukwudi Onwumere wins 1st Place Series at the LensCulture Art Photography Awards 2022
Chukwudi Onwumere has taken home the First Place Series title at the LensCulture Art Photography Awards for his series Road Runners, a testament to the overlooked beauty of street vendors. “I chose to focus my art on this set of people because they are part of our everyday life and can be seen across all cities in Africa,” the artist says.
“What drew my attention to them is the synchronization in what they sell, the beautiful color combinations in what they wear, and how they surprisingly roam in groups sometimes.” The First Place Award in the Series category comes with a cash prize of $3,500, inclusion at an exhibition in Paris during Paris Photo, international press coverage, and more.
© Rafael Fernandez Caballero/UPY2022
Rafael Fernandez Caballero wins Underwater Photographer of the Year
Rafael Fernandez Caballero has been named Underwater Photographer of the Year for Dancing with the giants of the night, giving us a glimpse at the whale sharks of the Maldives. “At the beginning of the night, one whale shark came to the light of our boat BlueForce One,” Caballero remembers. “We jumped in the water and then another whale shark came. We were so happy when, a couple of hours later, out of the blue, madness happened and whale sharks started to come in big numbers.
“I was together with Gador Muntaner, a shark researcher, who couldn’t believe what we were seeing. We counted, at the same time, eleven whale sharks surrounding us. It was a unique moment that no one there had thought it could even be possible. Magic happens in the ocean every day, but if we don’t protect the oceans and sharks, these moments will soon be a thing of the past.” As Underwater Photographer of the Year, he was given first choice from the prize pool, which included gear, dives, vouchers, and more.