9th Xposure Photography Awards Winners Chosen from 10,000 Entries Worldwide

Photo: Sharjah Government Media Bureau

The 9th Xposure International Photography Awards celebrated incredible talent from around the world, with photographers from 162 countries submitting more than 10,000 stunning images. The overall grand prize went to Myanmar-based photographer Pyaephyo Thetpaing for his breathtaking black-and-white photograph titled "The Fishing Boys."

A Global Celebration of Photography

Organized by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), the Xposure International Photography Festival and Awards recognize the power of visual storytelling. The event highlights how photography can connect people across different cultures, helping them understand each other’s experiences through powerful images.

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Honoring Winners Across 9 Categories

HE Tariq Saeed Allay, Director General of SGMB, and HE Alya Al Suwaidi, Director of SGMB, presented the awards to winners across nine diverse categories. The judging panel included renowned photographers Giles Clarke, Wiktoria Michałkiewicz, Kerstin Hacker, Maria Mann, and Essdras M. Suarez. They praised Thetpaing’s work for its masterful use of light, movement, and storytelling.

Recognizing Young Talent

In the Junior Photography category, which celebrates UAE-based photographers under 18, Rithved Girishkumar won first place for "Guardians Of The Hive," a touching image of the bond between nature and community. The runner-up was Madhav Manu with "Light Show," capturing the energy of urban life.

Stunning Architecture and Mobile Photography

In the Architecture category, Shyjith Ondencheriyath’s "Nordic Elegance" won for its minimalist tribute to Scandinavian design. The runner-up, Tanveer Hassan, impressed judges with "Re-Imagine The City," which presented a fresh perspective on urban landscapes.

Samsung sponsored the Mobile Phone and Night Photography categories, where photographers displayed great skill. Aung Chanthar’s "Fishermen" won in the Mobile category, showing Myanmar’s Inle Lake workers in golden sunlight. The runner-up, Ziaul Huque, touched hearts with "Education For Light," a tribute to students learning in rural Bangladesh. In Night Photography, Marian Kuric’s "DOOM" won for its eerie image of an abandoned industrial site, while Marcio A Esteves’ "C for Fireworks" earned second place for its dazzling city lights.

Capturing Nature and Life on the Streets

The Nature and Landscape category highlighted serious issues, with Lakshitha Karunarathna’s "A Dangerous Addiction" showing wildlife trapped in plastic waste. Runner-up Petar Sabol’s "Perfect Dragonflies" presented a mesmerizing view of the delicate insects.

In Street Photography, Mary Crnkovic won for "Nobody Expects The Spanish Inquisition," a playful and unexpected moment captured in daily life. The runner-up, Osama Alsulami, earned recognition for "Sleep," an emotional image telling a deeply human story.

Sports, Portraits, and Digital Art

The Sports Photography award went to Isa Ebrahim’s "African Football," a lively image of young athletes playing with joy. The runner-up, Nurlan Tahirli, was impressed with "Slip," freezing a dramatic mistake during the Gymnastics World Cup 2024.

In Portraiture, Antonio Aragon’s "The Dancer" won for its powerful expression of movement and identity, while Andrew Rovenko’s "The Shuttle" secured second place with an intimate and thought-provoking portrait.

The Photo Manipulation & AI category awarded first place to Alena Ivochkina for "Open Question," a piece that blended reality with imagination. Qian Shen’s "The Lotus Fairy 3" was the runner-up, featuring an artistic and dreamlike composition.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As the event came to a close, SGMB reaffirmed its mission to support photographers and encourage cultural exchange. With record-breaking participation and breathtaking creativity, Xposure continues to be a platform where visual storytelling shines. The 2025 awards promise to bring even more inspiring images, reminding the world that a single photo can tell a powerful story and spark the imagination.