The Travel Photographer of the Year competition has unveiled the winners of its 2024 contest.
American photographer Piper Mackay, who is based in Kenya, was awarded the title of Travel Photographer of the Year for her strong portfolio of monochromatic infrared images. “So many images seen today are over-saturated, over-processed, and even AI-generated,” says TPOTY founder Chris Coe. “A ‘less is more’ approach is often far more effective. It is therefore refreshing to judge images which demonstrate good camera craft and in-camera creativity - shot full-frame, or close to it, and with very little retouching. Piper Mackay’s distinctive winning images illustrate this ‘less is more’ ideal well."
Scroll down to see half a dozen of OGN's favourites from the 2024 Travel Photographer of the Year contest.
Loiyangalani, Northern Kenya
“A Rendile girl, adorned in elaborate traditional attire, is covered in beads and ornaments, symbolizing her readiness for marriage and attracting a husband. Her dress, rich in cultural significance, features layers of intricately woven beads, cowhide, and other handcrafted elements. She holds a calabash, a symbol of nourishment and abundance, with graceful poise. Captured in infrared, the surreal tones of the desolate environment amplify her presence as she stands alone amidst the emptiness as a symbol of resilience and grace.”
Bråsvellbreen, Svalbard
“More waterfalls carve the landscape of Bråsvellbreen. As ice caps and glaciers melt faster in our polar regions, we will lose so much of this fragile environment to climate change. As these waters flow into the ocean, they accelerate coastal threats worldwide, emphasizing the urgency of addressing climate change to protect vulnerable ecosystems and human populations alike.”
Dubai, UAE
“A panoramic view of Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, and the Sheikh Zayed Road skyline. The beautiful blue hues of the morning light slowly turn orange and yellow from the rising sun in the east, illuminating the world's tallest building while thick fog rolling in from the desert covers the ground, creating the illusion of a city in the clouds. While many images of this rare phenomenon exist by now, I’ve always been looking for a new angle and composition - through persistence and patience I’ve been able to achieve this goal through a panoramic photo from the roof of a skyscraper that’s a little bit set back from the rest of the skyline.”
Simbu Province, Central Highlands, Papua New Guinea
“Two Wauga elders stand together, among the very few who remain as guardians of their tribe’s traditions. Their weathered faces, marked by deep wrinkles, reflect a lifetime of wisdom and resilience. Adorned with intricate feathered headdresses and covered in black mud, they represent a culture at risk of fading. The elder in the foreground gazes thoughtfully, bearing the responsibility of preserving their legacy. Behind him, the second elder mirrors the same quiet strength, their shared presence a symbol of the community’s enduring bonds. This powerful image captures the fragility of their cultural rituals, reminding us of the importance of safeguarding traditions before they are lost forever.”
Środa Wielkopolska, Poland
“I was photographing shorebirds and rails at a puddle in the middle of reeds. On my third day a kingfisher sat right in front of me. He changed positions several times, allowing me to take a photo, as he was taking off, and then sat up on a reed.”
Sveti Tomaz, Slovenia
“In this serene paradise, a quaint church perches atop a gentle hill, surrounded by delicate trees draped in soft snow. The tranquil atmosphere, illuminated by a gentle glow, invites introspection. Wisps of mist weave through the landscape, creating a dreamlike quality that embodies peace and timeless beauty.”
Why not head to the official website to see more of the winning images from the competition?
Or take a look at OGN Photography for more collections of stunning images.
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