Winners Of The Emerging Talent Award By The Independent Photographer

Here are the top 10 photographs of the Emerging Talent Award photo contest by The Independent Photographer.

The Emerging Talent Award is designed to bring exposure and discover the best upcoming photographers of all ages, backgrounds and working in all photographic fields. Fine art, landscape, street, documentary, portrait, still life: There were no boundaries and we wanted you to release your creativity in as many inventive ways as you could imagine!

1st Prize: Junko Akita

“The child in a cabin window with the reflection of the magnificent Norwegian landscape beyond is a gorgeous metaphor for both childhood and identity. Beyond the extraordinary light and composition, the gaze and expression captured here at once combine innocence and strength. Locking eyes with this girl through her sister, the photographer, is a powerful experience and a privilege.” – MaryAnne Golon, the Competition Judge.

More: The Independent Photographer, Instagram, Facebook h/t: 121clicks

2nd Prize: Sirli Raitma

“This series of Eha, an older person suffering from depression, is sublime. This particular portrait, with the modern device and clothing adorning a regal white-haired woman, is a profound statement regarding technology and aging. The soft lighting and curls against the alien devices and red lips are truly haunting. The creativity and love that created this series through the artist is a wonderous experience and memorable feat.” – MaryAnne Golon.

3rd Prize: Matthew Bagley

“Mathew Bagely’s subaquatic portrayal of a sea lion is truly astonishing, a somewhat surreal, and deeply cogitative image that effectively articulates the rare poignancy of the moment. Profoundly moving, it perfectly expresses Bagely’s intense appreciation of his subject, whilst engendering the same sense of joy and awe, as all great depictions of the natural world.” – The Independent Photographer Editors.

Finalist – Fleur Louwe

Finalist – Kaka Ivancic

Finalist – Julia Fullerton-Batten

Finalist – Alessandro Malaguti

Finalist – Boyang Hu

Finalist – Conard Golovac

Finalist – Joseph-Philippe Bevillard

If you want more awesome content, subscribe to Design You Trust Facebook page.

More Inspiring Stories

Spectacular Winning Images of The Sony World Photography Awards 2023

Spectacular Winners and Fianlists of 2022 Head On Festival Portrait Award

The Freaky High School Fashion Of The Hippie Era, 1969

Studio Portraits of American Indians by Alexander Gardner From the 1860s

16 Moms Who’re Proud Of Their Perfect Imperfections

Like Owner, Like Dog: Photographer Captured Dog Owners Mimicking Their Best Friends

The Exquisite Beauty Of Iceland, Captured In Dramatic Infrared Photos

Charlize Theron and Michael Fassbender

Beautifully Arranged Visual Recipes By Mikkel Jul Hvilshøj

Stunning Nature Winners from the 1839 Photographer of the Year Awards 2025

Photographer Jonathan Higbee Discovers A World Of Coincidence On The Streets Of New York

Amazing Street-Winning Photos From The Fine Art Photography Awards 2024

Lamborghini: Photography and Art Project by Vimal Chandran

Rare Hand-Colored Photographs of Japan on The Brink of Modernity in 1870s

Best Photos of 2025 from The Independent Photographer Awards

Breathtaking Wildlife Macro Photography In The Borneo Rainforest By Chien C. Lee

"Anti-Selfies": Artist Lies Facedown In Tourist Spots And Pretends To Be Dead

The Beauty Of The Light And Shadow Photography

The Most Impressive Photos From The Ocean Photography Awards 2021 Finalists

Daredevil Japanese Photographer Explores Urban Landscapes From A New Perspective

Stunning Minimalist Architecture Photography By Kevin Krautgartners

"Memoirs Of The Geisha" - A Look Back At The Traditional Japanese Female Entertainers

Vintage Photos Proving That The Beauty Of People From Previous Generations Is A Unique Thing

The Dead City Of Pripyat Now Has A Christmas Tree!

Beautiful Vintage Commercial Photos By Tom Kelley

Winning Photographs Of The Urban Photo Awards 2021

Winners Showcasing Funny Animal Antics from the 2024 Nature’s Best Photography Awards

Spectacular Winning Photos From The 13th Annual Mobile Photography Awards

Amazing Street Photography That Won The Minimalist Photography Awards in 2023

Photographer Andreas Levers Captures The Hazy Glow Of Unpopulated Streets At Night