The Street Photography competition by the Independent Photographer celebrates powerful images that capture everyday life on the streets. Whether taken close to home or in faraway places, the winning photos show real, unplanned moments that tell unique stories about people and places.
This feature brings together the winners from the 2023, 2024, and 2025 competitions. Chosen by a panel of respected judges, Mikko Takkunen, Jonathan Jasberg, Nikos Economopoulos, Martin Parr, and Richard Sandler, these photographers have captured the spirit of street life with skill and creativity.
#1 Third Prize, 2023: "Shelter From The Storm" By Jonathan Jasberg

Kolkata, India
"As the small lanes and streets of Kolkata, India flood due to heavy monsoon rains, people and dogs seek higher ground."
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13points
#2 Finalist, 2023: "A Quiet Man" By Raphael Eyraud

Udaipur, India
"In the streets of Udaipur, while the crowds were bustling, this man was quietly reading the news, sitting wherever he could."
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13points
#3 Finalist, 2024: "Heading Uptown" By Gavin Doran

New York, USA
"I caught a train uptown on my way to see the St. Patrick's Day parade. I've passed by this scene a thousand times, and each time, my subconscious beckoned me louder. Finally, I decided to stop and make this photograph. Seeing the little girl in the window made me believe in the luck of the Irish."
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13points
#4 Third Prize, 2024: "Coexistence" By Gil Kreslavsky

India
"I love the way people and animals coexist in India and how sometimes you are lucky to have them all in one frame."
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13points
#5 Finalist, 2023: "Coastal Contrast" By Ananya Das

Orissa, India
"This photograph was shot in Orissa, India, inside a fishermen's colony. After being retrieved from the sea, they are auctioned and sold to the highest bidder, and then are taken to the docks for further activities. This photo portrays the colorful life these people try to lead after struggling major part of their days, performing their duties."
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12points
#6 Finalist, 2023: "A Delicate Balance" By Regula Tschumi

Ghana
"On the way to the market, I discovered this painted wall that immediately captivated me. But it wasn't until a few days later that I went back to the site to take photos. As I wanted to attract as little attention as possible, I first observed from afar what the women were carrying on their heads. Only when I saw a good scene coming would I approach the wall briefly and take a few pictures. The photo shown here was one of them."
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11points
#7 Finalist, 2023: "Fabric Match" By Alexandra Avlonitis

Los Angeles, USA
"As seen in the Fabric District, Los Angeles, CA."
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11points
#8 Finalist, 2024: "Red Lady" By Olivier Lei

New York City, USA
"I took this picture on the ferry on the way back to New York City's downtown during a cold sunset last November. Just a mundane, beautiful scene."
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11points
#9 Finalist, 2025: "Platinum Blond" By Alexandra Avlonitis

NYC, USA
"Candid street portrait captured in New York City, USA."
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11points
#11 Finalist, 2023: "Glasses" By Bert De Busschere

Chicago, USA
"In Chicago, buildings are tall and people are eccentric. After I shot this scene, I saw my flashlight reflect in the eyes of the woman. Something which intrigued me immediately."
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10points
#12 Winning Photographer, 2025: "Street Composition" By Jeremy Skirrow

Santa Ana, El Salvador
"Candid street shot from Santa Ana, El Salvador."
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10points
#13 Finalist, 2025: "Working Man" By Lorenzo Andriani

Tokyo, Japan
"A candid shot of a man scratching his head while waiting for his train. Captured on Olympus Eml Mk2."
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10points
#14 Finalist, 2023: "The Playground" By Joseph-Philippe Bevillard

Galway, Ireland
"A Traveler girl posed in front of my camera at a community playground."
9points
#16 Finalist, 2023: "Child And Ball" By Nicola Fioravanti

Tetouan, Morocco
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9points
#17 Finalist, 2024: "Havana" By Alexandru Ilea

Havana, Cuba
"Candid street shot at sports court in Havana, Cuba."
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9points
#18 Finalist, 2024: "Sunset Flight" By Dmytro Geshengorin

Jericoacoara, Brazil
"I used the last rays of Brazil's setting sun to capture a breakdancer practicing his moves on the beach of Jericoacoara."
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9points
#19 Second Prize, 2025: "Heels In Torn Reflection" By Francesco Gioia

New York, USA
"High heels framed within the fragmented reflection of a torn poster."
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9points
#20 Finalist, 2023: "Combodian Dream" By Greg Mo

Ta Khmau, Cambodia
"Multi-layered image captured along the riverside in Ta Khmau city in Cambodia. The picture depicts an organised chaos in a way that it was almost staged. Magical moment when everything fits together well. Space, colors, action, shapes, and the scene simultaneously."
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8points




