The 1839 Awards Have Announced The Winners Of The 2026 Photographer Of The Year Contest (39 Pics)

"Delicate, translucent curtains of fine vertical strands form an intricate arrangement of overlapping curves and spirals against a dark background. In this striking black-and-white photograph, Dorota Qaid transforms an architectural installation into a mesmerizing abstract composition, where light, transparency, and repetition create an extraordinary sense of depth and movement."

"Two curious dogs and a man lean out of neighboring windows of a bright yellow house, all looking in the same direction. In "We See You," Gayle Pepper captures a charming moment of everyday life, where the dogs' attentive expressions and the man's relaxed posture create a humorous sense of companionship. The vibrant yellow walls and green window frames add a playful touch to this perfectly timed composition."

"A colorful collection of movie tickets fills the frame, each one representing a different story, experience, or moment in time. In 'Cheap Therapy,' photographer Jonathan Troll transforms ordinary cinema stubs into a vibrant visual record of memories. The overlapping tickets celebrate the magic of movies and the comfort, excitement, and escape that cinema can bring to our everyday lives."

"In this breathtaking black-and-white photograph, Marketa Zvelebil captures a herd of white horses galloping through the sea, sending spectacular sprays of water into the air. Their flowing manes, powerful movements, and the surrounding splashes create a scene filled with energy and freedom. The monochromatic composition beautifully emphasizes the horses' elegance and strength, transforming a fleeting moment into an unforgettable celebration of nature."

"In 'The Golden Harvest,' photographer Shanthi Sivananthan captures a heartwarming scene inside a traditional corn storage space, where golden ears of corn hang from the ceiling and cover the floor. Two women smile as they work among the abundant harvest, surrounded by warm sunlight filtering through the wooden walls. The rich golden tones, intricate textures, and joyful expressions create a beautiful celebration of rural life, hard work, and the traditions that connect communities to the land."

"In 'Journey of Life,' photographer Xuejun Long captures a mesmerizing aerial view of dark waters crossed by delicate, swirling patterns of pastel colors. A small flock of birds flies across the mysterious landscape, creating a striking contrast between the vast natural formations and the tiny living creatures. The photograph transforms an ordinary moment in nature into an extraordinary abstract composition, celebrating the beauty, movement, and mystery of life."

“For one Mayfair morning, Sweethearts appeared from every window.”

“After a decade in New York, photographer Emily Hlavac Green returned to Aotearoa, New Zealand. Inspired by the familiar sounds of cicadas, this intimate photographic series explores family life, changing landscapes, memories, and the passage of time, reflecting on how years spent away can transform our sense of home and belonging.”

“In Guangzhou, China, an old elephant-shaped playground slide stands in the middle of a residential courtyard, surrounded by aging apartment buildings. Once a place filled with childhood laughter, it now serves as a quiet reminder of memories fading amid urban transformation. Through this photograph, Haishan Chen captures the passage of time and the bittersweet nostalgia of a disappearing childhood.”

“Bathed in the soft golden light of morning, a lone paddler glides across a peaceful lake in a wooden canoe. Captured from just above the water’s surface, the photograph beautifully reflects the quiet atmosphere, gentle ripples, and warm sunlight. Leah Barad transforms a simple moment on the water into a serene celebration of nature, solitude, and tranquility.”

“In this intimate black-and-white photograph, Leslie Osterling captures the quiet familiarity of her mother’s kitchen. A row of carefully arranged knives, an old-fashioned wall clock, a worn metal mug, and everyday appliances tell a story of routines, memories, and the passage of time. Through its simplicity, the image transforms an ordinary domestic space into a touching reflection on family, nostalgia, and the places we call home.”

“Captured from directly above, a tennis player prepares to strike the ball on a beautifully contrasting turquoise and terracotta court. The strong sunlight casts an oversized shadow across the surface, creating a fascinating interplay between the athlete's movements and her silhouette. Yevhen Kostiuk transforms a moment of sporting action into a striking geometric composition, where color, light, and perspective come together to create an almost surreal visual effect.”

“In this striking black-and-white photograph, a young man relaxes in the foreground while another is captured midair, leaping from a diving platform toward the sea. Several others gather on the platforms, watching the action unfold. Adam Davis masterfully contrasts stillness and movement, creating a dynamic composition that captures the carefree spirit of summer, youthful adventure, and the thrill of taking the plunge.”

“A carefully composed architectural photograph reveals a striking interplay of geometric shapes, clean lines, and contrasting black-and-white surfaces. A single neatly trimmed green tree stands in the lower right corner, bringing a refreshing touch of nature to the minimalist urban setting. Alex Polli transforms an ordinary building façade into an elegant abstract composition, highlighting the unexpected harmony between architecture and nature.”

"A group of young Buddhist monks gathers together, their faces turned toward the sky in a remarkable display of wonder, excitement, and curiosity. Some stare in amazement, while others smile with delight. Captured in black and white, Chia-Chieh Yang’s photograph beautifully highlights the children's spontaneous expressions, creating a powerful moment of shared fascination and innocence."

"A brilliantly colored red-bearded bee-eater soars through the air with an insect firmly held in its beak. In this spectacular wildlife photograph, Graeme Guy captures the bird in mid-flight, revealing its vibrant green plumage, striking red throat, and beautifully spread wings. The perfectly timed shot highlights the elegance, precision, and extraordinary beauty of nature."

"A fish vendor wearing a red New York Yankees cap stands behind a weathered market stall displaying freshly caught fish, while seagulls perch on a nearby fishing boat. In 'New York Eye,' Harriet Pratten captures an intriguing contrast between the American-inspired cap and the traditional atmosphere of a busy fishing harbor. The photograph brings together everyday commerce, cultural details, and candid street photography in a colorful and engaging composition."

"Against a dramatic, smoke-filled sky, a lone man walks through a landscape covered in waste, surrounded by flames and thick clouds of smoke. In 'The Phoenix of Oblivion,' photographer João Coelho captures a powerful contrast between human vulnerability and the harshness of the environment. The fiery foreground, dark silhouette, and solitary bird flying in the distance create a haunting composition that invites reflection on poverty, survival, and the people society too often overlooks."

"In 'A Temporary Constellation,' photographer Sanghoon Park captures a breathtaking aerial view of a massive concert audience illuminated by thousands of colorful lights. Shades of blue, purple, and pink transform the crowd into a dazzling sea of stars, while the stage's intersecting walkways create a striking geometric composition. The photograph beautifully illustrates how countless individuals can come together to create something extraordinary, turning a fleeting moment of shared excitement into an unforgettable spectacle."