The 2022 Budapest International Foto Awards recently announced the category winners and top honorees from a pool of thousands of international entries. A talented and experienced jury panel had the task of reviewing the submissions and were thoroughly impressed by the remarkable pieces of photography.
The competition was intense, but the end result was a celebration of the exceptional talent and creativity of photographers from around the world. The winning entries were recognized for their ability to capture captivating moments and evoke powerful emotions, taking the jury on a journey to far-off lands and showcasing the beauty and diversity of our world. The Budapest International Foto Awards is proud to provide a platform for these talented photographers to share their work and inspire others.
If you'd love to see the last year's entries then make sure to click here.
#1 Silver 2022 Nature / Pets, "Never Give Up!"
I recently met this wonderful elderly dog ??lady of saarloos wolfdog, who suffers from a disease that prevents her from walking with using her hind legs. I was very impressed by how despite the handicap he does not give up and with the help of his owners he still fights and moves forward. Thanks to the wheelchair, she has the opportunity to live a full life, which I am very happy about, because this lady enjoys every single step. Photo was taken by Sony Alpha A1 + Sony FE 135 mm f/1,8 GM (F/1.8, 1/640s, ISO-500)
Photographer: Lucia Drietomská
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76points
Bored Panda reached out to the marketing manager of Farmani Group, Veronika Treit, who described the quality and diversity of the entries received for the 2022 BIFA as "an increase in exceptionally creative imagery" with contestants "bringing their expertise and emotion." She added, "We even had entries from Vatican City."
#2 Gold 2022 Editorial / Environmental, "Melting Moon"
The effect produced by the smoke from the industrial chimney makes it seem that it directly affects the moon and is heating it until it melts.
Photographer: Jesus Manzaneque Arteaga
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75points
#3 Silver 2022 Nature / Wildlife, "Divine Beauty Of An Arctic Fox"
In one of the most inhospitable climates on earth, the beautiful arctic fox enjoys a moment of relaxation and dozes in the snow of the Svalbard Islands, between Norway and the North Pole. Its sweet muzzle and soft coat, make it look delicate but actually it is incredibly strong and survives the most drastic temperatures.
Marcello Galleano, an entrepreneur in the field of nutraceuticals and herbal medicine, has always been a lover of nature and adventure trips. He has visited more than 85 countries worldwide and collaborates with non-profit associations in Africa and South America. Passionate about wildlife photography, he loves to capture the most incredible moments that the various environments offer and share the beauty of the world.
Photographer: Marcello Galleano
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75points
Regarding the jury voting process, Treit explained, "After an initial round of eliminations, the jury carefully reviews each entry and gives points according to set criteria. The Main and Category winners are then selected from the entrants with the highest points." She emphasized the impartiality of the process, saying, "The photographers’ names and other details are not revealed during the voting process so that the entries are viewed and judged solely on the merit of the images themselves and ensuring a transparent and unbiased judging process."
#4 2nd Place 2022 Nature, "Horsescapes"
Ferocity, serenity, elegance. For me these qualities are characteristic for horses and each photo encompasses an aspect of one of these. In combination with their individual character we can see a huge range of characteristics which makes every horse unique and perfect just as it is.
Hey, my name is Nina. I'm a 22 year old pet photographer based in Germany. Photos are the most beautiful memories you can have. They manage to put you right back into the moment they sprang from. That’s why I made it my mission to capture the most beautiful moments of our companions - portraiting their elegance either by themselves or in the interaction with us as their trusted partners. It is particularly important to me to work out their individual personality and characteristics. I want the owners to see their animal in my pictures exactly as they are.
Photographer: Nina Spiekermann
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72points
#5 Gold 2022 Nature / Underwater, "Yellyfish With Bodyguard"
Red Sea Egypt, Night dive. Nikon D850 camera, Nikkor 105 Marco Lens, Ikelite Strobes.
Photographer: Ferenc Lorincz
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71points
When asked about standout works from this year's contest, Treit said, "It is very hard to select the standout works, as it is subjective and all the winners are at the top of their fields, but the works that tend to influence people the most are the images that evoke emotions on a deep level." She cited Vladimir Karamazov's "The Last Inhabitants" series as an example of a work that resonated with people.
#6 Gold 2022 Nature / Wildlife, "Anger"
It was the end of salmon run. Even though the bears started to spend more time munching on the meadow, they hadn't given up fishing in the river. I'd watched her trying many times that afternoon to catch a fish. Even with her determination and perseverance, there was simply no luck. It was the end of the day and the last time I saw her fishing that day. She suddenly jumped into the river, pouncing. Still.... no catch. I couldn't help but wonder whether that was how she showed her frustrations.
Photographer: Elizabeth Yicheng Shen
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67points
#7 Silver 2022 Nature / Pets, "Jump In The Snow II"
Playtime in the snow.
Photographer: Merlin Viir
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66points
Regarding the significance of the Photographer of the Year and New Talent of the Year awards, Treit said, "The professional and non-professional photographers who have won in the competition have all been introduced to an international audience of art lovers." She added, "They also have our constant support and the chance to network."
#8 Gold 2022 Editorial / General News, "A Plea For Mercy"
Kristina, a Ukrainian refugee and former nail salon owner from Kiev, who has been denied entry to the U.S. 3 times, pleads with a border officer to reconsider. She said she is "tired of all this, two weeks of this back and forth. I feel empty. There is no country to go back to in Ukraine" due to the Russian invasion of her country. Photographed at the San Ysidro Port of Entry in Tijuana, Mexico.
Photographer: Carlos Moreno
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66points
#9 2nd Place 2022 Nature, "Doom"
In April 2021, I was lucky enough to see and photograph the volcano in full force. It was an unforgettable experience.
Photographer: Marian Kuric
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64points
Veronika believes the BIFA plays a crucial role in discovering and promoting new photographers and their works. "BIFA is a great platform for photographers to start, or continue, their journey to the international scene and get feedback on their works from industry professionals, gallery owners, curators, editors, etc." She added, "Each of the winners get promoted across the BIFA network and can add the recognition to their list of accolades."
#10 1st Place 2022 Nature, "Tidnish Mountain"
I am a photographic artist who creates fictionalized portraits of farm animals, a deliberately playful method, functioning as a disruption of our belief that photographs portray factual realism. Photography seamlessly blends fact and fiction, creating a perfected vision so overwhelming, we find ourselves helpless to resist it. I invite the viewer to question the veracity of the images we consume every day, opening up the possibility for every photo to suggest a deeper, hidden authenticity.
Photographer: Rob Macinnis
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55points
#11 Bronze 2022 Nature / Seasons, "Flying Fireflies"
Summer nights always feel magical and beautiful when the glowing light spots of fireflies appear!
Photographer: Chen Chung Hua
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53points
Lastly, when asked about the future of photography and how the BIFA plans to continue supporting the art form and photographers, Treit said, "BIFA will always keep supporting photographers, helping them get the recognition and opportunities they deserve and worked so hard for." She added, "Because of photography's important role in expressing emotions and conveying information, we will keep reaching newer audiences and introducing them to our winners."
#12 Discovery Of The Year 2022, "The Last Inhabitants"
This is one of many villages in Bulgaria, which in a few years will fall into the embrace of the past. There are 8 people in the village and they are all in the last stage of their lives. The houses are crumbling and you can see how nature is slowly taking over its territory. Wolves, bears and other predators are often seen in this village. Because of this, there are not many animals in the village - a few dogs and a donkey. Years ago, over 500 people lived in this village. There were little children, there was life. The village is located on the border between Greece and Bulgaria and getting
Photographer: Vladimir Karamazov
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48points
#13 Silver 2022 Nature / Sunset, "Seljalandsfoss"
Double luck at Seljalandsfoss: after a cloudless day there were a few decorative clouds in the sky again at sunset and there was no wind that you could actually take photos behind the waterfall without soaking all your equipment (and without drops on the lens all the time)
Hello! I am Judith... I would like to call myself an “ambitious amateur photographer”. My main focus is nature and landscape photography, but I also like to make detours to other genres. Everything I know about photography is self-educated. A few books here, some internet research there, inspiration from the works of other photographers and a lot, really a lot of trying things out has brought me to where I am today. My great happiness is my home on beautiful Lake Constance. I have a lot of photo spots right on my doorstep and the way to the Austrian, Swiss and Italian Alps is not too far.
Photographer: Judith Kuhn
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47points
#14 Silver 2022 Nature / Landscapes, "Laguna Amarga"
A beautiful and cold morning in Laguna Amarga, where the fist light hits Torres del Paine in Patagonia, Chile.
Photographer: Marco Bautista
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45points
#15 Silver 2022 Nature / Underwater, "Starships"
You would think, that these photos of alien ships were taken with the new James Webb Space Telescope - photos of a colony, a transporter, a researcher and a warrior. But it is not the case - the small nemo gives you a hint about the true location!
Alexej was born in Kharkiv, Ukraine. He obtained a diploma in rocket engineering and got photography education in the Kyiv School of Photography. In his artworks Alexej is trying to bring underwater photography to the new level - he investigates the water surface from the deep, uses allegories to show the underwater world like and the world above water or even like a cosmos. Alexej's education and philosophy of life define his style of photography: the photographs depict the beauty of the underwater world and the horrors of man-made ocean pollution.
Photographer: Sachov Alexej
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43points
#16 Gold 2022 Nature / Seasons, "Snow-White And Rose-Red"
The red rorbuer of Hamnøy present themselves in a fresh white dress on this cloudy morning from a classic perspective
Hello! I am Judith... I would like to call myself an “ambitious amateur photographer”. My main focus is nature and landscape photography, but I also like to make detours to other genres. Everything I know about photography is self-educated. A few books here, some internet research there, inspiration from the works of other photographers and a lot, really a lot of trying things out has brought me to where I am today. My great happiness is my home on beautiful Lake Constance. I have a lot of photo spots right on my doorstep and the way to the Austrian, Swiss and Italian Alps is not too far.
Photographer: Judith Kuhn
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43points
#17 Bronze 2022 Nature / Seasons, "Sakura Tea Garden"
Overlooking the cherry blossom road on both sides of the tea garden from the air, the pink cherry blossoms are beautiful and romantic.
Photographer: Shirley Wung
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41points
#18 Bronze 2022 Advertising / Travel / Tourism,
Linchupi kapok flowers are in full bloom from Feb.22 to March 15 in Taiwan . The Linchpin Kapok Road, known for its blooming orange flowers inn spring was listed as one of the 15 most scenic flower streets in the world in 2015.
Photographer: Meichen Chang
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39points
#19 Bronze 2022 People / Portrait, "Peter"
The chemical plant producing fertilizers has been polluting the environment and the people living there in Targu Mures and its surroundings for decades. It is true that the pollution is no longer as great as it used to be. Peter is shepherd near the Romania's largest fertilizer factory. He said he was already used to the characteristic smell of ammonia.
Photographer: Istvan Kerekes
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37points
#20 Gold 2022 People / Culture, "Reign Of The Eagle Hunters"
I had been on a journey to the border between Kazakstan and Mongolia, among the Altai's mountain, heading to the local Kazakhs Muslim community in search of a certainer person.... The honorable "Burgedchins" in Kazakhs word.... "Burgedchin" or "Eagle Hunters" are pride hunters who inherit their hunts with their Golden eagle for more than 250 years. Trained to hunt since 10 years old in a harsh extreme environment with their eagles on a horse back. At -40 Celsius degree, only strong survives. This became the bond between hunters and his predators. With Kazakhs superb hunting skills experience a
Jatenipat Ketpradit(1984) is a photographer, outdoor traveller who always seeking for an exciting experience. He lives in Bangkok, Thailand. Most of his work is about exotic tribal culture and landscape by more than 10 years experience in photography. Published worldwide by National Geographic(ESP), Digital SLR Magazine, Practical Photography and Digital Camera World magazines.
Photographer: Jatenipat Ketpradit
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37points