Winners Announced For 2024 Travel Photography Awards

The prestigious international photography competition Travel Photographer of the Year has announced its 2024 winners, showcasing the most exceptional images across various categories and earning high praise from the judges. Both amateur and professional photographers from over 150 countries submitted more than 20,000 images to the competition.
According to the judges, “The outstanding quality and diversity of this year’s winners are evident in images ranging from intimate portraits to atmospheric landscapes and powerful documentation of our changing planet and its inhabitants.” It resulted in what one might call a stunning visual narrative around the world, capturing breathtaking scenery, vibrant colors, and even dramatic black-and-white photography.
The competition’s overall winner is Piper Mackay from the United States, recognized for her unique use of infrared photography (IR). The judges noted, “Her portraits of African women are simply exquisite, with intriguing details captivating the viewer.” Mackay also created atmospheric images of giraffes in Kenya’s Maasai Mara reserve.
The title of Young Travel Photographer of the Year was awarded to 14-year-old Raymond Zhang from China for his remarkable photographs of steam trains in coal-mining regions of Xinjiang province. Zhang’s images not only showcase technical skill and creativity but also awareness of cultural history and the life of local communities.
First place in the Earth – Landscapes, Climate, and Water category was awarded to Israeli photographer Roie Galitz, who presented a stunning series of images from Svalbard, the Arctic Ocean archipelago. “Galitz’s breathtaking photographs of the Brasvellbreen ice cap, captured from various angles and perspectives, beautifully convey the themes of climate and water, as required by the category,” the judges remarked.
During an interview with Ynet, Galitz expressed his pride in winning such a prestigious award. “This competition, one of the most respected in the photography world, receives significant international exposure,” he said. “It’s incredibly fulfilling to highlight the urgent issue of climate change and the accelerating glacier melt to millions worldwide—it’s deeply personal to me.” His words echo the urgency surrounding climate discussions today.
Galitz described the Brasvellbreen glacier located on Spitsbergen, which features an immense and rapidly retreating 50-kilometer ice wall. “The Arctic is warming at more than four times the global average. The impact is becoming more pronounced every year. I’ve been visiting this area for 13 years, and the changes I’ve witnessed are staggering.” His efforts showcase how the art of photography can amplify awareness around pressing environmental issues.
Beyond climate advocacy, Galitz expressed national pride as well, stating, “Especially in times like these, seeing Israel among the top winners of this competition is incredibly meaningful. It’s not something I take for granted, and I’m proud to represent my country in photography, art, and environmental conservation.” His sentiments resonate with the growing recognition of environmental issues among artists.
Another remarkable entry came from Israeli photographer Alexey Kharitonov, who presented stunning imagery of a lake situated within the Vyborg district of Russia’s Leningrad region. Such contributions from various photographers highlight the geographical and aesthetic diversity represented within the competition.
The Travel Photographer of the Year remains committed to its mission of celebrating photographic excellence, offering photographers of all ages and backgrounds opportunities to showcase both their artistry and pivotal global issues. The jury continues to recognize the powerful stories told through the lens, reminding audience members of the world’s beauty and fragility.
Overall, the 2024 Travel Photographer of the Year awards successfully embody the spirit of exploration, creativity, and advocacy through photography, emphasizing the need for both visual storytelling and environmental conservation. The exceptional talent displayed this year sets the stage for future photographers to carry the torch forward, capturing images and stories worthy of global attention.
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