"50"
Location: Havana, Cuba
Date: January 2020
Photographer: Ed Zirkle
University Affiliation: Alumni
Home Country: United States
Category: People
Award: Honorable Mention

In the artist’s own words: "Had a chance to wander by myself around the back streets of Havana and ran across this young man leaning against the graffitied wall. The contrast of colors and his look came together for this image."

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"59 Rue de Rivoli"
Location: Paris, France
Date: November 2018
Photographer: Chyna Borja
University Affiliation: Undergraduate Student
Home Country: United States
Category: Places
Award: Honorable Mention

In the artist’s own words: "In my final moments in Paris, I explored the city streets alone, intent on getting back to my hostel when I stumbled upon this atelier. It was 6 floors worth of artists' studios, and each one was completely distinct. Some were immaculate, all white in color, and others were chaotic as if the artist couldn't contain their own thoughts and their ideas exploded all over the studio walls. The circular stairway that sat in the middle of the building was covered in purposeful artwork and graffiti for those 6 flights of stairs. There are so many little details in the murals that go unnoticed, and I think that's reflective of the bigger picture of life: the importance of stopping to enjoy the beauty of the small things."

"A Conversation with a Robot"
Location: Wolfsburg, Germany
Date: May 2019
Photographer: Samantha Hrusovsky
University Affiliation: Undergraduate Student
Home Country: United States
Category: Arts & Culture
Award: Honorable Mention

In the artist’s own words: "This photo was taken inside the Phaeno Science Center by architect Zaha Hadid. It is an interactive science center geared towards a younger audience in which patrons can have a hands on experience with technology and information. In this image, a little girl began to interact with a robot in this exhibit, which actually approached her and began speaking with her. Almost in a trance, the little girl pulled up a stool, which was so interesting to me that I felt compelled to capture it."

Location: Antarctica
Photographer: Kate Holland
Home Country: United States
University Affiliation: Undergraduate Student
Category: People
Award: People's Choice
Award: Honorable Mention

In the artist’s own words: "To and fro penguins marched along, carving out more trails as they stepped in line. Swayed by curiosity, though, one such gentoo deviated from the group, curious as to what this large, strange new orange penguin might be and where he may have come from. Evolution has come up with many a strange things but this seemed downright odd to him. Approaching the man, the penguin seemingly spoke."

"Christian Quarter"
Location: Old City Jerusalem, Israel
Date: December 2019
Photographer: Millennium Manna
University Affiliation: Undergraduate Student
Home Country: Eritrea
Category: People
Award: Honorable Mention

In the artist’s own words: "The Old City of Jerusalem is divided into four quarters: the Christian Quarter, Jewish Quarter, Muslim Quarter, and Armenian Quarter. Old City is an intense place to be because it is the heart of the three main Abrahamic religions. Just by these two faces, you can tell that they have a story to tell. You could see it in the eyes of the people. Living in a place such as Old Jerusalem surely is not an experience like living anywhere else on earth.

As you walk through the different quarters of Old City, there are many stores that sell religious souvenirs (respective to the quarter they are located in). Not surprisingly, many of these items are quite overpriced but the joy that registers in the faces of the owners once a purchase is made is priceless. As I walked by, I often wondered how they felt with thousands of unfamiliar faces passing by each day through these holy sites."

"Christmas Market in Vienna"
Location: Vienna, Austria
Date: December 2014
Photographer: Martin Benej
University Affiliation: Staff
Home Country: Slovakia
Category: Arts & Culture
Award: Honorable Mention

In the artist’s own words: "A little bit of Christmas spirit from Vienna, Austria. They have beautiful Christmas markets full of decorations, souvenirs and food, always a pleasure to be there."

"Colors in motion"
Location: London, United Kingdom
Date: August 2013
Photographer: Martin Benej
University Affiliation: Staff
Home Country: Slovakia
Category: Places
Award: Honorable Mention

In the artist’s own words: "The essence of London captured in a single shot."

"Ferry to Future"
Location: Penglai, China
Date: 2020
Photographer: Alexander Wang
University Affiliation: Undergraduate Student
Home Country: China
Category: Places
Award: 2nd Place

In the artist’s own words: "This site is called Eight Immortals Crossing Ferry, sitting in Penglai, China. The Ferry is famous for the famous Taoist folklore‚ Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea‚ which depicted how eight different immortals of Taoism used their own superpower and skills to cross the sea and fight with devils to keep citizens safety. This ferry is a gourd-shaped island, which in Taoism blesses a safe and sound trip in the sea. Two buildings on the island are typical Taoist temple, enshrines eight immortals. Now the Ferry is a travel destination and inherits the spirit of trusting in your own ability to change life. In front of COVID-19, we are standing at life's ferry, so trust ourselves that we can make it and succeed in the future."

"Gan Bei!"
Location: Miao Bei, China
Date: July 2018
Photographer: Zhanpeng Kuang
University Affiliation: Undergraduate Student
Home Country: United States
Category: Arts & Culture
Award: 3rd Place

In the artist’s own words: "The village gathered to celebrate the reunion of family and friends after a decade apart. And with celebration comes firecrackers, good food, and a toast to good fortune. Gan bei!"

"Hàng rong - Shopkeeper"
Location: Hanoi, Vietnam
Date: May 2013
Photographer: Minh Nguyen
University Affiliation: Staff
Home Country: Vietnam
Category: People
Award: Honorable Mention

In the artist’s own words: "Growing up in Vietnam, I was very familiar with these old ladies who sold food and drinks on the streets. They are strong women who works days and night and do everything they could to support their families. After almost two decades living in the U.S., I miss those childhood memories associated with these street vendors. This picture reminds me of home."

"High morning view of the Fairy Chimneys"
Location: Goreme, Cappadocia, Turkey
Date: March 2019
Photographer: Christi Bartman
University Affiliation: Faculty
Home Country: United States
Category: Places
Award: Honorable Mention

In the artist’s own words: "On a very early morning hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia Turkey, I was not sure what to expect. We took off in the dark of the early morning and watched the colored balloons light up in the dark sky as they fires were lit under them. As we rose, so did the sun. Looking down at first light over the fairy chimneys and rock formations was a view like no other. "

"Highland Cattle"
Location: Scotland, United Kingdom
Date: March 2019
Photographer: Maria DiFrancesco
University Affiliation: Undergraduate Student
Home Country: United States
Category: Arts & Culture
Award: People's Choice Award and Honorable Mention

In the artist’s own words: "This was one of the coolest moments in Scotland. Warm evening backlighting, on two of the Highlanders who were very interested in what I was doing with my camera. Highland cattle are a rustic breed of cow originated in the Scottish highlands. Bred to be hardy, with a shaggy coat to withstand the intemperate weather conditions."

"Incredible India"
Location: Igatpuri, Maharashtra, India
Date: October 2020
Photographer: Divyesh Desai
University Affiliation: Graduate Student
Home Country: India
Category: Places
Award: Honorable Mention

In the artist’s own words: "Subject: Incredible Nature. This picture was captured on my road trip in Igatpuri, Maharashtra, India. It is meaningful to me because it shows me and makes me understand the true beauty that one has to follow not the fake ones."

"Jumping Maasai Tribesman"
Location: Tanzania
Date: February 2011
Photographer: Steven Hirsch
University Affiliation: Alumni
Home Country: United States
Category: Arts & Culture
Award: Honorable Mention

In the artist’s own words: "One of the highlights of my African safari in 2011 was the day we spent with the Maasai tribesman in Northern Tanzania. They are known for their distinctive brightly colored costumes and dresses. Their culture, traditions and lifestyle are an awesome experience for visitors. This photograph of a jumping ceremony called "adumu" is a Maasai warrior rite of passage."

"LOOK"
Location: China
Date: March 2020
Photographer: Sheng Dai
University Affiliation: Undergraduate Student
Home Country: China
Category: People
Award: 2nd Place

In the artist’s own words: "This is a selfie I took in my bedroom/studio. It was one of the photo in the collection named "feel the light". I chose this one because this is the first attempt I did on this kind of process. I remember when I taped myself, my senses were being taken away. However, the rest of my body started being really sensitive to everything, especially the light. I let the camera on continues shooting and just let myself feel the light and the heat. Slowly I can feel my heat beats, everything started to come back. I felt calm and quiet. It was actually one of the memorable moments in life."

"Looking Upon"
Location: Taipei, Taiwan
Date: May 2016
Photographer: Shih-Hong Lee
University Affiliation: Alumni
Home Country: Taiwan
Category: Places
Award: 3rd Place

In the artist's own words: "People need the spirit of looking upon to the sky."

"Mist"
Location: Xin Jiang, China
Date: June 2019
Photographer: Sheng Dai
University Affiliation: Undergraduate Student
Home Country: China
Category: Places
Award: Honorable Mention

In the artist’s own words: "Me and some other photographers went on a trip to Xin Jiang, in northwest China. We were having a break, friends of mine were taking turns going to the restroom, and suddenly the mist came. Everyone was excited and took their cameras trying find the landscape with mountain peaks surrounded by mist. However, I was not intrigued by photos that everyone can take, so I turned around. At the moment I saw some horse climbing on the hill behind us, then I waited. I waited until it moved just into the position, and I snapped the photo. This photo is not only just a photo that I appreciate, but also reminds me about sometimes you don't need to have what everyone are hunting for- the best shot. Instead, you just need what you think is the best- your shot."

"Moulin Rouge"
Location: Paris, France
Date: June 2015
Photographer: Elliot Gilfix
University Affiliation: Alumni
Home Country: United States
Category: Places
Award: 1st Place

In the artist’s own words: "Montmartre is one of the most lively neighborhoods in Paris. Le Moulin Rouge (English translation: The Red Windmill) is a historic cabaret theater that features an illuminated windmill on the roof. I did a long exposure to show the liveliness of the atmosphere, including the cars passing and the windmill's blades rotating."

"Natural Majesty"
Location: Faroe Islands, Denmark
Date: May 2019
Photographer: Matteo Bennati
University Affiliation: Undergraduate Student
Home Country: Italy
Category: Places
Award: People's Choice and Honorable Mention

In the artist’s own words: "It is special because the picture was taken almost as a reflex of my amazement for such a precious spot. I was visiting the Faroe Islands, which are a natural paradise of untouched wonders, and during this hike I just had to stop and photograph that moment. I simply couldn't risk to forget it."

"New Year's in Faroe"
Location: Faroe Islands, Denmark
Date: January 2018
Photographer: Daniel Zaas
University Affiliation: Alumni
Home Country: United States
Category: Places
Award: Honorable Mention

In the artist’s own words: "New Year's morning, after a night of fireworks exploding outside my Airbnb bedroom window in the village of Kunoy (pop. 156), my cousin and I climbed to the top of this bluff mid-hail storm. As the storm cleared, we were left with a surreal view of the surrounding islands, unique to this part of the world."

"Nighty night"
Location: Chongqing, China
Date: September 2020
Photographer: Will Li
University Affiliation: Alumni
Home Country: China
Category: Places
Award: Honorable Mention

In the artist’s own words: "Chongqing is well known as the fog capital (wudu) in China because of the high humidity. I was trying to take pictures of a very popular spot in Chongqing called "Hongyadong" that night. But it was way too crowded to find a decent spot so I decided to walk across the bridge to take a picture on the other side of the river. That was how I found that beautiful location to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Chongqing at night time."

"Pilgrimage in Tibet"
Location: Tibet, China
Date: May 2020
Photographer: Zheng Guan
University Affiliation: Undergraduate Student
Home Country: China
Category: Arts & Culture
Award: Honorable Mention

In the artist’s own words: "This is the first time I saw pilgrimage in my life when I was traveling from Chengdu (Szechwan, China) to Lhasa (Tibet, China), and I found this tradition is popular in Tibet as I saw other groups of them later in my journey. I asked some of them about the reasons for doing things like taking three steps with a kowtow and traveling for thousands of miles only on foot. They told me that this tradition is only for the Tibetan Buddhist who thinks that this is a way to show the pious to the Buddha, which could bless their families and bring luckiness to themselves."

"Reaching"
Location: Nanjing, China
Date: June 2019
Photographer: Justine Franklin
University Affiliation: Graduate Student
Home Country: United States
Category: People
Award: Honorable Mention

In the artist’s own words: "In a loud and busy tourist area of Nanjing, a side street opened up into what seemed to almost be another place entirely. A latticework of synthetic vines created an artificial ceiling that glass spheres with paper talismans hung from. The store connected to this colorful nook sold decorative hearts that innumerable people wrote their hopes for the future upon, then hung them to share with the world. It was a nameless place, but my favorite discovery on my trip. The focus of this photo, the little girl, reaches out to the water the bronze dragon adorned in hearts spills forth, just as every heart has a glimpse of its writer reaching out to the reader."

"Rider"
Location: Salzbug, Austria
Date: July 2018
Photographer: Yilin Wu
University Affiliation: Undergraduate Student
Home Country: China
Category: People
Award: Honorable Mention

In the artist’s own words: "Cause she is laughing at me. That makes a great connection between the sunset, bicycle and background."

"Run to the Future"
Location: Inner Mongolia, Ordos City, China
Date: July 2020
Photographer: Jiachen Zhang
University Affiliation: Undergraduate Student
Home Country: China
Category: People
Award: Honorable Mention

In the artist’s own words: "This is a picture that I've taken for my sister, she is running to her boyfriend's chest in front of the theater where she worked. On that day she finished her last and most important show in the theater because her boyfriend was watching the show and that is very significant for both of them due to her boyfriend does not live with her in the same place, so they extremely cherish the time that they been together. Besides, before her show start she just know her boyfriend can live with her from that day on, moreover on that day she finished her last work, she will step to the next stage of her life.

The reason I chose this picture is because that the picture is very simple, only four bright main colors which is very minimalism, meaning a bright future is coming; my sister is running with a big smile and the scarf blowing in the wind makes the picture more vivid; the golden sand and red clothes imply their love is on fire; at last, I think the white background is very important, it can not only cooperate with the red but also the blue even the gold, the while makes the picture more perfect."

"Salted Happiness"
Location: Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
Date: April 2016
Photographer: Zach Zins
University Affiliation: Graduate Student
Home Country: United States
Category: People
Award: Honorable Mention

In the artist’s own words: "I snapped this picture of my friend Khari while at the Bolivian salt flats - it captures the joy of the moment as well as the wonder and awe of this remote landscape."

Location: Venice, Italy
Photographer: Amogha Krishna
Home Country: United States
University Affiliation: Alumni
Category: People
Award: Honorable Mention

In the artist’s own words: "2019's end and the new year were celebrated together in Venice amongst the morning stars and the clashing high tide. With a chaotic year to come, the peace and beauty that welcomed us in Venice is something I'll always cherish and look behind on. As we swooned over the beauty of the Venician river, we were greeted by these two gentleman and their snowman in a peculiar but prettiest of sights, one I couldn't let pass without minting a photo out of it. This unique view and the contrast of history and the modern world is something I found quite impactful in this image."

"Striking a Pose"
Location: Cameroon
Date: March 2011
Photographer: Mark Moritz
University Affiliation: Faculty
Home Country: United States
Category: People
Award: 1st Place

In the artist’s own words: "We have been studying pastoral mobility in the Far North Region of Cameroon at different spatiotemporal scales using spatial and ethnographic analyses. We have followed herders on daily herd movements from 6AM to 6PM during which herders are continuously on their feet. They rest their body by striking one of few characteristic herder poses in which they lean their body on their herding stick. The poses are an excellent example of embodied culture; they easily distinguish herders from farmers. Here a Fulɓe herder demonstrates one of these characteristic poses in his best clothes before leaving for wedding festivities in another camp."

"Sun Voyager"
Location: Reykjavík, Iceland
Date: June 2019
Photographer: Nathan Peachman
University Affiliation: Undergraduate Student
Home Country: United States
Category: Arts & Culture
Award: Honorable Mention

In the artist’s own words: "The Sun Voyager, translated to Sólfar in Icelandic, is a sculpture overlooking the North Atlantic Ocean. This modern take on an old norse icon, the Scandinavian Longship, is the embodiment of Icelandic culture. Iceland is about embracing change while still proudly showcasing its history. The Icelandic culture is very timid but warm. This image is the perfect dichotomy of old and new. Here is the perfect blend of nature and culture. This piece is meant to inspire us to explore the culture more than the tourist destinations. So, velkominn til islands, a land of love and adventure."

"Sunrise in U-Po"
Location: U-Po, South Korea
Date: May 2012
Photographer: Ilhwan Song
University Affiliation: Graduate Student
Home Country: South Korea
Category: Places
Award: Honorable Mention

In the artist’s own words: "The scenery in U-po is really fantastic, especially, when sunrise. It is one of the great places in Korea. I visited U-Po, the southern part of Korea, in 2012 for traveling. I visited there to see the sunrise scenery. I also saw some fishermen worked. I took this photo just because the moment was beautiful. I submit here because I want to share this moment with others."

"Support and Education"
Location: Bagan, Myanmar
Date: September 2017
Photographer: Tim Mazik
University Affiliation: Alumni
Home Country: United States
Category: Arts & Culture
Award: 2nd Place

In the artist’s own words: "On an off-season, Tuesday morning, these novice monks arrived at a temple we were visiting in order to get their weekly meal allotment, which was primarily rice. Throughout our trip, we were impressed by the high level of English literacy in Myanmar, which in the mid-20th century, had one of the highest literacy rates in Asia, second only to Japan. Due to decades of military rule, the public education system deteriorated, and monasteries - particularly in rural areas - provide valuable support and education to the villagers."

"Temple Watcher"
Location: Temple of Isis at Philae, Aswan, Egypt
Date: July 2019
Photographer: Zi Yuan
University Affiliation: Undergraduate Student
Home Country: China
Category: People
Award: Honorable Mention

In the artist’s own words: "This photo was taken at the Temple of Isis at Philae, Egypt. The walls of the temple contain scenes from Egyptian mythology of Isis, one of the most important goddesses of ancient Egypt, bringing Osiris, god of the underworld and Osiris, back to life, giving birth to Horus, and mummifying Osiris after his death. As I was walking in the ancient temple amazed by those scenes and scripts made thousand years ago, I saw this Egyptian temple watcher standing and relaxing by the wall. I thought that his characteristics and the wall behind him would make a very interesting and mystical scene, and I took this photo."

"The Holi Festival, India"
Location: Nandgaon, Uttar Pradesh, India
Date: February 2015
Photographer: Abhishek Haldar
University Affiliation: Alumni
Home Country: India
Category: Arts & Culture
Award: 1st Place

In the artist’s own words: "One of the best places to enjoy Holi festival in my opinion, is in Nandgaon - a small village in India popularly known as the birthplace of Lord Krishna. According to the folklore, men from Nandgaon visit Barsana (a neighboring village) to celebrate‚ Holi, with women from Barsana. When these people come visiting, they are welcomed by the Barsana women with sticks and are beaten up. The men from Nandgaon come well prepared for it, with padded shield to counter the attacks. These sticks are called‚ lathis, and hence this holi-celebration is also famously known as‚ Lathmar‚ holi."