• MATJAZ KRIVIC, SLOVENIA - WINNER, TRAVEL PORTFOLIO. Omo Valley, Ethiopia South Ethiopia, Arbore village. Onno, a teenage girl from the Arbore tribe. Canon EOS 5D MkII, 100mm lens, f2.8, 1/320s, ISO 400.
    MATJAZ KRIVIC, SLOVENIA - WINNER, TRAVEL PORTFOLIO. Omo Valley, Ethiopia South Ethiopia, Arbore village. Onno, a teenage girl from the Arbore tribe. Canon EOS 5D MkII, 100mm lens, f2.8, 1/320s, ISO 400.
  • FLORENT MAMELLE, FRANCE WINNER, BEST SINGLE IMAGE IN A NATURAL WORLD PORTFOLIO. Fuego volcano, near Antigua city, Guatemala. This picture of the Fuego volcano was taken from the summit of the Acatenango volcano. At 4000m, the sky was extremely clear and the Milky Way was in the upper left corner. Nikon D810, 16- 35mm lens, f4, 20s, ISO 3200.
    FLORENT MAMELLE, FRANCE WINNER, BEST SINGLE IMAGE IN A NATURAL WORLD PORTFOLIO. Fuego volcano, near Antigua city, Guatemala. This picture of the Fuego volcano was taken from the summit of the Acatenango volcano. At 4000m, the sky was extremely clear and the Milky Way was in the upper left corner. Nikon D810, 16- 35mm lens, f4, 20s, ISO 3200.
  • MATJAZ KRIVIC, SLOVENIA - WINNER, TRAVEL PORTFOLIO. Bani, Burkina Faso. Kids playing on the main minaret of the Grand Mosque in Bani during Eid al-Fitr. Canon EOS 5D Mk II, 24mm lens, f2.8, 1/8000s, ISO 400.
    MATJAZ KRIVIC, SLOVENIA - WINNER, TRAVEL PORTFOLIO. Bani, Burkina Faso. Kids playing on the main minaret of the Grand Mosque in Bani during Eid al-Fitr. Canon EOS 5D Mk II, 24mm lens, f2.8, 1/8000s, ISO 400.
  • PHILIP LEE HARVEY, UK WINNER, BEST SINGLE IMAGE IN A TRAVEL PORTFOLIO. Niger River, Mali, West Africa. Sand divers freedive down to the bottom of the Niger river to collect sand for the building industry. It’s an extremely dangerous job from which many don’t return. Canon 5D Mk II, 24-205mm lens, f6.3, 1/500s, ISO 200.
    PHILIP LEE HARVEY, UK WINNER, BEST SINGLE IMAGE IN A TRAVEL PORTFOLIO. Niger River, Mali, West Africa. Sand divers freedive down to the bottom of the Niger river to collect sand for the building industry. It’s an extremely dangerous job from which many don’t return. Canon 5D Mk II, 24-205mm lens, f6.3, 1/500s, ISO 200.
  • Stefano Pensotti, Timbuktu, Mali. In the last light of day the inhabitants of Timbuktu wash their clothes and take a shower in the port of Kabara. Canon EOS 5D MkII, EF24mm f/1.4L USM lens, f6.3, 1/40s, ISO 400.
    Stefano Pensotti, Timbuktu, Mali. In the last light of day the inhabitants of Timbuktu wash their clothes and take a shower in the port of Kabara. Canon EOS 5D MkII, EF24mm f/1.4L USM lens, f6.3, 1/40s, ISO 400.
  • OSCAR TARNEBERG, UK. COMMENDED BEAUTY OF LIGHT SINGLE IMAGE CATEGORY. Shanghai, China. This is a famous highway intersection in Shanghai where two of the city’s core arteries meet. DJI Mavic Pro, 4.73mm lens (23mm equivalent), f2.2, 0.8s, ISO 100.
    OSCAR TARNEBERG, UK. COMMENDED BEAUTY OF LIGHT SINGLE IMAGE CATEGORY. Shanghai, China. This is a famous highway intersection in Shanghai where two of the city’s core arteries meet. DJI Mavic Pro, 4.73mm lens (23mm equivalent), f2.2, 0.8s, ISO 100.
  • DANNY YEN SIN WONG, MALAYSIA WINNER, BEST SINGLE IMAGE IN A PORTFOLIO, FACES, PEOPLE, CULTURES
    DANNY YEN SIN WONG, MALAYSIA WINNER, BEST SINGLE IMAGE IN A PORTFOLIO, FACES, PEOPLE, CULTURES
  • IGNACIO PALACIOS, SPAIN/AUSTRALIA COMMENDED, NATURAL WORLD. Mantadia National Park, Madagascar. Chameoleon colours. Nikon D810, macro 70mm lens, f5, 1/60s, ISO 1000.
    IGNACIO PALACIOS, SPAIN/AUSTRALIA COMMENDED, NATURAL WORLD. Mantadia National Park, Madagascar. Chameoleon colours. Nikon D810, macro 70mm lens, f5, 1/60s, ISO 1000.
  • HE JIAN, CHINA - WINNER, HOT/COLD SINGLE IMAGE CATEGORY. Gannan, China. The local people who walked on the pilgrimage road were pious and pure. Nikon D800, f9, 1/640s, ISO 1000.
    HE JIAN, CHINA - WINNER, HOT/COLD SINGLE IMAGE CATEGORY. Gannan, China. The local people who walked on the pilgrimage road were pious and pure. Nikon D800, f9, 1/640s, ISO 1000.
  • Stefano Pensotti, Bagan, Myanmar. Prayer time in one of little temples in the plain of Bagan - a young girl stops on her way to school. Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF24mm f/1.4L USM lens,f2, 1/40s, ISO 800.
    Stefano Pensotti, Bagan, Myanmar. Prayer time in one of little temples in the plain of Bagan - a young girl stops on her way to school. Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF24mm f/1.4L USM lens,f2, 1/40s, ISO 800.
  • JOSHUA HOLKO, AUSTRALIA - HIGHLY COMMENDED, HOT/COLD SINGLE IMAGE CATEGORY. Near Pyramiden, Svalbard. Self-portrait in snowstorm during winter snowmobile expedition to photographer Polar bears. Nikon D810, 70- 200mm lens, f7, 1/100s, ISO 400.
    JOSHUA HOLKO, AUSTRALIA - HIGHLY COMMENDED, HOT/COLD SINGLE IMAGE CATEGORY. Near Pyramiden, Svalbard. Self-portrait in snowstorm during winter snowmobile expedition to photographer Polar bears. Nikon D810, 70- 200mm lens, f7, 1/100s, ISO 400.
  • NICOLA YOUNG, UK WINNER, SMART SHOT SINGLE IMAGE CATEGORY. Port Louis, Mauritius Our trip to Mauritius in was accompanied by Cyclone Berguitta, causing stress and drama to everyone on the island. We escaped from the stormy beaches to explore the markets of Port Louis, including the Fish Market. iPhone 10, f1.8, 1/7s, ISO 100.
    NICOLA YOUNG, UK WINNER, SMART SHOT SINGLE IMAGE CATEGORY. Port Louis, Mauritius Our trip to Mauritius in was accompanied by Cyclone Berguitta, causing stress and drama to everyone on the island. We escaped from the stormy beaches to explore the markets of Port Louis, including the Fish Market. iPhone 10, f1.8, 1/7s, ISO 100.
  • SIMON MORRIS, UK - WINNER, TRANQUILLITY SINGLE IMAGE CATEGORY. Havana, Cuba. I was drawn to the lovely faded colours and atmosphere of this once grand old room. Leica M, 35mm lens, f5.6, 1/60s, ISO 500.
    SIMON MORRIS, UK - WINNER, TRANQUILLITY SINGLE IMAGE CATEGORY. Havana, Cuba. I was drawn to the lovely faded colours and atmosphere of this once grand old room. Leica M, 35mm lens, f5.6, 1/60s, ISO 500.
  • SCOTT PORTELLI, AUSTRALIA - COMMENDED TRANQUILLITY SINGLE IMAGE CATEGORY. Kaikoura, New Zealand. Dusky Dolphins travel together in great numbers in the deep canyons of the Kaikoura in search of food. Canon 1DX Mk II, 100-400mm lens, f4.5, 1/1000s, ISO 500.
    SCOTT PORTELLI, AUSTRALIA - COMMENDED TRANQUILLITY SINGLE IMAGE CATEGORY. Kaikoura, New Zealand. Dusky Dolphins travel together in great numbers in the deep canyons of the Kaikoura in search of food. Canon 1DX Mk II, 100-400mm lens, f4.5, 1/1000s, ISO 500.
  • JOSE ANTONIO ROSAS, PERU WINNER, NEW TALENT AWARD. Puno, Peru. As Peru’s biggest street party, the Candelaria celebration attracts dancers and spectators from all over the country. Leica CL, 18mm lens, f16, 1/125s, ISO 400.
    JOSE ANTONIO ROSAS, PERU WINNER, NEW TALENT AWARD. Puno, Peru. As Peru’s biggest street party, the Candelaria celebration attracts dancers and spectators from all over the country. Leica CL, 18mm lens, f16, 1/125s, ISO 400.
  • BEN MCRAE, AUSTRALIA SPECIAL MENTION, FACES, PEOPLE, CULTURES
    BEN MCRAE, AUSTRALIA SPECIAL MENTION, FACES, PEOPLE, CULTURES
  • Stefano Pensotti, Budapest, Hungary. Széchenyi Baths, built in 1913, is the most popular the inhabitants of Budapest who come here to relax with friends. Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF24mm f/1.4L USM lens, f16, 1/100s, ISO 800.
    Stefano Pensotti, Budapest, Hungary. Széchenyi Baths, built in 1913, is the most popular the inhabitants of Budapest who come here to relax with friends. Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF24mm f/1.4L USM lens, f16, 1/100s, ISO 800.
  • Tariq Zaidi, UK, Highly commended, faces, people, cultures portfolio. Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo. Elie, 45, struts his stuff in the streets of Brazzaville. He has been a Sapeur for 35 years and his elaborate outfits bring joy to himself and his community. Canon EOS 5D Mk III, 24-70mm lens, f8, 1/800s, ISO 800.
    Tariq Zaidi, UK, Highly commended, faces, people, cultures portfolio. Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo. Elie, 45, struts his stuff in the streets of Brazzaville. He has been a Sapeur for 35 years and his elaborate outfits bring joy to himself and his community. Canon EOS 5D Mk III, 24-70mm lens, f8, 1/800s, ISO 800.
  • Marinka Masseus, Netherlands, winner, Faces People Culture portfolio. Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. In Tanzania, when you have albinism, you are thought to be evil. There even is a price on the head of children with albinism since killing a person with albinism is considered to bring good luck. Canon 5D Mk II, 24-70mm lens, f3.2, 1/250s, ISO 100.
    Marinka Masseus, Netherlands, winner, Faces People Culture portfolio. Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. In Tanzania, when you have albinism, you are thought to be evil. There even is a price on the head of children with albinism since killing a person with albinism is considered to bring good luck. Canon 5D Mk II, 24-70mm lens, f3.2, 1/250s, ISO 100.
  • Tom Law, UK, Runner-up, Faces, people, culture portfolio. Guatemala, Santa Lucía Utatlán. Mayan woman from Nahuala, Guatemala. The designs often include a doubleheaded eagle, a motif in Maya mythology. Nikon D810, 50mm lens, f2.8, 1/400s, ISO 64.
    Tom Law, UK, Runner-up, Faces, people, culture portfolio. Guatemala, Santa Lucía Utatlán. Mayan woman from Nahuala, Guatemala. The designs often include a doubleheaded eagle, a motif in Maya mythology. Nikon D810, 50mm lens, f2.8, 1/400s, ISO 64.
  • Stefano Pensotti. Harar, Ethiopia. Walking through the fortified historic town of Harar Jugol, considered the fourth holiest city in Islam. Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF24mm f/1.4L USM lens, f16, 1/100s, ISO 800.
    Stefano Pensotti. Harar, Ethiopia. Walking through the fortified historic town of Harar Jugol, considered the fourth holiest city in Islam. Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF24mm f/1.4L USM lens, f16, 1/100s, ISO 800.
  • Stefano Pensotti, Salt pans of Lake Asale, Danakil Depression, Ethiopia. They have loaded the salt from the Dankalia open-air salt mines at -50m level. Their journey will lead them to Agula on the Ethiopian plateau at 2400m. Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF24mm f/1.4L USM lens, f14, 1/60s, ISO 800.
    Stefano Pensotti, Salt pans of Lake Asale, Danakil Depression, Ethiopia. They have loaded the salt from the Dankalia open-air salt mines at -50m level. Their journey will lead them to Agula on the Ethiopian plateau at 2400m. Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF24mm f/1.4L USM lens, f14, 1/60s, ISO 800.
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2018 international Travel Photographer of the Year award winners announced

21 December 2018
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The winners of the 2018 international Travel Photographer of the Year awards have been announced, with a number of Australian photographers receving recognition in the annual competition.

Open to both amateur and professionals, photographers from 142 countries submitted over 20,000 images, with photographers from 22 countries featuring amongst the winners.

Stefano Pensotti, Timbuktu, Mali. In the last light of day the inhabitants of Timbuktu wash their clothes and take a shower in the port of Kabara. Canon EOS 5D MkII, EF24mm f/1.4L USM lens, f6.3, 1/40s, ISO 400.
Stefano Pensotti, Timbuktu, Mali. In the last light of day the inhabitants of Timbuktu wash their clothes and take a shower in the port of Kabara. Canon EOS 5D MkII, EF24mm f/1.4L USM lens, f6.3, 1/40s, ISO 400.

The top prize and title of Travel Photographer of the Year 2018 was taken by Stefano Pensotti, a semi-professional photographer from Italy, with eight images showcasing life around the globe. He becomes the first Italian to take the top title in the 16 years since the awards first launched in 2003.

Australian photographers recognised in the competition include Ignacio Palacios, who was commended in the Natural World portfolio category, Joshua Holko, highly commended in the Hot/Cold single image category, Scott Portelli, commended in the Tranquility single image category, Ben McRae in the faces, people and culture category and Robin Yong, a previous finalist in our own Photographer of the Year competition.

ISABELLA SMITH (AGE 14), USA WINNER, YOUNG TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR 2018. Chefchaouen, Morocco. Perfect newlypicked oranges were everywhere in Chefchaouen, Morocco! Pentax K-S2, 200mm lens, f14, 1/200s, ISO 400.
ISABELLA SMITH (AGE 14), USA WINNER, YOUNG TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR 2018. Chefchaouen, Morocco. Perfect newlypicked oranges were everywhere in Chefchaouen, Morocco! Pentax K-S2, 200mm lens, f14, 1/200s, ISO 400.

The Young Travel Photographer of the Year award went to 14-year-old Isabella Smith. The young American won over the international panel of judges with her colourful portfolio of photographs taken in Chefchaouen, Morocco. 12-year-old Daniel Kurian (Australia/India) won Young TPOTY 14 and Under with a clever portfolio depicting a tree being felled, while 16 year old Fardin Oyan from Bangladesh took top honours in the Young TPOTY 15-18 age group with a beautiful collection of images capturing young children playing.

Across the various categories photographers have won prizes including cash bursaries, the latest professional cameras and lenses from Fujifilm, Arctic voyages with Hurtigruten, high-end outdoor clothing from Páramo, personalised leather portfolio books or iFolios from Plastic Sandwich, Photo Iconic photo tuition, Genesis Imaging exhibition prints and membership of the Royal Photographic Society.

Marinka Masseus, Netherlands, winner, Faces People Culture portfolio. Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. In Tanzania, when you have albinism, you are thought to be evil. There even is a price on the head of children with albinism since killing a person with albinism is considered to bring good luck. Canon 5D Mk II, 24-70mm lens, f3.2, 1/250s, ISO 100.
Marinka Masseus, Netherlands, winner, Faces People Culture portfolio. Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. In Tanzania, when you have albinism, you are thought to be evil. There even is a price on the head of children with albinism since killing a person with albinism is considered to bring good luck. Canon 5D Mk II, 24-70mm lens, f3.2, 1/250s, ISO 100.

In the portfolio categories, Dutch photographer Marinka Masséus’s portfolio ‘Under the Same Sun’, raising awareness of the circumstances of people with albinism in Tanzania was a very worthy winner of the Faces, People, Cultures category, while Best Single Image in this category went to Danny Yen Sin Wong (Malaysia) for his image of a young Suri boy in Kibish, Ethiopia.

The Natural World category attracted a very strong entry, with the judges eventually awarding the top prize to Spaniard Javier Herranz Casellas for his delicate, intimate portfolio depicting the Pita (Agave Americana) plant. French photographer Florent Mamelle’s impressive shot of the Fuego volcano in Guatemala spurting lava under the starry night sky was awarded Best Single Image.

HE JIAN, CHINA - WINNER, HOT/COLD SINGLE IMAGE CATEGORY. Gannan, China. The local people who walked on the pilgrimage road were pious and pure. Nikon D800, f9, 1/640s, ISO 1000.
HE JIAN, CHINA - WINNER, HOT/COLD SINGLE IMAGE CATEGORY. Gannan, China. The local people who walked on the pilgrimage road were pious and pure. Nikon D800, f9, 1/640s, ISO 1000.

Hi Jian (China) came first in the Hot/Cold single-image category with a beautiful image of Tibetan pilgrims in the snow in Gannan, China, while British photographer Simon Morris’ atmospheric picture of a faded, once-grand bedroom in Havana, Cuba won the Tranquillity single-image category.

JOSE ANTONIO ROSAS, PERU WINNER, NEW TALENT AWARD. Puno, Peru. As Peru’s biggest street party, the Candelaria celebration attracts dancers and spectators from all over the country. Leica CL, 18mm lens, f16, 1/125s, ISO 400.
JOSE ANTONIO ROSAS, PERU WINNER, NEW TALENT AWARD. Puno, Peru. As Peru’s biggest street party, the Candelaria celebration attracts dancers and spectators from all over the country. Leica CL, 18mm lens, f16, 1/125s, ISO 400.

Jose Antonio Rosas becomes the first-ever Peruvian winner of a TPOTY category, winning the New Talent award for his portfolio documenting the Candelaria celebration in Puno, Peru and, in the Smart Shot single-image category for photographs taken on a mobile phone or tablet, Briton Nicola Young took first prize with her iPhone photo of a fish trader in Mauritius.

Winning images from this year’s awards will be exhibited in Spring 2019 at an outdoor exhibition at London Bridge City, opposite the Tower of London and close to London Bridge, and at TPOTY exhibitions internationally.

You can see a selection of winning images in the gallery above, and more finalists at the TPOTY website.

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