International Photographer fo the Year: “Humanity Within the Architecture of Control” by Luke Gram

The 2025 Refocus International Photographer of the Year Awards reaffirmed the platform’s status as a leading showcase for contemporary photography, highlighting work that transcends borders and cultures.

This year’s winners delivered not just images but deeply human stories, ranging from raw street moments to bold conceptual pieces. Canadian photographer Luke Gram earned the top honor for his series “Humanity Within the Architecture of Control,” a subtle yet powerful exploration of everyday life inside North Korea that reveals how individuality persists within rigid systems. Across all categories, first‑place winners demonstrated remarkable diversity and artistic vision, proving that modern photography continues to evolve through innovation and personal expression. Collectively, these award‑winning works remind us that photography is a universal language—one that challenges, connects, and invites us to see the world with greater depth.

More: Refocus International Photographer of the Year Awards, Instagram

Abstract – Winner: “Bonsai” by Mark Gray

Advertising & Commercial – Winner: “Cardamom Rhubarb Sidecar” by Maya Visnyei

Aerial – Winner: “Above the Horizon” by Marie Juliette Aziz

Architecture – Winner: “Geometry of Solitude” by Thomas de Franzoni

Conceptual – Winner: “Ring Of Fire and Ice” by Liam Man

Domestic Animals – Winner: “Land of Light” by Bellot Audrey

Event – Winner: “Chaos in the hell” by Antonio Flores

Fashion & Beauty – Winner: “Dream” by Jaime Travezán

Film/Analog – Winner: “The Last Scene” by Lukasz Spychala

Fine Art – Winner: “Divas of Africa” by Stefan Groepper

Landscapes – Winner: “Iceberg’s Edge” by Randall (Randy) Hanna

Minimalism – Winner: “Arctic Silence” by Patrick Ems

Nature – Winner: “Breach” by Jarrod Saw

People – Winner: “Living(Rooms)” by Quintavius Oliver

Photojournalism – Winner: “The Last Hope” by Gabriela Oráa

Portrait – Winner: “Abandoned Past” by Brian Callaway

Sports – Winner: “Through the ice” by Gonzalo Robert

Still Life – Winner: “Contours of Silence” by Bill Pack

Street – Winner: “Riding the Pilgrims’ Rails” by France Leclerc

Travel – Winner: “Tapestry of Gathering” by Chirag Sadhnani

Underwater – Winner: “Radiance” by Remuna Beca

Wildlife – Winner: “The Perfect Heist” by Baiju Patil