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Ash and Light

Timon Halbach

United Kingdom

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A volcanic plume rises into the sky as the first light of morning spills across the ridges of Mount Bromo in East Java, Indonesia. The scene balances violence and serenity, ash and illumination, reminding us of nature’s dual power to destroy and to inspire.

Bronze

Honorable Mention

Discovery of the Year

Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, Germany, rising above autumn forests and framed by the dramatic Alps, a symbol of history and imagination that continues to draw travelers from around the world.

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Nominee

Between Mountain and Myth

On U Bein Bridge near Mandalay, a woman pushes her bicycle across the teak walkway while a young boy passes below with a fishing pole. This fleeting moment reflects the rhythm of daily life in Myanmar.

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Crossing Paths

Inside a temple in Bagan, Myanmar, young monks gather in the glow of candlelight. Their quiet devotion transforms the ancient space into a sanctuary of stillness. The warm light and delicate shadows echo centuries of tradition, capturing a moment where faith, silence, and place become one.

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Silent Prayers

Photographed in Marrakech’s Jemaa el-Fnaa square. A snake charmer draws a cobra upward with the sound of his flute, the moment capturing a mix of tradition, performance and risk. Shot from ground level to place the viewer directly in the tension between man and serpent.

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Under His Spell

Taken at sunrise on Inle Lake in Myanmar, this image captures a traditional leg-rowing fisherman perfectly framed through his conical fishing net. As the first light breaks over the water, the timeless balance of skill, culture, and nature comes into focus.