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
