Children and adolescents offer a unique lens into history, culture, family dynamics, and heritage. Their perspectives provide an untainted view of the world around them, revealing the essence of the environments they inhabit. Moreover, they evoke our own childhood memories, reminding us of the times when we explored the world with wonder and curiosity. Children not only share their own stories but also mirror our own, allowing us to see reflections of ourselves.
The International Photography Awards (IPA) is an annual competition that honors photographers across 11 categories. One of the standout sub-categories is “Children,” which falls under the broader category of People.
In this article, we take a journey through the 2024 IPA winning photographs of children and adolescents from around the globe. These images, captured in both the Children sub-category and other categories such as “Fine Art/Portrait”, invite reflection and admiration. Explore the raw, unfiltered expressions of the children in these powerful photographs.
Wee Muckers – Youth of Belfast
Toby Binder
1st Place / People / Children
Toby Binder’s Wee Muckers – Youth of Belfast captures the daily lives of teenagers in Belfast, Northern Ireland, offering a powerful look into the complexities of identity in a city shaped by history and politics. After the Brexit referendum, Binder focused his lens on working-class youth in Belfast, exploring how culture, religion, and nationalism are often dictated by the “accident” of where you are born. This notion by Belfast-born novelist Paul McVeigh resonates with Binder’s work.
McVeigh poignantly observes,“If I had been born at the top of my street, behind the corrugated-iron border, I would have been British. Incredible to think. My whole idea of myself, the attachments made to a culture, heritage, religion, nationalism and politics are all an accident of birth. I was one street away from being born my ‘enemy’”
In these raw, intimate images, Binder portrays the resilience and vulnerability of the youth, whose expressions reveal both the scars of the past and a hopeful gaze toward the future. As jury member Daria Bonera notes, the work is “powerful and intense,” challenging us to reflect on how children inherit not just their environment, but the tensions that come with it.
Congolese Flower
Reiny Bourgonje
3rd Place / Fine Art / Portrait
Reiny Bourgonje’s Congolese Flower is a striking portrait from his series on adoption and refugee children. The image features a young Congolese girl, radiating grace as she stands in a gleaming gold dress. The shiny fabric captures and reflects the light, adding a layer of elegance to her presence.
As jury member Paris Chong aptly describes, the portrait is “simply elegant”, showcasing not just the beauty of the subject but the strength and dignity that children from challenging backgrounds often embody. The photograph is a testament to Bourgonje’s ability to capture both the vulnerability and resilience of youth.
Natan with His Neighbour
Tariq Zaidi
2nd Place / People / Children
Captured in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tariq Zaidi’s portrait shows 8-year-old Natan (left) with his neighbor (right). Natan, a school student and “sapeur” (a member of the stylish subculture of the Congo) for three years, is dressed in stylish, carefully chosen attire that reflects his pride and individuality. The photograph beautifully captures the bond between these two young friends, highlighting both their youthful spirit and the unique cultural expression they embody.
Parallel Universes of Children
Ugur Gallenkus
1st Place / Book/Other
Ugur Gallenkus’s Parallel Universes of Children is an impactful and thought-provoking series that shines a light on the stark contrasts between privileged and oppressed children worldwide. This 108-page hardcover book presents 50 striking photo collages, blending images of children in drastically different circumstances. From those suffering in conflict zones and poverty, to children enjoying the comforts of modern life, Gallenkus masterfully juxtaposes these realities to highlight the disparities that define childhood for so many around the globe.
As Jury member Jamason Chen notes, the book’s design and thoughtful layout elevate the project from just an online montage to a tangible and collectible visual statement—an “important statement for the human bibliothèque.”
Conclusion
The 2024 International Photography Awards not only celebrates the skill of talented photographers but also highlights the diverse realities of childhood across the globe. These award-winning photographs, ranging from intimate portraits of youth in conflict zones to celebratory depictions of cultural pride, offer a powerful glimpse into the resilience and spirit of children. Through these visual stories, we are reminded of the universal nature of childhood—no matter where in the world a child may live. As the IPA winners demonstrate, photography has the profound ability to bridge cultural divides and bring attention to the voices of children who often go unheard.
View the 2024 IPA winners gallery here.