Istanbul: Photography has a unique power to spark awareness and evoke emotions, said the winners of the Nature and Environment, and Sports categories at Istanbul Photo Awards 2025.
According to Anadolu Agency, Istanbul Photo Awards, organized by Anadolu for its 11th consecutive year, awarded 29 photographers across 10 categories. The selections were made from approximately 22,000 submissions from around the world, a testament to the contest's growing prestige which has attracted entries from more than 20,000 photographers globally since its inception.
Hungarian photographer Bence Mate was awarded second prize in the Single Nature and Environment category for his image "Surrounded," capturing a fleeting moment of harmony between an elephant and quelea birds. "This photo was taken during a magical moment in the African wilderness," Mate told Anadolu, adding that it was one of his best shots that had not previously been published. He described the scene as the "silhouette of the elephant merged with the chaotic yet graceful dance of the birds," creating an unexpected visual symphony. Mate emphasized patience, intuition, and a touch of luck as key elements in capturing such moments, highlighting the importance of understanding animal behavior.
Mate believes that photography transcends linguistic, political, and cultural boundaries, inspiring empathy and action. He also stressed the ethical responsibility photographers have to present their subjects truthfully and respectfully. "With this power comes responsibility - we must be honest, respectful, and ethical in how we portray our subjects," Mate stated.
Reflecting on technological advancements, Mate noted that while tools like autofocus and noise reduction have revolutionized photography, the essence of an image lies in the story it tells, not the technology used. He highlighted the importance of authenticity amidst rising digital manipulation, stating, "The line between reality and manipulation has never been thinner."
In the Single Sports category, Colombian photographer Camilo Diaz won third prize for his underwater image "Freediver Among Sardines," taken in the waters of Moalboal, the Philippines. Diaz, who specializes in underwater photography, said the discipline demands creativity, physical endurance, and environmental sensitivity. He hopes his work highlights the fragile abundance in ecosystems and supports sustainable tourism and conservation initiatives.
Diaz described Moalboal as an inspirational space that encourages environmental care and responsible tourism. He praised technology for its role in spreading environmental messages quickly, emphasizing the immediacy of photography in driving conservation efforts.
Anadolu's Istanbul Photo Awards has become a cornerstone of global photojournalism, celebrating the art of visual storytelling and shedding light on critical issues worldwide. This year's contest is supported by Turkcell as the communication sponsor, the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) as the overseas event sponsor, and Turkish Airlines as the airline sponsor.