Pure Street Photography Awards 2026
The Pure Street Photography Awards 2026 stand among the world’s most respected international honours dedicated exclusively to the art of street photography. Created to celebrate photographs defined by honesty, observation and humanity, the Awards recognise work that transforms ordinary moments into enduring visual stories.
Selected from 1,582 photographs submitted from 50 countries, the 2026 edition celebrates 8 winning photographers and 158 finalists. Their work now becomes part of one of the world’s most respected international platforms dedicated exclusively to street photography.
Following the historic success of the 2025 Awards Exhibition at Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai, which welcomed more than 25,000 visitors in six days, the 2026 edition continues this cultural momentum, expanding both its international reach and artistic ambition.
From 20 to 22 November 2026, these winning and finalist photographs will be presented in print at the prestigious Jawahar Kala Kendra, Jaipur, as part of India’s largest and first exhibition dedicated to street photography.
Set within one of India’s most celebrated cultural institutions, the exhibition celebrates the enduring importance of experiencing photographs as physical prints, bringing together photographers from across the world in a shared celebration of street photography.
For those who believe that photography has the power to preserve what the world so often overlooks, these photographs stand as a celebration of observation, humanity and the enduring spirit of street photography.
Speaking about the exceptional standard of this year’s competition, Fiona Shields, Head of Photography, The Guardian, said:
“The entries to the Pure Street Photography competition possess a wit and precision that define this unique craft, celebrating marvellous moments of fleeting serendipity.”
For those who believe in the human eye as the most instinctive and meaningful lens, this is a moment to be seen, celebrated and remembered.
These photographs now take their place in the continuing history of contemporary street photography.
OPEN CATEGORY WINNERS
Grand Winner, © Daniel Kashi (France), Chantilly June 2025
“I was really drawn to the abstract nature of this image of reflection. It’s a complex, atmospheric clash of activity and the band of clouds captured at the top of the frame gives it a surreal, Daliesque quality.”
- Fiona Shields, Head of Photography, The Guardian
First Place Winner, © Leone Von Dizic (Italy), Threshold
“A play on perspective is one of street photography’s most enchanting qualities, and here the photographer uses the hands in the foreground so perfectly to cradle the characters aloft in the scene.”
- Fiona Shields, Head of Photography, The Guardian
Second Place Winner, © Taichi Naitou (Japan), Guuin
“A witty moment of precision from the photographer who spots an optical illusion. The vivid nature of the people in the frame adds to the sense of fun.” - Fiona Shields, Head of Photography, The Guardian
Third Place Winner, © Marco Cajazzo (Italy), The Last Light
“I really enjoyed the shadowplay in this image. It reminded me of a sinister scene in a graphic novel depicting a creeping sense of paranoia.” - Fiona Shields, Head of Photography, The Guardian
BLACK AND WHITE CATEGORY WINNERS
Grand Winner, © Cesare Simioni (Brazil), Soul Beneath the Paint
“Indeed this is a great photograph. Humanism is one of the characteristics very important of Street Photography. It’s a very impressive image. The black and white is perfect, as well as the composition and the light measurement. As dear Dimpy used to say, as well as me, this is a ‘oh my goodness wow’. Congratulations to this deserved award.” - Rui Palha, Internationally Acclaimed Street Photographer
First Place Winner, © Chris Mozyro (United Kingdom), From Salute to Cheers
“This is a great example what Street Photography should be, in spite of so many ways to obtain a Street Photograph. Not posed, at all, the location of the subjects is perfect, the black and white is excellent, as well as the lighting measurement. My sincere congratulations. Long Live Street Photography.” - Rui Palha, Internationally Acclaimed Street Photographer
Second Place Winner, © Jonathan Varjabedian (USA), Untold Story
“This one is what Street Photography should be. The capture of an unique moment. It’s not an easy shot. The slow motion adds a lot and the woman, completely unposed and ‘frozen’ is fantastic. A decisive moment, indeed. My congratulations for the deserved 2nd place. I Love it. Let me add that it’s not an easy photograph, made in a low light atmosphere, as usually in underground.” - Rui Palha, Internationally Acclaimed Street Photographer
Third Place Winner, © Sven Delaye (France), The Rain
“This is a wonderful Street Photography. The method used, through the glass, in a rainy day, adds a lot to it. The composition is perfect, as well as the rainy atmosphere. Good light measurement, also. Love it. A very well deserved 3rd place. Congratulations.” - Rui Palha, Internationally Acclaimed Street Photographer
“Street photography begins with honesty. It doesn’t wait for perfection or performance. It asks us to notice what everyone else walked past. Every photograph in this exhibition is a reminder that life doesn’t become meaningful just because it is extraordinary. It becomes meaningful because someone truly saw it.”
- Dimpy Bhalotia, Co-founder and Creative Director, Pure Street Photography
Meet the Finalists
“Every exhibition begins long before a photograph reaches the wall. It begins with trust, thoughtful selection and the belief that photographers should know their work will be seen with care. Recognition shouldn’t end with an online announcement. Photographs deserve to be printed, lived with and experienced together. That is where new conversations begin, and where photography truly comes to life. We hope every finalist and winner feels proud to be part of this exhibition.” - Kamal Kumaar Rao, Co-founder and Art Director, Pure Street Photography
Meet the Semi Finalists
Meet the World-Class International Jury
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Fiona Shields
Fiona Shields is one of the most influential editorial voices in contemporary photography. As the Head of Photography at The Guardian, she has shaped global visual storytelling for over two decades, commissioning, curating, and championing photography that is honest and deeply human. Renowned for her editorial integrity and discerning eye, Fiona has played a pivotal role in elevating photography on an international stage. As the judge for the Open Street Photography category at the Pure Street Photography Awards 2026, she brings unparalleled experience, clarity of vision, and a profound commitment to truth in visual storytelling.
Fiona will judge the Open Street Photography category at the Pure Street Photography Awards 2026.
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Rui Palha
Rui Palha, a master of light and shadow and a long-time Leica collaborator who leads Leica workshops worldwide, is one of the world’s most respected and influential photographers. His black-and-white images transcend documentation to become visual poetry. Based in Lisbon, Rui began photographing at the age of 14. His work explores the silent intensity of human connection and the beauty of fleeting moments. His acclaimed exhibitions have spanned continents, with titles such as Glances(2001), Urbanices (2005), and Pelas Ruas de Macau (2015–16). His photographs are celebrated for their emotional depth and rhythm, often reminiscent of cinematic storytelling. Through his exhibitions and publications, Rui has inspired generations of photographers to look beyond the surface and into the soul of everyday life.
Rui will judge the Black & White Street Photography category at the Pure Street Photography Awards 2026.
Website: ruipalha.com
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Dimpy Bhalotia
Dimpy Bhalotia is an internationally acclaimed photographer, curator and creative director. Widely celebrated for her distinctive visual perspective and originality, her photographs have been exhibited and published internationally, earning recognition from many of the world’s leading photography publications and galleries.
Her work has received more than 24 international photography awards. She also served as Jury President for the Photography discipline at the ADC 103rd Annual Awards (The One Club for Creativity).
As Finalist Judge, Dimpy Bhalotia brings a thoughtful curatorial eye and a deep understanding of visual storytelling, recognising photographs with emotional depth and enduring visual strength.
Website: dimpybhalotia.com
A Commitment to Blind Judging
At Pure Street Photography, integrity and fairness are at the heart of our judging process.
For the Pure Street Photography Awards, all judging was conducted through a completely blind process. Throughout the judging process, Fiona Shields judged the Open Category and Rui Palha judged the Black and White Category without access to the photographer’s name, nationality, gender, biography or any other identifying information.
Each photograph was judged solely on its artistic merit, ensuring that every decision reflected the strength of the work alone.
Rules
Theme: Street Photography Only
Eligibility: The Awards are open to all. Both professional and amateur photographers are welcome to participate.
No AI or Manipulation: AI-generated, generative AI, AI-assisted image creation or digitally manipulated photographs
are not accepted.Editing Policy: Only minor adjustments for exposure, contrast, tones, and cropping are permitted.
Any compositing, object removal, sky replacement, or digital alteration of content is strictly prohibited.Accepted Formats: Colour and Black & White photographs
Equipment: Photographs may be shot with any camera or mobile device
Submission Integrity: All photographs must be original work by the entrant.
Transparency & Copyright
Copyright always remains with the photographer. Pure Street Photography Awards does not claim ownership or exclusive rights over any submitted image.
Selected works may be used ONLY for Pure Street Photography Awards promotion, exhibitions, and press features, always with full credit to the photographer. Photographs will never be used for any unrelated or third-party purpose.
Photographs will not be published or printed in any book, zine, or catalogue without the photographer’s prior written consent. If Pure Street Photography Awards ever plans to do so, the photographer will be contacted first and will retain full freedom to accept or decline.
No commercial use, licensing, merchandising or print sales will ever take place without the photographer’s prior written consent.
Pure Street Photography Awards does not request any additional fees after submission or selection. Once selected, all stages from exhibition to press are fully covered.
Independence & Integrity
Pure Street Photography Awards is a completely independent platform. It has no sponsors, partners, or external funding influence. PSP Awards is self-funded and community-driven. Every judging decision is made purely on artistic integrity, authenticity, and merit.
This independence allows the Awards to remain unbiased, transparent, and free from commercial or institutional pressure.
There are no brand promotions, paid partnerships, or hidden agendas - only photography judged for its truth, timing, and storytelling.
Each photograph is evaluated with equal respect, regardless of the photographer’s background, equipment, or popularity.
Our commitment is simple: great work deserves recognition for its honesty, not its network.
Every edition exists because photographers choose to support independent judging, not because of corporate sponsorships or advertising.
This independence keeps the platform honest, fair, and focused entirely on the art of seeing.
Experience Our Past Pure Street Photography Awards Exhibitions
Pure Street Photography Awards 2027 is Open Now
The Pure Street Photography Awards 2027 continue to honour photographers who see the world with honesty, sensitivity and human depth. Open to photographers from around the world, the Awards welcome those who look beyond surface perfection to recognise moments of truth, timing and timelessness.
Our Judges Represent the World’s Leading Institutions in Photography, Media and Advertising.
Our distinguished judges are internationally respected editors, curators and creative leaders from The Guardian, The Washington Post, Ogilvy and the International Center of Photography.
