With many thanks to this month's adjudicator, Victor Wong.

This month, we have a total of 20 entries for the travel image competition. We are privileged to view stunning photographs from around the world. A key element of compelling travel photos is a strong sense of place. While many of these images are beautifully composed and executed, their impact can be diminished if viewers lack context about their locations. Providing clues or captions about where these photos were taken can greatly enhance their storytelling power and viewer engagement.

This month’s entries are relatively strong, making the selection process quite challenging. After careful consideration, I am pleased to present my curated selection of the standout winner, along with three highly commended photographs that truly deserve special recognition.

Winner

Camel Herder Resting by Jo Court

I really like this photo with strong visual and compositional qualities. The composition is simple but effective, with the camels and herder positioned in a way that naturally guides my eye across the scene. The arrangement of the camels’ heads forming a line leading towards the herder creates a great sense of depth and focus.

I also love the colour harmony here: the matching blue sky and the yellow trousers of the herder work beautifully together, creating a vibrant yet balanced palette. The earthy tones of the camels complement the desert landscape nicely, adding warmth and unity to the image.

The way that all the subjects’ eyes are gazing directly at the camera creates a strong connection, making me feel engaged and curious about the scene. The relaxed posture of both the herder and the camels enhances the storytelling.This image captures an authentic moment with thoughtful composition and striking colours, making it the winner of the month.

Highly Commended

Street Fun in Old Havana, Cuba by Kaikong Wong

This street scene in Havana, Cuba, captures a lively and colourful moment that immediately draws me in. The vibrant yellow and green cars, along with the boy in red, create a nice triangle that feels both balanced and dynamic. The colour harmony between these elements is very appealing and adds a sense of cohesion to the scene.

I love the joyful energy of the boy playing with the ball. It's a lovely, candid moment that embodies the street's lively spirit. The composition feels natural and spontaneous, making me feel like I’m right there in the midst of the action.

However, I think a lighter-coloured wall and brighter subject matter might help draw the viewer’s eye more directly to the main action, since currently, my attention is slightly pulled toward the white wall behind. Also, it would be better if the boy at the far end didn’t overlap with the front boy’s hand, as that overlapping slightly distracts from the clarity of the focal points.

 This is a charming and lively street shot that beautifully captures everyday life in Havana. With a few tweaks to lighting and composition, it could become even more powerful.

Young Shipyard Worker, Dhaka, Bangladesh by Brian Houghton

When I look at this photograph taken at the shipyard in Dhaka, the boy’s direct gaze into the camera, combined with his sad and uncertain expression, draws me deeply into his world. His eyes seem to whisper stories of hardship and resilience, creating an authentic emotional connection that resonates beyond the frame.

The composition is thoughtfully executed, with the subject positioned according to the rule of thirds, effectively drawing focus amidst the busy, cluttered background. The subtle vignette guides the viewer’s attention toward the boy, highlighting his significance in the scene without distraction. Despite the challenging working conditions (barefoot, unprotected, wielding simple tools, and surrounded by heavy machinery) the boy’s presence remains powerful and compelling.

Chhath Festival, Kolkata, India by Saurabh Bhattacharya

This vibrant photograph vividly captures the energetic atmosphere of the Chhath Festival at Jagannath Ghat, Kolkata. The scene is filled with lively colours, from the traditional attire of the participants to the decorative elements, creating a festive and culturally rich ambiance. The multitude of people, some standing in queues holding offerings for ritual immersion adds a sense of order amidst the lively activity, guiding the viewer’s eye through the scene towards the devotees standing in the water.

However, the image feels quite busy and crowded, making it difficult to anchor a clear focal point. To enhance the composition, emphasizing a specific subject or action, such as a central figure performing a ritual could help direct the viewer’s attention more effectively.