This month’s judge, Victor Wong, writes

We received 16 submissions for this month’s competition. Not a huge number, but the mixspans the globe—from South America, Europe, Africa to Asia and Japan. Thank you all for your
contributions and for taking us on a tour around the world.

Winner of the month

The Ride to Amassilik, Greenland

I like the special angle in shooting this dog sledge ride bound for Amassilik Greenland. The blue tones of the gear and the huskies blend harmoniously with the pristine, snowy white landscape, creating a cohesive winter palette. The rider’s lying posture forms a clear leading line, guiding my eye to the husky team, which then channels attention toward the distant cruise boat and the jagged mountains at the image’s edge. The sun sits high, and its starburst anchors the sky with radiant energy, adding a bright compass to the composition. Snow trails carve a path through the scene, inviting movement and depth. A compelling shot showing good sense of place. This is the winner of the month.

Highly commended

Misty Mostar, Bosnia

I like the blue hour mood of Bosnia in this picture. The fog wraps the riverbank in a dreamy hush, softening edges and inviting contemplation. The evening light casts a warm yellow glow from the town below, contrasting beautifully with the cool blue of the sky and water. I notice a strong sense of place here with a timeless bridge and historical buildings, all tethered to a single, quiet moment. It could be more appealing if the composition leaned a touch to the left, inviting the eye away from the darker right side. A small adjustment, a bigger stage for the fog.

Kid in Old Havana, Cuba

This is a simple yet effective shot. A boy on a skate scooter on Havana’s street. The image feels unpretentious, captured in a moment of quiet momentum. The bright sunlight casts crisp shadows, grounding the scene in tangible light. The boy’s outfit (bright red top and blue shorts) pops against the surrounding weathered old, stylish buildings. A typical Cuba street scene in a leisurely and relaxed mood.

Daasanach Woman and child Ethiopia/South Sudan border

The lady and the kid anchor the scene, offering a strong sense of place in a remote tribe in Ethiopia . The primitive mud-woven huts speaks to a simple, enduring life in a desert-like landscape. The red necklace draws all focus to the main character, leaving her looking a bit helpless and lost in the vast world. The composition stays balanced with two villagers in the background, grounding the moment. The image can be more striking if there is interaction between the two characters.