The Pure Street Photography Awards 2025 has unveiled its winners, featuring some of the world's most compelling street photography from nearly 1,200 entries across 34 countries. The competition, judged by David Campany, Creative Director at the International Center of Photography in New York, celebrates authentic street photography through its dedicated platform.
German photographer Stefanie Waiblinger claimed the Grand Winner title with her captivating image "Who is Next," captured on Istanbul's iconic Galata Bridge. "The Galata Bridge in Istanbul – a place full of life, tradition and spectacular scenery – became the stage for a very special moment," Waiblinger explained. "Against the backdrop of the Istanbul skyline, between mosques and minarets, the bride throws her bouquet into the air – a spontaneous, lively moment full of joy and symbolism."
Waiblinger, a professional architect who began street photography as a hobby several years ago, found her passion quickly evolving into something more meaningful. She believes photography has expanded her creativity and fundamentally changed how she perceives the world around her.
United Kingdom photographer Cazerella Tavs earned first place with her delightfully unexpected shot "Meeting in the Middle." Tavs described her award-winning photograph as "a pleasant surprise," explaining the spontaneous nature of the capture. "There is always an element of surprise to photography and a thrill in capturing a candid moment that can never be replicated. This was one of those moments," she said. "An unexpected standoff in the middle of a quiet rural road, where two cows pause as if negotiating the right of way. It emphasizes form, symmetry, and contrast – what might otherwise be a fleeting roadside encounter transforms into a playful reflection on standstills, stubbornness, and the gentle comedy of rural life – a reminder that even traffic jams can be charming when left to cows!"
Second place went to Chinese photographer Chris Yan for his striking image "Mirror," captured in a Beijing market. Yan described the serendipitous moment: "Two girls passed by me on an electric bike. One of the girls was holding a large mirror, and her figure was reflected in the mirror. The figure in the mirror merged with the girl in front, which looked very interesting."
Completing the top three winners is German photographer Nicole Prüm with "Phantom of the Past," a compelling street photograph taken in New York City in 2023. The image features a man whose timeless style and classic attire would not have looked out of place decades ago. "This shot was taken spontaneously during a walk through New York City 2023. It captures a figure whose profile and attire – fedora and suit – immediately call to mind the appearance of Al Capone," Prüm explained. "The actual humor lies in the pure chance of the moment: the classic, historical allusion stands directly in front of a modern NYPD Police SUV in the background."
Beyond the top winners, the competition recognized 147 finalists total, with 36 selected finalists showcasing the diverse range of street photography talent worldwide. The featured finalist photographs include works by photographers from various countries, including Pramod Pathak, Cristiano Bartoli, Adriana Palermo, Shreenivas Yenni, Nick Grinder, Sakulchai Sikitikul, Eric Davidove, Jepin Krishna, Jignesh Chavda, Nicola Balestrazzi, Scarlett Freund, France Leclerc, Gerd Bonse, Danielle L. Goldstein, Judith Krasinski, Mona Singh, Omkar Karpe, Irina Ebralidze, Joaquin Pastor Genzor, Anjali Bist, Liliana Ranalletta, Kelly Conlin, Jeff Rothstein, Kausik Paul, Jaejoon Ha, Kaustav Gangopadhyay, Mariana Basurto, Marco Cajazzo, Anna Maria Soria, Bjoern Maletz, Vesala Stankov, Gavin Libotte, Marko Buntic, Gongbu Han, Marika Poquet, and Jelisa Peterson.
Pure Street Photography, founded in 2020 by photographer Dimpy Bhalotia and her creative partner Kamal Kumaar Rao, has established itself as one of the leading platforms dedicated to celebrating authentic street photography. The organization continues to champion the art form's ability to capture genuine moments of human experience and urban life.
The complete collection of awarded images can be viewed on Pure Street Photography's official website. Additionally, the photographs will be featured in a special exhibition at Jehangir Art Gallery in Mumbai from January 22-27, 2026. According to Pure Street Photography, this will be the largest street photography exhibition ever held at the prestigious gallery. As founder Dimpy Bhalotia eloquently stated, "Street photography is the reminder that the world is worth looking at in all its layers and depth. The Pure Street Photography Awards exist to keep that truth alive."
