Portraits can be endlessly alluring, due to the simple fact that we, as humans, are endlessly curious about other humans. How do others present themselves to us? What are their circumstances? How do they live, work, play, love, survive? How are we different from each other? How are we alike?

There are intriguing stories behind most of these individual portraits and winning series. Some are wildly personal, honest and intimate. Others, while focused on individual characters, reveal human stories that are universal, timeless, mysterious and emotionally powerful.

We encourage you to take the time to look carefully at each of these excellent portraits, and to read the background stories. Each one offers a unique way to connect with humanity across cultures far and wide.

— Jim Casper, on behalf of the jury and the whole team at LensCulture  >>>