The Top Three winners

1^st prize overall: Ndumo Ntuli

Picture title: I am Asanga, all the way from the Xhosa Kingdom

Why this picture won

Striking Composition

The image uses strong vertical lines from the columns of Wits University's Great Hall to draw the eye upward, giving a sense of grandeur and historical weight. The subject is positioned slightly off-centre using the rule of thirds, which adds balance and visual interest.

Powerful Subject Matter

The individual in traditional Xhosa attire stands proudly in front of a colonial-style building. This juxtaposition tells a layered story—celebrating heritage and identity within a historically academic and perhaps Eurocentric institution. It speaks to cultural pride, presence, and transformation.

Cultural Significance

The image resonates deeply with South Africa’s ongoing narrative of embracing indigenous identity and heritage in modern contexts. The beadwork, posture, and attire powerfully communicate cultural richness and confidence.

Technical Excellence

• Lighting: Natural lighting enhances the textures in both the architecture and the clothing without harsh shadows.
• Focus and Clarity: The subject is crisply focused, standing out against the slightly softer background.
• Colour Harmony: The black, white, and silver of the attire contrast effectively with the warm sandstone of the building and the blue-and-gold banners, creating visual impact.

Emotional and Symbolic Resonance

There's a sense of pride, dignity, and identity in the subject’s stance and expression. Combined with the location, it becomes symbolic—suggesting a reclaiming or celebration of African identity within academic or institutional spaces.

2^nd prize overall: Matthew Webb

Picture title: Reflections in the rain

Why this picture won:

Because of its exceptional use of mood, light, composition, and narrative depth. Here are the reasons that explain its award-winning quality:

Moody Atmosphere & Emotional Impact

The black-and-white treatment, combined with the rainy setting, evokes a strong emotional response—perhaps solitude, introspection, or quiet resilience. The soft reflections on the wet pavement and the overcast sky contribute to a cinematic quality, inviting the viewer to pause and feel.

Masterful Use of Light and Shadow

The contrast between the glowing light of the building’s entrance and the surrounding darkness is striking. The overhead lighting not only illuminates the subject but also creates a dramatic contrast that draws the eye directly to the figure—an excellent use of chiaroscuro. The reflection of light on the wet floor enhances texture and mood.

Strong Composition

• The leading curve of the ramp and railing naturally guides the viewer’s eye toward the person standing under the lit entrance.
• The vertical lines of the tall buildings frame the scene, adding structure and a sense of urban scale.
• The lone human figure provides a focal point and narrative anchor amid an imposing architectural backdrop.

Subtle Storytelling

The image tells a quiet story—perhaps of waiting, transition, or solitude. The lone person, caught in a moment of pause, gives the scene humanity and emotional resonance. Their placement in a large, impersonal architectural space hints at themes like isolation in modern life, or the smallness of the individual within the urban environment.

Technical Excellence

• Exposure and contrast are well-balanced despite the challenging lighting.
• The reflections and wet textures are crisp and intentional.
• The monochrome palette enhances the emotional tone while simplifying the visual narrative.

This is the kind of image that lingers in the mind. It speaks softly but powerfully—and that’s often what makes a photograph truly compelling.

3^rd prize overall: Raksha Pai

Picture title: Time may strip my leaves but not my strength

Why this picture won:

Because of its poetic symbolism, expert use of silhouette and colour, and the harmony between natural and man-made elements. Here’s a breakdown of why it won:

Symbolic Power and Title

The image is titled “Time may strip my leaves but not my strength”, which immediately frames the viewer’s interpretation. The stark silhouette of the leafless tree becomes a metaphor for endurance, resilience, and inner strength despite external change—making the photograph emotionally evocative and layered with meaning.

Stunning Use of Silhouette

The tree is beautifully framed against a fading twilight sky, its bare branches creating a complex and expressive pattern. Silhouetting is a classic technique, and here it’s used to striking effect, both aesthetically and symbolically. The contrast between the dark foreground and the subtle glow of the sunset sky adds depth and intrigue.

Gradient Sky and Colour Mood

The gradient transition from deep blue through soft purples to warm orange at the horizon is visually captivating. This natural palette evokes calm, reflection, and the passage of time, complementing the image’s message and emotional tone.

Composition and Layering

• The tree in the foreground anchors the frame while allowing the viewer to explore the background architecture and distant light.
• The rounded roof of the building mirrors the tree’s curved form, subtly tying natural and human elements together.
• Light glowing from within the building offers a sense of life and continuity—a nice counterpoint to the barren tree.

Balance of Stillness and Movement

The scene feels quiet and reflective, yet there are subtle cues of life—a red car light trail, interior building lights—adding dynamic tension without disrupting the tranquillity.

Narrative Depth

This is not just a technically good photo; it tells a story. It invites viewers to reflect on change, growth, and perseverance—universal themes that resonate deeply.

In essence, this image transcends technical skill and becomes a visual poem.