Selected from an impressive range of global submissions, the winning works span diverse themes — from abstract expression and personal identity to powerful human stories — showcasing the depth and reach of contemporary photography.

Program Director Hannah Lillethun expressed her admiration for this year’s participants:

"The 2025 BIFA entries demonstrated an exceptional level of creativity and vision. Each photographer brought a unique perspective that challenged conventions and celebrated individuality. The winning works reveal not only technical mastery but also the emotional and conceptual depth that defines truly great photography. I congratulate all participants for their creativity and dedication."

This year’s Photographer of the Year title has been awarded to Chrissie Hall for her remarkable project Layers of the Kaleidoscope Qween. A celebration of transformation and self-expression, the 242-page book is the culmination of a 15-year creative collaboration between Hall and her muse, Charly.

“A Qween is fierce, bold, and fabulous. You know a Qween when you see one. A Kaleidoscope Qween has the same foundations but is in a state of flux,” Hall explains. “They transform via colours, textures, and layers. The mind tries to categorise them, box them, hold them, but it can’t – they are transcendent.”

Through a fusion of film, paint, mixed media, and character-driven storytelling, Layers of the Kaleidoscope Qween captures the spirit of every Qween who has refused to conform.

The Discovery of the Year award in the Student/Amateur division goes to Ágnes Dudás from Budapest, Hungary, for her poetic piece Graphite Pencil Drawing Drafts. In this work, Dudás explores the connection between painting, drawing, and photography, using crumpled foil and light to create the illusion of a graphite sketch.

“By this picture, I tried to bring these two forms of art closer to each other,” she explains. “The girl’s figure standing behind the foil appears almost drawn, shaped by light and shadow.” A graphic designer by profession, Dudás began pursuing photography seven years ago after attending a fine arts course in Budapest, developing a passion for abstract forms, street scenes, and artistic portraits.

The Photographer of the Year receives a $3,000 cash prize and the distinguished BIFA trophy, while the Discovery of the Year winner is awarded $2,000 and a trophy. Category winners also receive cash prizes and the opportunity for global exposure through international exhibitions.

BIFA continues its mission to promote the work of professional and emerging photographers to the growing artistic community of Budapest and beyond, offering a platform that celebrates the transformative power of visual storytelling.

The full list of winners, including all Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Honorable Mentions, can be viewed on the BIFA Website.