Portraits '23

"Daughter of the Mountains" By: Naziia Raitova

Holidays in the mountains give an incredible trace, making you want to forget the bustle of city life, gather strength and energy, and be charged with new positive emotions. This photo makes you admire nature's splendor, breathe in pure air, and hear mountain sounds. My friend's beautiful dress is a perfect demonstration of the national Kyrgyz ornament, a rich heritage that has come down to us from distant ancestors who, for many centuries, were a powerful mixture of different tribes and nationalities, their cultures, and their religions. Location: Chuy Region, Kyrgyzstan

“Saskatche-WIN” By: Erik Hayes

Road-tripping across the Trans-Canada Highway, from Manitoba to British Columbia, Ryland and Ronan Hayes, along with friend Hunter Hill, tied in traditional “first one to cross the border sign” race. The top of the sign was wide enough to provide the perfect location for border picture #2! Location – the Tran-Canada Highway right on the Manitoba / Saskatchewan border.

"Embraced by the Golden Hour" by Lyra Lee

Location: Gapyeong-gun, South Korea Few days before the end of senior year of high school

"Stone Faced" by Jim Hanson

The moai, head statues of Easter Island, were carved from volcanic rock along the outer edge of the extinct volcano Ma′unga Terevaka and stood up before walking them across the island to their intended location. Some, like these two, were abandoned at the volcano. Stone-faced means lacking humor, but I laugh every time I look at this photo. Location: Ma′unga Terevaka, Rapa Nui (Easter Island)

The Bugis Walk

Each street in Singapore has its personality. Some are filled with trees and foliage, while some are bustling with people and cars. Northbridge Road near the Bras Basah shop and Bugis feature ornate buildings complemented by lush greenery. Location: Bras Basah & Bugis in Singapore

"Wait" By: Yueqiao Wang

This photo, taken in Nanjing, Jiangsu, China, highlights the challenges faced by delivery drivers in the China's booming online shopping and food delivery industry. Despite the government's efforts to introduce regulations to protect their rights and welfare, drivers often feel pressure to break traffic rules to ensure timely deliveries and avoid negative feedback, leading to dangerous working conditions. The photo captures a moment of waiting in front of heavy traffic, highlighting the difficult choices drivers face between earning a living and prioritizing their safety. However, accidents do occur in other days, underscoring the need for continued attention and support for the safety and wellbeing of delivery drivers. Nanjing, Jiangsu, China