Open Theme nominee

A “Ring of Fire” annular solar eclipse soars overhead as two intrepid ice climbers pause atop the mighty Glacier Leones. A drone illuminates the ice’s textures and colours, battling fierce winds that whip up plumes of snow that burn in the sun’s rays. Years of meticulous planning culminate in one image capturing the delicate balance between the sun's power, survival of glaciers, and the livelihoods tied to sub-zero environments.

These two friends have spent their lives growing up around ice. Now glacier guides, their livelihoods are directly dependent on the survival of the glacier. Witnessing the eclipse was a bittersweet moment. While beautiful, this glacier has been retreating at an alarming rate, and the time an eclipse passes this location, forecasts predict that there will no longer be a glacier for anyone to stand upon.

Liam Man earned international acclaim as a photographer, artist, explorer, and environmentalist. Specialising in nocturnal landscape photography and aerial light painting, his work is dedicated to changing how we see our world, garnering numerous awards and honours including being awarded the title of “Open Photographer of the Year” at the 2024 World Photography Awards.
Blending technical mastery of light with emotional depth, viewers are transported into a surreal impressions of familiar places that are grounded in reality.
Based in the United Kingdom, Liam’s early experiments in photography evolved into a signature style that shapes darkness to reveal hidden textures and contours that would otherwise go unseen. As his acclaim grew, he became a Sony Imaging Ambassador, solidifying his position as a leading figure in contemporary photography.
Today, Liam Man’s work continues to inspire awe and reflection. Combining artistry with advocacy, he offers a vision of the world that highlights its fragile beauty while challenging viewers to consider their relationship with the environment.