Portrait nominee

This portrait was taken in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA, capturing a fleeting moment of humanity and resilience in the face of hardship. The subject’s eyes tell a story of both struggle and dignity, reflecting a life lived without the security of a home, yet not without hope. The composition uses natural light and muted tones to draw the viewer into the emotional depth of the scene, inviting empathy and reflection. Through this image, I aim to shed light on the silent stories that exist in the shadows of our cities.

Iryna Babych is a Ukrainian visual artist and professional photographer based in the United States. She is a member of the Photographic Society of America (PSA) and has exhibited her work internationally, including in London, Rome, and the United States.

With a background in Law and creative direction, she approaches photography with both conceptual depth and strategic vision. Her work explores themes of identity, human connection, resilience, and cultural narrative.

Iryna’s photographic practice combines documentary sensitivity with fine art aesthetics, creating emotionally resonant images that reflect contemporary social realities.