Location: Havana, Cuba
“Timeless Ride Through Havana”
Description: It’s a classic Cuban scene: a vintage 1950s American model, parked on a sunlit street, El Capitolio standing tall in the background. This photograph represents everything that Cuba embodies.

Location: Nice, France
Description: This photo shows a man who has been working at his business of making flower bouquets every morning to sell to the people of Nice. In French culture, it is normal to get your lady or a woman in your family a bouquet of flowers and to keep replenishing them. Especially for a girlfriend or wife as a romantic gesture. Romance in France is one of the most beautiful things. He gave me permission to take this photo when I said I was an art student and loved what he did each morning to make people smile everyday.

Location: Ireland
Description: This was taken on one of our last hikes, while in Ireland we got to see so many amazing views. This one stood out to me because it was the last one I got to see before departing for the US. The sun reflecting over the water as it slowly sets encapsulates the ending of the amazing journey I had in Ireland.

“Kinkakuji, Kyoto”
Location: Kyoto, Japan
Description: Kinkaku-ji, Golden Pavilion, enshrines the Buddha and in 1399 was dedicated to Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy. Each of the three stories is built in an unique architectural style. The top two stories are covered in pure gold leaf weighing approx 44 pounds.

“Favro Shredding Coconut”
Location: Chuuk, Federated States of Micronesia
Description: Favro shredding fresh coconut to make coconut milk for the pounded breadfruit.

“Lagoon Sunset”
Location: Chuuk, Federated States of Micronesia
Description: This is a picture of the Chuuk lagoon at sunset time.

“Sainte Chapelle”
Location: Paris, France
Description: This is the stained glass of Sainte Chapelle, a truly magical sight and one I will never forget.

“Stooped in time, Havana”
Location: Havana, Cuba
Description: Two siblings enjoying the boisterous streets of Havana from the stoop of their home

*Maggie Van Valkenburgh ’26 “Stooped in time, Havana” won twice, once for Local Culture 3rd place and again for Local Culture People’s Choice.

“Island’s Edge” Number: NW 20
Location: Chuuk, Federated States of Micronesia
Description: A lone tree at the edge of a tiny island in the Chuuk Lagoon. It takes less than 2 minutes to walk around the outer edge of its compiled coral skeletons, holding out against the ocean with decades old seawalls.

“Concrete Jungle”
Location: New York, U.S.A.
Description: A view of the New York City skyline, featuring the Empire State Building, from the Brooklyn Bridge. A dream come true.

“Stooped in time, Havana”
Location: Havana, Cuba
Description: Two siblings enjoying the boisterous streets of Havana from the stoop of their home

*Maggie Van Valkenburgh ’26 “Stooped in time, Havana” won twice, once for Local Culture 3rd place and again for Local Culture People’s Choice.

“Cliffs of Donegal”
Location: Donegal, Ireland

Location: Sevilla, Spain

Description: ​​My favorite place in Sevilla, beautiful structures surrounded by talent of musicians and dancers.

Judges’ Comment: The overall balance is great and the color is so vibrant. And the reflection of the building on the river is also wonderful.

Location: Rinzai Zen temple, Kyoto Japan

Judges’ Comment: Excellent use of color, structure, balance and depth. The trees framed by the cut out in the wall really draws the eye into the photo.

Location: Blyde River Canyon, South Africa

Judges’ Comment: This photo captures the depth and magnitude of the mountains.

Location: London, UK

Description: Evening walks along Westminster Abbey

Judges’ Comment: Captured the beauty and wonder of the building and the sky. Interesting angle. Taking the picture from below makes buildings more wonderful.

Location: Chefchaouen, Morocco

Description: In the Streets of Chefchaouen: A glimpse of the creative crafts seen in the beautiful blue streets of Chefchaouen in Morocco.

Judges’ Comment: I really like the vibrant blue all over the picture. The composition is perfect because this picture has depth and The ornaments placed on the stairs one by one are really adorable.

Location: South Africa

Description: A close-up view of the eye on a South African crocodile

Judges’ Comment: This photo was very surprising. The overall composition and details of the crocodile skin are perfect.

Location: Kasbah Square, Tunisia

Judges’ Comment: The red of national flags contrasted against the cloudless sky is captivating to the eye.

Location: Veyane Cultural Village St.Lucia

Judges’ Comment: The best part of this picture is the dynamic movement of two men who are dancing.

Location: Spain

Judges’ Comment: The unique stairs and the beautiful night sky make this photo very romantic.

Location: London, UK
Description: The Big Ben

Location: Iceland
Description: Þrettándahátíð. Participating in the 12th Night Celebration like little kids with swords that were lit on fire (you can see a sword in the photo). At the event, fireworks are lit, bonfires are lit, music is played, food markets are open, and, of course, drinking until dawn is allowed in Icelandic tradition. This event is to chase the elves back to the mountains.

Location: Switzerland
Description: Zermatt Switzerland

1st Prize, Wesley Bruce ’25

Pigeon at the Colosseum

Rome, Italy

Description: This is a shot of a fairly chunky pigeon resting on the ledge of the Colosseum in Rome, Italy. The pigeon was healthily sized and seemed to flaunt its wing upright in a prideful position. While initially amused at its size, I thought it was ironic seeing a fat bird sit comfortably on the ledge of a structure where men fought, not only for pride but for their lives! I thumb-wrestled my brother whilst inside just to say I competed whilst inside the structure…the stakes weren’t exactly as high but it’s something!

Judges’ Comment: “The scale of the bird in relation to the ruins is…very interesting. The bird becomes monumental!”