International Portrait Photographer of the Year 2023 in pictures | Art and design

Photographers of all skill levels have taken part in the competition, with Forough Yavari taking out the overall winning spot with her work Salvation. Tue 15 Aug 2023 16.00BST Last modified on Tue 15 Aug 2023 22.05BST

International Portrait Photographer of the Year 2023 – in pictures

Photographers of all skill levels have taken part in the competition, with Forough Yavari taking out the overall winning spot with her work Salvation.

Main image: Salvation by overall winner Forough Yavari of Australia. Born in Iran during the Iranian revolution, her work focuses on the narrative behind the lives of women. Photograph: Forough Yavaori

Tue 15 Aug 2023 16.00 BST Last modified on Tue 15 Aug 2023 22.05 BST

  • Mother Goose

    Actor Ian McKellen in his West End dressing room as he prepares to perform the character of Mother Goose in a pantomime of the same name.

  • Beck Brothers

    Alfred and Paul Beck took over the family printing business at the ages of 17 and 14 respectively. The brothers stand among the machinery that has passed down from generation to generation, reflecting the close bond between the two men. Alfred died late last year.

  • Destroy Together

    The Spring festival is a major Chinese festival. In Deqing County, Zhaoqing, on the 15th day of the first lunar month, people take turns lighting firecrackers and throwing ‘lions’ until the lions are blown to pieces, praying for peace in all seasons and abundant grain.

  • Sonia Herstandez at Home in Havana

    I walked past Sonia’s home in Havana and she was happy to let me come in and photograph her. I loved the old furniture and decorations.

  • Malevi: Diversity in Beauty

    The bugs represent all those who bullied her physically and mentally throughout her life. In the portrait, she is undisturbed by them, almost unaware of their existence. This is Malevi conquering her demons and proudly showcasing her inner and outer beauty.

  • For Divine Blessings

    Dondi is an extreme kind of religious practice in India. The people who practice dondi are revered and it is believed that if the newborns are brought in contact with the performers, the kids will be cured of their ailments.

  • Agadez Touareg

    This is a specific war outfit from the Touareg in Agadez, Niger – today only used for touristic purposes.

  • Persecution of the Kings

    In ancient times, being a king was not an easy task. Persecutions and even executions were not uncommon. Often, these stemmed from differing religious beliefs and values. During Carnevale, Venice becomes a real-life theatrical stage, and many of these historical costumes carry deep perspectives.

  • Lockdown Self-portrait

    This image attempts to capture the gamut of emotions that I felt during Melbourne’s interminable Covid-19 lockdowns. It is a multiple exposure made up of 24 shots.

  • The Shepherd

    This African man is part of a tribe of proud people that believe the Ankole cattle are a gift from their ancestors. They have a sacred duty to protect and care for them. The entire village life revolves around these impressive creatures.

  • Brad and Harriet

    As a parent, all you want is to be listened to.

  • Watching the Rising Ocean

    Keeping a cautious eye on the consequences of the climate crisis.

  • Quiet Contemplation

    A Vietnamese woman sits in the front room of her house looking towards the window light, quietly contemplating her afternoon.
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