- ‘I believe news photography holds immense power and responsibility. It is our way of showing the world what is happening, especially in places where people are suffering,’ award-winning photographer Sameer Al-Doumy tells Anadolu

ISTANBUL

The responsibility of journalism is greater than ever, and news photography holds immense power, said the winners of the daily life categories at 2025 İstanbul Photo Awards.

İstanbul Photo Awards, organized by Anadolu for its 11th consecutive year, awarded 29 photographers across 10 categories. The selections were made from approximately 22,000 submissions from around the world, a testament to the contest's growing prestige which has attracted entries from more than 20,000 photographers globally since its inception.

Fabio Bucciarelli was awarded the third prize in the Story Daily Life category for his compelling documentation of Haiti’s humanitarian crisis amid political collapse and armed gang violence, which he covered for La Repubblica.

“For many Western media outlets, Haiti practically doesn’t exist—it’s off the news agenda. Yet the humanitarian and political crisis unfolding in the country is among the most severe in the world,” Bucciarelli told Anadolu.

As with any reporting in difficult areas, his preparation took weeks. He faced major challenges, including blocked roads, sniper fire, makeshift checkpoints, and information blackouts caused by poor connectivity.

Journalism with depth and respect

Bucciarelli highlighted that the time we live in is one where “speed and rapidity distort the significance of news,” supported by technology that fosters the polarization of news and opinions.

“The journalism I believe in stands in contrast to this logic; it is journalism that requires time. Time to empathize with people, time to listen to stories, and time to understand the culture before being able to document it,” he said.

He stressed that making a real difference comes not through sensationalism, but by deeply exploring complex realities and revealing what would otherwise stay hidden, with the goal—perhaps the hope—of raising public awareness and increasing understanding of often overlooked issues.

“All of this comes with a great responsibility that compels us to reflect once again on respect for the subjects photographed, on integrity, and on a profound sense of awareness of its impact,” Bucciarelli said.

“Winning this award represents an important opportunity for me to amplify the message of the stories I tell,” he added.

He pointed out that İstanbul Photo Awards, with its distinguished jury, not only confirms the value of the work but also allows him to “amplify a voice to realities that often go unheard,” reaching people and spaces that otherwise might not be touched.

He added that after winning the first prize in the Story News category in 2021 for documenting COVID-19 in Italy for The New York Times, he has maintained contact with the organization, which continues to build a supportive network among the winning photographers.

Life amid war through award-winning image

Sameer Al-Doumy received the second prize in the Marion Mertens Single Daily Life category for his powerful image capturing resilience in war-torn Homs, Syria, taken while covering the aftermath of regime change for the French news agency AFP.

His photograph captures a man selling fruit in front of an abandoned tank—an unexpected scene that symbolizes resilience amid the wreckage of war.

“It was a strange and emotional experience to return to my home country, Syria, after years in exile due to the war,” he told Anadolu, adding that holding his camera again and documenting such a significant transitional moment in the country’s history felt “deeply personal.”

Al-Doumy’s journey to the scene required more than six hours of driving from Damascus. In a country still navigating the uncertain aftermath of regime change, he relied on instinct and experience rather than detailed planning.

“My goal was to document this historic moment of regime change and how it was affecting daily life,” he said, adding that the journey was long and filled with tension, “but once I reached Homs and found the scene, I knew this image told a larger story — one of survival, adaptation, and quiet defiance.”

He said that he used natural light and focused on composition to contrast the harsh, decaying machinery of war with the simple act of a man selling produce—capturing “symbols of death and life in the same frame.”

“This image means a great meaning to me. It represents the strength and resilience of Syrians who, despite everything, continue to pursue life — even in the shadow of destruction,” Al-Doumy said.

Stressing that hope and humanity persist, even in the darkest times, Al-Doumy said: “On a personal level, this photo marks a return to my roots as a Syrian photographer. It’s a story I felt compelled to share, not just as a journalist, but as someone whose life has also been shaped by this war.”

News photography as testimony that cannot be erased

“I believe news photography holds immense power and responsibility. It is our way of showing the world what is happening, especially in places where people are suffering, and voices are being silenced,” Al-Doumy said.

He added that while news photography may not always bring immediate change, it informs, educates, and preserves truth. “At the very least, it creates a historical record — a testimony that cannot be erased. That, in itself, is powerful,” he underscored.

Al-Doumy added that this year’s award holds special meaning for him, being his first recognition since returning to Syria after the war, for a photo close to his heart.

“It encourages me to keep telling the stories of people who, like me, have endured loss but never lost hope,” he further said, also noting that the process of the award was very smooth and user-friendly.

İstanbul Photo Awards has become a cornerstone of global photojournalism, celebrating the art of visual storytelling while shedding light on critical issues worldwide.

This year’s İstanbul Photo Awards contest is supported by Turkcell as the communication sponsor, the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) as the overseas event sponsor, and Turkish Airlines as the airline sponsor.

More information on the winning photographs and jury members can be found at istanbulphotoawards.com.