Heartbreaking portrait of a woman from Evia wins 2022 Siena International Photo Awards

Last year, Siena International Photo Awards showed us some of the most moving photos we’ve ever seen. The results of the 2022 contest are now out, and as always – they didn’t disappoint.

This year’s overall winner is the photo titled Woman from Evia, shot by Greek photographer Konstantinos Tsakalidis. But other than the overall winner, the contest shares winners and runner-ups across its 11 categories, so there are plenty of stunning photos and videos to admire.

The winning image captures the desperation of Kritsiopi Panayiota, an 81-year-old woman, as the flames are approaching her home during the serious forest fires that hit Greece in the summer of 2021 and caused extensive environmental damage. In case the photo seems familiar, perhaps you’ve seen it as the winner of this year’s World Press Photo as well.

Panayiota’s image was selected from tens of thousands of photos that were submitted to Siena by photographers from 140 countries. Along with other category winners, it will be on display in Siena from 1 October to 20 November 2022. The exhibition will also include the winners and runner-ups of the Creative Photo Awards and Drone Photo Awards. Visitors will also have a chance to see solo exhibitions of Danish Siddiqui, an Indian photographer killed on 16 July 2021 while documenting the combat between Afghan troops and the Taliban, as well as exhibitions featuring the work of Ami Vitale, Dan Winters, and Peter Mather.

Take a look at the category winners and runner-ups below. Keep in mind, though, that some photos are not for the faint-hearted. Make sure to visit SIPA’s website for more photos and more information about the contest.

Street Photography

Journeys and Adventures

Fascinating faces and characters

The Beauty of Nature

Animals in their environment

Architecture & Urban Spaces

Sports in Action

Documentary & Photojournalism

Under 20

Underwater Life

Storytelling

1st place – Peter Mather, Urban and Wild

2nd place – Alessio Mamo, Uncovering Iraq

3rd place – Dan Balilty, Ultra Orthodox Pandemic

Short Documentary

1st place – Ami Vitale, Shaba

2nd place – Martin Gregus, 33 Days – Living Among Bears

3rd place – Romain Barats, Unity is strength