Meet the Jury
STREET PHOTOGRAPHY
Craig Whitehead, better known by his moniker Sixstreetunder, is a British street photographer celebrated for his distinctive blend of cinematic color, refined composition, and deeply human storytelling. Based in Cambridge, Whitehead has developed an unmistakable style defined by sharp geometry, layered reflections, and a mastery of light that transforms everyday street scenes into moments of visual poetry. His photographs often feel suspended between reality and abstraction—fleeting gestures, silhouettes, and expressions rendered with an almost painterly attention to detail.
Craig’s approach to street photography is rooted in observation and patience. Rather than relying on spontaneous reaction alone, he studies the rhythm of a place, anticipating interactions between people, architecture, and light. This deliberate method allows him to create images that balance spontaneity with thoughtful structure. Through his lens, ordinary urban spaces become stages where small, intimate dramas unfold, revealing the beauty hidden within routine life.
In addition to his visual work, Craig has become an influential voice in the global street photography community. Through workshops, online education, and social media, he shares insights into color theory, composition, editing, and the philosophy behind his craft. His process-driven tutorials emphasize awareness, intentionality, and the development of a personal visual language—principles that have inspired countless emerging photographers.
Craigs photobooks and long-form projects further showcase his commitment to narrative and cohesion. He is known for sequencing images in ways that create emotional continuity, inviting viewers to slow down and engage with the nuances of each frame. Across his body of work, themes of anonymity, urban solitude, and quiet connection run consistently.
Whether photographing a burst of light against glass or a subtle gesture in a crowded street, Craig Whitehead brings a thoughtful, almost poetic sensitivity to the fleeting moments of everyday life. His work stands as a testament to the power of seeing deeply and finding meaning in the seemingly mundane
BLACK & WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY
Ali Zolghadri is an internationally acclaimed Iranian fine art photographer known for his minimalist and conceptual black-and-white imagery. His work explores silence, solitude, and surreal narratives through precise composition and strong use of negative space.
Zolghadri has received 137 international photography awards from competitions worldwide and has served as a jury member for multiple international photography festivals. His work has been exhibited internationally, including a solo exhibition in Dubai, as well as exhibitions in cities such as Paris, New York, Budapest, and Siena.
Recognized for his artistic achievements, he is a recipient of the UAE 10-year Golden Visa for Exceptional Talent.
LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY
I am a travel and aerial photographer whose work is deeply shaped by the experience of flying a Mavic 3. Aerial photography has opened up a new dimension for me—one of freedom, perspective, and discovery.
From above, familiar places are transformed into abstract compositions, where landscapes reveal hidden geometries, rhythms, and visual balance. Through each image, I aim to go beyond documentation, sharing not only what I see, but the sense of wonder and emotion that emerges when observing the world from an unexpected point of view.