Our Open Theme Photography Contest brought together an incredible variety of styles, subjects, and creative visions, allowing photographers to showcase their unique perspectives without limits. From breathtaking landscapes to intimate portraits, striking street scenes to abstract compositions, this competition celebrated pure artistic expression. Now, we invite you to discover the stories behind the best photographers of this contest—their inspiration, techniques, and the moments that made their images stand out.
BRITTANY ILARDI
Ten years ago, if you would’ve told me I’d be working as an underwater photographer in a remote Mexican beach town, I’d probably say you were crazy. But life has a funny way of working out exactly how we don’t expect.
I started off my career as a physics-loving aerospace engineer, building spaceships in the desolate Mojave Desert. A lifelong overachiever with an annoying itch for perfectionism, I had thought I had built the life of my dreams. And yet, I was wildly unhappy. To me, the reality of a 9-5 and a life chained to a desk was not fulfilling. Outer space is perhaps the greatest adventure, in theory. But I wanted to be in the middle of the adventure myself.
I have always been a traveler, pinching pennies throughout my teen years to afford my next flight. I needed to see, feel, taste, experience EVERYTHING—with the same urgency as needing oxygen to breathe. Through those travels, I discovered this little thing called scuba diving. And my life was subsequently derailed.
For years, I struggled to balance the life I was “supposed to” be living, that of an accomplished engineer, and the life I so desperately wanted, that of a wild waterwoman. I ultimately quit my aerospace job and became a scuba instructor. But it was short-lived. The little voice in my head forced me back to engineering, this time in the carbon capture space. I thought focusing on saving the planet would give me greater purpose in my engineering work, but I still felt stagnant. I had tasted adventure. I needed to be on the ocean.
And that’s where I find myself today. I now work as a marine life guide and underwater photographer in beautiful Baja California. Photography has always been a hobby for me and a way to document my travels. But after investing in an underwater housing, everything changed. I knew this was something I wanted to pursue professionally.
Underwater photography is a way for me to combine my passion for environmentalism with my love for the ocean. Through my work, my goal is to create awareness of what’s going on beneath the waves, a place seldom seen by the vast majority of humanity. What we do not see, we cannot care for. And what we do not care for, we cannot save. I hope that my work can invoke a sense of awe over the incredible creatures with whom we share this planet and inspire others to make a lasting difference. It’s hard to see beauty in daunting numbers and graphs when it comes to climate change. But it’s easier to empathize with things that feel real, things you can see—a photo of a bleaching coral reef, or a whale entangled in fishing gear.
For those who want to follow my journey, you can find me on Instagram @brittany.ilardi or visit my personal webpage www.brittanyilardiphoto.com. I’d love to connect with fellow ocean lovers and photography enthusiasts! Together, we can make a change.
MARCO WILM
How did you get interested in photography?
I was interested in photography since childhood. When I was 16 I bought my first camera from my own money. From that point on photography has been a hobby for me until I became a full-time professional photographer in 2021.
What is your favorite type of photography?
I love fine art street photography the most. The combination of beautiful compositions and architecture with a candid moment is what excites me the most.
What are your aspirations as a photographer?
I would love to have a solo exhibition soon and also create my first book within the next 1 or 2 years. Other than that I simply want to grow as a photographer and enjoy the process.
For you what is photography? And what are you thinking when you are shooting?
For me photography is a way to stop thinking. It's a way to be completely present and lose track of time. Photography is self-expression and self-exploration.
Where can our readers find out more about you?
My website is: www.marcowilmphotography.com My Instagram is @marco.wilm
LIAM MAN
Hi, I am Liam, a landscape photographer specializing in aerial light painting. Based in the UK, my work focuses on shaping light to create surreal impressions of our planet. Whether it’s photographing eclipses from a glacier, strange geological rock formations hidden in the Alps, or icebergs trapped in a frozen lagoon, our world is full of incredible wonders. I put these places in the limelight, celebrating their beauty and encouraging people to value and cherish them. Through my work, I became a Sony Ambassador, and my images have won international awards including the title of ‘Open Photographer of the Year’ at the World Photography Awards’.
How did you get interested in photography?
Throughout my childhood and teenage years, nature was my inspiration. I spent most of my free time out in the wild, dreaming of becoming a biologist or wildlife cameraman. In the spring of 2010, I borrowed a small point-and-shoot camera that had a macro function, to photograph insects and other fauna. I was blown away that I could capture more detail than my eye could see, suddenly photography turned into more just taking snapshots; it turned into an exploration of perspective and interpretation. I immediately picked up a cheap second hand DSLR and a couple manual vintage lenses and began experimenting with long exposures, astrophotography, and light painting.
What is your favorite type of photography?
I specialize in nocturnal landscapes, blending light painting, aerial illumination, and long exposure techniques to reimagine the natural world. This approach bridges the gap between reality and imagination, creating images that feel surreal yet remain true to the landscape. Night photography has always felt like magic to me; capturing the unseen and revealing every tiny detail that the eye misses. It’s a slow, methodical process, allowing me to carefully consider every creative decision and craft the best possible image.
What are your aspirations as a photographer?
My goal is to inspire people to protect our planet. Too often, nature is taken for granted, and in photography, breathtaking landscapes are frequently reduced to mere backdrops for throwaway selfies. Over the years, I’ve witnessed glaciers retreat at an unimaginable pace and seen viral locations suffer from mass tourism. Through my work, I aim to raise awareness by pushing the boundaries of photography; both technically and conceptually. My long-term vision is to create large-scale exhibitions that immerse viewers in these environments, offering them a deeper connection to landscapes they might never experience firsthand.
For you, what is photography? And what are you thinking when you are shooting?
Photography is a means of discovery, finding beauty in subtle details within a world that if forever changing. It is expressing the magical thrill of the aurora dancing above you, and the peaceful tranquillity of morning fog rolling through a frosty forest. When I shoot, I focus on observing the scene in front of me, identifying what makes the location special. These details become the foundation of my composition. As I begin to light paint, I carefully consider how the angle of light shapes the emotional tone of the image; soft and natural top lighting or bold and dramatic hard-edged illumination.
Don't forget to take a look to our other open photo contests for more opportunities to showcase your skills and creativity. Explore them here: www.theartistgallery.art/open-contests.
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