I was drawn to Yudai Ninomiya's series because of its profound way of coming across as a folklore and fairytale at the same time. The recurring images of trees with a mix of blurred faces and blurred people, remind me of a sinister tale and alludes to the popular quote, “not everything is what it seems.”

Sam Geballe was my first choice as a winner for the series submission and thus my selection as Jurors’ Pick. Their presentation was distinctive, revealing and empowering. My heart ached in response and I have gained greater understanding and compassion. I hope others can experience Sam’s work and more people can be inspired.

There were so many great single images submitted this year. This powerful gelada baboon image by Patrice Quillard was one that stuck with me. I love looking at the facial details, especially the deep grooves along the muzzle. What really captivates me is the windswept hair and the intense look, staring at something off to the side. The image is strong and captivating, yet simple. I feel a connection.

Juror statement will be posted soon.

Ciro Battiloro's series “Sanità” takes me right to Rione Sanità, one of Europe's most densely populated places. The images give the viewer an immediate sense of the closeness, the claustrophobia, and the inhabitants' daily struggles. Furthermore, Ciro has photographed the people of Rione Sanità with an intimate and loving eye; with the outcome being a series of images that look at humanity surviving and living, with dignity, under the difficult circumstances of the place they live.

Hady Barry’s photographs and text really broke through and touched me. Each of the photos seems so simple, almost casual in their creative treatment, yet they each crackle with energy, honesty, and nuanced feelings. The photos build on each other, too, so the work reads like a rich, short story, with astounding clarity and emotional undercurrents. Barry’s choice of black and white photography makes each of the images more powerful than they would appear in full color.

I chose José Antonio Flores Garcia for the surreal dreamlike quality of his documentary photograph Dance of Fire. It’s clear, the photographer has fully immersed himself in this moment, and put the viewer front and centre of this dramatic event.