The Motif Collective Mar 2026 Winners

"Reflections" 2026 THEME WINNERS

We believe photography does more than capture a moment — it captures perspective. The Reflections Photography Competition invites photographers of all levels to explore the theme of reflection in its broadest and most imaginative form.

From mirrored skylines in still harbor waters to emotional introspection captured in a portrait, reflections can be literal or symbolic. We encourage participants to interpret the theme creatively — through light, water, glass, shadow, architecture, nature, or human experience.

Entries will be evaluated on overall impact and excellence, with careful consideration given to how effectively each image interprets the theme of “Reflections,” whether literally or conceptually. Judges will assess composition, visual balance, and immediate engagement; technical execution including exposure, focus, lighting, and color accuracy; originality and creative vision; and the image’s ability to evoke emotion or tell a compelling story. The highest-scoring works will demonstrate a strong, cohesive blend of artistic intent, technical skill, and meaningful connection to the theme.

This competition celebrates technical excellence, artistic vision, and the power of storytelling through imagery and we look forward to viewing the world — and ourselves — through your lens!

Common Body (Reflections of Intimacy) BY Tatiana Cardellicchio

Our First Place Winner was submitted by
Tatiana Cardellicchio from Porto Cesareo, Italy

Tatiana Cardellicchio is an Italian visual artist whose work explores identity as a relational and embodied experience. Through self-portraiture and collective female presence, she investigates the body as a site of reflection — where intimacy becomes a form of recognition, and mutual presence becomes a form of resistance.

In projects such as Common Body and Mother, You Are Not Alone, reflection emerges both physically and symbolically: through mirrored surfaces, shared gestures, and emotional proximity. Her work dissolves the boundary between self and other, proposing identity as something that exists not in isolation, but through connection, vulnerability, and collective becoming. Rooted in the Mediterranean landscape, her images reveal the body as both subject and mirror — a threshold where personal and shared existence converge.

Walking on Water BY Shandess Griffin

Our Second Place Winner was submitted by
Shandess Griffin from Maple Ridge, British Columbia Canada

I am a dog photographer from British Columbia Canada! I have been photographing dogs in beautiful places for a long time and I just absolutely love what I do!

Visit more of Shandess's amazing work online at:
www.shandandyourdogs.com

The Folded Earth BY Yoshiki Nakamura

Our Third Place Winner was submitted by
Yoshiki Nakamura Seattle, Washington

Yoshiki Nakamura is a Seattle-based wildlife photographer known for his distinctive slow shutter style. His work focuses on capturing not only the subject, but the transformation of movement, light, and time into visual expression.

Visit more of Yoshiki's amazing work online at:
www.3SPhoto.com

Reflection BY Sanjoy kumar

Our Honorable Mention Winner was submitted by
Sanjoy Kumar from Naogaon, Bangladesh

I am Sanjoy Kumar, Nature and Wildlife photographer from Bangladesh. I love to capture bird's action moments.

Theme Shortlist

Below are the amazing images that shortlisted into the top tier of this themes competition. A big congratulations to all the talented photographers that participated!