We are happy to announce as a preview the winner of the very first edition of the “Best Voter” Award for URBAN Photo Arena 2023, the contest dedicated to young Under 35 photographers.

The Award

The contest can be won in two ways: in addition to the traditional podium with the best photos voted by the jury (composed of both participants and the URBAN Top Jury), perseverance in voting and photographic intuition in knowing how to choose the winning photo are also rewarded. The “Best Voter” Award is conquered by the participant with the most points accumulated within the Semifinals round.

The score system

If a photo voted in a match advances to the next round, the voter accumulates a score. The number of points up for grabs gradually increases, making the challenge compelling and unpredictable until the very last minute! The “Best Voter” Award is therefore obtainable by all participants alike, even by photographers who have been eliminated from the main competition.

The Best Voters

Congratulations to German photographer Maximilian Naumann, who with an impressive 353 points won the first “Best Voter Award” for URBAN Photo Arena! He conquered the ranking thanks to his perseverance in voting and a talented eye for the best photographs. Here are other high ranked voters:

2. (tie) Lorenzo C. Masucci and Giulia Barbero – 349 points
4. Francesco Cremonese – 347 points
5. Lorenzo Vargiu – 346 points

Naumann will receive a €300 Amazon voucher and a Stroppa camera strap worth €40 as prizes. The battle continues at Trieste Photo Days festival for the very last exciting matches to be competed live:

• Semifinals: Friday, October 27, 2023 – voted by Jérôme Sessini and Kadir van Lohuizen (time to be determined)
• Final Match and Award Ceremony: Saturday, October 28, 2023 – voted by URBAN Jury President Alec Soth (time to be determined)

URBAN Photo Arena 2023 is made possible with the support and contribution of the Pietro Pittini Foundation in collaboration with the Department of Education and Family Policies through the PAG – Youth Area Project of the City of Trieste.