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The Human Impact Awards 2025 is now open for submissions!
At Wex, we believe in the power of photography to document human impact. A camera doesn’t just capture moments; it gives voice to experiences, amplifies unheard stories and reveals the many ways we inhabit, change and respond to the world around us.

This year’s Human Impact Awards and Student Awards, in collaboration with Sony, invite submissions that explore what human impact means today. The brief is intentionally open to interpretation. Whether you choose to highlight environmental damage or social inequality, community resilience or urban decay, local activism or everyday humanity, we want to see your perspective.

Professional Award:

1st prize: £5,000

2nd prize: £3,000

3rd prize: £1,000

"Since the full-scale war in Ukraine began in February 2022, Ukrainian Firefighters have been working tirelessly and risking their lives under shelling to protect both people and Ukrainian land from fire.

I have documented their work by following donated equipment from international fire partners and recording its use to encourage more support."

Edward Matthews - Professional Winner 2024

The Phil Smith Student Award:

1st prize: Sony A7R IV +
Sony FE 24-70mm f2.8 G Master II

2nd prize: Sony ZV-E1 +
Sony FE 24-70mm f2.8 G Master

3rd prize: Sony A7C

The late Phil Smith was a much-loved member of the Wex Business Team. In honour of his life, his dedication to Wex, and his passion for the arts, our student award is named after him, with prizes going to the most exceptional submissions.

View last year's winners here!

Edward Matthews
Human Impact Awards - Winner 2024

 

“Winning this competition meant a lot for me, not because of the award but because it meant that the subject which is very close to my heart was shared with a wider audience. Since 2022, I’ve been documenting Ukrainian firefighters so to have some images of them displayed in London is amazing!

I invested the prize money into my ongoing work supporting the British charity FIRE AID and purchased a new camera which I have since been using to document the work of even more firefighters. I’m now working on an extensive mental health support program to support Ukrainian firefighters.”

In Partnership with Sony

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