Internacional Photography Awards (IPA)

Being recognized by the International Photography Awards (IPA) is a great honor for any photographer, and this year I was fortunate enough to receive not just one, but three awards.

It was an incredible experience to see that in the latest edition of the IPA (2024), three of my seven submitted photographs were highlighted in such a prestigious competition. I want to share a little about each of these images and what it meant to me to capture them.

3rd Place: Fuego Volcano, Guatemala

Capturing the power of an erupting volcano has always fascinated me, and having the opportunity to photograph the Fuego volcano in Guatemala was one of the most exciting experiences of my career.

The image awarded 3rd place and also named “Jury Top Five” in the Nature - Landscape category shows lava exploding from the summit, illuminating the darkness of the night and creating a dramatic contrast with the starry sky. I remember the exact moment I got this shot: the ground was shaking slightly.
The composition is dramatically balanced, contrasting the destructive force of the volcano with the serenity of the starry sky. The photograph not only documented a geological event, but also conveyed the intensity and beauty of one of the most powerful phenomena on Earth.

Honorable Mention - Salar de Uyuni

Honorable Mention: Reflection of the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

The Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia is a breathtaking place.
It is the largest salt desert in the world, and during the rainy season, a thin layer of water covers its surface, creating a natural mirror that perfectly reflects the sky.
The photograph, which won in the Panoramic category, explores this magical quality of the Salar, where the horizon seems to dissolve into a surreal fusion of sky and earth.
The simplicity and serenity of the image contrast with the complexity of the natural phenomenon captured, resulting in a visual work of art that enchants and inspires.

I was amazed to find myself surrounded by this landscape that looked more like a dream. Receiving an honorable mention for this photograph was extremely gratifying, as it represents one of the most peaceful and contemplative experiences I have ever had.

Honorable Mention - Super-Cell

Honorable Mention: Supercell in Oklahoma, United States

Photographing storms is always an intense experience, and the supercell I captured in Oklahoma was one of the most electrifying moments of my life.
I had been tracking the storm's development from the beginning, watching the clouds grow and form this huge, menacing structure. The wind, the sound of thunder, and the feeling of vulnerability in the face of something so powerful were almost palpable.
The award-winning photograph in the Seasons - Nature category, with an honorable mention, shows the heart of the storm, with clouds that look like they've been sculpted in the sky, ready to release all their energy.

Knowing that this photo was recognized with an honorable mention at the IPA was a real privilege, as each click represented the adrenaline and respect I feel for the power of nature.
These three photographs, despite depicting such different natural settings and phenomena, share a deep connection: the ability to remind us of the grandeur and complexity of our planet. Whether in the explosion of a volcano, the surreal calm of a salt desert, or the fury of a storm.
Beyond being award-winning photographs, they are more than records of places or natural phenomena; they represent moments that have deeply marked me, each in its own way.

Receiving these awards from the IPA was an incredible validation of my work and a motivation to continue searching for and capturing the beauty of our world.
I hope these photos inspire others to view nature with the same respect and awe I felt when creating these images.