Ray Teoh
PX3 Prix de la Photographie Paris 2025 – State of the World
Curatorial Selection – The Encampment
What inspired you to submit your work to The State of the World competition, and how has receiving this recognition from PX3 impacted your journey as a photographer?
I wanted to show the world what is happening here, to the city and people I care about. Photos travel and inspire change. This recognition gave me confidence and reinforced my belief that photography is a powerful way to engage with global issues and communicate with the world.
Can you take us behind the scenes of your winning series? What was the story you aimed to tell, and did any unexpected moments shape the final result?
I understand this topic is polarizing, where everyone picks their side, and most media coverage focused on the conflict and violence. I just thought to myself, what if I could glimpse what actually happened inside the encampment? I witnessed a mico-community: people standing together, sharing food, offering support, and caring for one another. I believe in the power of communication, understanding, and bridging differences by finding the similarities we all share as humans.
How has receiving recognition from The State of the World competition influenced your perspective on the role of your work in today’s global dialogue?
I’m honored to receive this recognition. It affirmed that photography can be impactful and that images have the ability to reach audiences from different backgrounds. Photos inform, advocate, and help us understand each other better. This experience encouraged me to continue participating in global conversations through my work.
Your work highlights some of the most crucial and pressing issues in today’s world. How do you balance technical precision with the raw emotion needed to create a powerful, thought-provoking image?
Although technical decisions matter, they ultimately serve the story that needs to be told. For me, every element in a photograph, whether technically perfect or imperfect, contributes to the story. The rawness, inconsistencies, the subtle details all reflect the truth of those moments.
Looking ahead, are there any social or environmental themes you feel compelled to explore further through your work?
I plan to explore more human-centered stories, especially issues related to censorship. These themes feel meaningful to me.