Honorable Mention / 2024 / Portraiture / Children

Abush

I encountered Abush in the town of Jinka, Ethiopia, where he faced challenges due to being born with Waardenburg syndrome, a melanin gene mutation affecting eye color development; ostracized by some for his unique blue eyes, he eventually ended up living on the streets.

This encounter resonated with me, highlighting the stark cultural differences across the world, where possessing striking blue eyes could be perceived negatively in one culture and positively in another.
This photograph was taken against the backdrop of a house in Jinka, coincidentally adorned with blue-painted bricks.

About Thibault:

As a self-taught photographer and avid traveler, I embarked on a mission to utilize my photography to support charitable causes.

Joining the board of directors for The Forgotten International in 2019, I sought to leverage my skills to raise funds for those in need.
Through the sale of books and prints, I aimed to shed light on the struggles faced by communities in developing countries and contribute to meaningful projects.
Through my photography, I strive to inspire others, evoke emotions, and make a positive impact on the world around me.

Awards
1st Prize B&W LifeFramer 2023
2nd Prize Winner PX3 Photo Awards 2024
Grand Winner Travel Photography B&W Awards 2024
1st Prize Portrait and Travel Refocus Award 2024
Winner International Travel Awards 2024
Curatorial Selection PX3 State of the World 2024
2x Silver Medal Landscape & Documentary B&W awards 2024
2x Gold Winner PX3 Photo Awards 2024 Travel & Portrait
2nd Prize Street Photography Monovision Awards 2024
Silver Winner PX3 2023 Nature
3rd Place Winner Fine Art Photography Award 2024
5x Bronze Medal Portrait Masters Awards 2024
4x Bronze Winner PX3 2023
Finalist Independent Photographer People 2023
Among the 25 winners AAP Women, Shapes and Colors 2024
Editors pick Independent Photographer Visual Stories 2024
Nominated Vienna Foto Awards Night Photography 2024
10 Honorable Mentions International Photo Awards 2024

43 Leica Mastershots
140 Leica Selections

Exhibit Leica Miami in 2023
Exhibit The Icon LA 2024
Exhibit Venice Photolab 2024
Exhibit Paris PX3 2024
Exhibit Art-Icon 2024