/ 2026 / Press / Travel/Tourism

• Prize
  Honorable Mention
• Photographer
  Ryan Harper, United States
• Date of Photograph
  April 5, 2025
• Website
  http://ryanharperphoto.com
• Instagram
  https://instagram.com/magicharps

A religious worker wraps a temple in bright orange fabric in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

Ryan Harper is an award-winning photographer and creative director whose work bridges conceptual art and documentary journalism. Having traveled across all 50 U.S. states and 37 countries—from nomadic Uzbekistan to pierced devotees of Malaysia—he captures the vibrant chaotic beauty of human tradition. His photographs have been featured in The New Yorker and the Boston Globe, and he has collaborated on projects with MASS MoCA. Whether documenting live performances, electric music festivals, or intimate portraits, Ryan embraces visual entropy to frame striking, high-contrast cultural stories.

Awards American Photography 42 - Winner

International Photo Awards | 5x Official Selection

ADC/Art Director's Club | Bronze, Merit, 4x shortlist

D&AD | 2x Wood

ReFocus Awards | World Photo Annual 2025 Nominee - Street

Webby's | 2x Honoree