Vietnamese Fisherman Portrait Wins Top UK Photography Prize

Photo courtesy of VN Express

An amateur photographer has triumphed at the LCE Photographer of the Year 2026 with a captivating portrait titled "Fish Eye," taken in Hoi An, Vietnam. Retired teacher Sophia Spurgin received the award at a ceremony on March 15 in London, beating over 14,500 participants. Her win earned her £3,000 in vouchers for photographic equipment from LCE.

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The winning photograph was showcased at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham through March 17. It features a fisherman humorously holding two fish against his eyes, with a fishing net visible in the background. Spurgin captured this image on a boat, adding a touch of playfulness to the portrayal of the local fisherman's daily life.

Spurgin, a member of the UK-based Bishop's Stortford Camera Club, has also been acknowledged by the Royal Photographic Society. Known for documenting everyday life and nature, she described the photograph as a joyful and authentic moment. "I especially like that his fishing net is visible in the background, adding context and authenticity to the image," she stated.

The LCE Photographer of the Year competition, organized by a major photography equipment distributor in London, began in 2024. It aims to discover new talent and encourage creative expression among photographers. This year, it included categories such as Travel, Wildlife, and Portrait, alongside special awards for Emerging Talent and People’s Choice.

"Fish Eyes" clinched the top prize after winning the Travel category, while Spurgin also secured first place in the Wildlife category with her "Fighting Foxes in the Rain." The competition ran from October 15, 2025, to January 21, 2026, amassing total prizes worth over £10,000.

Looking ahead, LCE plans to continue fostering talent and creativity through future editions of the competition. With its open participation model, the contest provides photographers worldwide a platform to gain wider recognition and exposure for their work, reported VN Express.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now · VN Express · 20 Mar 2026