“This picture is technically outstanding in its use of light and composition,” awards founder and director Caroline Kenyon says.
“But what raises it to the level of historical importance is the depth of its storytelling and emotion.
“It tells of a year of isolation and living indoors, living in tiny communities of the immediate family.
“Here, the scene is bathed with love, with echoes of Madonna and Child.
“An exceptional shot which perfectly demonstrates that photography need not shock or disturb to be great or memorable.
“This exquisite image lingers in mind,” with the competition now in its 10th year, judges sifted through almost 10,500 entries from more than 70 countries around the world, and the winners announced online via a live stream event.
Here are some of the competition category winners, with descriptions by the photographers.
