The winning portraits in “Through the Eyes: Portraits That Speak” cut straight to the heart. From hope-filled stares to painterly poise, each image proves that the subtlest look can carry an entire narrative. Here’s a closer look at the artistry behind our top three champions.
1st Place – Dipak Ray, “The Eyes with Full of Hope”
Dipak Ray’s portrait is cinematic in its simplicity: a child tilts ever so slightly toward the light, and twin catch-lights bloom like sparks of optimism. The uncluttered composition lets every viewer lock eyes with the subject—and, in that instant, share the same glimmer of possibility. That ability to distill pure emotion into a single gaze is what propelled Ray to the top of the podium. 
2nd Place – Asad Mehmood, “detail”
In this tight close-up, Asad Mehmood makes texture the hero. Every eyelash, skin pore, and micro-expression is rendered with tactile clarity, pulling the audience into a world measured in millimeters. The photographic precision doesn’t just showcase technical skill; it magnifies the quiet drama of an ordinary moment, proving that intimacy often speaks loudest. 
3rd Place – Victor Zharsky, “Alexandra”
Victor Zharsky’s “Alexandra” feels lifted from the walls of an art museum. Side-light rolls across the sitter’s cheek in velvety gradients while a calm, self-possessed gaze holds the frame. It’s a portrait that merges classical softness with modern confidence, striking a balance that resonates long after you look away. This painterly finesse earned Zharsky his spot on the winners’ podium.
Visit the full Top 10, Top 20, and even the Top 50 gallery to explore every soul-stirring gaze that made this contest unforgettable. And if these images spark your own creative fire, we invite you to enter our current challenge, “Aging Beauty: Old People Portraits,” where the wisdom, grace, and stories of our elders take center stage. See the winners, then show us what speaks through your lens!
