Meet our photographers...

Christopher roche People category winner

“Having recently been to Mount Kailash in Tibet, Chechnya and Kurdistan, it was suggested that I might enjoy visiting Thailand’s northern hill tribes. But I had in mind a plan to visit the country’s famous shores instead and was given some great options. The challenge was to try and shoot something original, so I headed for the lesser-developed islands and focused my lens on seascapes and landscapes (particularly the fabulous limestone karst formations). I aimed to capture a sense of calm, leisure and rest – as that was what I was hoping for myself – and that is exactly what I got.”

Julia wainwright Wildlife category winner

“Wildlife photography was my original plan, but this trip became more about urban macaques, elephant welfare and birdlife, introducing unique photographic challenges to what was an enjoyable, full-on experience. In Lopburi, I saw the difficulties arising from people and macaques living in close proximity, and at the elephant sanctuaries in Kanchanaburi I saw first-hand the dedication of the people working to improve the animals’ lives, while Samarn Bird Camp and Kaeng Krachan National Park allowed me to photograph birds and mammals I’d not seen before.”

Sanghamitra sarkar Travel Icon category winner

“There was so much from my trip to Thailand that stood out. The lantern-releasing festival where people from all over the world come to release lanterns together under a clear night sky will remain with me for life. Bangkok was a study in contrasts, with its multi-storied shopping malls, street bazaars and food stalls. The magnificent ruins of Ayutthaya and its Buddha statues are now among my all-time favourite photographic destinations, and the warm hospitality of the Thai people and the caring attitude of my tour guide during my trip touched me deeply.”