Zifan Zhang is among only ten photographers in the world nominated for World Photography Student Competition. Zifan is nominated for his project Being Young in Latvia that he made during his Photo 1 study in spring 2025.
Six images from Zifan Zhang’s ten picture story that gave him the nomination.
Two female soldiers walk past the Freedom Monument in central Riga during a shift change on March 22, 2025. The monument, honoring soldiers killed in the Latvian War of Independence, is guarded around the clock. Project description: In today’s complex Latvian society, the young generation is actively reshaping the country’s future. They are addressing identity challenges in various ways, including bridging social divides stemming from the Soviet legacy, tackling the mental health crisis, advocating for gender equality, and engaging with national security concerns. By fostering religious dialogue, promoting historical education, providing psychological support, championing gender advocacy, and participating in political processes, they are building a more resilient social landscape amidst the tension between tradition and modernity.Photos: Zifan ZhangMareks Bērziņš, 22, tour guide at KGB building, part of Museum of the Occupation of Latvia, poses for a portrait on March 27, 2025. Being a history student at Latvian University, while his initial career aspirations were communication science or movie making, he found himself drawn to history, particularly the opportunity to educate others about Latvia’s past. He sees his role in the museum as a way to help people understand how Latvia’s history has shaped its present. “Freedom is not taken for granted.” Photos: Zifan ZhangGuns in an airsoft shop in Riga. March 20, 2025. Airsoft has become a popular pastime among young Latvians, blending elements of sport, strategy, and a fascination with military history. College students rehearse Folk Ensemble Rotaļa at VEF Culture Palace in Riga, Latvia, at night on March 26, 2025. Photos: Zifan ZhangDiāna Grasmane, 19, poses for a portrait at her home in Riga on March 27, 2025. She is a transgender woman and activist, and she confronts societal norms and challenges in Latvia, using her visibility to advocate for queer and transgender people in transphobic misinformation. She sees herself as a “radical political act” rooted in kindness and respect. Through community engagement, Diana provides essential support to others while pushing for a more inclusive future, despite the personal toll of her activism.Photos: Zifan ZhangYoung people enjoy the Nova Koma concert in Riga on March 29, 2025.Photos: Zifan Zhang
The Student Photographer of the Year will be announced on April 16, 2026 at an awards ceremony in London. Their work will be showcased at the major exhibition at Somerset House from April 17 to May 4.
The Student Competition introduces a new brief every year. This year, students were asked to showcase their series of 5-10 images responding to the brief Together.
Last year, Peter Maunsbach was nominated for the Student Competition 2025, and previously Nicolai Linares, Tor Brik Trads and Tobias Kobborg have been nominated for the same competition.
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