This amateur photographer beat 14,500+ entries to win top prize with this playful portrait of a Vietnamese fisherman

Summary

Sophia Spurgin, a retired teacher from Hertfordshire, has won the LCE Photographer of the Year 2026 competition with her image titled "Fish Eyes." The winning photograph captures a Vietnamese fisherman playfully holding two fish in front of his face. Spurgin won the Travel category and the overall prize, beating over 14,500 entries. She received £3,000 to spend on photographic gear.

Key points

• Sophia Spurgin won the LCE Photographer of the Year 2026 competition.
• Her winning image, "Fish Eyes," features a Vietnamese fisherman.
• Spurgin received £3,000 for photographic gear.
• The competition had over 14,500 entries.