Who Is He? by Ryszard Wierzbicki

Captured during a journey between Phonsavan and Luang Prabang in December 2012, this portrait documents a serendipitous encounter in a local Laotian village. Initially hesitant at the sight of a foreign visitor with a camera, the young boy’s curiosity eventually overcame his apprehension, leading to this poignant interaction. The photographer masterfully utilized a 125mm focal length to isolate the subject, capturing a moment of genuine human connection. The image is award-worthy for its ability to transform a fleeting roadside meeting into a timeless, evocative study of childhood wonder and the universal language of curiosity.