Shying to Camera by Abbas Jambughodawala

While exploring the streets near a college area in Dahod, the photographer discovered a small cluster of huts tucked behind a new apartment complex. Seeking permission to document the residents, the photographer captured a series of family portraits. Amidst this session, the photographer was drawn to a young child, whose bashful reaction to the lens—clinging to a bamboo support—created a poignant, candid moment. This image is award-worthy for its raw, authentic emotional resonance, showcasing the photographer's ability to build trust and capture a fleeting, vulnerable expression that bridges the gap between the subject and the viewer.