Preparing for the New Year by Anastasia Markus

Captured during a quiet New Year’s Eve gathering in Ukraine, this photograph documents a tender, intimate moment between a mother and daughter as they adorn their home with festive garlands. By relying exclusively on the soft, ambient glow of the holiday lights, the photographer creates a warm and evocative atmosphere that emphasizes the magic of the season. The image is award-worthy for its authentic emotional resonance and the skillful use of low-light conditions to transform a simple domestic scene into a timeless portrait of familial connection and holiday joy.