Congratulations to our 2023 finalists!
To view finalists, please see our gallery below. All finalist images are displayed in a random order. If you want to learn more about an image, click into the image and press “i”.
Thank you!
Envision’s 2023 Our World is Kind contest received over 3,000 wonderful and inspiring images of kindness, compassion, joy, and love.
Thank you to all of the photographers who captured and shared moments of kindness from communities across the globe!
The contest is now closed for this year. Check out the gallery to view the images that were submitted by kind and talented photographers to help inspire kindness, joy, and healing in the world!
About the Contest
Now, more than ever, it’s important to work together to spread kindness and connection through our communities. Over the last five contests, the Our World is Kind Photography Contest has generated over 11,000 submissions from 2000+ photographers in more than 120 countries. These moving images have inspired kindness, love, gratitude, and joy in tens of thousands of global viewers.
Do you believe the world could be a kinder place?
It can, through your photography. We know that after people see images of kindness, they are kinder, happier, more optimistic, and more generous.
Envision Kindness is a non-profit that inspires kindness, compassion, joy, and love through still and video photography. We share the best images to inspire people wherever they are. Some we make into videos to become part of EnSpire.
You can see a sample of how we may use photos in the video montage Why Do Hugs Feel So Good? on this page. And on the EnSpire page, you will find more videos as well as links to the science showing how your images of kindness, caring, and compassion can make people happier, calmer, more grateful, and more generous!
This is a very powerful and simple way to help people connect with their humanity and the humanity of others.
Be a part of the movement. Inspire someone else. #PictureABetterWorld.
Spread the Word
What does kindness look like?
Where do you see moments of kindness in your community? What stories can you tell?
Here’s a bit of inspiration to help you capture these impactful moments. Your photos can document a real-life moment or illustrate a concept. What does kindness look like to you?
KIND PEOPLE
We see kindness in people every day – in people we know and those we haven’t met yet lending a hand, helping others, or paying it forward.
KINDNESS IN NATURE
You may find kindness in animals, in a heart-shaped leaf, in hikers lending a hand, in protecting the environment, and so much more.
KINDNESS IN THE COMMUNITY
Our communities are filled with kindness! At work, in places of worship, in hospitals, from non-profits, and in public spaces and shops.
Are you interested in learning more about how your images might be used to help inspire others?
Click HERE for rules, terms & conditions, and more information on how your images will be used.
Check out our FAQ section for some of our most popular questions.
*Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.
*All prizes made according to US law. US law prohibits us from sending funds to certain countries at the moment including Iran, Russia, and Belarus; please check the terms & conditions for details.
*All submissions must be in English.
The Process
SUBMIT
FINALIST SELECTION
Finalists are selected through online voting (10) or by Envision Kindness staff (40). Harness the power of your community through online voting. See FAQs for more information.
JUDGING
Judges will choose winning photos from our finalists. Winners will be announced in November 2023.
Prizes
$1000
First Place
$500
Public Choice
$500
Nonprofit Honoree
$250
Caring & Connection
$200
Honorable Mention (3)
The Caring & Connection Prize is also back for 2023!
This prize will be awarded to an image that depicts a moment of care and connection. Incredible kindness is often felt from the care of nurses and doctors on the frontline, or in the creative ways neighbors and communities care for one another and stay connected. We are looking forward to showcasing work that illustrates how caring, connection, and kindness is abundant, even during difficult times. For more information on this and our other prizes, see our FAQs.
The Nonprofit Honoree Prize is back for 2023!
The nonprofit prize will be awarded to a powerful image showcasing a nonprofit’s work or impact. 50% of the prize will be awarded to the photographer, and 50% will be awarded to the nonprofit. We look forward to honoring their important work this year. For more information on this and our other prizes, see our FAQs.
Contest Judges
These esteemed judges have kindly volunteered their time and expertise to review all finalist photos and select contest winners.
Sanjoy Bhattacharya
Agatha Bunanta
Martin Buzora
Sergey Volkov
Dr. James Doty
Leyla Emektar
Linda Epstein
Dr. Piero Ferrucci
Aundre Larrow
Mara Leite
Kimara Ellefson
Kristen McNicholas
Maureen Bisognano
Guri Mehta
Dulce Pinzón
Dr. Dan Siegel
Marilyn Turkovitch
Rumay Alexander
Gael Almeida
John Bare
Promotional Partners
We are very grateful to the following kind organizations who have generously helped to promote the Our World Is Kind contest.
