Australian photographer Elle Leontiev has been named the Open Photographer of the Year at the 2026 Sony World Photography Awards. Her winning image, titled 'Barefoot Volcanologist,' features Phillip Yamah standing on a lava bomb at Mount Yasur in Vanuatu. Leontiev captured the surreal portrait under challenging technical conditions, relying entirely on autofocus beeps after her camera screens shorted out due to volcanic activity.
The award highlights the intersection of fine art photography and documentary storytelling, bringing international attention to local expertise in the South Pacific. By documenting Yamah—a self-taught expert who guides international researchers despite lacking formal education—Leontiev uses the platform to advocate for social issues and support Yamah’s goal of funding his son’s formal education in volcanology.