‘A world where everyone feels seen’: Portrait of Britain winners – in pictures

From Ukrainian refugees and wheelchair advocates to transgender relationships and a dazzling fairground worker, these wonderful portraits encapsulate Britain in 2024

Last Day of Summer by Frankie Mills, Devon

Olena, Paulina, Valentyna, Tanya and Valeria on Dartmoor, Devon, after their first summer in the UK under the Homes for Ukraine sponsorship scheme. The full list of winners of this year’s Portrait of Britain awards will be announced by the British Journal of Photography

Destiny #03 by Benjamin Madgwick, London

‘In this compelling portrait, I present Destiny Adeyemi, a multi-talented individual whose charisma knows no bounds. Poet and occasional model, Destiny’s enigmatic presence graces this frame, revealing a glimpse of their captivating world. Collaborating with the skilled hands of makeup artist Phoebe Walkers and hairstylist Claire Moore, we embarked on a creative journey within the confines of my London studio.’ The 200 shortlisted images are featured in the Portrait of Britain Vol 6 photobook, published by Bluecoat Press

Maya by Anna Neubauer, London

‘This is my friend Maya, who is a performing arts student at Chickenshed Youth Theatre. She is also a passionate dancer and model. Having worked for esteemed clients such as Nike and CBBC, her remarkable achievements stand as a testament to her unwavering dedication and undeniable talent’

The Waltzer Ticket Booth by Andrea Thomson, Edinburgh

‘As I bought tickets for my son and his pals to ride the Waltzer at Taylor’s Funfair, in The Meadows, I told the woman selling the tickets, whose name is Bonnie, that I thought she looked amazing. And with a twinkle in her eye, her reply was, “It’s showbiz”’

100 Years by Felicity Crawshaw, Staffordshire

In a historically marginalised part of Stoke-on-Trent, Joseph and his neighbours have embarked on a 100-year plan to defend their land and the wider ecology. A series of actions collectively made to improve the neighbourhood for the community and the planet

Naseema Begum by Peter Flude, Dorset

Naseema never considered herself a strong swimmer. But after witnessing her daughter nearly drown on holiday, she realised she needed to overcome her phobia of water. Many years later she joined a women-run boating and sailing club and took a course at the Black Swimming Association and over time found her confidence in the water. She now swims in the sea at beaches around the country

Séamus by Brian O’ Hanlon, Lancashire

For the next month, JCDecaux UK digital screens will become a nationwide portrait gallery by displaying the 100 winning images in high streets, train stations, London bus shelters and beyond

One With Nature by Akindele Ibukun, Dorset

‘When we talk about fashion and beauty, it is nearly impossible not to mention women’s hair, makeup, handbags and exquisitely luxurious shoes. Nevertheless, I chose to step outside the conventional and paint a picture that celebrates beauty embraced by simplicity. Nature itself stands as a striking reminder of how beauty can radiate through simplicity alone, unaffected by specific traits that define its appeal. Wherever you cast your gaze, the splendour of nature awaits’

Pat Riarchy by Rebecca Zephyr Thomas, London

Drag king and comedian Pat Riarchy shot in Bethnal Green before their gig

Lauren by Zuzu Valla, London

‘Our photoshoot with disabled models was not just about capturing aesthetically pleasing images; it was about capturing hearts, minds and narratives. By portraying the strength, resilience, and unique stories of disabled models, we took a step towards redefining societal norms and promoting a world where every individual feels seen, valued and empowered. Through these images, we hope to inspire change, create conversations and foster a more inclusive and accepting society for all’

My Son Arlo by Stuart Jackson, London

‘A captured moment of my son Arlo, who has a life-long genetic syndrome called Prader-Willi. Although it affects many parts of his daily life, he never lets it hold him back and is always powering forward with total confidence – never failing to surprise’

Modern Era by Ryley Morton, Birmingham

Halima and Haleemah are two young Muslim students, aged 17 and 18, who recently moved from Nigeria to the UK to study law and maths. Both expressed how much they are appreciating their new-found independence, but at the detrimental cost of loneliness from not having their families close by. At least they have each other

Body Confidence by Nirish Shakya, Brighton

Alice Ella is a disabled and chronically ill singer songwriter and disability advocate. Having been disabled for 20 years, her passion is to help increase awareness and understanding of invisible illnesses and disabilities, and to inspire others. She uses social media platforms to post empowering content, promote disabled body confidence and is a strong advocate of ambulatory wheelchair users

Henck Röling by Sebastian Kettley, London

This is master florist Henck Röling preparing floral shields inspired by Cameroonian art for the annual orchid festival at Kew Gardens in London

Tiegan and Alfie by Jaskirt Dhaliwal-Boora, Rowley Regis, Staffordshire

‘Tiegan helps support her nan and grandad in caring for her little brother Alfie. Alfie has a cleft palate and Pierre Robin syndrome. He showed me that one little thing can change your whole life’

Don Letts by Darren Skene, Manchester

A portrait of the filmmaker and DJ taken for BBC Radio 6 Music

Dallon and Fraser by Steven Tatlow, Gloucestershire

‘Dallon and Fraser, both transgender men, share an unbreakable relationship and a love of arts and crafts. Being queer has posed many challenges for them, at times including serious concerns for their safety. They told me that they often feel the need to constrict themselves to the eyes of the world, but when alone, love each other unashamedly’