Photographer Lucero Mora from Mexico claimed the Latin America Regional Award title at the Sony World Photography Awards with her notable image El Norte. The image blended urban identity elements with natural fashion to create a photograph that impressed judges because of its depth, visual structure, and cultural knowledge.
This sixth annual prize is dedicated to the most persuasive photographic stories coming out of Latin America. Lucero Mora’s photo came on top out of 420,000 entries proving that photography is the strongest tool of storytelling.
Shot on location in her hometown, El Norte is more than just an image – it is a proof of identity, heritage, and sustainability. The picture is an act of realized recycled fashion, combining traditional spirit and modern fashion style, to express the fusion between culture and environmental awareness. But beyond its visual appeal, the image also carries deep personal significance.
Mora’s family works in the very space where the portrait was taken, adding a layer of intimacy to the composition. “Every space has a story to tell,” Lucero Mora shared upon receiving the award. “And I am deeply grateful to the Sony World Photography Awards for giving me this platform.”
The photo does more than depict a moment—it engages in an ongoing dialogue about sustainability in style and artwork. With the use of upcycled objects in her work, Mora challenges traditional concepts of beauty and consumerism, also situating the photography as a piece of art and also of ethical statement.
Lucero Mora is not new in the photography field, but this recognition confirms her as a rising talent in the industry. Her artistic way is a combination accomplished by surrealism, urban culture, and documentary storytelling, which makes her work both visually appealing and conceptually powerful.
Beyond El Norte, her portfolio enfolds the narrative of Latin American heritage, culture, identity, environmental consciousness, and social theme. Her ability to merge cultural background with contemporary issues makes her one of the most exciting photographers to see.
The Sony World Photography Awards are not about winning, they give opportunities to emerging talent as well. For Lucero Mora, this recognition brings the chance to participate in international exhibitions, collaborations, and new possibilities for creative creations.
Lucero Mora was not the only photographer honored by the Latin America Regional Award this year. Second place was taken by Pedro Jarque (Peru) with Vortex focused on the dynamic movement of the study, and Kevin Molano (Colombia) grabbed third with Páramo de Sumapáz – a bold interpretation of landscapes and environment.
All of these photographers have a special point of view when it comes to the global conversation on photography as an art. Their contributions continue to break new ground, proving that Latin American photography is as vibrant as it could be.
The Sony World Photography Awards are among the most sought-after contests within the industry, that receive 1000’s of contributions from all around the world. With categories spanning portraiture, landscape, documentary, and contemporary issues, the awards celebrate photography’s ability to capture the human experience in all its complexity.
For Latin American artists, this competition is particularly significant. It provides an opportunity to showcase regional narratives on an international stage, challenging stereotypes and offering a more nuanced representation of life in the region.
Mora’s win reinforces the importance of giving visibility to artists from diverse backgrounds, ensuring that global photography isn’t dominated by just one perspective.
Winning the Latin America Regional Award places Mora in the spotlight, but it is just the beginning. With this achievement, she joins the ranks of photographers who have used the Sony World Photography Awards as a launching pad for global success.
Looking forward, Mora’s work is expected to be featured in exhibitions, international photography festivals, and premier publications. Her strategy—combining fine art with social critique—puts her in the group of artists whose work will be worth keeping an eye on in the years to come.
As the photography world continues to evolve, Mora’s success is a reminder of the medium’s ability to not only document reality but also shape conversations around culture, sustainability, and identity.
Her journey is far from over, but one thing is certain: Lucero Mora has left her mark in the career, big time. And the influence she is creating in the world is already undeniable.
Check out her Instagram.
For more, click here.
Share this article:
