Three honorable mentions for Mauricio Candela at the 2016 International Photography Awards (IPA)

Mauricio Candela
May 26, 2017
3 min read

Updated: Aug 25

Introduction: A global recognition of visual storytelling

In a year marked by exceptional talent and over 16,000 entries from 164 countries, the 2016 International Photography Awards (IPA) awarded three Honorable Mentions to photographer Mauricio Candela for his work titled “Slingshot.” The recognition came in three competitive categories:

People – children
People – portraits
Fine art

Candela’s series, rooted in simplicity and nostalgia, was selected among a global pool of submissions for its emotional resonance and visual depth.

The project: “Slingshot”

Capturing the joy of childhood

At its core, “Slingshot” is a personal photographic series that celebrates the freedom, wonder, and unfiltered joy of childhood. Shot in natural light with minimal production, the images depict children playing outdoors with slingshots — a seemingly simple activity loaded with symbolism and memory.

Rather than relying on polished styling or staged expressions, the photos embrace spontaneity and imperfection. The result is a body of work that feels intimate, raw, and universally human.

A tribute to simplicity

In an era dominated by digital distractions and hyper-visual noise, “Slingshot” invites viewers to pause and recall a time when entertainment was handmade, and happiness came in small, everyday moments. The series is a reflection of Candela’s ongoing interest in nostalgia, human connection, and natural expression — recurring themes in both his personal and commercial work.

About the International Photography Awards (IPA)

One of the most respected photography competitions in the world

The International Photography Awards is one of the most prestigious and comprehensive photography competitions globally. Every year, the IPA invites professional, non-professional, and student photographers from around the world to submit their best work across a wide range of categories.

In 2016, the competition received 16,984 submissions from 164 countries, making the Honorable Mentions earned by Candela all the more significant.

The competition includes recognition in the form of:

Photographer of the Year
Discovery of the Year
Deeper Perspective Photographer of the Year
Lucie Award nominations
Cash prizes totaling over $20,000
Exhibition and publication opportunities

The judging panel

Entries are evaluated by a distinguished jury composed of:

Curators
Photo editors
Gallery owners
Art directors
Industry professionals from the global photography community

This ensures a fair and expert review of every entry, celebrating both technical excellence and emotional impact.

About the Lucie Awards

The Lucie Awards are the crown jewel of the IPA, honoring the most outstanding achievements in photography. Held annually, the awards ceremony gathers luminaries from around the world to pay tribute to visionaries across multiple photography disciplines.

The Lucie Foundation, which oversees both the IPA and the Lucie Awards, is dedicated to the promotion of photography through education, exhibition, and recognition of excellence.

Why this recognition matters

Validation of personal work

While Mauricio Candela is widely known for his commercial and lifestyle photography, including campaigns for global brands like Pepsi, Ford, and Sprite, the recognition of personal projects like “Slingshot” underscores his artistic depth and creative range.

“It’s always a special kind of validation when a personal project is recognized,” Candela says. “It’s a reminder that storytelling doesn’t always need big budgets or brand names. Sometimes, all you need is a good idea, a natural moment, and a camera.”

Crossing boundaries

Winning in three distinct categories — children, portraits, and fine art — is a testament to the project’s multidimensional strength. It’s rare for a single series to resonate across such different genres, highlighting Candela’s ability to blend documentary-style realism with artistic composition and emotional insight.

Exhibition and reach

As part of the IPA’s recognition, selected images from “Slingshot” were included in:

IPA online galleries
Printed catalogues
Exhibition opportunities in major photography venues

This exposure not only brings the work to a broader audience but also aligns Candela’s name with the most influential contemporary photographers of the year.

About Mauricio Candela

Mauricio Candela is an award-winning photographer and director based in Miami, known for his work in lifestyle, portrait, sports, and commercial photography. His style combines authenticity with strong visual storytelling, often highlighting human emotion, culture, and everyday beauty.