The six winners and 25 finalists represent work from 20 countries. The quality and variety of submissions impressed the members of our international jury. Given the diverse background of the jury members and the wide-range of applicants, it seems fair to say that collectively, these winners represent a fascinating cross-section of the many ways the language of photography is being practiced today.

Given the amount of cross-cultural connection that these awards represent, it is fitting how this year's submissions criss-crossed the globe. Of the six prize-winning projects this year, four of them had the photographer actively engaging with a culture, perspective or world other than their own. These explorations happened literally and metaphorically: in the intimacy of a cross-cultural relationship, or across different generations' memories, or on a foreign continent altogether.

This year's winners underscored how photographers bring personal perspectives to everything from unique cultural quirks and differences, to universal issues and concerns. The projects aimed to understand other cultures, celebrate human determination, and explore the always changing dynamics of gender, race, and identity in the contemporary world.

All winners and finalists will be featured at a group exhibition in London in 2014. Furthermore, their exposure on LensCulture will reach an unprecedented audience of photography lovers, located in over 150 countries around the world.