A Stunning Low-Light Capture of a Volcanic Eruption in Guatemala Sweeps the 2026 iPhone Photography Awards
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The 2026 iPhone Photography Awards Grand Prize goes to a stunning low-light capture of Volcán de Fuego erupting in Guatemala, shot by Robyn Jensen on an iPhone 15 Pro.
TechRadar, July 2, 2026
The 19th annual iPhone Photography Awards (IPPAWARDS) have revealed their 2026 winners, and the Grand Prize has gone to a breathtaking low-light capture of a volcanic eruption — shot not on the newest iPhone, but on an iPhone 15 Pro.
The winning image, captured by Robyn Jensen, depicts the Volcán de Fuego erupting against the night sky in Guatemala, with glowing lava contrasting dramatically against the darkness. The photograph showcases the power of modern smartphones to capture extreme natural phenomena with surprising detail and color fidelity.
Gold Prize — Gellért Gombai
The Gold Prize was awarded to Gellért Gombai, who captured two children napping on grass in the shadow of a badminton racket. The black-and-white shot, taken on an iPhone X, highlights the ability to turn an everyday scene into a timeless work of art.
Silver and Bronze Prizes
The Silver and Bronze winners used an iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max respectively, confirming that the latest models further raise the competitive standard — though the Grand Prize proves that an older device in the right hands can still take the top honor.
About the Competition
Founded in 2007 — the year the original iPhone launched — the iPhone Photography Awards are the longest-running photography competition dedicated exclusively to Apple devices. Each year, thousands of photos are submitted from users in over 140 countries, all taken exclusively on an iPhone or iPad.
The jury selects the best shots across more than a dozen categories, including abstract, animals, architecture, children, cityscape, landscape, lifestyle, nature, people, portrait, series, still life, travel, and other. Each category showcases a different approach to mobile photography, from street photography to theatrical portraits.
Despite the rise of artificial intelligence and photo editing tools, IPPA proves that human creativity remains the decisive factor. An authentic eye and the patience to wait for the right moment make the difference, more than the most advanced hardware.
Looking Ahead
The 20th annual entry deadline for submissions is March 31, 2027. All winning images can be viewed on the official IPPAWARDS website.