TITLE: Hope Amidst the Barren

In the heart of a land where the earth is parched and lifeless, a young boy stands. The ground beneath his feet, dry and cracked, speaks of the drought that has claimed so much. Yet, in the vast emptiness that surrounds him, his eyes carry hope. Alone in this barren landscape, he embodies a quiet strength that refuses to be extinguished, a reminder that even in the most desolate of places, hope can take root and endure. Here, in a world stripped bare, that spark refuses to fade.

AUTHOR: Douglas Solberg (Sweden)

Born on April 24, 2004, in Stockholm, Sweden, I discovered my passion for photography at the age of 14 when I found my brother’s Canon 20D hidden away in his room. What began as a curious experiment quickly evolved into a profound love for capturing the world through a lens. Self-taught and driven by a desire to see life from different perspectives, I immersed myself in the art of photography, finding in it both a creative outlet and a means of connection.

As I honed my craft, my journey in photography led me to distant and challenging environments, particularly in Africa, where I focus on documenting the lives of endangered animals. Capturing the beauty and fragility of these creatures in their natural habitats has become a central part of my work, as I aim to raise awareness of the urgent need to protect these species from extinction.

In addition to my photography, I founded a nonprofit organization dedicated to installing solar panels in rural Tanzania, bringing electricity to communities long overlooked by development. This work has deepened my understanding of the struggles faced by both people and wildlife in these regions, and it has inspired me to use my images to tell their stories.

Today, photography is more than a passion—it is a mission. Through my lens, I strive to highlight the resilience and beauty of endangered animals and the people living on the frontlines of environmental and social challenges. My work reflects my belief in the power of images to inspire change and my commitment to making a difference, one photograph at a time.