The competition originally began much smaller. Launching in 2007 by Kenan Aktulun it grew quickly, Kenana saying that he is now “amazed” at how quickly it grew and how international it became with participants ranging in the thousands from countries all over the world.

1st Place (The America I Know) Juan Carlos Castaneda

Included in the 19 categories this year was a special category that was added: The America I Know. The Winner was Juan Carlos Casteñeda from right here in Astoria, NY, USA. Casteñeda on an all-expenses paid trip to the 2017 Aspen Ideas Festival for his image of protesters in winter. The competition was featured on amateurphotographer.com and later on Sports Illustrated. 

For other great iPhone photograph winners please visit amateurphotographer.com.

Or visit IPPAwards.