A photographer who honed her skills on the Sunshine Coast has claimed a significant international award.
Elle Leontiev, who studied at TAFE Queensland in Nambour and lived at Noosa, won the open category at the Sony World Photography Awards in London, with her portrait The Barefoot Volcanologist, which was chosen from more than 430,000 entries worldwide.
Her portrait features Vanuatu resident Phillip Yamah, a self-taught volcanologist, standing barefoot in a donated lava suit as smoke rises behind him on the ash plains of Mount Yasur, an active volcano on Tanna Island.
It was while living and working in the finance sector in London that Ms Leontiev visited the 2018 Sony World Photography exhibition and promised herself that, one day, she would be back to exhibit.
After Ms Leontiev returned to Australia in 2023, she completed a TAFE Queensland Diploma of Photography and Digital Imaging, supporting her transition into documentary and fine art photography and helping her build an industry-ready portfolio.
“I’d always played with photography throughout my life, but it was more a passion,” she said.
“Working in the corporate world, although filled with opportunities and highlights it didn’t fill my heart creatively, and TAFE helped me shift into work that’s more fulfilling.
“The teachers are industry professionals. Their direction helped me understand what the industry is looking for, refine my lighting and critique skills, and develop my own voice.”
According to TAFE Queensland photography teacher Robert Della-Piana, Ms Leontiev was always driven and had a firm idea where she was going.
“She was passionate about global issues such as gender equality, and she was driven by her corporate background to make change,” he said.
“I wasn’t surprised about her success. I knew looking at her work and its quality she was going to succeed from day one.
“I always tell students that it is no good leaving images sitting on a storage device, you need to enter as many competitions as possible and work with the judge’s feedback.
“Elle followed that advice and look at where that has taken her.”
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Ms Leontiev’s previous awards include multiple Honourable Mentions at the Monochrome International Awards (2024–2025), recognition at the Capture Awards (top 15 and finalist, 2025) and a shortlist placing at the Australian Photography Awards (2024).
She will travel to Greenland for an artist in residence program, documenting climate and social issues affecting the continent. Her interest in social and environmental issues will be reflected in this journey.
The awards, in its 19th year, attracted entries from more than 200 countries and territories.
The open competition celebrates the power of a single photograph, with 2025 entries spanning striking landscapes, thoughtful portraits and captivating scenes from nature.
Winners and shortlisted images shown as part of the awards are on exhibition at Somerset House from April 17 to May 4, before touring to other locations around the UK and internationally.
