After The Flood’21
With this photo from the series After The Flood ’21, I was honored to receive the National Geographic – First Prize ‘Human’ Award.
In 2021, Belgium was hit by one of the worst floods in its history. Vast areas were submerged, entire villages were flooded, and countless people lost their homes and stability. Photographer Wendy Leyten volunteered to help in the disaster-stricken areas where she could. What began as a hands-on effort quickly became a necessity to document the events. With her camera, she returned to capture the human story behind the numbers.
One of those images – a poignant photo of the local priest in his completely destroyed home – earned her the prestigious National Geographic Award in the ‘Human’ category. The jury awarded her first prize (jury prize), praising the image for its raw honesty, emotional depth, and respectful approach.
“The award-winning photo tells the story of survival, loss, and hope after a devastating flood. The image is raw and honest, without embellishments – exactly what defines Wendy as an artist: she doesn’t just show what is visible, but also exposes the soul of what often remains unseen.”
The award-winning photo was later included in several exhibitions, including an international showcase in New York, and published in the prestigious art book Important World Artists – Volume 6 on a premium page.
This international recognition contributed to Wendy’s appointment as International Artist of 2025 and Premier Artist of 2025 – titles awarded to her for her committed and profound work as a photographer.
With these distinctions, Wendy Leyten once again affirms her position as a powerful storyteller through images. Her work connects art, empathy, and awareness, contributing to the collective memory of our society.