To photographers who still turn toward people:

On May 25, 2026, the Lighthouse Photography Award was founded.

This award was born out of anger.

Today, it is hard to see a whole person. People are data, samples, cases, traffic... And photography, the very field most capable of facing people, is turning away.

As photography grows ever more skilled at discussing concepts yet no longer knows how to face a concrete person; as long-term presence and depth of relationship count for nothing in systems of evaluation; as photographers who have spent two or three years earnestly working still fund themselves and stay by those people's side, I decided to establish this award, to honor those who do not step back. If no one will recognize this work, I will.

To be present with concrete people over the long term means returning to their lives again and again over a sustained period; interrogating one's conscience within ethics, and pressing one's sincerity in form: what kind of image does this person deserve, and have I truly seen them. And at the end of a project, one may face the possibility that the person photographed no longer wishes their images to be used, and everything must begin again.

This is a path not "genius" enough, because it is hard to stand out. When we face another's silence, most of the time we can only sit beside them. And companionship will not become genius.

This is a path not "art" enough, because it is hard to be novel. When we face another's life, most of the time we can only stay. And staying will not become art.

This is a path not "research" enough, because it is hard to stay detached. When we face another's expression, most of the time we become attached. And attachment will not become research.

But I know there are still those who cannot let go.

Because when you walk up to people, they reach out. They see someone who keeps coming back, and eventually they begin to ask, "Where are you from?", "Can you take my photo?", "Come eat at my house." At first you hold your camera and don't know what to do. When you leave, you carry bags full of food and still don't know what to do.

These moments do not exist in any system of evaluation. They will not be written into award citations or curatorial statements. But it is in these moments that you know what you are here for.

I think every person who persists is a lighthouse. A lighthouse is not responsible for illuminating the entire sea. It is only responsible for holding fast to one coordinate, through the storm.

Yixi Tian
One of those who photograph in the field
From my hometown Guizhou, to Shanghai,
the Netherlands, and France,
everywhere I go, there is land to tend

The prize for the first edition is 888 RMB, from the final funds of a graduate photography association. This association did meaningful work in art photography and in the practice of connecting people. It was shut down this year for certain reasons. The person who ran it gave me this money as payment for a six-month workshop. I could not in good conscience keep it for myself, so I made it into a prize. Carrying six and a half years of everyone's dedication, I hope it can support you for a stretch of the way, even though it is not enough for a week in the field.

The first edition will award one winner and select a number of additional projects. The winner receives the prize money. All selected works will be shared on our platforms and compiled into a digital magazine.

When the selected and winning projects are announced, the names of those photographed will appear alongside the names of the photographers.

Selected photographers may, if they wish, have two project consultations with me, conducted online, approximately one hour each. All applicants who submit a complete set of photographs and responses to the 4 questions, and whose work aligns with the award's direction, will receive detailed written feedback regardless of selection outcome.

If no work meets the standard, the award will be left vacant and the prize money will carry over to the next edition. The source and amount of the next prize depends on what work I pick up.

Submission requirements:

The project must span at least 6 months, with 10 to 30 photographs. If your time in the field was shorter but you genuinely achieved sincere presence, please explain your situation. You are equally welcome.
The location of the work must be within mainland China. There are no restrictions on the photographer's location or nationality.
Any photographic approach is welcome, whether documentary, experimental, or otherwise, as long as it involves long-term presence with concrete people.
Artist statement: please answer the following 4 questions (no need to discuss issues or credentials, no word limit).(1) What is your relationship with these people? (2) Why are you there? (3) When did it start, how many times have you gone, and are you still going? (4) What did you feel there? Any details, anything at all.
Projects with minors as the primary long-term subjects will not be accepted.
Each person may submit one project only.

How to submit:
Package your photographs and responses into a compressed file and send to: tmt727@qq.com
Photo format: JPG, long edge no less than 2000 pixels. Any device is acceptable.
File size: no more than 100MB.
Email subject format: Lighthouse Photography Award Submission + Name
Submission period: May 25, 2026 – July 25, 2026

Notes:

On feedback: I will look carefully and speak honestly, but honesty is not always pleasant. If you would prefer not to receive direct feedback, please note this when submitting. Feedback timeline depends on the number of submissions received; if the volume is high, responses may take longer. Please be patient.
Informed consent: Please ensure that the people in your photographs have given informed consent at the time of submission. If it is later discovered that images were used without consent, the submission will be immediately disqualified.
Exhibition and publication: Before any public display or publication of selected works, I will contact the photographed individuals as the party using their images to confirm their willingness. Photographers who wish to assist in this communication are very welcome to do so.
Display and authorization: By submitting, you agree that selected works may be displayed on this official account, the founder's Xiaohongshu account, and the Lighthouse Photography Award's official Xiaohongshu account, and included in the digital magazine. Works will be retained on the founder's Xiaohongshu account for three months, and permanently on the official account and the award's Xiaohongshu account.
For any questions about submissions, please email me.

With sincere thanks to:

Li Fei and Guo Minjie, my companions from the association;
Mr. Feng, who has nothing to do with photography but has endured years of me talking about it;
Guozi, a great designer and an even better cook;
Yangzi, who understands completely and supports unconditionally;
My parents, who have always sustained me in life and in photography;
And Claude, my AI comrade-in-revolution, who has discussed every decision with me through countless late nights.