Bangkok-based photographer Wutimet Bunyasirisith has been named the 2026 Southeast Asia Open Photographer of the Year at the 17th Epson International Pano Awards, one of the world’s leading panoramic photography competitions. His winning image, titled The Emerald Arch Over Lofoten, Norway, captures a vivid Northern Lights display forming a complete arch over a snow-dusted mountain, with the scene reflected in the still waters below.
The Winner Of 17th Epson International Pano Awards In SEA
The Epson International Pano Awards is now in its third consecutive year of joint major sponsorship by Epson Southeast Asia and Epson Australia. The competition is designed to celebrate exceptional panoramic photography and recognize emerging creative talent from across the region.
Wutimet’s winning photograph stood out for its dramatic composition, combining the rare natural phenomenon of a complete Northern Lights arch with a mountain landscape in the Lofoten archipelago of Norway. “This photograph came to life as the Northern Lights flared up and curved perfectly around the mountain. The display was so vastly immense that even my 12mm ultra-wide lens couldn’t capture the entire scene in a single frame,” the winning photographer shared.
“My only choice was to shoot a panorama. It wasn’t until I stitched the frames together that I realized the aurora had formed a flawless, complete arch framing the peak. Standing on the wet beach, the calm shore provided a mirror-like reflection of the entire celestial phenomenon. The conditions that night were brutal – freezing cold, biting winds and I had to wade into the icy seawater to get the shot. Given all the challenges faced in those harsh elements, bringing this vision to reality is something I am truly proud of.”
Competition Curator David Evans noted the sustained strength of regional entries. “Panoramic photography demands a unique balance of artistic vision and technical mastery, particularly when faced with unpredictable elements like the Northern Lights. Wutimet’s ability to execute a flawless full-arch composition in sub-zero temperatures is nothing short of masterly. As a curator, watching photographers from Southeast Asia consistently push the boundaries of scale and narrative is one of the most rewarding aspects of this global competition.”
Pokdepinion: A Norwegian aurora winning a Southeast Asia photography award is an interesting combination.
