Marina Tsaregorodtseva, a Photography BA Honours graduate from the University of Westminster, has been selected to showcase a photograph from her graduation project at the Florida Museum of Photographic Art, after receiving second place in the Museum’s 2025 International Photography Competition.
Each year, the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts celebrates photographic excellence from around the world through its International Photography Competition. The 2025 edition brings together award-winning work from a diverse group of emerging and established photographers whose images push the boundaries of visual storytelling, technique and cultural commentary.
With over 2,500 submissions from 55 countries, the selected photographs represent a wide range of genres, including portraiture, conceptual photography, landscape, documentary and still life.
Marina’s piece titled What it Takes asks the question of what does it take to adapt and move between languages, cultures or ways of being? Through folded paper, the series explores the emotional complexity of transformation through three-dimensional forms that blur the lines between what is visible and hidden, shared and private.
Marina is a London-based Fine Art photographer. Her work draws on personal experience and emotions, expressed through carefully constructed still-life compositions. She often takes simple, everyday objects and gives them greater meaning, using them as symbols that reflect her inner thoughts.
About winning she said: “I’m incredibly honoured to have been selected in the Abstract category by such a distinguished jury. Receiving second place in the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts International Photography Competition truly means a lot, especially knowing how many inspiring photographers take part from around the world. This work was part of my graduation project, which I developed over six months. It was a deeply challenging process at times - I often felt stuck or unsure - but I kept going with the huge support of my tutors. That’s why it’s incredibly rewarding to see the work recognised in this way.”
The exhibition opened on 15 July and will run until 7 September 2025.
Marina’s work directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Wellbeing, as it provides people with new perspectives to help understand the complexities of change. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Find out about Art, Design and Visual Culture courses at the University of Westminster.
