A Moment with Alida of The Nostalgia Series: From Winner to Judge

Taylor from the team had the opportunity to sit down with Alida, the artist behind The Nostalgia Series. In a special full-circle moment, last year's Grand Prize Winner returns as our esteemed judge for the "Family: Unique Perspective" category.

When you look at a photo from Alida you feel an immediate, quiet pull of recognition. It’s the feeling of uncovering a memory you didn’t know you had, a moment so honest and lived-in that it feels like your own. Her work is a masterclass in finding the profound in the routine, capturing what she calls the "absolute truth" of the moments that make up our everyday lives.

Last year, Alida's ability to document the human experience resonated deeply with the judges. Now, she brings that same eye to her new role as Judge of the very category she won in 2024 (winning photo in cover)

With entries open, I knew we had to catch up with Alida to get her thoughts - from both sides of the awards. Here's what she had to say:

What trends or stylistic shifts have you seen in the industry over the last couple of years?

Alida: I think from a broader photographer's perspective we’ve seen a move away from a rigid structure and niching down. I have been witnessing other photographers and finding myself in the past couple of years start to have more of a focus on the creative freedom we have as artists and leaning into that, rather than boxing ourselves into a specific niche.

In terms of style, a directional shift from overly polished, curated imagery and towards something more raw. People are craving authenticity - both as artists and the people booking the sessions. Not just the picture-perfect highlights, but the grit and the messy, almost confronting moments too. There’s been a shift in valuing photographs that feel lived-in and real. That’s where I think narrative photography is at its strongest.

Why do you think it's a good idea for photographers to enter awards like this?

Alida: Because your work deserves to be seen. Sharing your story, your perspective, and your way of seeing the world is powerful - and awards like this create a platform for that. It’s not just about recognition, it’s about connecting with others who resonate with your story. It pushes you to put your work forward, to back yourself, and to be part of a bigger conversation happening in photography right now.

As last year's winner and this year's judge, what's your advice for photographers entering the awards?

Alida: Winning last year was not only extremely exciting and a beautiful surprise, but deeply affirming - not in a shiny, ego-driven way, but in that quiet, “keep going” kind of way. It reminded me that telling honest stories matters, even when it feels small or personal.

My advice to this year’s entries would be: don’t chase what you think will win. Submit the work that feels the most you, the work that scares you a little because it’s so close to your heart. That’s the work that will stand out.

A huge thank you to Alida for sharing her insights. You can see more of her incredible work on her website, thenostalgiaseries.mypixieset.com, and follow her journey on Instagram at @the.nostalgiaseries.

Enter the awards for yourself, via this link here