Yu-Hsiang Lin, a senior in the Department of Mass Communication at Tamkang University, has once again demonstrated his exceptional photographic skills and keen eye for detail. Following his success in winning two major awards in the photography category at the 51st Mediart Awards in April this year, Lin recently received an Honorable Mention in the Sports (Extreme Sports) category of the Non-Professional Division at the 2026 International Photography Awards (IPA) for his work, Alex Honnold: Taipei 101 Free Solo Ascent.

Established in 2003 by the New York-based Lucie Foundation, the International Photography Awards (IPA) is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious competitions in the photography world. Its judging panel includes experts from internationally renowned media organizations such as National Geographic and TIME. This year, the competition was particularly fierce, drawing more than 14,000 entries from nearly 140 countries worldwide, with an elimination rate exceeding 80%.

Lin's award-winning photograph captures a historic moment of renowned rock climber Alex Honnold's free solo ascent of Taipei 101. Recalling the photography process, Lin explained that after learning about this internationally significant event, he woke up early on two consecutive days to wait at the scene. Noticing that most photographers focused on the moment Honnold reached the top, Lin deliberately sought a different perspective to avoid producing images similar to those of other photographers. While exploring possible shooting angles along the roadside, he unexpectedly discovered that the buildings behind Taipei 101 formed symmetrical lines with the skyscraper, creating a striking 3D composition that appeared to frame the tower between the surrounding structures.

Lin noted that most of his previous award-winning photographs had focused on traditional temple festivals and religious celebrations. This time, however, he hoped to bring an international event taking place in Taiwan to the attention of audiences worldwide. He attributed his observational skills and photographic techniques to rigorous training he received at the Tamkang Image Arts Workshop (Darkroom), a student media organization affiliated with the Department of Mass Communication, as well as the practical experience he gained as a photojournalist for the Tamkang Times. Although his work did not place among the top three entries, Lin was deeply moved to receive the official Honorable Mention certificate from the international competition organizers.

Jian-Liang Huang, Associate Professor in the Department of Mass Communication and faculty advisor to the Darkroom, praised Lin for his exceptional passion and curiosity about photography. He noted that Lin has consistently demonstrated a strong interest in photographing diverse subjects, including aviation and traditional temple festivals. Huang emphasized that Honnold's ascent of Taipei 101 attracted worldwide attention, and Lin's ability to identify such a compelling subject and capture a rare, highly representative image was particularly impressive. The photograph successfully communicated its significance to the international judging panel at first glance, an achievement that Huang described as far from easy. Huang encouraged Lin to stay enthusiastic and curious, keep exploring the world through his camera lens, and share more remarkable moments with the public.

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