Bangkok-based photographer Wutimet Bunyasirisith has been named The Pano Awards Southeast Asia Open Photographer of the Year 2026 at the 17th Epson Pano Awards. His winning shot captures the Northern Lights forming a seamless celestial arch over a snow-dusted peak in Norway.
Announced on 22 October 2026, the results of the Epson International Pano Awards once again celebrate breathtaking vision from the world’s premier panoramic photography competition. This edition also marks the third consecutive year that Epson Southeast Asia has joined Epson Australia as joint major sponsor, highlighting the rising prominence and technical artistry of photographers across the region.
A Rare Full-Arch Aurora Wins the Epson Pano Awards Southeast Asia Title
Titled “The Emerald Arch Over Lofoten, Norway”, Wutimet’s winning panorama shows a rare, full-arch aurora borealis framing a towering mountain peak. Below it, the mirror-like waters of a freezing coastline reflect the entire scene in near-perfect symmetry.
The landscape, fine art and travel photographer explained that the display was so immense, even his 12mm ultra-wide lens could not fit it into a single frame. Shooting a panorama was his only option.
“It wasn’t until I stitched the frames together that I realised 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.”
Wutimet Bunyasirisith, The Pano Awards Southeast Asia Open Photographer of the Year 2026
Epson Pano Awards Spotlight Southeast Asian Talent
Epson Malaysia welcomed the win at the Epson Pano Awards as another proud moment for the region, with Managing Director Alvin Tan pointing to the growing ambition of the region’s photographers.
“We are thrilled to celebrate the exceptional talent emerging from Southeast Asia for the third year running. Wutimet’s success reflects a continuing trend of Southeast Asian photographers venturing to distant global landscapes to capture back awe-inspiring, world-class panoramic visuals. His work has shown us the relentless passion, vision and technical discipline that defines our region’s creative community.”
Alvin Tan, Managing Director, Epson Malaysia
Competition Curator David Evans also praised the sustained strength of regional entries at the Epson Pano Awards, noting that panoramic photography demands a unique balance of artistic vision and technical mastery, especially 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.”
David Evans, Competition Curator, The Epson International Pano Awards
Meet the Southeast Asia Open Finalists at the Epson Pano Awards 2026
Wutimet topped a strong field of ten Southeast Asia Open finalists at this year’s Epson Pano Awards. Malaysia made an impressive showing, with Ow Terence claiming three finalist spots and Chee Gin Tan earning one, alongside talent from Singapore, Vietnam and the Philippines.
How Epson Supports the Region’s Visual Storytellers
As joint major sponsors, Epson Southeast Asia and Epson Australia continue to empower photographers with top-tier imaging technology, including Epson SureColor professional photo printers and ultra-slim projectors built for colour accuracy and archival print durability. It is the latest step in Epson’s long-running support for the competition, which RiseMalaysia covered when Epson opened entries for the 16th International Pano Awards.
To explore every winning and top-scoring image from the Epson Pano Awards 2026, visit the official winners gallery. You can also learn more about Epson in Malaysia at epson.com.my.
All images courtesy of the respective photographers and The 17th Epson International Pano Awards, thepanoawards.com.
