Elle Leontiev's photograph of self-taught volcanologist Philip Philip standing at the foot of Mount Yasur in Vanuatu has won the Open Competition category of the Sony World Photography Awards 2026. Philip, who was born and lives at the base of the volcano on Tanna, a remote Pacific island, has spent years studying and monitoring the volcano. He trained with French volcanologist Thomas Boyer but lacks formal qualifications due to limited access to further education and the high cost of fees. Despite this, Philip has played an increasingly important role locally as a knowledgeable observer of Yasur and a bridge between the volcano, visiting scientists, and the communities of Tanna.