Dimitar Hinkov has won Bronze in the Film/Analog category of the 1839 Awards’ 2026 Photographer of the Year contest for his photograph Hats and a Mirror. The award comes as Dimitar prepares to return to More By Us as Lead Designer in 2027.
The competition received submissions from 79 countries across 22 categories. An international jury selected the winners, with members from institutions and publications including the Whitney Museum of American Art, Bonhams, Phaidon Press, and Dwell.
Hats and a Mirror
Hats fill the frame, their overlapping brims creating a rhythm across the image. Near the center, a small mirror breaks that pattern. The reflection brings a person into view and gives the eye a place to pause.
It’s a subtle example of visual hierarchy. Amid so many shapes and textures, one small detail changes where you look and what you notice about the scene. The same principle shapes a brand layout or a website, where the placement of an element can matter as much as its size.
From intern to Lead Designer
Dimitar began his design career at More By Us in 2023 as an intern. It’s been a pleasure to see him grow as a designer and to see his photography earn international recognition. In 2027, he’ll return as Lead Designer, working with the team to develop ideas and guide projects from concept through delivery.
There’s a rawness and honesty to Dimitar’s work that will sit in interesting contrast with the more polished visual style More By Us has developed over the years. We’re excited to see how that contrast changes the way we approach a brief, which ideas we give room to develop, and what the work looks like as a result. We’re looking forward to shaping the studio’s next chapter with him on the team.
Congratulations on the Bronze, Dimitar. We’re happy to have you back on the team.
