Mieke Boynton, Ijen Crater: Sulphur Mining (Documentary/Photojournalism)

Stories of hardship are never simple. At first glance, I was appalled at the deadly conditions these miners worked under. The noxious sulphur, the weight of the baskets, the dangerous climb into and out of the crater... but the miners are proud of their strength, proud to show off the sulphur burns on their shoulders, and most importantly, proud of their ability to provide for their families; knowing that their sacrifice ensures a much better life for them.

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.