This book provides a unique opportunity to see an inspiring range of portraits from contemporary photographers selected from thousands of submissions. The works included are not only about the sitters, but also reveal the outstanding skill of the photographers in capturing a moment in time and conveying something of the spirit of those photographed. This year's In Focus display will be the sixth in the competition's history, exhibiting works by Alessandra Sanguinetti, a photographer known for evocative works that focus on the fantasies and fears that accompany the physical and psychological transition from childhood to adulthood. Her works will be shown in the exhibition and a number of these are reproduced in the catalogue, accompanying an interview about the photographer's life and work.

Fully illustrated in colour throughout, the book also features all the selected entries with extended captions, comments and insights from the judges and interviews with the prizewinners.