Mr Lovecchio said competing against other photographers and to be recognised for his work in the Youthhood category on an international level has been a wonderful experience.

"When I was travelling through India in 1995, I stayed in the city of Varanasi, which is a major spiritual centre near the Ganges River," he said.

"As the sun was setting one afternoon, I was on the rooftop of the hotel I was staying in and I saw what I initially thought was dust, but it turned out to be kites flying in the air by the local children.

"It was an incredibly thing to experience and to capture it."

Mr Lovecchio said he always looks for opportunities to submit his work.

"The Life Framer competition is very well respected and with the theme of 'Youthhood' I thought this photo fit the criteria," he said.

"I have won a variety of national and international awards and I feel satisfied to be able to build on my work and be acknowledged by my international peers."

American social documentary photographer Greg Miller judged the entries and said even from afar the excitement in the children's body language [in the photograph] is apparent and infectious.

"Vince presents a different perspective on youthhood, with the subjects of his image perched on a temple rooftop, watching boats pass by on the Ganges river," he said.

"Captured from this distant vantage point the body of water seems infinite, emphasizing those feelings of adventure and youthful wonder."