A portrait of a trans woman is one of the winners of this year’s Portrait of Britain photography award.

‘Grace’, a trans woman and medical student, was photographed by Allie Crewe.

Crewe’s photograph was one of the 100 winning portraits of the fourth Portrait of Britain award, a competition organised by the British Journal of Photography and JCDecaux.

“It’s really humbling to win this prestigious competition so early in my career,” Crewe said in a statement.

“I first met Grace when I was working on my ‘You Brought Your Own Light’ portrait series and I knew immediately that I had to photograph her. Grace looks so beautiful and empowered; she has a disarming gaze that reveals understanding and compassion, and tells of adversities overcome.

“For this portrait of a trans woman subject to win a competition that is committed to celebrating diversity and the changing face of Britain is truly wonderful.”

Crewe has previously exhibited her photographic portraits of trans people at the Manchester Central Library, sponsored by trans charity Sparkle, as well as exhibiting at the Getty Gallery and Lloyds of London.

Another portrait of a trans woman – Bethan Henshaw of Coventry by Guardian photographer Fabio De Paola – was also one among the winners.

The Portrait of Britain photography award explores the diversity of people living in Britain and the way their narratives reflect its widely unstable political and social landscapes.

In 2018 there were 13,000 entries, making it the largest contemporary portrait exhibition ever held, taking a national gallery of portraits out to people on the screens of JCDecaux all over the country.

Hoxton Mini Press – the leading publisher of contemporary photography – will publish the book of the winners and the shortlist.

The winning portraits will be exhibited for one month from 2 September on digital screens in train stations, shopping malls and on high streets.