Black & White Award Editors’ Picks of May 2026

In the wake of last month’s Black & White Photography Award—judged by American fine art photographer Monica Denevan—our editorial team is proud to shine a spotlight on the standout entries that narrowly missed the final shortlist.

The caliber of talent was truly exceptional across the board, and while these specific images just missed the final cut, they beautifully capture the enduring power of monochrome. Before diving into the gallery, we want to extend our warmest congratulations to these featured photographers, whose remarkable work deeply captivated our team. Swipe through to explore some of our favorite honorable mentions.

“Mountain Veil” - California, USA
Yosemite National Park is in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains. It’s famed for its giant, ancient sequoia trees, and for Tunnel View, the iconic vista of towering Bridalveil Fall and the granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome. © Gary Wagner
“Vlach Women” - Greece
Women of a nomadic Vlach community photographed in Seli mountain, Macedonia, Greece. © George Tatakis
“The embrace” - Kenya, Africa
Maasai Mara National Reserve is an area of preserved savannah wilderness in southwestern Kenya, along the Tanzanian border. © Agniva Kolay
“Swing” - Dali, Yunnan province, China
In Dali, Yunnan, ethnic minority communities hold a traditional swing competition during a local festival. Smoke drifting from nearby spectators surrounded the figure in midair, creating the illusion of someone floating through clouds. The image captures a fleeting moment where tradition and atmosphere merge into something almost mythical. © Tommy Jiang
“Cultural Inheritance and Modern Aspirations” - Mongolia
Young nomad Ardabek, age 16, has harbored a deep passion for eagle hunting since early childhood. Yet now, standing at the threshold of adulthood, Ardabek faces an important choice. The nomadic lifestyle, while meaningful, is demanding & uncertain, while modern opportunities offer an alternative future © Apostolos Kaloudis
"Sharing among lights” - Myanmar
A family of fishermen shares one of their catches, amidst the lights that illuminate this mangrove. © Mateo Borrero
“Roxy”
Black and white studio portrait work. © Alexander Klang
“Rhythms of the Torrent” - Hong Kong
A masterful study of kinetic energy and high-contrast monochrome tones, capturing the raw intensity of the traditional Dragon Boat Festival in Hong Kong. Using a controlled slow shutter speed, this documentary image distills the ancient cultural race into a powerful symphony of shared momentum. © Kam Cheong Chan
“Scanno, un giorno d’estate.” - Italy
Scanno is a small village in the Abruzzo Apennines, known for attracting numerous world-renowned photographers. In recent decades, like other mountain villages, it has experienced significant depopulation, dropping from over 4,000 inhabitants in the 1950s to about 1,650 residents at the start of 2020 © Boris Ricci
“Circle of Strength” - Kolhapur, India
Captured at a traditional wrestling arena in Kolhapur, India, this photograph reveals the timeless spirit of Kushti, one of the country’s oldest forms of wrestling. Within the earthen pit, wrestlers engage in intense physical combat, while a circle of fellow athletes surrounds them. © Shyjith Onden Cheriyath
“Obsidian King” - Ngorongoro Crater National Park Tanzania
A majestic male lion strides through Ngorongoro, its dark mane, shaped by volcanic light and shadow, marking strength. In this ancient crater, he moves like a living myth, quiet, commanding, and eternal, where fire and earth once forged a kingdom still breathing today. © Sandra Risi
“Fisherman 3” - Myanmar 2026
In between spirituality and Serenity, Serie Inle lake © Ana-Maria Tarraga

Published June 16, 2026 - Congratulations to all selected artists: Gary Wagner, George Tatakis, Agniva Kolay, Tommy Jiang, Apostolos Kaloudis, Mateo Borrero, Alexander Klang, Kam Cheong Chan, Boris Ricci, Shyjith Onden Cheriyath, Sandra Risi, Ana-Maria Tarraga,

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2026 Portrait AWARD

Win $2,700 Cash Awards & International Exposure

Can you tell a story with a single glance? – in May, we invite all photographers to share portraits that narrate compelling tales, whether captured in the controlled environment of a studio, the vibrant chaos of the street, or the rich landscapes of travel.