Black & White Award Editors’ Picks of January 2023

Following the results of the last Black & White photography award, judged by English artist Nick Brandt, we want to share some of the best competition entries that didn’t make it to the final round, but showed a remarkable variety of skills, creativity, and impressed the editorial team in their overall quality.

Zebras locked in a violent tussle in a Namibian national park; low clouds graze a rugged Italian landscape; two young Mentawai men photographed in the dense Indonesian jungle with which they share a deep and enduring bond: each of these deeply absorbing images displays remarkable skill and artistry, and demonstrate the profound potential of monochrome photography.

“Focus on the Fade” - Italy
© Thomas De Franzoni
“Self portrait”
Anastasia, strong and determined. Did you know her name means resurrection? Here she stands, putting the final touches on of her Serbian clothing ready to face whatever comes. She knows she’s not alone, not as long as she wears her culture. © Anastasia Petrovic
“The Snows of Kilimanjaro III” - Amboseli, Kenya
Portrait of a large elephant tusker in front of Kilimanjaro, Amboseli, Kenya 2021. © Michel Ghatan
“Pete and Roba, 15 years old” - Siberut Island, Indonesia
The Mentawai people have a very strong bond with the jungle they live in. They treat the forest with love and respect because they believe that everything in Nature has a spiritual essence and their religion, called Arat Sabulungan, regulates the relationship between humans and spirits in order to live in harmony and peace. © Jacopo Maria Della Valle
“Blue blood” - South of Morocco
Close up of an adult Octopus off the coast of Morocco. Every time l go for a dive and see these marvellous Creatures, time stands still. © Korbinian Grad
“Walking on Clouds” - New York City, USA
Candid street photography work on the streets of New York City. © Jc Calingo
“Crow’s nest” - Serengeti, Tanzania
A boulder serves as an ideal vantage point and nap spot for a leopard in Serengeti, Tanzania. © Tilak Nathwani
“Fuegian Folk 01” - Argentina
Lucas is a member of the Fuegian Folk Association. Gaucho or
“cowboy” culture became popular among the inhabitants of Tierra del Fuego in the early 20th century when an influx of agricultural commerce flooded the island. A Fuegian Folk Association was established and was comprised of both indigenous and non-indigenous horsemen who competed in local competitions and advocated for the preservation of traditional Argentine values. This photo project strikes at the intersection of Argentine gaucho culture and indigenous identity. Age-old prejudices are set aside as members of the near-extinct Yahgan community practice horsemanship alongside fellow enthusiasts. Despite the death of the last Yahgan speaker in February of 2022, Yahgan descendants continue to develop new opportunities to reinforce a strong sense of joint identity. © Ignacio Leonidas
“Violent dance” - Etosha National Park, Namibia
Two zebras fighting while trying to keep up with the moving herd. Etosha National Park is a national park in northwestern Namibia and one of the largest national parks in Africa. © Morgane Sevellec
“Lindsay Plinth” - Sydney, Australia
Studio portrait work. © Sarah Louise Kinsella
“Dos Cabelleros” - Feria Festival, Seville, Spain
The Sevilla Feria festival is an annual festival held every April that lasts for a week and celebrates the culture of the Andalusia region of Spain. © George Schober
“Masai Mara Lion” - Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
First encounter early evening in the Masai Mara of this majestic male watching our every move. © Jeff Wade
“Innes” - Munich, Germany
Portrait work inspired by the movie “Geisha”. © Marina Mikhova
“I Hear You” - Utah, USA
The Onaqui Wild Horse’s ear and eye let me know - that he knows. © Rhonda Bratton

Published February 15, 2023 - Congratulations to all selected artists: Thomas De Franzoni, Anastasia Petrovic, Michel Ghatan, Jacopo Maria Della Valle, Korbinian Grad, Jc Calingo, Tilak Nathwani, Ignacio Leonidas, Morgane Sevellec, Sarah Louise Kinsella, George Schober, Jeff Wade, Marina Mikhova, Rhonda Bratton,

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2026 Portrait AWARD

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Can you tell a story with a single glance? – in June, 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.