Thaddäus Biberauer​​

Winners

© Thaddäus Biberauer​​

Theme: Black & White January 2025

  • black and white of a boy diving in water in Kolkata, India by Subhran Karmakar

    Winning Photographer Subhran Karmakar

    Winning Photographer Subhran Karmakar

    “Leap of faith” - Kolkata, India
    A boy leaping into a rippling reflection in Kolkata, India. A tiny, magical slice of life, as if the city whispered it just for me. © Subhran Karmakar
  • black and white landscape travel photo of fisherman in Hoi An, Vietnam by Chan Kim

    Second Prize Chan Kim

    Second Prize Chan Kim

    “Fisherman in Hoi An” - Hoi An, Vietnam
    Captured in the early morning in Hoi An, Vietnam in 2024, this photograph was taken during a fisherman experience tour with a Hasselblad X2D. The fishermen of Hoi A dedicate long hours to their craft, spending much of their time on the water, skillfully setting up massive fishing nets and working alone from dawn. In this image, the solitary figure stands on a small boat, casting his net with practiced precision. The soft morning light reflects off the rippling water, creating a serene yet powerful scene that speaks to the resilience and quiet dedication of these fishermen, who have upheld their traditions for generations. © Chan Kim
  • black and white photo of boys and animals swimming in Bitlis, Türkiye by Yusuf Eminoglu

    Third Prize Yusuf Eminoglu

    Third Prize Yusuf Eminoglu

    “The Aquatic Ceremony” - Bitlis, Türkiye, 2014
    In the harsh winters of Anatolia, the local children have turned the cold January days into a ritual of their own, finding warmth and joy in the natural thermal waters. As they bathe their horses and buffaloes, the striking contrast between the freezing air and the soothing warmth creates moments of playful delight. For these children, this place is more than just a washing spot; it becomes a stage filled with fun and exuberance. © Yusuf Eminoglu
  • black and white studio portrait of female model by Cam Attree

    Finalist Cam Attree

    Finalist Cam Attree

    “Brooke”
    Studio portrait shot with a Fujifilm GFX 50sii and AI Nikkor 105mm f2.5. © Cam Attree
  • black and white photo of boy with camel during Gobi Saikhan Yak Festival in southern Mongolia by Lawrence Bernstein

    Finalist Lawrence Bernstein

    Finalist Lawrence Bernstein

    “Gobi Saikhan Yak Festival” - Mongolia
    This photo was taken in 2024 at the annual Gobi Saikhan Yak Festival in southern Mongolia. The herd was agitated by the crowd of onlookers and took on this defensive stance. © Lawrence Bernstein
  • black and white medium format landscape photo of Central Highlands of Iceland by Matthieu Gelissen

    Finalist Matthieu Gelissen

    Finalist Matthieu Gelissen

    “Untitled” - Iceland
    Medium format landscape shot of Central Highlands of Iceland. © Matthieu Gelissen
  • black and white street photo of man and smoke in South Korea by Jihhoon Kim

    Finalist Jihhoon Kim

    Finalist Jihhoon Kim

    “Dual realities” - South Korea
    The bald man is watching a big smoke rising. The big smoke seems to rise above the bald man’s head, and the smoke looks like a person’s side. Looking at this picture, some people asked if the building had been terrorized. But in reality, it is the Jeongwol Daeboreum event held in South Korea. © Jihhoon Kim
  • black and white street photo of men practising kushti in India by Sanghamitra Sarkar

    Finalist Sanghamitra Sarkar

    Finalist Sanghamitra Sarkar

    “Kushti training” - India Pehlwani, also known as Kushti, is a form of wrestling established centuries ago in Persia. More than traditional Indian wrestling: it is a way of life, perpetuating a tradition where every encounter serves as a spiritual quest. More than a sport, it is a lifestyle that requires the rigorous discipline of all martial arts. © Sanghamitra Sarkar
  • black and white photo of man swimming in Bellevue Strand, Klampenborg, Denmark by Mette Ovgaard

    Finalist Mette Ovgaard

    Finalist Mette Ovgaard

    “Winter longing” - Bellevue Strand, Klampenborg, Denmark, 2024
    Every weekend during the winter months, I put on my bathing suit and plunge into the cold water. A feeling of devotion to the cold water arises, which makes me let go of all other thoughts and concentrate only on my body and the water. I am present right now and here, a state that I otherwise find difficult to achieve, but which gives me peace. The pictures are part of a long-term project where I take photos of various winter bathing places in Denmark. © Mette Ovgaard
  • black and white portrait photo of woman with reindeer in Yamal Peninsula, Russia by Kate Surzhok

    Finalist Kate Surzhok

    Finalist Kate Surzhok

    “Strength of the North” - Yamal Peninsula, Russia
    Faces of Yamal: rugged but deeply sincere. This photo was taken in 2013 at a reindeer herders’ camp. Yamal Peninsula, Russia. © Kate Surzhok

Finalists

Jury's Feedback

  • Black and white portrait photo of Pierrot Men
    © Pierrot Men

    Judge: Pierrot Men

    Malagasy photographer Pierrot Men has spent more than four decades capturing deeply compelling, monochrome images that distil the unique essence of his homeland. A master chronicler of everyday life and one of the few remaining exponents of the ‘humanist’ style of the 20th century, he is a household name in Madagascar and has also earned acclaim internationally. He has exhibited in cities across the globe including Tokyo, Paris, and San Francisco. In 1994, he published his first book, People of Tana, with French photographer Bernard Descamps. He continues to live and work in Madagascar, where he runs the country’s largest photo studio and lab.

Francesco Riccardo
© Francesco Riccardo

Open to All Photography

Be part of a vibrant community: The competition award is a unique opportunity to gain exposure and provides a platform to celebrate the very best of contemporary photography.

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Open for entries

color portrait photo of a sadhu and monkey in Varanasi, India by Mahendra Bakle
© Mahendra Bakle
2025 Visual Story AWARD

Win $2700 Cash Awards & International Exposure

In February, we are looking for photographers who produce compelling narratives in a wide range of genres: portraiture, documentary, street, fine art, travel, and more – Enter today and show us YOUR stories!

  • Win $2700 in Cash Prizes
  • International Exhibition
  • +840k Instagram Feature
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Submit Photos
Deadline: 28 February 2025

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