The world may be full of color, but for our "Black & White" photo contest, you showed us just how powerful and compelling a story can be when stripped down to pure light, shadow, and tone. And wow, did you deliver! From dramatic contrasts and stark minimalism to rich textures and fleeting street moments, your submissions were a true masterclass in monochrome photography.
You brilliantly showcased the essential elements of composition, proving that an absence of color only amplifies the subject's emotional impact and visual strength. The sheer quality and artistry in each image made judging an absolute thrill. A massive thank you to everyone who shared their vision of the world in black and white with us!
After much deliberation, we are incredibly excited to present the winning photographs!
And... the new photo contest is live! Discover it here
🏆 And the Winner is... Isabelle Rigaux!
Photo by: Isabelle Rigaux
Title: Lucky shot of the moon
1st prize: Xpozer (100x150cm)
Isabelle's winning shot is a stunning example of perfect timing and dramatic contrast. The image immediately draws you in with the magnificent, textured surface of the moon dominating the frame against the absolute blackness of the night sky. The contrast is simply breathtaking, highlighting the subtle craters and plains of the moon in exquisite detail. But what elevates this photograph is the silhouette of the airplane, perfectly framed as it streaks across the lunar disc.
From a technical standpoint, capturing this 'lucky shot' requires immense skill and preparation. The exposure must be balanced precisely to hold the detail on the bright moon without blowing out the highlights, while ensuring the background remains a deep, rich black. The small, sharp detail of the plane provides a sense of scale and a powerful, human element to an otherwise astronomical scene. It’s an unforgettable, high-impact photograph that masterfully uses the contrast inherent in black and white to tell an extraordinary story.
🥈 Second Place: Dirk Dejonckheere
Photo by: Dirk Dejonckheere
Title: La Solitudine
2nd prize: EPIX photo tiles (4x)
Dirk’s photograph explodes with geometric intensity and profound atmosphere. The scene on the beach of Livorno is dominated by the striking, repeating pattern of the checkered promenade, which creates powerful leading lines that pull the viewer from the foreground to the distant horizon. This strong pattern is a hallmark of great black and white photography, relying on form and texture to create depth.
Technically, the light is handled beautifully. The intense brightness breaking through the heavy clouds above provides a dramatic halo, silhouetting the railing and the lone cyclist. The cyclist is perfectly placed at the center, embodying the title, "La Solitudine" (The Solitude). The photograph is an immersive, high-impact shot that showcases masterful use of perspective, negative space, and a dramatic tonal range to evoke a feeling of isolation and vastness.
🥉 Third Place: Pieter Limbeek
Photo by: Pieter Limbeek
Title: long exposure minimalism
3rd prize: EPIX retro tiles (4x)
Pieter's image is a serene and sophisticated study in minimalism and long-exposure technique. The long exposure has transformed the moving water into a soft, ethereal mist, creating a milky texture that contrasts beautifully with the stark, rough lines of the wooden pilings. This technique strips the scene down to its purest forms: vertical structures against a flat, horizontal plane.
Compositionally, the image is impeccably balanced. The row of pilings serves as a diagonal line, guiding the eye deep into the frame. The subtle detail of the single, wispy cloud adds just enough texture to the sky without distracting from the main subject. The limited range of grays, from the deepest shadow cast by the pilings to the bright white of the sea, perfectly encapsulates the power of black and white to simplify a scene and emphasize timeless tranquility. It’s a testament to how 'less is more' in monochrome photography.
Thank You!
A huge thank you to everyone who submitted a photo and to all the voters who helped make this contest so much fun. We are consistently amazed by the talent and passion within the Xpozer community.
Ready for your next challenge? Our new photo contest is already live!
Happy shooting!
