We are thrilled to unveil our next photo competition theme: Monochrome Visions 2024! This theme challenges photographers to explore the captivating world of black and white photography, focusing on the essential elements of mood, contrast, tonality, and texture. With no restrictions on genre, subject, or style, this is your chance to showcase impactful monochrome images—from dramatic nature scenes to gritty urban landscapes, wildlife, intimate portraits, and beyond. The world’s your oyster, as long as it’s presented in striking black and white!
Frame the World in Monochrome
Step into the timeless world of black and white photography. Stripping away colour lets you focus on light, shadow, form, and texture, revealing the soul of your subject. This theme welcomes any subject, offering limitless opportunities to interpret your world through the compelling medium of monochrome!
“To see in colour is a delight for the eye, but to see in black and white is a delight for the soul.” – Andri Cauldwell
What We’re Looking For
We are open to all styles and subjects, but here’s what we’ll focus on:
- Subject Mastery: Whether minimalist or maximalist, your images should demonstrate a solid understanding of the subject and its suitability for black and white.
- Mood and Emotional Impact: Craft images that evoke timelessness and emotion, telling a story only monochrome can convey.
- Vision and Intent: Every black and white conversion should serve a clear artistic purpose.
- Contrast: Master the art of contrast—using either bold differences or subtle shifts—to guide the viewer’s eye and enhance subject separation.
- Tonality: Strive for a full tonal range, from inky blacks to pristine whites, adding depth and dimension.
- Light and Shadow: Use directional lighting creatively to sculpt your subject and infuse your images with mood.
- Form and Geometry: Strong compositions focusing on lines, shapes, and patterns are vital in monochrome photography.
- Texture and Detail: Highlight the intricate textures and fine details that become pronounced in black and white.
- Post-Processing Mastery: Techniques like HDR, dodging, burning, and luminosity masks will elevate your work to the next level.
Purpose of the Theme
Not all subjects thrive in black and white. Simply converting an average image to monochrome won’t make it powerful. Monochrome Visions 2024 aims to refine your eye for black and white photography, sharpening your skills in contrast, light, shadow, and form. This theme encourages both technical mastery and creative exploration, challenging you to see and capture the world in monochrome.
Photo Series!
We will consider both individual images and cohesive series. Submit up to five images, ensuring each contributes to a unified narrative or theme. Consider tonal consistency, recurring motifs, and complementary compositions to create a series that stands out.
Inspiration
For guidance and ideas:
- Join our Black and White Photography Group where we’ll feature works by master photographers and curated Pinterest boards throughout the challenge.
Bonus Events Coming Up!
- Black & White Editing Workshop: Open for everyone, Basic and Pro Members! Don’t miss Part 2 of our Free Zoom Session where Danie Bester will share advanced editing techniques. Date to be announced!
Judging Criteria
Submissions will be evaluated on:
- Mood: The ability to evoke a feeling or emotional response.
- Compositional Skill: Exceptional framing and arrangement of elements to guide the viewer’s eye.
- Mastery of Contrast and Tonality: Effective use of the monochrome spectrum, from stark silhouettes to subtle tonal gradients.
- Light and Shadow: Creative use and manipulation of lighting to add depth and mood.
- Texture and Detail: Highlighting tactile and intricate elements, making the scene visually tangible.
- Visual Story: Telling a compelling and cohesive visual narrative.
- Editing: Advanced post-processing is encouraged, from Lightroom techniques like dodging and burning with masks and brushes, to advanced Photoshop techniques like luminosity masks. Composites and AI-assisted retouching are not allowed.
Why is Editing Important in Black and White Photography?
Editing plays a crucial role in black and white photography because it allows photographers to fine-tune the essential elements that define a striking monochrome image. Without the aid of colour to differentiate subjects, post-processing helps in enhancing contrast, adjusting tonality, and refining textures. Techniques like dodging and burning can bring out details in shadows and highlights, while tools like luminosity masks in Photoshop allow for precise control over different tonal areas. Effective editing not only helps in achieving the desired mood and depth but also ensures that the image fully conveys the photographer’s vision and story!
Keywords (What It Is):
Monochrome, black and white photography, contrast, tonality, light and shadow, texture, emotional storytelling, impactful, dodge and burn, luminosity masks.
Antonyms (What It Is Not):
Colour, composites, flat, emotionless, uninspired.
Competition Details
- Duration: Runs through the holidays into January.
- Closing Date: Friday, 31 January 2025
- Submission Guidelines:
- Open to Basic and Pro members.
- Post up to five photos in the Black and White Photography Group.
- Add a suitable title to each individual image, or if submitting a series, provide a name for the series.
- Include both the following hashtags with each image or series:
- #Monochrome2024
- #BlackAndWhitePhotography
Prizes
- Best Single Image: R1,000 cash prize.
- Best Series: A 3-hour personal training session with Danie Bester, covering any topic you choose!
Announcement
Winners will be announced on Tuesday, 11 February at 7 PM (SA Time) via a live Zoom session (details to follow).
We’re excited to see your creative interpretations in black and white. Enjoy and good luck!
