Monochrome Visions 2024 challenged photographers to explore the captivating world of black and white photography, focusing on mood, contrast, tonality, and texture. With no restrictions on genre, subject, or style, this competition invited participants to create impactful monochrome images—whether dramatic nature scenes, gritty urban landscapes, wildlife, intimate portraits, or architectural masterpieces. As long as it was presented in striking black and white, the world was their oyster!
For those who missed it, click on the following to access the competition page:
After an incredible selection of entries, we are thrilled to announce the winners!
As you know, there were two prizes up for grabs:
- Winning Picture: R1,000 cash prize
- Best Series (5 photographs): A minimum of three hours of personal tuition with Danie Bester, including portfolio curation and guidance.
We had amazing entries, and once again, the top spots were taken by two familiar names, both of whom have won multiple competitions in the past. While there were many strong contenders, these two winners delivered outstanding work that stood out even in a fiercely competitive field.
Architectural photography naturally lends itself to black and white, thanks to its emphasis on form, contrast, and texture. The interplay of lines, shadows, and reflections often makes architectural shots especially impactful. This made the judging process incredibly difficult, as choosing a single winning image —or the best series—was almost an impossible task.
To the rest of our community—consider this a challenge! Will the next photography competition see a fresh face take the crown? It’s time to sharpen your skills, refine your vision, and give these two legends a run for their money! We can’t wait to see what you come up with next.
But for now, let’s celebrate the winners!
Winning Picture:
Kim Stevens – “Spokes”
This image is a brilliant study in symmetry, minimalism, and balance, with the architectural structure forming an eye-like shape, its reflection reinforcing the illusion. The cyclist, perfectly placed within this “eye,” becomes the cherry on top—a small but powerful element that transforms the scene from a geometric abstraction into a compelling narrative. The contrast, clean lines, and human scale make this a masterful blend of architecture, movement, and storytelling.
Just visit Kim’s Profile to look at her other entries, of which “Potsdamer Platz Berlin” and “Matrix” both could have walked away with the R1,000 cash prize! Perhaps the reason that Spokes won is its utter simplicity reminding us of Da Vinci’s quote: “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”
Best Series:
Click the photos to enlarge
Luke Brouwers – “Monochrome Contrast”
Luke Brouwers, many years ago, when we still had our Photo Critic website, won both our Photographer of the Year and Shot of the Year awards. We can proudly say that he came from our fold, having completed our Basic Course and several workshops, including our Architectural Photography Course!
Luke is one of our great gurus, and we know newer students are queuing up to challenge him. He wouldn’t mind—he’s such a kind soul and always willing to share what he’s learned through many years of experience.
Luke Brouwers’ winning architectural series “Monochrome Contrast” is a bold, high-contrast exploration of form, light, and perspective. His dramatic monochrome approach strips architecture down to its essence, emphasising grandiosity, texture, and geometric elegance. The images feel almost surreal, with deep blacks and bright highlights sculpting buildings into monumental, futuristic icons. Through masterful composition and an intense noir-like mood, Brouwers transforms urban structures into timeless works of art.
As the winner of the best series, Luke receives a minimum of three hours of personal tuition with Danie Bester, including portfolio curation, guidance on refining his work, and expert insights into advancing his photography.
Other Entries!
Danie discussed several of the top contenders during his live announcement, so if you missed it, be sure to check out all the entries. Let us know which other images stood out to you!
Well done to you Kim and Luke!
Amazing pictures.
Hi Danie. Thank you for those very kind words. It has been an absolute privelege to have and still be a member of this community and I am always blown away by the quality of work coming through. I often then think to myself, have I got a chance when it comes to these competitions in the DPC group and I always feel humbled when I win a competition or my images are selected by yourselves. Thank You. As you said if there are any members that would like to pick my brain or need a bit of advice my door is always open.
Thank you so much Coleen.
Congrats Kim on your winning image, an image that that speaks volumes.