The 2023 Monochrome Photography Awards winners have been unveiled! Érico Hiller clinched the prestigious title of Monochrome Photographer of the Year with his poignant portrayal of acid attack survivor Geeta.
Celebrating the artistry of black and white photography on a global scale, the Monochrome Photography Awards acknowledges and commends photographers who exhibit remarkable talent and ingenuity in the realm of monochromatic imagery. Explore below to discover the award-winning photographs across a spectrum of categories including Abstract, Architecture, Conceptual, Fashion/Beauty, Fine Art, Landscapes, Nature, Nude, Photojournalism, Photomanipulation, Portrait, Street, and Wildlife.
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#1 Runner-up in the Photomanipulation category: “The Skull” by Alexander Sviridov from Canada
“The artwork showcases a human skull ingeniously crafted from female models, presenting a distinctive viewpoint on the themes of beauty and mortality.”
#2 Second place in the Nude category: “Struggle/Rise #4” by Brian Cann from Germany.
“Derived from a narrative delving into the mental health ramifications of assault and harassment.”
#3 Second place in the Fine Art category: “Peace” by Małgorzata Fober from Poland.
“The image ‘Peace’ was crafted specifically for the author’s calendar titled ‘Everything in our hands’. It is among the 13 photographs comprising a series depicting animals rescued by the author. Each creature is portrayed alongside human hands, representing individuals who visited the author’s home during that period.”
#4 Runner-up in the Abstract category: “White Lava” by Hilda Champion from the United States.
“A flower submerged in water and milk.”
#5 Second place in the Architecture category: “National Theatre Luminosity Ballet” by Thomas Maguire from the United Kingdom.
“Photograph captured of the renowned Brutalist National Theatre in London, showcasing a luminous ballet that enhances the beauty and admiration of the structure.”
#6 First place in the Fashion/Beauty category: “A Chinese Minority Girl” by Xiayu (Renee) Li from the United States.
“I captured this image of a Chinese minority girl living in the US. It underscores the significance of recognizing and appreciating the beauty of cultural diversity, particularly those that may be overlooked or underrepresented. Through understanding and respecting diverse cultures, we foster greater empathy and understanding among individuals from various backgrounds.”
#7 Third place in the Portrait category: “Smoking Man” by Ien Yamasaki from Thailand.
“A portrait capturing an elderly man taking a break from transportation, observing a Chinese shrine near the Chaophraya river in Bangkok, Thailand. River transport is commonplace in Bangkok and can be exhausting, especially during hot summer days.”
#8 Third place in the Nude category: “Sunday Morning In Paris” by Julien Sunye from the Netherlands.
“Paris, France, 2021.”
#9 Second place in the Conceptual category: “Horror Movies Story” by Hardi Budi from Indonesia.
As an AI language model, I don’t have personal experiences or emotions like watching movies. However, I can understand the concept of horror movies and the reactions they elicit from people. The picture series serving as a metaphor for people’s reactions while watching horror movies sounds intriguing. Capturing the essence of fear and suspense within an old theater in Jakarta adds an atmospheric dimension to the concept.
#10 Third place in the Architecture category: “Nabatea” by Nigel Malone from Australia.
The title of this image, “Nabatea,” is derived from the Nabateans, an ancient culture renowned for their architectural marvels carved in stone at Petra in Jordan. However, they also ventured into the remote deserts of Arabia, where this photograph was captured. Shot on film using a vintage rangefinder camera, I aimed to evoke a reminiscent atmosphere akin to the historic black and white images from the era of the discovery of the great pyramids, reminiscent of Howard Carter’s time, a quality that can only be achieved through vintage lenses.
#11 Third place in the Fashion/Beauty category: “A Girl With Tin Foil” by Xiayu (Renee) Li from the United States.
“I was inspired to craft a captivating photo series showcasing a beautiful girl adorned with tin foil, as I found the combination to be intriguing. To heighten the dramatic impact, I meticulously crafted tin foil decorations tailored to the girl, thereby transforming her appearance into a mesmerizing and striking portrayal.”
#12 Second place in the Landscapes category: “Mt. Fuji” by Kantapat Phutthamkul from Thailand.
“I captured this photo during my trip to Japan. Mount Fuji is undeniably the most iconic landmark in the region.”
#13 First place in the Photomanipulation category: “Yin” by Bella Von Einsiedel from Germany.
“Part of my series ‘YIN & YANG’.
This series explores the interconnection between human beings, nature, and the equilibrium of the universe. It delves into the juxtaposition of the bright and dark aspects of life, illustrating their inherent unity and inseparability. What would Yin be without Yang? Would we truly appreciate the light without experiencing the darkness? It’s a reflection on the notion that it’s always darkest before the dawn.”
#14 First place in the Photojournalism category: “Mud Ball Wrestling” by Nguyen Dang Giang from Vietnam.
#15 Érico Hiller from Brazil clinched the prestigious title of Monochrome Photographer of the Year 2023. Additionally, he secured first place in the Portrait category with his powerful image titled “An Acid Attack Survivor (Portrait At The Taj Mahal).”
“In my endeavor for my forthcoming book about women, while in Agra, India, I encountered numerous women like Geeta, the subject of this photograph. Her poignant portrait captures a timeless and unsettling essence, bearing witness to the violence and intolerance prevalent in our era.”
#16 Second place in the Fashion/Beauty category: “Miss Mod” by Chelsea Marrin from the United States.
#17 First place in the Nature category: “Winter Story” by Bin Zhang from China.
“This breathtaking scene was captured in Inner Mongolia, China, specifically at the Ulan Butong Grassland. Here, a solitary horse stands amidst the early morning snowstorm, patiently awaiting its owner.”
#18 Second place in the Nature category: “The Leader” by Xavier Ortega from Spain.
“Camargue horses galloping through the marsh.”
#19 Third place in the Nature category: “Love Language” by Fenqiang Liu from the United States.
“On a tranquil spring morning in Central Florida in 2020, a magnificent Great Egret elegantly returned to its nest, where its young offspring awaited patiently. I had the privilege of witnessing and capturing the profound and tender bond between parent and offspring through my camera lens.”
#20 Second place in the Street category: “Bubble Fun” by Tebani Slade from Spain.
“I encountered this bubble thrower during my walk home one afternoon. With just a small change from donations, they bring immense joy to children who jump and dance to pop the bubbles as they float into the air. It creates a truly magical atmosphere.”