The Mono Awards 2026: What it takes to win (half one)

Black and white images can really feel deceptively easy. Strip away color and what stays ought to, in idea, be simpler to learn. But ask anybody who has entered the Mono Awards and so they’ll let you know the alternative is commonly true.

Year after 12 months, the Mono Awards showcase photographs that show black and white stays one in every of images’s most expressive mediums.

From dramatic wildlife portraits to quiet human moments and graphic landscapes, the profitable photographs annually all really feel completely different – however a better look exhibits they have an inclination to share a couple of frequent qualities.

So, we seemed again at recommendation from previous judges and contributors to ask a easy query: what does it actually take to create a black and white picture worthy of the rostrum?

Learn to see in tone, not color

One of the largest shifts in monochrome images occurs earlier than you press the shutter. You have to begin seeing scenes otherwise.

Instead of noticing vibrant colors, attempt to search for tonal distinction: the place the highlights sit, the place shadows fall, how midtones separate topics from background, and the way form and texture change into the visible language of the picture.

Photographer and choose Helen Whittle is an knowledgeable at this. Her recommendation is to coach your self to know how colors translate as soon as transformed to grayscale. A inexperienced hillside and a crimson gown may look dramatically completely different in color, however in monochrome they’ll change into nearly equivalent in tone. Knowing that earlier than you shoot can fully change the way you compose.

That consciousness issues as a result of tonal distinction is commonly what guides the viewer by a black-and-white body.

As our choose Matt Palmer believes, the attention is of course drawn to the brightest areas or to the purpose of strongest distinction.

The most compelling monochrome images usually use that intentionally, creating a transparent visible hierarchy and welcoming the viewer to maneuver by the picture with intention.

Story issues – typically greater than technical perfection

Technical polish issues within the Mono Awards. But it not often wins by itself.

Longtime Mono Awards choose Anthony McKee factors to a typical judging sample: technically clear photographs with a single apparent topic can nonetheless really feel flat if there’s nothing extra to find.

A compelling monochrome picture usually rewards a re-evaluation. There could also be a subplot within the background, an sudden gesture, or a relationship between parts within the body that builds rigidity or curiosity. It doesn’t should be difficult, but when performed nicely it’ll give viewers a cause to linger.

In some ways, the strongest photographs usually really feel like a single body pulled from a bigger story.

Be daring with distinction

When you do not have the crutch of color to depend on, black and white images rewards confidence.

Past choose Douwe Dijkstra encourages photographers to not draw back from deep blacks or brilliant whites. Rich shadows can create drama and thriller; daring highlights can isolate a topic and make a picture really feel graphic and speedy.

Negative house may be equally highly effective. A topic surrounded by darkness or open sky can really feel extra putting than a body full of element.

Our former choose Chris Reid makes an identical level: don’t really feel obligated to protect every bit of data. In monochrome, much less can usually be extra. Removing distracting element can strengthen the centre of focus and create a cleaner, extra memorable picture.

The key’s to be intentional with what you seize and the way you edit it…

Even in an period of straightforward modifying, it nonetheless pays to get the seize proper in digital camera

On the subject of modifying, post-production stays an essential a part of monochrome work, however our judges repeatedly come again to the identical recommendation: the strongest information start with sturdy captures.

Light nonetheless issues greater than software program. Directional gentle can carry out texture. Backlighting can create silhouette and form. Side gentle can reveal dimension in portraiture or landscapes. Harsh circumstances which may really feel difficult in color can change into highly effective in black and white.

Our choose Jackie Ranken recommends checking the black and white factors earlier than finalising a picture, whereas William Long, a longterm choose within the competitors suggests photographers transcend one-click monochrome presets and experiment with their very own conversions.

The benefit of it is a customized black-and-white therapy allows you to fine-tune tonal separation and construct a glance that helps the picture, slightly than counting on a generic preset.

At the identical time, modifying can take you near a terrific picture – however you at all times want good bones. 

We’ll share half two subsequent week. The Mono Awards 2026 are open for entries now – enter here.