That dramatic Black and White experience
Christer Berg

That dramatic Black and White experience

May 2019

Expert
winner

There is a gorgeous balance of Black and White happening here and that is exactly what makes a great Black and White image. Furthermore, I am intrigued by the artistic effect used here. I think it is fabulous.

There is a sci-fi type of effect here that is met with a psychological factor. These figures could be anyone, they could be no one. We can't quite relate to them yet at the same time, we almost feel like we can be them.

A very powerful technique combined with a beautiful balance of black and white.

For more thoughts on this image visit: http://www.f64.co/BWcontest

Entry 3909511
673rd
45

2,352 Images entered

1,487 Photographers

107,395 Ratings

Entry 3841821
10th
110

What an incredible capture. The Light rays beaming through the window highlighting a figure that would otherwise be in darkness.

This is a true Black and White photo with a great balance of drama with the tones. The look of concentration combined with the quality of light makes for an intriguing image that anyone would spend time pondering. Well done.

For more thoughts on this image visit: http://www.f64.co/BWcontest

I had to do a triple take on this one. Very clever! I also thoroughly enjoy your handling of tones and textures to emphasize the mood of the photo. I think you nailed this one and the facial expression of the child sitting is priceless with the other two. Very strong work here!

For more thoughts on this image visit: http://www.f64.co/BWcontest

Wow, this is a stunning and magnificent scene and quite the perfect choice for a dramatic monochromatic scene. I am drawn into the figure on the boat, but then as I navigate throughout the image I am finding so many nice "Easter Eggs".

Well done handling these tones!

For more thoughts on this image visit: http://www.f64.co/BWcontest

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Meet the expert judge

Brief

See more contest details

*Blake's brief*: I love a strong-emotional Black and White photograph. There is something about the absence of color and how the simplicity of shades can elicit feelings from the viewer. A good Black and White photo is all about those two stars of the show, Black and White. What I have found is that contrast-rich BW images really help to enhance the emotion in the scene. We are looking to see your most dramatic Black and White photos, the ones that evoke mood and drama. This is not restricted to any specific genre so feel free to submit a portrait, landscape, or architectural image (just to name a few).

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Entry 3845883
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Entry 3853156
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Entry 3856704
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There is a lot of great potential in this photo and is almost like it could be two separate photos, but as one it doesn't really work for me. Let me explain.

The scene is incredible alone and at the correct angle could be a phenomenal photo.

The figure is beautiful and also very daring for doing such a shot, however, the scene overpowers her.

We have too much landscape and not enough figure. I am conflicted as to what you want the focal point to be for the viewer.

Entry 3859792
2023rd
23

I really enjoy the simplicity here and the use of very slight details to outline the scene. This shows a very strong use of Black and White as an artistic expression and really shows us how balance can be achieved even with very little information.

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