EDITORS’ PICK
A Monochrome Distillation
BLACK & WHITE
BLACK AND WHITE EDITORS’ PICK
Following Valerie Blair’s selection of winning images for our recent Black & White competition, this compilation of 20 images represents some of the other talented photographers whose work struck us and left a mark. Each a stunning image worthy of exposure and attention…
When selecting for editor’s picks we’re always searching for those striking photographs that make for an unforgettable single image, whether from a broader series or not. We enjoy the accompanying text some photographers submit with their images, and while not always necessary it can be relevant when understanding the work in full context.
These are intended to be a conversation starter… so feel free to join the discussion on our social networks.
BANNER IMAGE: MATT BARBEAU
Although initially strikingly beautiful, sadness quickly grips the scene as death and decay become increasingly apparent. The pale branches of the tree, uprooted and broken interrupt the earthy, arid landscape. The photographer’s choice of a birds-eye view gives the scene the gravitas it deserves, allowing the viewer full perspective of this sorrowful situation. A mournful but moving scene from our natural world. – LIFE FRAMER
SCOTT PILLA
Hope embodies this scene as the viewer observes this small element of growth – raw and striving amongst these large, artificial objects. The surrounding darkness amongst the tires amplifies their dominance of the environment, while the little plant signifies hopefulness for change and progress. A subtle scene, captured by a photographer whose appears to have an eye for small stories and the details in the everyday. – LIFE FRAMER
Photographer statement – New Life.
TANYELI PINDELL
Many themes run through this gorgeous family (to be) portrait, from youthood to the natural landscape there is an organic sense of being and acceptance. The soft black and white finish to the scene allows the textures of each element to be appreciated in their own form without distracting from the people at the center of this story. A truly calming and loving photograph. – LIFE FRAMER
DUSTIN KAHIA
An inviting waterscape, encompassing the many natural elements of human life, is presented to the viewer, encouraging a moment of mindfulness for them to enjoy. The irregular, silhouetted shapes standout on their own, easily observed individually, while simultaneously complimenting each other and creating a harmony that is reflective of the photographer’s caption. A welcomed scene of serenity. – LIFE FRAMER
Photographer statement – In the quiet monochrome that bathes the world, there is a moment of stillness–a single figure, a child, stands immersed in the gentle caress of water, gazing out into the seamless blend of sky and sea. This photograph, a tender slice of serenity, invites us to hold our breath, to listen to the whispers of the ripples and feel the soft hum of the universe.
As the eye travels across the frame, it finds a solitary tree emerging from the depth, its branches stretching with an ancient grace, echoing the delicate lines of life’s complexities. There is a sense of both solitude and connection, the child and the tree, disparate and yet somehow entwined in the vast tapestry of existence.
Here, in this captured instant of time, the absence of color is not a lack but a doorway to the profound. The black and white tones do not merely depict the scene; they imbue it with emotion–each shade a word, each contrast a verse in the silent poetry of the visual.
ROHIT RATTAN
A scene of both transformation and mediation greets the viewer, inviting them to take solace in the moment before them. The use of black and white within the image purposely eliminates distraction, allowing the focus to remain on the two subjects and their connection. An unusual photograph that through unobtrusive digital techniques successfully archives its aim – a moment of a calming stillness. – LIFE FRAMER
Photographer statement – Each photograph within this series SILENCE has been captured and selected to provide the viewer with an opportunity to embrace silence / stillness, an excuse for respite, to take a breather and enjoy a little solidarity.
MIKE SAPPOJNIKOFF
The image feels more like photographic evidence of a crime scene rather than a snapshot of a natural environment. The spidery, natural structure sets an unnerving presence as it is lit-up with a low lying, unnatural light source. The stark contrast of white against black emphasizes the bareness of the tree and its sprawling branches, as if trying to reach out in desperation. The photographer has shown their inquisitive side with this offbeat landscape scene. – LIFE FRAMER
Photographer statement – A Tree of the Negev Desert, Israel.
ALEX DOUBLE
The viewer is greeted with a serene artistic scene, like a painting of two turtles moving and swimming in unison. The photographer applies a lot of patience as well as knowledge in this watery environment, with their ability to wait and capture the idyllic moment. Although the photographer mentions these are Green Turtles, the black and white element of this image allows the viewer to take in the detail of these reptiles and appreciate their design, their shells perfectly adapted for the water worlds they frequent. A photograph documenting the natural world, that could easily be appreciated as a piece of fine art. – LIFE FRAMER
Photographer statement – Two Green turtles in a chase for a favourite resting place.
GAVIN LIBOTTE
The photographer removes the iconic catholic coloring from this grotto, without extracting any of the mysterious, spiritual aspects these statues promise to evoke. Whether this photographer sees this place as a holy shrine or just another man-made rock formation is irrelevant, as their image brings into question why these places are still so revered and visited. An unobtrusive yet beautifully creative approach to documenting intriguing behaviour of human rituals and worship. – LIFE FRAMER
COURTNEY FLISIAK
The use of a soft, colourless gradient anchors the underlying reality of the recent wildfires, and sets the tone for this subdued portrait. The photographer highlights the strong, silent connection between the horse and rider with the accompanying text, additionally affirmed through the watery reflection of both subjects. A beautiful scene, carrying a poignant reminder of the vital relationships we humans hold with both animals and the natural world. – LIFE FRAMER
Photographer statement – Monochrome Cowgirl. The connection between horse and rider. Still lake at evening time. Overcast from wildfires. Antler Lake, Alberta, Canada.
WILLIAM HOLDERFIELD
The photographer allows us this privileged perspective of this protected, natural environment – the iconic trees unseen here as they turn their lens to the, just as unusual, rock formations that dot the landscape. Although so much of the scene is shrouded in darkness, the shading and tone of the image are perfectly balanced to illuminate this effortless moonscape. – LIFE FRAMER
Photographer statement – These are selections from a series of photographs taken inside Joshua Tree National Park during sunset and twilight hours. There’s an understated elegance to the enormous weathered granite formations scattered throughout the park that’s particularly enhanced at sunset. The otherness of the Joshua Trees is pronounced during these brief minutes as well, especially so in the minutes before sunrise.
JAUME LLORENS
There is a profound message of balance and respect embedded into this unique collaged scene. Both sides of the scene are beautiful in their own right, while creating a whole, integrated image when juxtaposed. The photographer’s respect and consideration for the natural environment is prominent in both text and image, as they look to their local, surrounding places of biodiversity for inspiration and education. A well considered photograph with a poignant perspective. – LIFE FRAMER
Photographer statement – Gaia. This is an ongoing series that takes its name from a hypothesis by James Lovelock and Lynn Margulis that describes Earth as a single superorganism in which living beings and the rest of the planet establish a self-regulating equilibrium that ensures the survival of the whole.
The series consists of diptychs created by juxtaposing two photographs of natural elements found in my local environment. These elements generate a third image that combines the two photographs into a harmonious whole, which differs from the simple sum of its parts as described by Ralph Gibson in his concept of the “Overtone.” New and balanced realities can be created from this simple juxtaposition.
Gaia aims to reflect on the need to re-establish our connection with nature that has been neglected for too long, and to feel like a responsible part of this marvellous system once again to ensure the survival of our planet.
JUAN CARLO CALINGO
The photograph is difficult to date as the snowstorm takes full effect, masking the familiar features of this iconic city and ultimately giving the scene its nostalgic quality. The image almost becomes a postcard from winters of the past, persuading the viewer to enjoy their own memories of similar circumstances – regardless of whether they’ve ever frequented New York City. The photographer has captured a truly magical moment, enhanced by the stark contrast of black and white and the sole subject – resembling a police officer – making their way through the whirling snow. The subsequent story that might unfold begins to write itself… – LIFE FRAMER
Photographer statement – Whiteout.
ESPERANZA MANZANERA FERRÁNDIZ VELMOCK
An unusual and intriguing picture that perfectly denotes our fleeting existence, reminding us to stop and think about the reality of our mortality. The multiple exposure brings in the myriad of themes and elements the photographer is contemplating in an effective way, while the black and white aspect allows them to simplify these complicated and serious perspectives. A haunting scene for the viewer to reflect on. – LIFE FRAMER
Photographer statement – My family. Together but each one immersed in their own moment of life, parents age while the little one grows. Navigating life alone in reality, loneliness that meets and separates so many times every day.
DANIEL PAQUET
An easily overlooked setting, due to it simultaneously being an overfamiliar terrain for some and an alien landscape for others. The photographer appears to observe their environment with a considered approach, documenting the subtle symmetry and patterns in the sparse vista before them. The winterscape brings with it a welcomed sense of calm but also elements of a longing reminiscence. – LIFE FRAMER
Photographer statement – Geography and form, Saskatchewan, Canada.
HYSTERIA CLEVERCLOGGS
It feels as if the photographer has naturally gravitated towards this monochrome perspective to help support them understand the just and unjust aspects of this world. The dark sphere almost embodies and anchors the depression the photographer writes about. The importance of discussing, exploring and understanding one’s mental health through imagery is always welcomed and encouraged. A visually pleasing image of form, tones and textures play off one another while underlined with a personal insight to deep thoughts and difficult emotions. – LIFE FRAMER
Photographer statement – Taking photographs is my daily addictive procedure. Black and white is my default setting for a while now. Cuts a deep path in my depression, causing safe diversion. Details, grief, and homage to all that stimulates my senses.
REX LEONARD
There is a tangible quality to the scene as if it could be easily touched through the screen. Texture, shape and shadow draw the viewer into this unknown surface to consider all the aspects vast or minute and understand what this could be an image of – mountain terrain, micro bacteria, sheared wool, mudflats. Here the black and white element gives this scene its anonymity and allows it to become an abstract and alluring piece. – LIFE FRAMER
ANDRIANA SKALKOS
The photographer’s use of black and white is layered with nostalgia – not just as a nod to the origins of the documenting photographic process, but to also encapsulate the sentimental nature of being able to physically look back at memories. The cityscape itself is almost secondary to the stories and history that have woven into the fabric of this metropolis. From left to right, the image reads from new world to old world – a poetic scene. – LIFE FRAMER
Photographer statement – Remnants. Monochrome photos evoke the origins of the art of recording on photosensitive film. They transport us to the essence of what early photographers sought to immortalize. Whether it was beloved objects, historic moments, or simple family portraits, I believe that black and white photography was, and is, synonymous with speaking to those who come long after we are gone. It is with this sentiment, that I compiled this series. I thought about things that have come to pass; emotions, stages of life, places I’ve visited, and pets I’ve watched grow old. Things that are meaningful and meaningless in their own right. These I leave for future generations to ponder.
MARV SLOBEN
A simple and contemporary styled portrait with echoes of a religious painting – the subject looking up with soft eyes, and the hands clasped in prayer. The subject’s white hair stands in contrast to the dark background, while their lined skin emphasises their age, and both these features provide an essence of wisdom and spirituality to the scene. An uncomplicated yet thoughtful portrait. – LIFE FRAMER
Photographer statement – Prayers for Heaven.
ANNE NOBELS
This intriguing image appears fractured, as the viewer’s focus moves between face and spiderweb. The surrounding darkness gives the photograph its somber tone and sense of anticipation. This subtleness of the scene allows the observer to project their own narrative and take time to consider the image in full. The photographer has created a striking portrait, both vague and abstract in the best sense. – LIFE FRAMER
THALES BANZAI
The soft, low lighting gives substance to the emotions that fill the scene. The subject’s position on the floor appears haphazard and careless, as if they are weighed down under their complex feelings. The tiled floor sets a sense of the expectations of life – grid-like and straightforward – juxtaposed with the subject’s body representing reality and the intricacies of love and longing. An elegant scene of inner torment. – LIFE FRAMER
Photographer statement – Longing. ‘Longing for a wave of love that would stir in me. That’s what makes me clumsy. The absence of pleasure. Desire for love. Desire to love.’
