Black & White Photo Challenge: Top Picks
Wow. Our January Photo Challenge ended up being as much of a challenge for our judges as it was for you. With so many wonderful black-and-white images submitted, it was tough to narrow down the list to a mere 10. Kudos to everyone who participated this month. While we’ve singled out our favorites here, I encourage you to take a stroll through the PET Gallery and Elements Village Gallery for many more wonderful and inspiring examples.
Congratulations to all of our Top Picks! I think each of our finalists makes great use of the black-and-white format—with a strong contrast in tones, excellent composition, and a simplicity that beautifully showcases the photo’s subject.
Don’t forget that our February Photo Challenge is still going on. The theme is “Home.” All submissions need to be in by March 1st.
The HDR effect beautifully accentuates the interesting textures and industrial grime in Karen Newman’s factory scene. We almost feel like we’re there.
The repetition of the hanging lights and architectural elements makes for a compelling composition in this image by Gregory Roche.
This pet portrait by Gayle Barrett is well composed and beautifully lit. We love the rich range of tones—such as the white whiskers against the dark backdrop, and the lush fur—as well as the cat’s intent gaze into the negative space. The interplay of light and shadows behind the cat’s head also helps the overall movement within the frame.
The infrared effect in this photo by Marni Bradford creates a wonderful balance between the dark texture of the old house and the bright, fluffy foliage around it.
We love the contrast between the soft background and sharp foreground details in Richard Black’s close-up shot. The branch in the upper left adds just the right amount of visual tension.
With the approaching train and dramatic contrast between highlight and shadow, this photo by Anton Prestele feels like it’s from another era. Our eyes can’t help but shoot down those diagonal tracks to where the train is emerging from the fog.
This simple scene by Dorothy Ford perfectly showcases the graceful curve and subtle texture of the leaf. This is a very well-conceived shot right down to the shadow below the leaf.
There is something very peaceful about Christell Faul’s image of migrating birds. We like the repetition of the birds and tree branches against the bright swirling background.
With the conversion to black and white and the antique border around the edges, Betty Eich adds a sense of authenticity to this image of Civil War reenactors. We also like the photo’s composition and shallow depth of field, which keeps the focus on the shooter.
Winner: Exquisite lighting and strong composition makes for a beautiful and expressive portrait by Eric Frommer. We love that the photo is perfectly sharp except for the blurred hand plucking the strings.
Related Tags: challenge, photo challenge top picks
Steve
February 24, 2012 at 11:16 am
Great job everyone!!!
Julie
February 24, 2012 at 1:53 pm
Oh, wow. I am so impressed with the talent shown here – these are really fine black and white images. Congratulations to all the winners.
Dan
February 24, 2012 at 3:33 pm
What a great selection of images! Each one showing the appeal of Black and White – Congratulations everyone!
Christell
February 24, 2012 at 5:14 pm
I wasn’t expecting to get one of my photos chosen with all the submissions of black and white entries this month but thank you for including one in your choices. All of them deserved it especially the winner. Congratulations.
Eleanor
February 24, 2012 at 6:32 pm
I didn’t envy you guys last month. There were SO many great images, but you did a terrific job in choosing the top picks! The winner certainly is first class. Congratulations to all.
Doris
February 26, 2012 at 12:48 pm
What a fine group of images that really express the depth of b/w photography. Nice job everyone!!
vincent
March 1, 2012 at 1:12 pm
Congratulations to all. I just hope I will be able to take pictures like all of you.
Ron
March 2, 2012 at 6:29 am
l am impressed with these B/W photos, They all deserve first in the this class.
Lois
March 2, 2012 at 9:33 am
All I can say is, “Wow.” The leaf, the train, the cello…all gorgeous!
Barbara
March 5, 2012 at 8:48 pm
nice job everyone i like
Bobye
March 6, 2012 at 10:44 am
Wow! Wow! Congratulations to all the winners.
Marianna
March 6, 2012 at 11:59 am
These photos make me wonder if I do not want to just shoot B&W! They are awesome!
Christell
March 20, 2012 at 5:20 pm
I just received the book that was given away to the chosen entries. It looks like it has some really great and useful information. Thanks again for the give-a-way for this challenge. I can’t wait to read through the book and try out some of the info.
Eileen
March 25, 2012 at 5:32 am
Awesome photographs!
Tammy
March 25, 2012 at 5:54 am
Wow, such fabulous images…these are all wonderful! Congrats everyone!
Janet
March 25, 2012 at 7:39 am
Totally awed! Terrific photos – so how did they pick ONE!
James
March 25, 2012 at 3:14 pm
Gorgeous interpretations of the B&W theme. Kudos to Eric and to every top 10 winner.
Arthur
March 25, 2012 at 8:07 pm
Hey guys,
I’m a devoted reader of Elements and have learned from its multiple articles. After trying to get into the monthly photo contests I can’t believe that I’m unable to navigate my way into the proper channeo to submit images. This is a cry for help!
Bigart
Kelly
March 27, 2012 at 10:20 am
Hi Arthur. Are you having trouble finding the link to the gallery?
Here’s one option:
Make sure you are logged into the site, and then go to this link:
http://www.photoshopelementsuser.com/gallery/
In the far right corner, under the Search box, you should see a link that says: Access My Gallery (you may have to widen your browser window to see it). Click on that and you should be taken to a page that lets you upload your image.
If that doesn’t work for you, let me know.
Kelly
BARBARO
March 26, 2012 at 7:03 am
Stunning work, great selection.