39 Breathtaking Black & White Photos That Won Big at the Exposure One Photographer of the Year Awards

With entries pouring in from 64 countries, the 2025 Exposure One Awards: Photographer of the Year Contest turned out to be the most diverse edition ever. It really shows how black and white photography has this universal magic that connects people everywhere.

The organizers put it best in their statement: “The work of this year’s honorees proves the timeless power of monochrome photography. From mind-bending architectural shots that make you see the world differently, to raw and emotional photojournalism capturing protests, to the adrenaline and drama of sports photography – these images are on another level. The winners of 2025 don’t just join a legacy, they’re pushing the boundaries of fine art photography in black and white.”

So whether you’re a photography lover, an aspiring artist, or just someone who enjoys stunning visuals, you’re in for a treat. Scroll down and explore this year’s award-winning monochrome photos – each frame telling its own unforgettable story.

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When you dive deeper into the 2025 Exposure One Photographer of the Year Contest, what really stands out is the variety of stories told through black and white. Every shot feels different. Some photographers leaned into abstract architecture photography, turning familiar skylines into surreal shapes. Others captured emotional portraits that make you pause and feel the intensity of a single expression.

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Then you have the powerful documentary images — political movements, cultural traditions, and raw human moments that hit harder in monochrome. The absence of color forces you to focus on the emotions, the contrasts, the textures. That’s why black and white photography never goes out of style. It’s not just about nostalgia; it’s about clarity and impact.

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What’s even cooler is how sports photography and travel photography came alive this year. From athletes caught mid-motion to landscapes that feel almost otherworldly, these winners remind us that great photos aren’t about the gear – they’re about vision. And this contest proves again why it’s considered one of the best photography competitions in the world for both emerging and professional photographers.

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The Exposure One Awards 2025 isn’t just another photography contest. It’s proof that black and white images can still shock us, move us, and inspire us in fresh ways. With entries from all corners of the globe, the winning shots highlight how universal the love for fine art photography really is.

From breathtaking monochrome landscapes to striking portraits and bold photojournalism, every image honored this year adds something unique to the story of photography. These artists are not only preserving tradition, but also redefining what the future of black and white photo contests looks like.

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So, if you’re into photography inspiration, or maybe even thinking about entering your own work into a global photo competition, this collection is the perfect reminder: great photography has no borders, no language – just vision and emotion.

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