13 stunning and award-winning black and white photographs

Get the daily Popular Science newsletter💡 Advances, discoveries and DIY advice sent every day of the week. Black and white photography dates back to 1826, and although color images eventually took over, monochrome photos still have an unparalleled impact. The Exposure One Awards 2025 honor the beauty of black and white. “Long considered one of photography’s most enduring languages, black and white continues to reveal the essential truths of form, light and shadow,” the competition wrote in a statement. “The work of this year’s winners asserts its enduring relevance, offering images that are both timeless and uncompromising in their vision.” “Keeping up appearances”Non-Professional – Gold – NatureMute swan preening its feathers in the afternoon sun in a small nature reserve on the outskirts of Frome Somerset EnglandCredit: Gérard Sexton / Exposure One 2025 Prize This year, photographers from 64 countries submitted images to the competition. Judges recognized winners in several categories and named Arturo Gómez Sierra International Photographer of the Year for his image (see below) titled “Lux.” (Click to enlarge images in full screen.) "Lux"International Photographer of the Year The light descends in perfect symmetry, converging towards a silent cross. Credit: Arturo Gómez Sierra / Exposure One 2025 Prize "Solitude"Professional – Gold – PetsThis image was originally taken with 4×5″ color film and then converted to B&W. This turtle is still my pet today and is now 8 years old. Each rock was hand painted black on a black background, so when viewed in color it hardly changes, except for the color of this little animal.Credit: Francisco Saraiva / Exposure One 2025 Prize “Eaton Canyon Fire, Altadena, California, 2025”Non-Professional – Gold – PhotojournalismThe surreal landscape two months after the destructive fires that hit the suburbs of Altadena, California. Created by a downed power line during a windy and violent night, it set the stage for a Prometheus event. The cleanup will be daunting and victims will be displaced.Credit: Hillary Greene-Pae / Exposure One 2025 Prize “Mi yo”Non-Professional – Gold – PetsCredit: Silvia Guillén / Exposure One 2025 Prize "Mont-Saint-Michel. Misty morning"Non-Professional – Gold – LandscapesMy goal was to capture Mont Saint Michel shrouded in morning mist and create a photograph that reflects its ethereal beauty. Using various filters, I added a surreal touch to the image, showing the subtleties of an early summer morning.Credit: Rolandas Urbonavicius/ 2025 Exposure One Awards Rolandas Urbonavicius “Where the Wild Things Are”Professional – Gold – Film/AnalogI took these photographs with my 4×5 camera on sheet film. They represent the beauty and mystery of the quiet places of Colorado and Wisconsin.When I photograph these natural cathedrals, I feel like I'm hearing whispered secrets that I can only share through the lens of my camera.Credit: David Zlotky / Exposure One Prize 2025 "Vulture perched on a log during the rain"Professional – Gold – NatureCredit: Fabrício Peixoto Da Silva Mello / 2025 Exposure One Awards "A foggy day"Professional – Gold – MinimalismA timeless scene takes place in the middle of a bustling city. The fog softens the horizon, revealing the tower with its tranquil silhouette. Below, the movement of a solitary figure contrasts with vertical and horizontal lines, bringing to life the still geometry of the scene.Credit: Alexandra Thannhäuser / Exposure One 2025 Prize “Lily”Professional – Gold – Still LifeThe study of lilies.Credit: James Flanagan / Exposure One 2025 Prize "After the snow"Professional – Gold – LandscapesGroup of trees covered by fallen snow during nighttime storm on top of a hill where the sky meets the snowy groundCredit: Philippe Ricordel / Exposure One Awards 2025 Shop Amazon's Prime Day Sale We've hand-picked dozens of PopSci-approved deals on tools, electronics, and more. Catch them before they disappear.