AAP Magazine #58: Discover the 25 Winning Black & White Photographers

Black and white photography has an extraordinary ability to distill a scene to its essence. Without the distraction of color, light, shadow, texture, shape, and emotion take center stage, inviting us to experience the world with renewed attention. Timeless yet constantly evolving, monochrome photography remains one of the most expressive visual languages, embraced by photographers working across every genre.

We are delighted to present the 25 winning photographers of AAP Magazine #58: B&W, selected from an exceptional international pool of submissions. Representing 12 countries across 3 continents, these photographers each bring a distinct vision to black and white photography, demonstrating its remarkable versatility and enduring relevance.

The winning portfolios span an impressive range of subjects—from intimate family stories and compelling documentary work to evocative landscapes, portraits, architecture, and quiet moments of everyday life. Some images are bold and graphic, others subtle and contemplative, but all share a thoughtful approach to storytelling through light, composition, and atmosphere.

What stood out throughout the judging process was not a single style or technique, but the diversity of perspectives. Each photographer uses black and white differently, proving that monochrome is far more than the absence of color. It is a deliberate creative choice that strips away distractions and reveals what truly matters.

First Prize was awarded to Anastasia Pagonas (United States) for her image Francis.

Second Prize went to Eric Kunsman (United States) for his series Life-Lines Throughout the United States.

Third Prize was awarded to Tzion Essel (United Kingdom) for his series Of Birds and Being.

The remaining winners are Dev Kumar (Malaysia), Jaeseok Lim (South Korea), Michael Trueblood (United States), Isabelle Kettner (Netherlands), Antonio Denti (Italy), Kathryn Audet (Canada), Lera Zilbershtein (Russia), Tommy Jiang (China), Thibault Gerbaldi (France/United States), Paul Adams (United States), Troy Colby (United States), Paul Gibert (United States/Spain), Lena Sokolova (Russia), Eric Renard (United States), Kelly O'Leary (United States), Rikk Dunlap (United States), John Gubertini (Italy), Max Chu (China), Brice Weaver (United States), Jim Lustenader (United States), Ylva Sjögren (Sweden), and Richard Evnen (United States).

Congratulations to all the winners for their exceptional work and for reminding us that, in black and white photography, what is left out is often just as meaningful as what remains.

Submit your work to AAP Magazine 60 Nature!

Nature Unveiled: Capturing the Splendor of Landscapes, Wildlife, Flora & Fauna

Our 60th printed issue of AAP Magazine will feature the best projects showcasing the theme "Nature".

Nature photography is a captivating and diverse genre that focuses on capturing the beauty and essence of the natural world. It encompasses various aspects such as landscape photography, wildlife photography, as well as flora and fauna, each offering its own unique charm and opportunities for exploration.

Landscape photography reveals the grandeur and vastness of our planet—from breathtaking mountains and rolling hills to serene lakes, cascading waterfalls, and dramatic coastlines. It can also include abandoned, man-made structures reclaimed by nature, where vegetation takes over what humans left behind.

Wildlife photography is another prominent aspect of nature photography. It involves photographing animals in their natural habitats, capturing their behavior, movements, and interactions. Wildlife photographers often venture into diverse ecosystems—from lush rainforests to arid deserts—to document the incredible diversity of species across the globe.

Flora and fauna photography delves into the intricate beauty of plants, flowers, and other living organisms. It seeks to capture the details, colors, and textures of vegetation, showcasing the diversity and delicacy of the plant kingdom.

In all its forms, nature photography conveys the harmony, diversity, and fragility of the natural world. It evokes wonder, appreciation, and connection with nature, encouraging viewers to respect and protect the environment. Through their images, nature photographers inspire conservation and raise awareness about preserving our planet for future generations.

Please send us a cohesive body of work or portfolio. Only a unified group of photographs will be published in AAP Magazine. Images previously published in AAP Magazine cannot be submitted again.

Winners will receive $1,000 in cash awards, publication of their winning image(s) or full portfolio in AAP Magazine Vol. 60, extensive press coverage, and worldwide recognition.

All winners will have their work published in the 60th printed issue of AAP Magazine, receive a complimentary copy of the magazine, and have their portfolio showcased in the Winners Gallery of All About Photo.

Applications will be judged on three criteria: creativity, originality, and the visual and emotional impact of the images. Winners will be announced on All About Photo and across our social media channels.

Prizes

1st Place Winner

• Cash Prize: $500 (USD)
• Exclusive interview and winning image(s) or portfolio published in AAP Magazine, Volume 60: Nature.
• One complimentary copy of AAP Magazine, distributed worldwide through Blurb.
• Winning work showcased in the online Winners Gallery on All About Photo.

2nd Place Winner

• Cash Prize: $300 (USD)
• Winning image(s) or portfolio published in AAP Magazine, Volume 60: Nature.
• One complimentary copy of AAP Magazine, distributed worldwide through Blurb.
• Winning work showcased in the online Winners Gallery on All About Photo.

3rd Place Winner

• Cash Prize: $200 (USD)
• Winning image(s) or portfolio published in AAP Magazine, Volume 60: Nature.
• One complimentary copy of AAP Magazine, distributed worldwide through Blurb.
• Winning work showcased in the online Winners Gallery on All About Photo.

Particular Merit Mention

The next 22 winners (ranked from 4th to 25th) will have their best image(s) or portfolio published in AAP Magazine Vol. 60.

ENTER NOW HERE

All About Photo Presents 'Where the Earth Remembers' by Oliver Klink

Discover the full exhibition here

A Photographic Journey Through Rural Europe

As modernization continues to reshape the European countryside, many centuries-old traditions and ways of life are quietly disappearing. In Where the Earth Remembers, photographer Oliver Klink documents communities across Central and Eastern Europe where the connection between people, faith, memory, and the land remains deeply rooted.

This compelling documentary photography project goes beyond picturesque landscapes. Instead, Klink captures the quiet dignity of everyday life, revealing how agricultural work, religious rituals, and family traditions continue to define communities living in close harmony with nature. His images of weathered homes, worn hands, and sacred spaces speak to generations whose stories are embedded in the land itself.

Raised on a farm in Switzerland, Klink approached the project with a personal understanding of rural life. That shared experience helped him build meaningful relationships with the people he photographed, allowing him to work with patience, empathy, and respect. Rather than observing from a distance, he creates portraits that feel intimate and authentic, reflecting trust between photographer and subject.

Throughout the series, faith is not presented as ceremony alone but as an essential part of everyday existence. It is present in work, family life, hardship, and celebration, providing continuity in communities where traditions have endured for generations despite the pressures of a rapidly changing world.

Where the Earth Remembers is ultimately a meditation on cultural heritage, belonging, and resilience. It reminds us that memory is preserved not only through monuments and written history but also through landscapes, rituals, and the daily lives of ordinary people. Klink's photographs invite viewers to reflect on what is being lost as rural communities evolve—and on the enduring human values that continue to connect people to the places they call home.

Blending documentary photography with visual storytelling, Oliver Klink has created a timeless body of work that honors the resilience of Europe's rural communities while preserving their stories for future generations.

Discover the full exhibition here

Maximize Your Photography Exposure with an International Solo Exhibition in August

ENTER THE SOLO EXHIBITION

Every photographer dreams of having their work seen by a wider audience. Whether you're an emerging artist looking for your first major feature or an established professional ready to present a new body of work, a solo exhibition remains one of the most powerful ways to build recognition and connect with collectors, editors, curators, and photography enthusiasts around the world.

That's exactly what the All About Photo Solo Exhibition Competition was created to offer.

A Global Platform for Exceptional Photography

Photography has the power to tell stories, challenge perspectives, and create emotional connections that transcend borders. At All About Photo, we're committed to celebrating photographers whose work deserves international attention.

Unlike traditional competitions that reward a single image, the Solo Exhibition Competition is dedicated to complete photographic projects and cohesive portfolios. It gives photographers the opportunity to present their vision exactly as it was intended—through a carefully curated series of images.

Why Enter?

International Exposure

Your work will be featured for an entire month on one of the world's leading online photography platforms, reaching thousands of photographers, collectors, editors, publishers, and photography lovers from across the globe.

All Photography Genres Welcome

Whether your passion is:

• Street Photography
• Documentary Photography
• Fine Art Photography
• Portrait Photography
• Landscape Photography
• Wildlife Photography
• Architecture Photography
• Travel Photography
• Conceptual Photography
• Photojournalism

...or any other photographic style, your work is welcome.

Open to Photographers Worldwide

Professionals, emerging artists, and passionate enthusiasts are all encouraged to submit. What matters most is the strength and coherence of your photographic vision.

Exclusive Benefits for the Selected Photographer

The winning photographer receives an exceptional promotional package designed to provide lasting visibility:

• Featured Solo Exhibition for an entire month
• Prominent placement on the All About Photo Home Page
• Inclusion in the Competition Gallery and Exhibition Directory
• An exclusive interview introducing your artistic journey
• A permanent online exhibition that remains accessible indefinitely
• A dedicated portfolio page featuring up to 20 photographs
• Promotion across Instagram, Facebook, and X (Twitter)
• A dedicated newsletter sent to an international audience
• Guaranteed international media coverage through Bored Panda, Visura, and Photophiles Magazine
• Sell your work directly with 100% commission-free sales

Submission Guidelines

• Theme: Open
• Submit: 6–14 images
• Entry Fee: $45
• Only cohesive photographic projects or portfolios will be considered.

Why a Solo Exhibition Matters

In today's competitive photography world, visibility is everything.

A thoughtfully presented solo exhibition helps you:

• Build your professional portfolio
• Strengthen your artistic reputation
• Reach galleries, publishers, and curators
• Increase your online presence
• Gain valuable international recognition
• Connect with potential collectors

Unlike a single award-winning image, a complete exhibition demonstrates consistency, storytelling ability, and artistic depth.

Copyright Always Remains Yours

Photographers retain full copyright of their images at all times.

Submitted photographs are used solely in connection with the competition and the promotion of the awards and All About Photo. Images are never resold or licensed to third parties. Should another organization or publication express interest in your work, the request will be forwarded directly to you.

Take the Next Step

If you've been waiting for the right opportunity to present your photography to an international audience, this is your chance.

Your portfolio deserves more than a quick scroll on social media—it deserves its own exhibition.

Submit your work today and let your photography reach viewers around the world.

ENTER THE SOLO EXHIBITION

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Discover the Winners of AAP Magazine 57 Portrait

Portrait photography is far more than a mere physical record of a face. It is a profound artistic genre operating at the crossroads of technical mastery and raw human sensibility. While early portraiture in 1839 mimicked the stiff aesthetics of classical paintings for the upper class, modern portrait photography has evolved into a dynamic celebration of the subject. A truly great portrait captures a privileged, fleeting moment where alchemy happens, allowing the photographer to peer beneath the surface and capture the very personality of the subject.

In this newest edition of AAP Magazine, the selected winners beautifully showcase innovative, contemporary approaches to portraiture alongside striking, timeless traditional work. From intimate studio sessions to sensitive documentary approaches that capture fleeting raw emotions, these images go beyond the ordinary to express the full scope of photographic creativity. A powerful portrait can elicit a vast spectrum of responses—it can describe, reveal, embellish, question, or deeply unsettle.

While a portrait may have a thousand faces, we could only display a select few. We are absolutely delighted to reveal the 25 talented photographers from 12 different countries and four continents who won AAP Magazine #57: Portrait. Each artist shares a deeply personal narrative, reflecting a unique aesthetic and a distinct approach to the human form.

Discover the extraordinary global galleries and meet the visionaries shaping the future of portrait photography today.

The Winner is Kevin Smith (United States) with the series 'Characters, New York'

The Second Place Winner is Ian McFarlane (United States) with the series 'Of The South'

The Third Place Winner is Emily Neville Fisher (United States) with the series 'Natural Tendencies'

Discover all the winners here