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.