Photography Contest

The Motif Collective: Black and White 2026

Deadline |
CLOSEDTheme |
Black and whiteTerritory |
WorldwideEligibility |
Contestants must 18 years old to participate and shall not be on the staff of The Motif Collective or an immediate family member of the staff.Entry Fees |
Between $12 and $36Prizes |
Cash PrizeHost |
The Motif CollectiveBlack and White is the theme for this month’s competition.
Step into a world where light, shadow, and emotion take center stage.
The Black and White Photography Competition invites photographers to explore the raw, timeless beauty of monochrome imagery. Stripped of color, each photograph reveals its true essence—texture, contrast, composition, and story—captured in its purest form. This is a celebration of vision, creativity, and the enduring power of black and white photography to move, inspire, and captivate.
Whether through striking portraits, dramatic landscapes, evocative street scenes, or bold abstract work, entrants are encouraged to push artistic boundaries and present images that leave a lasting impression.
What the Judges Are Looking For
A distinguished panel of judges will evaluate each submission with a focus on excellence, originality, and impact
Artistic Vision and Originality
Bring us something unforgettable. Judges are drawn to fresh perspectives, bold ideas, and images that stand apart from the ordinary.
Composition and Framing
Every element matters. Strong composition, balance, and intentional framing should guide the viewer’s eye and elevate the image.
Light, Shadow and Contrast
In black and white, light tells the story. Exceptional use of contrast, tonal range, and shadow creates depth, drama, and atmosphere.
Technical Mastery
Precision counts. From sharpness to tonal control, entries should demonstrate a high level of technical skill both in-camera and in post-processing.
Storytelling and Emotional Impact
Make us feel something. The most powerful images resonate beyond the frame—capturing a moment, a mood, or a narrative that lingers.
Submission Guidelines
Open to photographers of all experience levels.
All images must be presented in black and white or grayscale.
Any subject matter is welcome—portrait, landscape, architecture, street, abstract, and more.
Images must be the original work of the entrant.
Thoughtful editing is encouraged; however, images should maintain artistic integrity.
Capture the extraordinary in black and white—and let your work speak in its most powerful form!
Cash Awards up to $10,000 the Top Three Photographers.
First Place also receives
A free copy of ON1 Photo RAW
First, Second and Third Place Winners will also receive
Three free paid copies each of Retouch4Me's wonderful photo retouching plugins
You retain the copyright of your work.
Submissions will only be used for the sole purpose of judging and promoting competitions.
Step into a world where light, shadow, and emotion take center stage.
The Black and White Photography Competition invites photographers to explore the raw, timeless beauty of monochrome imagery. Stripped of color, each photograph reveals its true essence—texture, contrast, composition, and story—captured in its purest form. This is a celebration of vision, creativity, and the enduring power of black and white photography to move, inspire, and captivate.
Whether through striking portraits, dramatic landscapes, evocative street scenes, or bold abstract work, entrants are encouraged to push artistic boundaries and present images that leave a lasting impression.
What the Judges Are Looking For
A distinguished panel of judges will evaluate each submission with a focus on excellence, originality, and impact
Artistic Vision and Originality
Bring us something unforgettable. Judges are drawn to fresh perspectives, bold ideas, and images that stand apart from the ordinary.
Composition and Framing
Every element matters. Strong composition, balance, and intentional framing should guide the viewer’s eye and elevate the image.
Light, Shadow and Contrast
In black and white, light tells the story. Exceptional use of contrast, tonal range, and shadow creates depth, drama, and atmosphere.
Technical Mastery
Precision counts. From sharpness to tonal control, entries should demonstrate a high level of technical skill both in-camera and in post-processing.
Storytelling and Emotional Impact
Make us feel something. The most powerful images resonate beyond the frame—capturing a moment, a mood, or a narrative that lingers.
Submission Guidelines
Open to photographers of all experience levels.
All images must be presented in black and white or grayscale.
Any subject matter is welcome—portrait, landscape, architecture, street, abstract, and more.
Images must be the original work of the entrant.
Thoughtful editing is encouraged; however, images should maintain artistic integrity.
Capture the extraordinary in black and white—and let your work speak in its most powerful form!
Cash Awards up to $10,000 the Top Three Photographers.
First Place also receives
A free copy of ON1 Photo RAW
First, Second and Third Place Winners will also receive
Three free paid copies each of Retouch4Me's wonderful photo retouching plugins
You retain the copyright of your work.
Submissions will only be used for the sole purpose of judging and promoting competitions.
Featured Photo Contest
AAP Magazine #59 / SHAPES
$1,000 cash prizes | Winning image(s) published in AAP Magazine #59 | Extensive press coverage and global recognition
© Stephen Rauch
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