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Black and white photography never goes out of style. It cuts through the noise and connects with you on a gut level. The winners of this year’s Monochrome Awards show just how powerful that can be. These aren’t just wildlife photos, they’re raw stories, told in shades of light and shadow.
Scott Portelli of Australia takes first place with “Ice Leopard,” a shot that’s all grit and atmosphere. In Antarctica’s harsh wilds, he catches a leopard seal at the height of its power, ancient, commanding, and oddly captivating. The image feels raw, tense, and alive, conveying both menace and wonder in a single frame.
Jonathan Wosinski of France lands second with “Morning Drink.” Imagine the engine cut, everything still, a bull standing against the dawn. In a flash, water flies an unfiltered, cinematic moment that doesn’t need any hype.
Third place goes to Eric Kanigan from the US for “Squid Games,” a glimpse of a silent hunter moving through the deep, all instinct and grace. No drama, no fuss, just nature at its most honest.
What sets these shots apart? No color, just grit. The focus lands on texture, shadow, and feeling. Black and white strips everything down to the essentials: timeless, classic, and direct.
That’s the spirit behind the Monochrome Awards, a stage for both pros and rising talents to show what they’ve got, chase global recognition, and compete for $3,000. Judging by the winners, black and white isn’t fading. It’s only getting bolder.
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1. 1st Place Winner: “Ice Leopard” by Scott Portelli, Australia
Antarctica is a very fragile environment with some of the most diverse inhabitants on the planet. Leopard seals are a dominant apex predator in Antarctica and can be seen roaming the frozen oceans in search of food. Although their diet consists primarily of krill, they are known to take on larger prey including penguins towards the end of the polar summer in the southern hemisphere. Being in the presence of such a large prehistoric looking predator is intimidating to say the least, but the nature, curiosity and intelligence of such a unique species shows a different story.
2. 2nd Place Winner: “Morning drink” by Jonathan Wosinski, France
Engine off, I was hoping this bull to place himself in the frame between me and the sunrise. And fortunately, he did ! Even kind aenough to perform a nice morning shake while drinking water.
3. 3rd Place Winner: “Squid Games” by Eric Kanigan, United States
At the intersection of myth and mystery, of silence and shadow, swims a predator. The largest on our planet. But she knows nothing of the titles or tags bestowed upon her. She knows the hunt. And she conducts it with a deadly grace.
Honorable Mentions
4. “A Mouthful of Stars” by Zhayynn James, India
Waiting in the darkness of the hide, as this giraffe materialised out of the dark for a late night drink, I wanted to freeze the action at the moment when the giraffe raised its head after a drink, knowing that it would spray the last mouthful into the air. I waited for this moment, when it sprayed the droplets into the air, caught by the backlight against the inky blackness, like a galaxy of stars erupting from its mouth.
5. “A Natural Puzzle” by Marcello Galleano, Italy
But you, Maned Wolf, who are you really? I am neither wolf nor fox, nor deer. I am a unique animal, but the traits of each coexist in me, like in a jigsaw puzzle created by nature. I have a mane that no one else has and I love the Brazilian Cerrado at night.
6. “Affectionate Moose” by Trevor LaClair, United States
Generally moose are solitary animals. During the spring, the cows give birth to calves, who would then stay with their mother for the entire year. The bulls are often seen wandering alone among the dense forests and around lakes and rivers. The only time moose interact with each other is during rut.
7. “Black beauty” by Marcello Galleano, Italy
Kenya. Moving fast from bush to bush, a black leopard takes a breath before attacking. Its inky black fur rises above the dense vegetation for a moment, but soon it will blend into the thick forest, disappearing like a shadow within its surroundings.
8. “Blue Monkey” by Steffen Foerster, United States
Among the non-human primates of Kenya, blue monkeys are one of the hidden jewels, found in the last remaining rainforests of Western Kenya. I spent several days with these canopy-dwelling guenons hoping to capture intimate portraits that showcase their beauty, bringing awareness to an under-appreciated part of Kenya’s wildlife.
9. “Brothers” by Roberta Pagano, Italy
Three young Polar Bears meet on the ice.
10. “Brothers in arms” by Madhur Nangia, India
Once part of the legendary Tano Bora coalition that ruled the Maasai Mara, only two of the five cheetah brothers remain today. Their bond now stronger than ever, they move as one—rarely straying far from each other. I found them during a quiet evening, scanning the savannah for threats, yet soaking in the peace of the golden hour. It was a moment of brotherhood, resilience, and quiet companionship—etched into the wild heart of Africa.
11. “Charging” by José Miguel Angulo Manso, Germany
After twelve day of safari, that morning on the Dry Lake in Amboseli, the light conditions were spectacular. I was photographing a herd of elephants crossing, and while I was lying on the ground with my camera this male was rapidly approaching my position, changing at certain moment. I was certainly scared but could not move, and finally I managed to make this photograph moments before the elephant stopped in front of me and drifted in another direction. An intense moment I will never forget.
12. “COY” by Deborah Kozura, United States
COY (cub of the year) Churchill Canada
13. “Defiance” by James Edsall, United States
This Eagle photo was taken in Buffalo County Wisconsin less than a mile from the National Eagle center in Wabasha Mn. It had taken a fish and had gotten wet in the process. I watched him preen and dry himself for 20 minutes. Right before it took off it gave me direct eye contact and with a look of defiance fluffed his feathers out as they often do.
14. “Endurance” by Denis Ryan, Ireland
Rain falls heavily along the rugged Alaska Peninsula coastline, blurring the lines between sea and sky. Waves roll against a tideswept beach as a mother brown bear moves with quiet determination, soaked fur clinging to her massive frame. Nose to the sand, she searches for clams hidden beneath the shifting tide.
15. “Eye Contact” by Steffen Foerster, United States
Lion cubs making eye contact during a rough and tumble play session. Social connection has a huge influence on the lives of lions and other social creatures, and eye contact has a special place in all of them. Serengeti, Tanzania.
16. “Eyes of the Forest” by Jonas Beyer, Denmark
In the shadowed depths of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a mountain gorilla gazes into the distance—its eyes reflecting wisdom, memory, and an ancient connection to the wild. This close-up portrait captures more than just physical detail; it reveals the emotional depth and sentient presence of one of our closest relatives. With every wrinkle etched by experience and each breath echoing through the misty canopy, the gorilla reminds us of the fragility of their world they live in.
17. “Father tenderness” by Alexia Chevron, France
The photo was taken in the early morning, there was really little light. This lion cub approached his father/uncle to greet him as lions often do.
18. “I am keeping an eye on you” by Pablo Trilles Farrington, Spain
The image shows a young tiger sitting in an arid landscape under a blue sky dotted with white clouds. Its expression is curious and slightly playful, with its head tilted to one side and one ear folded, giving it an inquisitive and charming look. The natural light highlights the orange and black tones of its fur, creating a beautiful contrast with the dry, earthy surroundings. The composition of the photo is well-balanced, with the tiger positioned slightly to the side, allowing for an appreciation of the vast sky and the beauty of the landscape.
19. “Imperial” by Fabian Meckl, Germany
His name was Olobor, he was the leader of the Black Rock Boys coalition that rules over the Maji ya Fisi and Rongai prides in Kenya’s Maasai Mara. The strongest of the originally five males, he was domineering, even unusually violent, and always seeking to expand his and his brothers’ empire. While we sometimes have conflicted feelings about the savage side of nature, starkly evident in him, in his own way he was how a male lion has to be, how he should be. Until he was killed by man — one more entry buried in the endless record of our ruin.
20. “In Conversation” by Jono Allen, Australia
This is one of nature’s great marvels – a socialising matriarchal pod of sperm whales pressed gently together, turning with the waves and exchanging their ancient dialect of clicks. These are not chance meetings but deeply social rituals, where pods rest, play and bond. Sperm whales are the largest toothed predators on Earth, yet in their presence I feel only gentleness, intelligence, and curiosity. This image captured a fleeting fragment of their largely mysterious social lives.
21. “Kalahari chaos” by Harry Skeggs, United Kingdom
An inquisitive lioness moves in to investigate.
22. “Lion in the rain” by Xavier Ortega, Spain
Photo taken in the Masai Mara, Kenya, during the rainy season. We spent an afternoon with this lion who endured a massive storm.
23. “Misogi” by Eric Kanigan, United States
Shinto is Japan’s oldest religion, with origins dating back to the tail end of the Stone Age. While many Japanese people do not consider themselves religious, a large percentage of the population still follows Shinto ideas today.
24. “Mother cheetah lookout for next meal” by Raymond Chao, United States
The mother cheetah with her 3 cubs, she was always busy taking care her cubs. She was a responsible mother. Only when the cubs were fed, she got some rest. When the cubs started hungry, mother cheetah would start looking for next meal. She had to feed the cubs until the cubs grow older.
25. “Mother Mary” by Fabian Meckl, Germany
A peaceful moment between a mother vervet monkey and her baby. Nursing in a tree, away from any ground dwelling dangers, her hands gently holding the child to her body. How could people not see us in them?
26. “Playtime” by Fressia Junqi Peng, China
Play is the first lesson of the wild. Among sunlit shallows, three California sea lion pups dart and spiral through the water, their movements spontaneous and joyful. For them, every bubble and ripple is a game, every shaft of light an invitation to tumble and chase. Watching them, I am reminded of the vitality that animates the ocean—the boundless curiosity, trust, and exuberance that connect all life.
27. “Reflections in the Night” by Marcello Galleano, Italy
Kenya. In the dark of night, a dik-dik mother and her cub approach a waterhole. A handful of minutes and she will return to the protective darkness of the forest. But in that very short span of time, as they drink, their reflected image accentuates their beauty and elegance.
28. “Searching” by Tina Tovar Dias, United States
Coastal Brown Bear, near Lake Clark National Park, Alaska. This handsome bear is searching for his next salmon meal.
29. “Serengeti Shall Never Die” by James Lewin, Kenya
Since my first visit to Serengeti, I have dreamt of capturing this exact moment and have since lost count of the number of days I have searched for it. Earlier this year, after four consecutive days with this male lion and his pride, luck was finally on my side. Lions can spend twenty hours each day sleeping and this moment was over in a handful of seconds. It was all about being in the right place at the right time.
30. “Shielded” by Abderazak Tissoukai, United Arab Emirates
A low angle shot of a determined elephant matriarch leading her family across the plains of Amboseli, capturing their strength and cohesion under a dramatic sky.
31. “Tendresse animale” by Julien Regamey, Switzerland
Girafe et son petit – Parc National Kruger, Afrique du Sud
32. “The Conversationalists” by Preeti & Prashant Chacko, United Arab Emirates
Amid the vast expanse of the wild, two unlikely figures meet—one, a towering behemoth of armoured strength, the other, a delicate wisp of white. The rhino, a creature shaped by time and endurance, lowers its head, its massive horn almost touching the egret standing unshaken before it. In this fleeting moment, power and fragility coexist, bound by an unspoken understanding.
33. “The King of the forest” by Marcello Galleano, Italy
The ferocity behind the Indian lion’s gaze is so fervent it makes you shudder. He looks like a posing sovereign, a model with perfect proportions who is portrayed in all his mysterious vanity.
34. “The Sea is Watching You” by Rintaro Ukon, Japan
In Tonga, I encountered a mother whale and her calf. With no diving gear—only breath and stillness—I waited underwater, relying on calm from Japanese mental training such as freediving and Shinto practice. The calf approached, and in its eyes I saw the vast ocean and felt embraced. This moment opened the dialogue between humankind and the sea.
35. “Zebra Connection” by Steffen Foerster, United States
Zebras bonding while awaiting the arrival of a downpour. Serengeti, Tanzania.
FAQs
What are the Monochrome Awards?
The Monochrome Awards is a global photography competition focused on black and white images. Open to pros and amateurs alike, it offers international recognition, cash prizes, and a platform to put your work on the world stage.
Who won the wildlife category in the Monochrome Awards?
Scott Portelli of Australia took first place with “Ice Leopard.” Jonathan Wosinski from France came second with “Morning Drink,” while Eric Kanigan of the U.S. claimed third for “Squid Games.” Each image tells a striking story from the wild.
Why is black and white wildlife photography so impactful?
Black-and-white photography strips away distractions. It draws your eye to emotion, texture, and composition, creating drama and a sense of timelessness in every wildlife moment.
Can amateur photographers participate in the Monochrome Awards?
Absolutely. The Monochrome Awards welcome both amateurs and pros from around the world. Anyone with a passion for photography can enter and earn global recognition.
What makes a winning wildlife photograph in monochrome?
A standout monochrome wildlife photo needs powerful composition, real emotion, and a clear story. Light, shadow, and texture bring depth, making the subject leap off the frame even without color.
English (US) ·