2026 Black & White Award

The Independent Photographer (TIP) is a London-based online photography platform that runs themed monthly competitions and publishes editorial work, interviews, and book reviews. The 2026 Black & White Award is the platform's monochrome-themed cycle, focused on mastery of light, composition, and shadow across any genre — landscape, portrait, street, documentary, or abstract.

Total prize pool is $2,700: first place receives $1,000, second $600, third $400, and seven runners-up receive $100 each. Winners are exhibited at PBC Gallery in London and featured across The Independent Photographer's Instagram (965k+ followers) and Facebook (200k+) channels. All entrants receive a free online portfolio on the platform.

Selection is by Monica Denevan, the American fine-art photographer known for her striking monochrome work in Burma and beyond. TIP's broader jury roster has historically included names like Steve McCurry, Ed Kashi, Maggie Steber, Magdalena Herrera, and Fiona Shields — useful context for emerging entrants weighing this competition against others at similar price points.

Eligibility is open globally. Submissions are tiered: $15 for one image, $30 for three, $45 for six. JPEG or PNG, minimum 1200 pixels on one side, maximum 10MB per file. AI-generated work is not accepted — photography-based submissions only, with film, digital, and smartphone all welcome. The final deadline is May 31, 2026.