The street tells a different story when color disappears. Light becomes stronger, shadows become deeper, expressions stand out, and everyday moments take on a timeless character.
In Black & White: Street Life Photo Contest 2027, we invite photographers to capture authentic moments of life in public spaces through the powerful language of black & white photography.
From crowded city streets and quiet neighborhoods to markets, public transportation, cafés, festivals, sidewalks, and unexpected encounters, we want to see the people, emotions, contrasts, and spontaneous moments that make street life unique.
Your photograph may be dramatic or subtle, humorous or emotional, busy or minimal. Look for interesting characters, human interactions, gestures, reflections, silhouettes, shadows, architecture, and those fleeting moments that exist for only a second.
This contest welcomes classic street photography, candid moments, documentary-style images, urban storytelling, and creative interpretations of everyday public life.
This is a BLACK & WHITE photography contest only. Color photographs will not be accepted.
What We’re Looking For:
• Authentic street moments
• People and everyday life
• Human interactions and emotions
• Interesting characters and expressions
• Creative use of light and shadow
• Strong contrast and monochrome tones
• Urban atmosphere and storytelling
• Reflections, silhouettes, geometry, and layers
• Strong composition and original perspective
Show us the streets without color — where light, shadow, people, and moments become the story.
MEMBER EXCLUSIVE CONTEST
This contest is available to photographers with a BASIC, PLUS, or PRO TPA membership.
Photographers without a qualifying membership may also participate by using
CREDITS
.
HOW TO ENTER:
If you have a FREE account, you can
UPGRADE
your plan or enter using
CREDITS
.
Each entry requires 4 credits.
If you have a BASIC, PLUS, or PRO account, you can participate with
4, 6, or 8 entries, depending on your membership plan.
Each EXTRA entry requires 4 credits.
PRIZE FUND: $300
1st Place — $150 Cash Prize
Awarded to the overall winner of the contest.
2nd Place — $100 Cash Prize
Awarded to the second-place winner.
3rd Place — $50 Cash Prize
Awarded to the third-place winner.
All winning places will also receive downloadable PDF Certificates.
Winners may be featured across the TopPhotoAwards platform, blog, and social media channels.
1st Place Winner Interview – The winner may be invited for an interview on the TopPhotoAwards platform, providing additional publicity and recognition within the photography community.
Judges: TPA Team, Dominic Verhulst, Ali Zolghadri