Without color, every expression, shadow, line, and detail becomes more powerful.
In Men in Black & White: Portrait Photography Contest, we invite photographers to explore the character, personality, and presence of men through the timeless language of monochrome portraiture.
From dramatic studio portraits and carefully composed environmental images to fine art, fashion, editorial, and naturally directed portraits, this contest celebrates the many ways a photographer can tell a man's story through light, expression, and composition.
We are looking for portraits that go beyond appearance — photographs that reveal character, confidence, vulnerability, strength, experience, individuality, or emotion. Your subject may be young or old, professionally styled or completely natural, photographed against a simple studio background or within an environment that adds to his story.
Creative lighting, deep shadows, high contrast, soft tonal transitions, grain, and experimental monochrome approaches are all welcome.
This is a BLACK & WHITE photography contest only. Color photographs will not be accepted.
The man must be the primary subject of the photograph. Individual portraits are preferred, with the focus clearly placed on the subject's face, character, and presence.
What We’re Looking For:
• Strong and expressive male portraits
• Character, personality, and emotion
• Creative use of black & white
• Light, shadow, contrast, and tonal depth
• Studio or environmental portraiture
• Fine art, fashion, editorial, or creative approaches
• Strong composition and visual impact
• Original perspective and artistic quality
Remove the distraction of color and show us how much a face can say through nothing but light, shadow, expression, and shades of gray.
MEMBER EXCLUSIVE CONTEST
This contest is available to photographers with an eligible
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 12 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 12 credits.
PRIZE FUND: $500
1st Place — $300 Cash Prize
Awarded to the overall winner of the contest.
2nd Place — $150 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
Banner photo © LAURA JANE