Vietnam photographer wins honor at 2025 Monochrome Awards

Phi Long won the honor for his photograph titled 'The Reach,' according to results published by the Monochrome Awards, an annual contest recognizing excellence in black-and-white photography from around the world.

'The Reach' depicts two hands against contrasting backgrounds, one dark hand isolated on white and a lighter hand reaching out from a black field. 

Phi Long said the visual contrast was intended to evoke cultural differences and separation while also suggesting connection. 

The Monochrome Awards is open to both professional and amateur photographers globally and celebrate monochrome, or black and white, imaging as a distinct artistic genre. 

Winners in various categories are featured in the awards' annual book and online gallery.

In the Amateur Conceptual category, the top prize was awarded to a photographer from Iran for a work titled 'Confrontation.' 

Second and third places went to photographers from Sweden and the United Kingdom for works titled 'I Only See What I Want to See' and 'Between Worlds,' respectively.

The competition includes multiple categories, such as architecture, fashion and beauty, fine art, landscape, nature, photojournalism, and street photography. 

The awards attract thousands of entries each year.