BLACK & WHITE 2021: TOP 20
WINNER, BLACK & WHITE CATEGORY, PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR 2021
JANINE DAWES, 'SINISTER BEAUTY'
Perth born and bred; Janine Dawes is a full-time accountant and passionate hobbyist photographer.
A runner-up in Photographer of the Year’s Black and White category last year, Janine’s work in Black and White set the benchmark in the competition for 2021. “I enjoy editing in black and white as I love how it allows you to focus on a subject, its textures, it’s shapes or it’s patterns,” she said.
Her portfolio, Sinister beauty, originated from the idea of turning something that people generally love to loathe into something lovely to look at – weeds.
“Over the last year, I decided to explore this by using weeds as a subject for a portfolio. They were in abundance everywhere I looked, and it’s amazing when you start to look, how many varieties are out there. I started out trying different compositions with grass seeds and it grew from there.
Out on my daily walks, I was always looking for things to shoot, collecting different bits and pieces from our local parks and roadside verges as well as some from my garden.
I would say most people consider weeds a menace, with their ability to grow, spread, seed, and reproduce a constant battle. But you can also find beauty in them, they are delicate and dainty, some have pretty flowers, and others show elegance.”
Each image is an HDR stack of between three and six photos. They were then converted to black and white to bring out the details.
WHAT THE JUDGES SAID
Helen Whittle: Who knew weeds could be so beautiful? This portfolio shows how it’s possible to find beauty in your every day. Delicately and intricately photographed, these images are striking and compelling. With the simple background and the use of monotones, Janine has managed to accentuate the fragility of nature. Each image works well on its own, but together creates a strong, cohesive, and inspiring portfolio.
Drew Hopper: A creatively experimental exploration of minimalism is what really stands out here. Janine has executed this monochrome series very well, with excellent use of high-key lighting to draw our focus to the intimate details. Another thing that makes this successful is consistency in the composition and editing, it all works together to tie this elegant body of work together.
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RUNNER UP, BLACK & WHITE CATEGORY, PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR 2021
WAYNE RILEY, 'RODEO'
Perth’s Wayne Riley bought his first DLSR 10 years ago and has been a keen amateur photographer ever since. Today, he works as a FIFO mine surveyor, a job which comes with plenty of travel and is perfect for photography.
“The mining lifestyle lets me take photographs on my breaks, and with my trusty laptop, I process all my photographs onsite after work,” he said.
His Black and White category runner-up portfolio was captured on his R&R break in early 2021.
“Rodeos provide non-stop action, and my camera was kept busy with my 70-200mm lens attached. The power of the bulls and horses with someone on their back is something to behold. With someone unwanted on their backs, it made for an exhilarating action shoot.
Looking at the photos I took that day, there was a theme of black and white that endeared itself to a set of four photographs. Colour was not needed, but contrast was, and the busy background needed to be nullified to focus the eye on the rider and beast. I use Nik software to convert to black and white, and then finalised the shots in photoshop.”
WHAT THE JUDGES SAID
Douwe Dijkstra: Wayne’s series instantly struck a chord with me. These wild and dynamic scenes are beautifully captured, and he has been able to skilfully capture a moment time. There’s a hint of power, chaos, and movement in an otherwise still image.
Using mono here is very effective. All that matters is the beautiful light, subject, composition, and the decisive moment. There are no distractions, the focus is on the interaction between man and beast.
Also, isolating the subject against a black background works a treat. It brings out the beautiful highlights, makes them shine, and adds striking contrast. A beautiful series!
Helen Whittle: Full of energy and activity, these photos come alive with the simple black backgrounds and centrally composed subjects. The use of monochrome for this series of images works well by removing distractions and directing the viewer towards the action. A lively portfolio, which allows the viewer to step into the world of rodeo.
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TOP 20 FINISHERS, PEOPLE CATEGORY, PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR 2021
3. Photo © Kym Douglas. Black & White Category, Photographer of the Year 2021.
4. Photo © Steven Algie. Black & White Category, Photographer of the Year 2021.
5. Photo © Steve Day. Black & White Category, Photographer of the Year 2021.
6. Photo © John Twiname. Black & White Category, Photographer of the Year 2021.
7. Photo © Jarrod Vero. Black & White Category, Photographer of the Year 2021.
8. Photo © John Twiname. Black & White Category, Photographer of the Year 2021.
9. Photo © Allan Copson. Black & White Category, Photographer of the Year 2021.
10. Photo © Joanne Baker. Black & White Category, Photographer of the Year 2021.
11. Photo © Dennis Rickard. Black & White Category, Photographer of the Year 2021.
12. Photo © Narelle Carter. Black & White Category, Photographer of the Year 2021.
13. Photo © Allison Fasken. Black & White Category, Photographer of the Year 2021.
14. Photo © Kristian Laine. Black & White Category, Photographer of the Year 2021.
15. Photo © Dennis Rickard. Black & White Category, Photographer of the Year 2021.
16. Photo © Bob Walpole. Black & White Category, Photographer of the Year 2021.
17. Photo © David Gray. Black & White Category, Photographer of the Year 2021.
18. Photo © Hyun Duck Park. Black & White Category, Photographer of the Year 2021.
19. Photo © Max Maujean. Black & White Category, Photographer of the Year 2021.
20. Photo © Sue Adorjan. Black & White Category, Photographer of the Year 2021.