While regular practice remains the ultimate way to hone one’s craft and become a better photographer, actively critiquing other people’s images is an equally important aspect of creative development. The more diverse styles, compositions, and subjects of photography you observe, the more critical your eye naturally becomes—fostering an essential analytical skill needed for producing your own compelling imagery.
Now, photography enthusiasts and professionals alike have a prime opportunity to practice this critical observation. The Exposure One Awards has officially opened its People’s Vote Award as part of the 2026 Photographer of the Year competition, offering a vast array of new monochrome imagery designed to challenge, inspire, and help hone the observer’s artistic eye.
Each year, the prestigious black-and-white contest—which warmly embraces not only traditional monochrome but also sepia and single-color-tone images—puts all entries nominated by the official judging panel for the Photographer of the Year Award forward for the coveted People’s Vote Award as well. This dual-track approach ensures that public engagement plays a vibrant, direct role in celebrating exceptional visual artistry from around the globe.
At this year’s event, breathtaking images across some 20 distinct categories have been nominated. The diverse themes span a wide spectrum of visual storytelling, including wildlife, architecture, abstraction, nudity, portraiture, photojournalism, and expansive landscapes, showcasing the immense versatility and emotional depth achievable through single-tone photography.
To participate and cast a vote, individuals can head over to the official People’s Vote webpage, spend some time carefully analyzing and critiquing the nominated shots—of which there are many—and select their personal favorite to win. Engagement has already been remarkably strong, with nearly 30,000 votes cast so far. According to the official guidelines, participants are permitted to vote once per day until the strict deadline of 05:00 BST on October 12, with voters advised to properly convert this timestamp to their respective local time zones to ensure their selections are registered.
For those keen on maximizing their experience and thoroughly exploring the contest, a recommended approach is to vote once per category. This deliberate strategy ensures voters are fully exposed to the remarkable breadth, thematic variety, and technical brilliance of this year’s nominated images rather than lingering exclusively in a single genre.
Among the standout entries capturing attention in this year’s showcase is a striking piece by Brazilian photographer Ronaldo Andrade. Titled Travessia, or "Crossing," the powerful scene depicts Pesca da Tainha, a traditional artisanal mullet fishing ritual that takes place annually between May 1 and July 10 in Florianópolis, Brazil. The image brilliantly captures the grit, community effort, and timeless connection between humanity and the natural coastal environment, all rendered with striking tonal contrasts.
Another compelling standout is the work of Parisian photographer Pierre-Yves Cruaud, who submitted an intimate and evocative image featuring a pair of old hands resting gently on top of one another. Striking in its quiet intimacy, it is a deceptively simple yet deeply intriguing frame. The composition serves as a masterclass in modern documentary-style fine art, acting as a great reminder of how seemingly everyday, unpretentious moments—such as resting one’s hand on a table—can be elevated through thoughtful framing and monochromatic treatment into profoundly moving pictures.
Event organizers have not yet announced the exact date when the official People’s Vote winners will be revealed, but participants and followers are encouraged to keep a close eye on the official event webpage for upcoming announcements and results. Continued coverage and further updates regarding the 2026 Exposure One Photographer of the Year Award will also be shared right here on Digital Camera World as the competition progresses toward its conclusion.
