BLACK AND WHITE 2020: TOP 20

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WINNER, BLACK & WHITE CATEGORY, PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR 2020
JACQUELINE HAMMER, 'SPIRAL STAIRCASES'

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Over the last few years, Cairns based photographer Jacqueline Hammer travelled frequently to London, where she had the opportunity to visit many of the beautiful spiral staircases that form her stunning portfolio. “I love architecture and in particular interiors and staircases, for their geometric and abstract look and also because the outcome of the photoshoot is not dependent on the weather,” she explains. “The first two photos are from the CitizenM Bankside Hotel - one angled view and one straight up view. The third is the Tulip Staircase at Queens House, Greenwich, and the last is one of the three staircases at the Newport Street Gallery.”

All the images were taken handheld in low light, and then converted into black and white “to bring out the details and give a more abstract and cohesive look,” she says. For the judges, the cool and subtle use of line and shape and perfection in application made this portfolio a standout entry this year.

WHAT THE JUDGES SAID

Alex Cearns: Every image in this series has strong visual impact and the perfection of the black and white contrast makes the images pop. The circular flow of the staircases leads the viewer straight into the centre of the frame where something different sits as a surprise in each photograph. This series is a highly artistic, expertly crafted representation of the subject matter, which transcends the appearance of a standard staircase. Brilliant and beautiful!

Drew Hopper: The strong geometry cleverly composed in each frame creates bold and striking visuals to grab the attention of the audience. The images have wonderful tone and contrast, which is exactly how black and white photography should be. Consistency is what really holds this body of work together for me, with less proving more.
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RUNNER UP, BLACK & WHITE CATEGORY, PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR 2020
JANINE DAWES, 'THE SEED POD'

Perth based accountant Janine Dawes says she has always had a keen interest in macro photography and with restrictions imposed due to the pandemic, decided to look for subjects like flowers, leaves and insects that were easy to find and close to home.

“One day when I was out for my daily walk, some seed pods that had fallen on the ground caught my eye. They had started to dry out in the sun and looked like a great subject to photograph so I picked one up and took it home,” she says.

“The intricate details and vein like markings that the macro lens was able to capture on the pod were amazing and even more so once converted to black and white.

After a few days, the pod started to break apart, almost like segments of an orange, with various layers peeling off, finally revealing the dried seed inside.”

The result is a portfolio that's on one hand simple, but also shows a clear understanding of light and composition that elevated this portfolio in the Black & White category this year.

JUDGE'S COMMENT

Douwe Dijkstra: This is a wonderful and minimalist series of seeds, which have been beautifully composed and isolated on a white background. They appear almost translucent and look very fragile and brittle.

I love the juxtaposition between the almost clinical scientific research centre look and feel (the seeds look like X-rayed objects with main arteries and other blood vessels) and the pure natural world.
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TOP 20 FINISHERS, BLACK & WHITE CATEGORY, PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR 2020

3. Photo © Grant Faulkner. Black & White Category, Photographer of the Year 2020.

4. Photo © Graham Earnshaw. Black & White Category, Photographer of the Year 2020.

5. Photo © Steve Day. Black & White Category, Photographer of the Year 2020.

6. Photo © Jacqueline Hammer. Black & White Category, Photographer of the Year 2020.

6. Photo © Farzin Sahebjam. Black & White Category, Photographer of the Year 2020.

8. Photo © Cameron Meacham. Black & White Category, Photographer of the Year 2020.

9. Photo © Steve Day. Black & White Category, Photographer of the Year 2020.