Nilesh Choithramani, Koala Noir (B&W 2024)

"In 'Koala Noir,' I employ the elegant simplicity of black and white photography to reveal the intrinsic beauty and character of these iconic marsupials. Captured at the Koala Conservation Center on Phillip Island in December 2023, this series presents an intimate and nuanced portrait of these beloved animals. By leveraging the subtle play of light and shadow, I capture the koalas' textured fur, expressive eyes, and endearing gestures, distilling their essence into a series of evocative images. This monochrome collection strips away the distractions of color, allowing the viewer to focus on the koalas' fundamental nature: their grace, their charm, and their vulnerability.

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.