It’s fascinating that we can take color out of an image and somehow give it more impact. Color can be a distraction when you really think about it. Black and white allows us to appreciate composition in a new way, or the uniqueness of the moment being captured when the right images are stripped down to greys, shadows, and light. Staring at a single wave or a person in pursuit of one is no exception.
Our staff was blown away by the nearly 500 entries in The Inertia’s Film & Photo Challenge 2022, presented by White Claw. As is the case every year, narrowing down the best images of the bunch in order to present a handful of finalists is a tough task. There is so much creativity and talent in lineups all over the world — unique perspectives shared by the people who bring a tripod to the beach or a camera housing on the best days instead of a board.
Without further ado, here are eight finalists in the Black and White category. One of these talented people will win $1,000 – which will be awarded on April 30, 2022, at Traveler Surf Club & Coastal Outpost in Malibu.
Congratulations to all who participated, and best of luck to the finalists, listed here in no particular order.
The Search, by @robertsiliato
Wave Portal, by @delanzophoto
Anticipation // Eimeo Czermak, by @owenbeim
Ner Jersey nor’easter, from @patnolan_
Malibu Surfer, from @rachelweberphotography
Stand Tall, by @joshuatabone
Black and White, from @ollukas
Hanging Heels, from @connor_eck_photo
Editor’s Note: Finalists have been selected by The Inertia editorial team. Winners will be determined by averaging the scores of three judging groups: The Inertia editorial team, a jury of esteemed photographers and cinematographers, and public vote via Instagram.
