CONTEST: LOOKING BACK–LOOKING FORWARD

• This annual contest is one that the Black & White judges look forward to with especial relish. Experimental, alternative, visually groundbreaking imagery has always been part of photography’s DNA, from the medium’s formal inception early in the early 19th century to the present day. Whether that experimentation is organically based in the traditional darkroom (viz. our Alternative Processes competition) or achieved digitally with smartphones or cameras (as in this 16-page special section), it is something to be celebrated and supported. We believe our contests help spur efforts to create outside the visual box. The entries sent to us, happily, are as visually striking as they are thematically stimulating.

• Among this year’s highlights, mention must be made of Samuel Vovsi’s dreamlike, spiritually inspiring Jerry Uelsmann-like multiple image; Patrick O’Brien’s mordant composite that plays with notions of interpretation and meaning; and the wonderfully outré vision of impending ecological consequences served up by Jennifer Spencer.

• As always, we extend our gratitude to all who submitted work for consideration. Your continued exploration of new avenues of visual expression through alternative and/or experimental digital means is inspiring and instructive. Kudos to all the winning entries, as well as those whose noteworthy work we didn’t have room enough to include. Please keep the great images coming, and we’ll see you next year.

Look for winners of our Alternative Processes contest in the December 2024 issue.