While regular practice is the ultimate way to become a good photographer, critiquing other people\u2019s images is also an important aspect of your development.<\/p>\n
The more types of photography you observe, the more critical your eye becomes \u2013 an important skill needed for producing your own images.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n And now, with the Exposure One Awards having opened its People\u2019s Vote Award as part of the 2026 Photographer of the Year, what better way to not only see a vast array of new monochrome imagery, but to hone your eye further.<\/p>\n Latest Videos FromDigital Camera World<\/p>\n Each year, the black-and-white contest \u2013 which also accepts sepia and single-color-tone images \u2013 puts all entries nominated by judges for the Photographer of the Year Award forward for a People\u2019s Vote Award, too.<\/p>\n At this year\u2019s event, images across some 20 categories have been nominated, with themes including wildlife, architecture, abstraction, nudity, portraiture, photojournalism and landscapes.<\/p>\n You may like<\/p>\n To cast your vote, simply head to the People\u2019s Vote webpage<\/a>, spend some time critiquing the nominated shots \u2013 there are many, by the way \u2013 and select your winner.<\/p>\n So far, almost 30,000 votes have been cast and, according to the rules, you’re allowed to vote once per day until the deadline, which is 05:00 BST on October 12 (be sure to convert this to your local time).<\/p>\n If you’re keen on taking part, then my tip is to vote once per category, so you\u2019re exposed to the breadth of this year\u2019s nominated images.<\/p>\n Personally, I\u2019ve been impressed by Brazilian photographer Ronaldo Andrade<\/a>\u2019s shot titled Travessia, or “Crossing”. The scene depicts Pesca da Tainha, a traditional artisanal mullet fishing ritual that takes place annually between May 01 and July 10 in Florian\u00f3polis, Brazil.<\/p>\n I\u2019m also a fan of Parisian Pierre-Yves Cruaud<\/a>\u2019s image of a pair of old hands on top of one another. A simple yet intriguing frame, it\u2019s a great example of how seemingly everyday moments, like resting one\u2019s hand on a table, can make great pictures.<\/p>\n The event organizers haven\u2019t yet said when the People\u2019s Vote winners will be announced, but keep an eye on the event webpage for updates. We\u2019ll also be covering further updates about the 2026 Exposure One Photographer of the Year Award here on Digital Camera World, so stay tuned.<\/p>\n You might also like\u2026<\/p>\n Here\u2019s our monochrome expert, Seb Oakley\u2019s pick of the best cameras for black and white photography<\/a>.<\/p>\n