cizucu Presents 'Between Light & Shadow' | Challenge #350

‘Between Light & Shadow’ is a global online photography open call organized by cizucu, open to all creators registered on cizucu. Outstanding submissions will be curated, aiming to discover new talent for the platform and foster support within the community.

This edition’s theme is Monochrome.

In a world of color, our eyes are often drawn to hues. Yet, by letting go of color in monochrome, the very structure of photography—light and shadow, form, texture, and atmosphere—emerges with striking clarity.

From the hard shadows on a street corner, the gentle light falling by a window, the play of light and shadow on a face, to the texture of rain-soaked pavement—your subject is entirely up to you. Express the tactile quality and narrative of the world you see using only the gradations between black and white.

Show us the persuasive power that arises precisely because you are not relying on color: the design of contrast, the rhythm of shadow, the rendering of texture, and the use of negative space—all in a single frame.

KBT
【observer】

cizucu Editorial Team
The world encapsulated within a convex mirror is rendered with even greater clarity in monochrome, its boundaries sharply defined. By removing the blue sky and the colors of passing cars, what emerges is a gradation of light and the perfect geometry of a circle. Even the most ordinary scenes, when stripped of the noise of color, evoke the uncanny sensation of peering into a fragment of another world. The small plant reflected beside the mirror brings a subtle warmth, a touch of vitality within the monochrome realm.

masashi7069
Chinatown in Bangkok

📷 RICOH GR III

cizucu Editorial Team
This photograph, taken in the bustling heart of Bangkok, transforms a vibrant neon district into a study in black and white, distilling the city’s energy into pure streaks of light. By organizing a wealth of visual information and extracting its dynamism, the work powerfully stimulates the viewer’s imagination. As we contemplate the silence lurking behind dazzling lights and the stories of passersby, we are reminded of the profound expressive potential of monochrome photography.

KITA

📷 Leica M9

cizucu Editorial Team
A solitary cloud floats above a residential neighborhood. The generous expanse of sky, rendered as negative space, embodies a tranquility that only monochrome can accentuate. The silhouettes of houses and the lines of power cables further highlight the softness of the drifting cloud, imparting a sense of calm to the viewer. Even clouds and skies whose colors we can easily imagine reveal new expressions when captured in black and white.

m＊style

📷 CANON EOS 5D

cizucu Editorial Team
The orderly balconies and meticulously arranged piping lines highlight the geometric rhythm inherent in architecture, brought to life by the strong contrast of monochrome. By removing color, the texture of materials and the power of structure come to the fore, transforming the scene into what resembles a monumental contemporary sculpture. This image demonstrates how architectural subjects and urban landscapes harmonize beautifully with monochrome photography.

カケス
“Condor”
A fierce spirit behind a gentle face

📷 NIKON Z 6

cizucu Editorial Team
The dignified gaze and the intricate layering of feathers exude a profound sense of presence. The interplay of black and white sharply delineates the majesty of life and the texture shaped by the passage of time. The contrast between the softness of the white down at the neck and the rugged wrinkles of the skin is a testament to the unique descriptive power of monochrome. This work captivates with its overwhelming detail, conveying deep respect for living beings and the quiet pulse within.

[Contest Period]
April 11, 2026 (Sat) – May 10, 2026 (Sun)

[Award Announcement]
Around May 22, 2026 (Fri)

[Reward]
Free participation ticket for the cizucu “Photo Poster Project” (2 recipients)

[How to Submit]
・Select the ‘Between Light & Shadow’ open call
・Tap ‘Agree to Submission Guidelines and Post’
・Choose your content and submit your work

[Selection Criteria]
(1) Thematic Relevance: Does the work align with the stated mission?
(2) Subject Focus: Is the photographer’s intent and message clearly conveyed?
(3) Expressiveness: Does the work demonstrate strength in perspective, composition, balance, focus, and use of color?
(4) Timing: Has the decisive moment or timing of the subject been captured?
(5) Originality: Does the work show unique ingenuity in location or subject?