#mono | Re-examining What Remains When Color Is Removed | Focus #667

Thank you for the many submissions to the recent hashtag campaign <#mono>.

Monochrome, by removing color, leaves the direction of light, the density of shadow, the strength of lines, and the tactile quality of textures in sharp relief. In the works submitted this time, whether to let white breathe or deepen the blacks, whether to define or dissolve contours—these choices shaped the atmosphere of each photograph.

From the submissions to this campaign, we have selected several works to feature and introduce here.

hkr_capturedmoments
A quiet Shinkansen station platform

📷 Canon EOS Kiss X7

cizucu Editorial Team
The negative space of the tranquil platform and the placement of the figure are striking, conveying the unique ‘quietness’ of monochrome. The clean highlights prevent the image from feeling heavy, while the depth of the blacks naturally creates a sense of spatial depth. The composition is well-organized, guiding the viewer’s gaze directly to the subject.

kahoru

cizucu Editorial Team
The generous use of black creates a sense of depth, while selective highlights elegantly lift key areas. Even in a scene rich with visual information, the tonal gradation remains intact, and the interplay of lines and planes brings harmony to the composition. The use of contrast is refined and never overpowering, leaving a strong impression.

Andy Chan

cizucu Editorial Team
The way the light falls brings out the texture, allowing the viewer to almost feel the tactile quality of the subject. The exposure is carefully controlled to avoid blowing out the whites, preserving a subtlety in the highlights and maintaining a soft atmosphere throughout the frame. The subject’s contours are not overly defined, yet its presence remains strong—an elegant solution to one of monochrome’s greatest challenges.

T-T
witness a fate(already known).

cizucu Editorial Team
Without being swayed by the strength of the words, the photograph values the ‘interval’ as an image. The depth of the blacks naturally draws the eye to the brighter areas, clearly defining the entry and exit points of the narrative. The contours are not overly rigid, and the warmth in the negative space is a notable strength. The work successfully balances ‘meaning’ and ‘atmosphere’ in monochrome.

We hope you enjoyed this feature.

Monochrome is less about ‘removing color’ and more about ‘reselecting what remains.’ Next time you shoot, consider how you let white breathe, how deep you let the blacks fall, and how much contour you retain—these decisions will surely transform the atmosphere of your photographs.

cizucu regularly hosts hashtag campaigns and photo contests to inspire photographic practice. Register on the app to stay up to date with the latest content.