One Shot Category Theme
Remove the colour. Reveal the essence.
Travel photography may live in a vibrant world, but black and white strips it back to something more fundamental. Without colour to rely on, every element must work harder – light, shadow, shape, and texture become the language of the image.
Monochrome is unforgiving. It exposes weak composition but rewards clarity of vision. Done well, it transforms an ordinary scene into something timeless, graphic, and emotionally powerful.
This category challenges you to see differently – to simplify, to refine, and to distill a moment down to its strongest visual form.
If colour distracts, remove it. If the composition fails, nothing will hide it. Make every element count.
What subjects can you include?
This category is open in subject, but disciplined in execution.
You may capture any travel-related scene – from documentary to fine art – but the image must be presented in black and white only.
Your subject might include:
- Landscapes defined by light, contrast, and structure
- Street scenes where shadow and timing shape the story
- Portraits emphasising expression, texture, and form
- Architectural or graphic compositions built on line and geometry
- Details and patterns revealed through tone rather than colour Think beyond conversion.
Use line, shape, contrast, and texture deliberately to create an image that is bold, refined, and visually compelling – where the absence of colour becomes its greatest strength.
This category is a standalone award and entries are not considered in selecting the winner of the overall title of Travel Photographer of the Year 2026. However the winning image will be automatically eligible for the Travel Image of the Year 2026 award.
What are the judges looking for?
Any travel subject using black and white tones, shapes, lines and textures to create impact, in the absence of colour.
Am I eligible?
This category is open to all photographers.
How many images?
One (1) image per entry.
How many times can I enter?
You can enter this category as many times as you want to.
What is the category entry fee?
Entry options:
TPOTY Pass – unlimited entries until 16th July 2026 for a single £99 fee
- Single image entry = £14
OR ENTERING MORE THAN ONE IMAGE
- Two One Shot single images = £20
OR
- ‘Two Plus Four’ 12-image combination of 4 One Shot entries and 2 four-image portfolios entered at the same time = £59 (full price £104 if entered individually).
OR
- ‘Ten Image Combination’ of up to 10 One Shot images = £59 (full price up to £120 if entered individually).
Do I need to shoot new material to be able to enter this category?
No! We have always allowed entrants to submit images from their archives – i.e. contemporary photography shot in recent years – and have always said that ‘travel starts when you leave your home’. So it’s your choice. You can travel locally or travel further afield. Entries close on 12th October.
Digital Manipulation
Please see the information on digital manipulation and note that entrants who are shortlisted as finalists will be required to provide the original image files (RAW or jpeg as shot).
No AI generated images will be allowed and any entered will be disqualified.
Prizes
The winner of this category will receive £500 plus Radiant Photo imaging software.
Images © Linda Wride & Tom Bourdon
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It would not be possible to run Travel Photographer of the Year without the support of our sponsors and partners, and we are hugely grateful for their involvement each year. Click the logo to learn more about each of Travel Photographer of the Year’s sponsor and partners.
