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Shadows under the Oculus

An iconic urban architecture landmark provides a dramatic backdrop for a a group of pedestrians breaking light at dawn

Awards

Black & White Photo Contest

2023

Honorable Mention

Street

Non Professional

Shadows under the Oculus

An iconic urban architecture landmark provides a dramatic backdrop for a a group of pedestrians breaking light at dawn

About Artist

Xavier Ponce

I bought my first SLR camera in the early 90s and soon converted my bathroom into a darkroom. The magic of images coming to life on photo paper was indescribable. Throughout the years my passion for photography remained and for over 3 decades I have built my image collection. I shoot on a regular basis, always looking for that magical shot to be captured. After turning 50, I became color blind by choice, paying homage to those early days of black and white photography, and decided to devote significant time to my passion and style by becoming a serious amateur photographer. Deep blacks, high contrast, dramatic street, architecture, travel, fine art and minimalistic photography are my main areas of focus, but do enjoy experimenting with portraits and every once in a while that shot in vibrant colors sneaks into my collection of favorites. I’m self-taught but I've also had the opportunity to learn first-hand from world-class photographers like Phil Penman, Sandro Miller and Mark Edward Harris. Many of my photos have been published in physical and online exhibitions around the world and have been featured and received awards in renowned galleries and competitions such as ReFocus Awards, LensCulture, OneEyeLand (Best of the Best Photographers 2024), MonoAwards and Leica Fotografíe International LFI Gallery. My work has been featured in Lens Magazine, Art Market Magazine, Digital Photographer, InFrame Magazine, The Hunter Magazine. In 2024, my shot “Late for Confession” was shortlisted as a finalist in the emblematic Sony World Photography Awards and exhibited in Somerset House - London. I´m a devoted and enthusiast user of Leica cameras and lenses. I’m based in Quito, Ecuador and love to travel the world with my best supporters: my wife and kids.

Xavier Ponce

Photographic Areas of Focus

Abstract, Architecture, Fine Art, Landscapes, Minimalism, Portrait, Street, Travel

Location

Ecuador

Explore Other Winners

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Wolfgang Bliem

Wolfgang Bliem

Street

Honorable Mention
Nominee +1

EP

Enrique Perez-Garci

People

Honorable Mention
Chris Meixner

Chris Meixner

Travel

People’s Vote Award
Honorable Mention
Starain Zhu

Starain Zhu

Street

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