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Aerobatic Grace

Thomas Ebner

Austria

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In black and white, a single aircraft draws a perfect spiral across the sky above Friedrichshafen at AERO 2026. For one fleeting moment, engine roar, smoke, and precision became pure art — a timeless scene of courage, grace, and the unforgettable spirit of aviation.

Bronze

A dramatic black-and-white capture of Messehalle 9. The bold geometry, empty parking lot, and looming clouds create a surreal, almost dystopian stillness. Clean lines and symmetry turn this industrial facade into a contemplative architectural statement

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Nominee

Symmetry of Silence

Four fighter jets from the Patrouille Suisse soar in perfect alignment, captured mid-flight in striking black and white. The tight formation against a minimalist sky conveys power, control, and unity—a moment of aerial choreography frozen in time

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Honorable Mention

Precision in Formation

A frozen instant in football drama: the ball sails past the keeper, destined for the bar. One player lies sprawled, another watches in suspense. This black-and-white shot captures tension, motion, and the raw emotion of a moment that just missed glory

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Off the Bar

A punk icon mid-leap, frozen in raw energy. This black-and-white shot captures the untamed spirit of a live show—leather, sweat, rebellion. The airborne frontman channels pure adrenaline while the guitarist grounds the scene. Punk’s not dead—it’s airborne

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Photographer of the Year

Jumping into Chaos

This high-energy black-and-white concert photo captures the raw spirit of a metal show: shirtless guitarist, roaring crowd, and a mid-air beer cup frozen in flight. A visceral moment of chaos, sound, and celebration—pure, unfiltered live music culture

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Silver

Flying Beer, Heavy Riffs

A stark black-and-white staircase stretches into the light in this minimalist architectural shot. The narrowing corridor and glowing exit evoke themes of transition, elevation, and introspection—a quiet metaphor for hope beyond darkness

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Ascension

Sharp icicles cascade from the cave ceiling like frozen waterfalls in this dramatic black-and-white photograph. A natural sculpture formed by time and cold, it evokes movement despite stillness—an eerie, majestic silence turned visual