People’s Vote Award at the reFocus Awards 2025 – Architectural Photography in Bonifacio
My black and white photograph of the Sailors’ Cemetery in Bonifacio won the People’s Vote Award – Architecture (PRO) category – at the international reFocus Awards 2025. It also received an Honorable Mention from the jury — a recognition that deeply moves me.
An International Competition Dedicated to Black and White Photography
The reFocus Awards celebrate the timeless power of black and white photography. The 2025 edition brought together thousands of entries from over 80 countries, evaluated by a jury of experts from renowned media and institutions such as BBC, ABC News, Rizzoli, National Geographic Society, The Robb Report…
A Winning Image: The Sailors’ Cemetery of Bonifacio
The awarded photograph was taken during a visit to the Sailors’ Cemetery in Bonifacio, Corsica. I was immediately struck by the graphic power of a white family tomb, bathed in light, in front of which the sharp shadows of black crosses projected onto the cement ground.
In this image, everything is about contrast: the harsh southern light versus the cast shadow, the purity of geometric forms versus the complexity of the sky, the verticality of walls versus the diagonals projected onto the ground. A rounded window breaks the uniformity, yet remains part of a rigorously structured composition.
Visual and Poetic Contrasts
This photograph aligns with my artistic approach: I seek to capture scenes where formal oppositions create poetic tension. Here, the rigid mineral elements — walls, crosses, concrete — seem to contrast with the soft, vaporous clouds in the sky. The building’s stark white stands out against the dense shadows. A scene that is both silent and inhabited, where emptiness becomes the subject.
A Sincere Thank You
I want to thank everyone who voted for this image and helped it win the People’s Vote Award – Architecture (PRO). Thanks also to the competition’s jury for this Honorable Mention. It is an honor I receive with emotion and a beautiful recognition of my photographic journey.
Learn More
You can download the official press kit from the reFocus Awards 2025 (PDF) mentioning this award:
Download the press release (PDF)
About the Author
Sebastien Desnoulez is a photographer specializing in architecture, landscapes, and travel. He develops a sensitive approach rooted in contrasts — light/shadow, rigid lines/natural forms, tension/balance — to create images that are both graphic and contemplative.
This photograph is available as a limited edition fine art print.
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All the photos displayed on this website are copyright protected © Sebastien Desnoulez. No use allowed without written authorization.
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