A photographer’s path shaped by struggle, vision, and a desire to support the unseen.
My Journey Through Photography — and Why We Created EVI MONO AWARDS
For many years, when I first became interested in photography, I had vivid visions in my mind that I longed to capture. However, there was always one major obstacle: I couldn’t afford the necessary equipment.
My first attempts were on film, using a Soviet-made Zenit SLR. Eventually, I managed to buy a Nikon F70 — but money started running short at home, and I had to leave for the United States in search of work. During my journey, my Nikon F70 sank into the ocean. I was left with nothing, stranded in Key West, surrounded by fascinating people and places, with no working camera to document it.
So I returned to the Zenit. Still shooting on film, I set out to capture at least a few frames of the record-breaking 2005 hurricane season, which included Hurricane Katrina and the most powerful windstorm in recorded history, Hurricane Wilma.
Slowly, I managed to save enough money to buy my first digital camera — a Nikon D70. The joy was immense. A dream had come true — at least partly. The visions were still there, but the equipment remained limited: low resolution, average lenses. It was all I could afford, and I made the most of it.
Later came better gear: the Nikon D700, D610, D810, D750, D780, and more. But as I could finally afford what I once dreamed of, my creative visions began to fade.
Now, through EVI MONO AWARDS, I want to help others who might be in the same situation I once was. I want to give people a chance to overcome the barrier of “not enough.”
By entering this competition, you have a chance to win support for your gear, improve your image quality, grow as an artist, and at the same time, support organizations that empower women.
Share your vision with us. It can be a photo, a piece of digital art, or even an AI-generated concept. Show us why you — or someone you believe in — deserve support. And we will do our best, as many times as we can, to help light that creative fire and help those visions shine.
For years, I’ve been working professionally in interior photography under the brand De Urbanic, collaborating with designers, architects, and real estate clients across Europe. My visual style is rooted in clarity, emotion, and an appreciation for spaces that speak for themselves.
But photography has never been just a profession — it began as a dream I had to fight for.
That’s why I created EVI MONO AWARDS: to support artists who have powerful visions but limited access to professional tools or exposure. This platform is my way of giving back and opening the door I once stood outside.
We welcome photography, digital art, and AI concept works in monochrome.
Because sometimes, one image is enough to light the way forward.
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