“Striking” Named Discovery of the Year

Written By richard cassey

I'm honored to share that my photograph Striking has received the Discovery of the Year distinction in the Landscapes category of the Exposure One Awards' 2026 Photographer of the Year Contest.

Exposure One is devoted entirely to black-and-white photography. That makes this recognition especially meaningful to me, because black and white is where this image has always lived.

The Photograph

From the 29th floor of a SoHo hotel, I watched a summer storm move across Manhattan. For a single instant, lightning found the city's tallest towers at once, revealing the raw power of nature against one of the world's most iconic skylines.

I picked up a camera four years ago, but I've always been drawn to stories. Photography has taught me to slow down, look more carefully, and appreciate moments that exist for only an instant. Striking is one of those moments: a brief intersection of light, place and weather that can never be recreated.

About the Contest

This year's Photographer of the Year Contest was the largest in Exposure One's history, with photographers from 87 countries represented. Winners were chosen by judges from SF MoMA, Leica Gallery LA, Aperture, the Art Gallery of Alberta and others.

  • Award: Discovery of the Year

  • Category: Landscapes

  • Entry level: Non-professional

  • Contest: 2026 Photographer of the Year Contest, Exposure One Awards

Thank You

Thank you to Exposure One and to the jury for their time and consideration. Congratulations to every photographer whose work was recognized this year. It's a privilege to be among them.

You can see Striking on its Exposure One entry page.

richard cassey