Beyond the Frame 59/
Photographs from Bhutan and essential photography resources: Films, Documentaries, Grants, Contests.
Bhutan
Following on from Beyond the Frame 58/, we’re still in Bhutan, admiring the colourful, off-kilter windows of Wangdichholing Dzong, birthplace of the first King of Bhutan.
The windows alone deserve a carefully-framed photograph. But if you have amassed sufficient karmic credit in your previous incarnations, a friendly monk will appear to complete the picture.
Another novice monk, who I photographed on a stairway inside a monastery in Thimphu, graces the cover of an edition of Lonely Planet’s Guide to Bhutan.
If you didn’t catch the previous newsletter, you’ll discover more images from Bhutan inside.
In this edition, I have compiled a selection of highly-recommended photography resources, all designed to help you hone your skills and sharpen your craft.
The Darkroom Rumour
The Darkroom Rumour is an online collection of photography films and documentaries, described as “a sanctuary for all photography lovers.”
“Our unique collection of feature films and original documentaries, together with unpublished articles, exclusive interviews and precious resources, offers a broad view of the world of photography and invites you to look at it from a fresh, rich and nuanced perspective.”
— The Darkroom Rumour
The library includes thoughtful, behind-the-scenes documentaries featuring famous photographers, explorations of photographic technique, and thought-provoking films, all illuminating the art, history, and practice of photography
I’ve selected three documentaries to recommend. The Darkroom Rumour offers a free, 7-day trial. These three would provide a good introduction.
Joel Meyerowitz – The Pulse of the Street
The visionary Magnum photographer, a pioneer of colour street photography, capturing the poetic interplay of light and everyday life in New York and beyond.
“I’ve never been bored. Because I just pick up a camera and go. I go for a walk in the world. And the world gives me its gifts.”
— Joel Meyerowitz
You can read an extract from an interview with Joel Meyerowitz on the Darkroom Rumour website. The full interview first appeared in a special edition of Like magazine.
Saul Leiter – In No Great Hurry
A painter-turned-photographer whose blurred abstractions and muted colour palette reshaped mid-century New York street scenes into evocative, painterly compositions.
“I am a person who likes to postpone things. I see no reason for being in a rush.”
— Saul Leiter
Dolorès Marat — Dolorès
The French photographer’s intimate, cinematic portraits weave realism and dreamy elegance, exploring themes of memory and melancholy.
“When I was little, I never spoke. And that stayed with me for a very long time…
Photography gave me a voice.” — Dolorès Marat
Pricing and 7-Day Trial
Access to the Darkroom Rumour’s ever-growing catalogue of photography films and archives is available with a monthly or annual pass.
Monthly Pass = €10/month
Annual Pass = €50/year
You can view any of the films and documentaries available on The Darkroom Rumour with a 7-day free trial.
Photo Contests
There are a number of photography contests with closing dates coming up. I’ve chosen five that are worthy of attention.
Photography is, of course, inherently subjective. So the idea that one image is definitively “better” than another might seem counter-intuitive. This is why contests invariably employ a panel of judges and also why, in my experience, panel discussions produce lively debates about the relative merits of different entries.
Reasons to enter a photo contest
Contests typically provide a specific theme or brief, which can prompt us to explore subjects beyond the familiar.
The process of planning and editing can help us to see our work more clearly, which is arguably more valuable than any contest prize.
Reviewing the shortlisted and winning entries from previous years offers an insight into what might catch a judge’s eye.
Entering a photo contest isn’t just about winning trophies, it’s about engaging with our craft, learning, and finding confidence to share our work. If you’re hesitant about entering your work, I’d encourage you to give it a go because the process alone is likely to provide sufficient reward – and you never know…
Deloitte Photo Grant
“Deloitte’s Photo Grant aims to visually document the daily struggles for the advancement of human rights (for everyone, with no exceptions) and, at the same time, the rejection of all forms of discrimination.”
2024 Winners
David Monteleone won the Deloitte Photo Grant in 2024 with his project, Critical Minerals, “A visual journey that explores the transformations of the global energy landscape towards renewable sources”.
Closing Date: 30 June 2025
AOP Open Award
“The Open Award is open to everyone – both professional and amateur – and is about championing exquisite imagery. There are no categories or restrictions in the Open Award, the image is the star, and exciting and innovative work is encouraged.”
2024 Winners
Danny Burrows is one of 17 finalists in the 2024 competition with a collection of portraits and landscapes from the frontlines in Kherson.
Closing Date: 14 July 2025
Portrait of Britain
I’m always interested to see the shortlisted entries in the Portrait of Britain contest. Just scrolling through the images from last year’s winners is a great reminder of how varied formal portraits can be.
I wrote about some of my favourite images from 2023 in Beyond the Frame 1/.
“Portrait of Britain is a celebration of identity; an opportunity to rejoice in the diversity of a changing nation.“
2024 Winners
It’s a fool’s errand to try and pick one image from such a large and impressive collection so I’ve picked one at random: Nick Teo’s portrait of Madina, from the series Nature Finds a Way.
“Using the visual motif of flowers, it features individuals who have moved to the UK from around the world. Each person is depicted as the national flower of their home country and photographed in a UK landscape, creating a tapestry of migrant voices.”
— Nicholas Teo
Closing Date: 15 July 2025
Photography 4 Humanity Global Prize
“The 2025 Global Contest promotes climate justice. We believe climate change is a human rights issue, so we are looking for images that show people impacted by the escalating climate crisis. They include climate refuges, the very young, the very old, the disabled and injured, the poor, indigenous and island people, and women.”
I’m not certain that I would have tacked “women” to the end of a list of vulnerable groups. In my experience, it’s often women who take responsibility for keeping families and communities strong in the face of adversity.
But we’ll give Photography 4 Humanity the benefit of the doubt and overlook that, accepting that any project which seeks to highlight climate injustice is to be commended.
2024 Winners
Viviane Rakotoarivony was the recipient of the 2024 prize with her image of a family seeking refuge beneath a fragment of a roof, after Cyclone Freddy destroyed 90% of the homes in Ambalakondro, Madagascar.
Closing Date: 5 August 2025
Travel Photographer of the Year
This is the 23rd annual Travel Photographer of the Year competition, which continues to represent the Gold Standard for travel photography competitions.
“Travel Photographer of the Year awards (TPOTY) is run by photographers for photographers. TPOTY is truly global – wherever you live in the world and whether you are amateur or professional, beginner or expert, young or old, Travel Photographer of the Year is for you!”
2024 Winner
Kenya-based Piper Mackay was awarded the title of 2024 Travel Photographer of the Year based on two portfolios from her adopted home.
Closing Date: 13 October 2025
Competitions and Grants
You can find more photography competitions and grants in my Beyond the Frame Resources page.
If you know of any photography competitions, grants, or other resources that you’d like to share with fellow readers, please let me know in the comments.
Holding the Camera
Quirky pictures from 1960s and ‘70s camera adverts and instruction manuals.
Shooting around the corner. One apparent benefit of a Twin Lens Reflex camera, which manufacturer Rollei actively promoted, was the ability to make photos around corners!
It’s been many years since I owned a TLR camera, and I never tried this approach, but I suspect it might not have gone entirely unnoticed.
Thank you
Finally, welcome to several new paid subscribers who have joined the Beyond the Frame community this week.
As you know, all editions of Beyond the Frame are available for free but it’s the generous support of paid subscribers who make that possible.
Thank you. 🙏
What’s next?
In Beyond the Frame 60/ I’ll be sharing tips for making impromptu street portraits together with my practical guide to using a mobile phone to back up image files when you’re on the move.
Until next time, go well.
Directory: Beyond the Frame newsletter archive.
Resources: Recommended books, films, gear, media etc.
Beyond the Frame 57/
The value of acknowledging what’s hiding in plain sight. How a construction container provided a solution to a photographic problem. Plus, reflections on the 2025 Photo Book Switzerland book fair.
Those colors in Bhutan are truly extravagant. Lovely images there.
Delighted to read about Danny