Stewart Manning, The Ascendancy (PLACES 2026)

Captured at first light as the setting moon lingered in the western sky, this image marks the precise moment when morning overtakes night. The sandstone is illuminated by rising sunlight, revealing its layered permanence, while the moon, once dominant, recedes into the growing brightness. By removing colour, the frame becomes an exploration of contrast and scale. The geological mass stands as a symbol of endurance, while the fading moon represents transience. The negative space between them heightens the tension, capturing the quiet transfer of power from darkness to light.. This work reflects not drama, but inevitability — the steady, unstoppable ascendancy of day.

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.