Photographer Maria Marriott Honored at the 2026 reFocus Awards for New Arctic Image “Zenith”
"Zenith" by photographer Maria Marriott
Lumen III by Photographer Maria Marriott
Solitary by Photographer Maria Marriott
Stillhet II by Photographer Maria Marriott
Cubs by Photographer Maria Marriott
Nature photographer earns double Honorable Mentions in Minimalism and Abstract categories during the international Black and White Photography Competition.
The reFocus Awards celebrate the lasting power and indomitable spirit of the photographic image, highlighting its unique ability to communicate complex ideas, captivate viewers, and express profound artistic intention. Marriott’s winning photograph, “Zenith,” stood out among global entries for its striking composition and evocative interpretation of the polar wilderness.
“Zenith” forms an integral part of Marriott’s broader photographic series, Arctic: The Edge of Silence. Capturing the vast, ethereal scale of the far north, the image evokes a dreamlike landscape where viewers feel simultaneously small and connected to the drama of ice, sky, and time.
“Standing beneath the snow-draped peaks, the vast Arctic wilderness seems to swallow every stray sound, leaving behind a silence so absolute that even the soft crunch of snow underfoot resonates like an echo,” said Maria Marriott. “The Arctic reduces everything to scale—every creature, every breath—revealing its force through absence. Standing within that silence thoroughly humbles you; yet within that humbling, clarity expands.”
Born from the quiet and vastness that settles upon the observer, Arctic: The Edge of Silence explores how stark stillness forces deep introspection and challenges the human perspective. To give viewers a rare glimpse into the creation of this visual journey, Marriott has released exclusive behind-the-scenes footage detailing the expedition and artistic process behind the series, available to watch on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58kcHNjV3zc.
To explore the award-winning image “Zenith” and the complete fine art collection, visit https://www.mariamarriott.com/arctic-the-edge-of-silence. For full details on the competition and winners, visit the reFocus Awards at https://refocus-awards.com/contests/black-white-photo-contest.
About Maria Marriott
Maria Marriott is an internationally recognized nature photographer known for her compelling fine art imagery. Her work focuses on capturing the raw emotion, scale, and spirit of nature’s most pristine landscapes and wildlife.
About reFocus Awards
The reFocus Awards is an international artist-first awards platform committed to celebrating exceptional photography. Through curated competitions across various genres, reFocus honors contemporary photographers who push artistic boundaries and showcase the transformative power of visual storytelling.
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Arctic: The Edge of Silence
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