Challenge number five in Empower is Monolicious, we asked challengers to create images in black and white or other monochromatic styles, like sepia or cyanotype.

Using tone, texture and layers in an image can take a monochrome image into the realms of timelessness, a quality that black and white images are loved for. It can help you narrate some kind of story or portrait emotion in an image.

This could possibly be the strongest set of images we've seen in any challenge to date. We were truly blown away by the standard of work submitted this time, so selecting our top 10 was a tough call, but here they are in no particular order. Well done challengers, we don't know how you're going to top this challenge, but we can't wait to see you all try!

Charlotte & Craig 🐶 📸 ✨

We provide video feedback on all images submitted for the challenge, and from there, we select our Top 20 and Top 10. Without further ado, here are the Top 10 images for this challenge!

Aubri Poon | Aubri Poon Photography

What a striking image, the gentle rim light picks up the silhouette of this dog so well and really serves its purpose in the illumination of the bubbles and drool!

Ginger Wick | Ginger Wick Photography

This little pip and his side sit, so sweet! The diagonals of light add a dynamic feel and are placed as if to show how much the little guy has grown and will grow!

Helen Daniels | Not Just A Dog Photography

This warm toned monochromatic treatment works brilliantly with the subject. The expression is lovely, who wouldn't want to cosy up on the sofa with this boxer?

Helene Caraux | Digression Photo

This is a gorgeous details shot that works beautifully in this inky black and white style of edit.

Jackie Searies | Photos By Jackie.S

What a gorgeous expression on this character, so much personality! The composition is very successfully using leading lines and the light adds depth and texture.

Jannene Meyer | Jannene Meyer Photography

There's a really lovely expression on this dog's face. The paw up, as if to say "help me with my babies" adds a storytelling element. Soft light emphasises the gentle maternity story.

Juliette Bercovici | Juliette Bercovici

"Dad... Don't go!" What a lovely little story here, and the sepia style toning gives the image a nostalgic, yet timeless quality.

Liz Dranow | TimePunk Pet Photography

There is so much texture here, which is helped by the direction of light and the black and white treatment. The subject is posed well and has a great expression. You can virtually feel the sea breeze!

Melissa Mattingly | Duke Dog Photography

The pose and reflection are excellent here. The light dog has been perfectly placed against the dark background to really make them stand out. 

Rebecca Labs

The husky is interacting so well with the environment in this scene. The framing elements, textures and monolicious range of tones from dark blacks to bright whites is fantastic.

Empower is the advanced 6-month interactive challenge-based dog photography course in our Unleashed Challenges series, investing you with the power to refine your creativity and explore new horizons in dog photography.

Empower is open to students who have previously completed the first and second courses in the series, Embark and Emerge.

Want to be the first to hear when Embark opens for enrolment each year? Register your interest here.