logo

Night Illuminations

In Night Illuminations I explore how light defines our understanding of space time and memory once the sun sets each frame captures an ephemeral moment where architecture emotion and silence converge illuminated not only by streetlamps or neon but by the unseen narratives of the night

Awards

Art of Storytelling Contest

2025

Honorable Mention

Urban

Professional

Nominee

Other

Professional

Night Illuminations

In Night Illuminations I explore how light defines our understanding of space time and memory once the sun sets each frame captures an ephemeral moment where architecture emotion and silence converge illuminated not only by streetlamps or neon but by the unseen narratives of the night

About Artist

John Martinotti

John Martinotti is a distinguished fine art photographer and creative producer whose career spans over four decades. His work blends artistic vision with technical mastery, creating evocative imagery that resonates emotionally and intellectually. Throughout his career, Martinotti has developed a compelling body of work exploring the human experience, transforming fleeting moments into timeless narratives. His approach is grounded in a relentless pursuit of perfection and a commitment to authentic visual storytelling. For Martinotti, photography transcends aesthetics, it becomes a medium to communicate what words cannot, revealing deeper emotional truths. His creative process is rooted in intentionality, from scouting locations and studying light to composing with precision and clarity. He embraces the challenge of refining ideas, viewing it as essential to transforming vision into reality. With a sharp eye and deep curiosity, Martinotti uncovers meaning in both the mundane and the magnificent, framing life in ways that resonate across cultures and disciplines. Martinotti’s mastery of both analog and digital photography has kept him at the forefront of contemporary visual art. He is best known for his striking black and white portraits, a medium that emphasizes emotion, light, and form, stripping away distraction to reveal the soul of his subjects. This monochromatic focus aligns with his belief in photography as a vehicle for emotional depth and honest storytelling. Collaboration plays a key role in his process. He seeks subjects who bring openness and emotional expression, working with them to craft images that transcend physical appearance and reflect the complexity of identity and culture. Influences from Peter Lindbergh, David Yarrow, Joel Grimes, and Drew Doggett have shaped his vision, reinforcing the value of voice, discipline, and depth in storytelling. Martinotti’s work is not just about creating images, it is about building narratives that bridge time, emotion, and perspective. His legacy includes mentoring emerging artists, championing authenticity, and expanding into large scale projects that spotlight endangered landscapes and underrepresented voices. For him, photography is a lifelong journey, one of passion, preparation, and purpose.

John Martinotti

Photographic Areas of Focus

Abstract, Architecture, Architecture, Fashion & Beauty, Film/Analog, Landscapes, Landscapes, Minimalism, Minimalism, Nature, People, People, Portrait, Sports, Still Life, Street, Travel, Wildlife

Location

United States of America

Explore Other Winners

View All
Honorable Mention +1
Yevhen Kostiuk

Yevhen Kostiuk

Urban

Honorable Mention
Nominee
Xuejun Long

Xuejun Long

Urban

Nominee
Mitsutaka Tsuryu

Mitsutaka Tsuryu

Urban

Nominee
Gayle Pepper

Gayle Pepper

Humanity

logo

Contests

Info

FAQ & RulesTerms of UsePrivacy Policy

Links

Facebook

Instagram

Contact Us

© Creative Resource Collective, LLC 2026. All Rights Reserved.

1839 Awards is managed by Creative Resource Collective, LLC.

Learn More

Creative Resource Collective, LLC.