Highlights from the International Amateur Photographer of the Year 2026: Notable Street Photography Picks

The inaugural results of the International Amateur Photographer of the Year 2026 competition are here, bringing with it a showcase of remarkable street photography talent. Susan Hall clinched the top prize in the Street category with her evocative image titled 'Street Food,' capturing a couple sharing a meal in the bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa square, Marrakesh. In the Young APOY category, Henry Salter secured the first position with his captivating photograph 'Lost in Thought.' This article reviews the top 10 street images submitted to Photocrowd and comments on the creativity and technical prowess demonstrated by the photographers involved.

Street photography, while widely accessible, poses unique challenges for photographers. The magic lies in the ability to anticipate fleeting moments within the ordinary: whether on street corners, bustling cafés, or crowded railway stations. It requires keen observation, patience, and timing to transform everyday scenarios into visually stunning narratives. The diversity of images ranked among the top 10 indicates that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to success in this genre, highlighting the photographers’ unique capabilities to elevate mundane moments into art.

1. Street Food by Susan Hall

Camera: Canon EOS R5, Lens: 24-105mm at 88mm, Settings: 1/640sec, f/6.3, ISO 100

Susan Hall's photograph, capturing a couple sharing a meal enveloped in swirling smoke, excels due to its atmospheric qualities and emotional closeness. Judges praised the image for depicting a connection amid a complex backdrop, skillfully composed to draw viewers’ eyes to the intimate interaction at the table while diagonal shadows in the foreground provide depth. The monochrome treatment enhances the textures without overwhelming the scene, showcasing a moment of beauty and detail that begs for multiple viewings.

2. Let Me Help You with That by David Travis

Camera: Olympus E-M5 Mark II, Lens: 17mm, Settings: 1/125sec, f/4, ISO 200

The clever interplay of scale in David Travis's image enchanted the judges. The composition cleverly aligns figures with a mural, transforming a potentially mundane photo into an extraordinary moment. The choice of black and white not only enhances graphic elements but also offers a gentle touch of humor. Travis's patient observation allowed the visual narrative to unfold organically, creating a scene that is rich in storytelling and depth.

3. Trunk Call by Richard Coulstock

Camera: Leica M (Typ 240), Lens: Summilux-M 1:1.4/35 ASPH, Settings: 1/350sec, f/9.5, ISO 2000

Dawn Eagleton, the guest judge, highlighted the photograph's playful irony and visual symmetry, featuring a seemingly headless figure interacting with a public payphone. The harmonious color scheme of red, white, blue, and black reinforces the photo’s structural integrity while inviting viewers to revel in both its humor and visual coherence. Coulstock’s adept use of lines and patterns establishes a strong sense of balance in this engaging image.

4. Arms Length by David Davies

Camera: Panasonic DMC-LX100, Lens: 28.2mm, Settings: 1/320sec, f/5.6, ISO 200

Davies's composition showcases a whimsical interaction between a passerby and a mannequin, a moment captured after careful consideration and waiting. The absence of color simplifies the frame, allowing the viewer to focus on gesture and form. The architectural context and reflections contribute significantly to the urban narrative, making for a delightful image that embodies the essence of street photography.

5. Camel Seller by Yasser Alaa Mobarak

Camera: Nikon Z 5, Lens: 24-70mm at 64mm, Settings: 1/80sec, f/4, ISO 2000

Yasser Mobarak's atmospheric image immerses viewers in a narrative layered with subtle activities. The camel seller's traditional attire strengthens the scene's anchoring, while a passing camel adds intrigue to the visual story. Its muted color palette establishes a mood that is both contemporary and timeless, inviting viewers into a place that feels familiar yet distinctively unique.

6. Two Worlds Collide by Justine Gordon

Camera: Leica Q3, Lens: 43mm, Settings: 1/1000sec, f/4, ISO 800

This thoughtfully composed image by Justine Gordon invites contemplation about urban isolation and connection within architecture. The contrasting warm tones against vibrant reds effectively draw the viewer in, while strategic negative space emphasizes each figure's solitude amidst their surroundings. Through deliberate planning, the composition narrates the complexities of London life without offering easy answers.

7. Alone Together by Pete Baker

Camera: Canon EOS 80D, Lens: 30mm, Settings: 1/15sec, f/8, ISO 400

Pete Baker's dramatic black and white photograph melds architecture with human presence, showcasing scattered figures beneath the sweeping arches of Baker Street station. The image conveys a patient rhythm, reflecting urban life’s calmness even as individuals retreat into their own worlds. This sophisticated snapshot goes beyond mere structural observation, adding layers of humanity to an architectural study.

8. Delicate Fast Walk of a Japanese Lady by Jon Morris

Camera: Data not supplied

Jon Morris captivates viewers with an ethereal depiction of movement and abstraction in his long exposure image. Rather than freezing action at a decisive moment, Morris opts for a dreamy representation, using soft pink tones and a blurred figure to create a painterly quality. The image engages emotionally, illustrating how movement can enhance the narrative within street photography.

9. An Appropriate Hat by Janet Miles

Camera: OM System OM-1 Mark II, Lens: 8-25mm at 16mm, Settings: f/4, 1/200sec, ISO 2500

Janet Miles's image stands out for its graphic quality, where carefully composed color and geometry meld together. The timing of the subject's placement amid numerous vertical and horizontal lines creates a dynamic visual experience. The primary colors animatedly command attention while balancing spontaneity within the composition, showcasing how design can turn an ordinary urban landscape into an eye-catching photograph.

10. Both by Neil Johansson

Camera: Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II, Lens: 12.74mm, Settings: 1/160sec, f/5, ISO 500

Neil Johansson's image charmingly reveals the beauty in the mundane and everyday moments others might overlook. Through skillful composition and keen observation, he captures the reflective puddle alongside the word 'both,' inviting viewers to delve deeper into the visual narrative. The monochrome treatment amplifies shapes and textures, artfully uniting disparate elements into a cohesive depiction of urban life.

Young International Amateur Photographer of the Year Result: Lost in Thought by Henry Salter

Camera: Sony DSC-RX100M7, Settings: ISO 400

Henry Salter's winning entry eloquently depicts solitude against a backdrop of strong architectural lines and patterns. The lone figure is harmoniously framed, with her attire mirroring the diner’s decor, adding depth to the visual connection. The atmosphere envelops the viewer, creating a captivating scene that powerfully showcases Salter's skill in timing, light, and composition.

2. The March and the Mimics by Neel Anil

Camera: Sony ILCE-6600, Lens: E 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 OSS at 135mm, Settings: 1/250sec, f/5.6, ISO 125

Neel Anil captured a delightful scene where children playfully mimic marching guards, celebrated for bringing levity and charm into an otherwise disciplined formation. This composition combines humor and smart framing to create a captivating narrative that delights the viewer.

3. Her by Ankit Ghosh

Camera: Fujifilm X-T30, Lens: XF18-55mmF2.8-4 R LM OIS at 18mm, Settings: 1/5000sec, f/8, ISO 6400

Ankit Ghosh's powerful use of silhouette against billowing smoke captivates the judges with its dramatic atmosphere. Utilizing a low angle, the photograph creates a compelling contrast while providing intrigue about the figure, showcasing Ghosh's understanding of monochrome photography's expressive potential.

4. Dominoes by Zakaria Yahia

Camera: Data not supplied

Zakaria Yahia impressed the judges with an overhead view that transforms a mundane scene into a captivating arrangement of shapes and lines, showcasing the importance of perspective and artistic expression in street photography. The composition offers a documentary-style glimpse into a shared social experience, cleverly capturing elements of daily life.

Camera Club Competition Highlights

Each round of the competition spotlights exceptional submissions from various camera clubs participating in APOY.

Between Light and Shadows by Andrew Knight, Plymouth Camera Club

Camera: Sony ILCE-7M5, Lens: 17-28mm at 17mm, Settings: 1/160sec, f/5, ISO 4000

This monochrome image's swirling patterns along with its well-placed figures create a compelling visual intrigue.

No Cars Today by John Ellacott, Launceston Camera Club

Camera: OM System OM-1 Mark II, Lens: 12-40mm at 13mm, Settings: 1/320sec, f/9, ISO 100

This richly layered composition creates a sense of joy, showcasing activity amid the absence of cars.

In the Crowd by Paul Mee, Loughton Camera Club

Camera: Fujifilm X-Pro1, Lens: 35mm, Settings: 1/125sec, f/2.8, ISO 200

Paul Mee captures a moment where a face breaks through the crowd at the York Christmas Market, reflecting a sense of tension and anticipation.

Chefs in Chinatown by Graeme Youngson, Visions Photo Club

Camera: Fujifilm X-Pro3, Lens: 50mm, Settings: 1/250sec, f/1, ISO 400

Graeme’s image conveys the intensity of work in Chinatown, where the dramatic shadows and expressions reveal the heat of the moment.

Man's Best Friends by Brian Dicks, Stafford Photographic Society

Camera: Canon EOS 7D, Lens: 18-270mm at 39mm, Settings: 1/400sec, f/4.5, ISO 100

Brian captures texture and energy with his portrait of a man and two dogs, where vibrant elements harmonize to create visual interest.

The 2026 Leaderboards

The first points for APOY 2026 have been recorded, though it remains too early to forecast the championship outcomes. With nine rounds still to come, each photographer has plenty of opportunities to shine. The Young APOY category also showcases emerging talent, with promising signs for clubs like Leek Photographic Club as they start strong.

Winning Kits

David Travis, who secured second place, relied on his Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II. Known for excellent image quality and video capabilities, it produces 40-megapixel shots thanks to advanced image stabilization that significantly minimizes camera shake. Used models can be found at Park Cameras for around £354.

Yasser Alaa Mobarak, who placed fifth, utilized a Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S Zoom Lens. This versatile lens, excellent for various photography styles, is available at Park Cameras for £1,529.

Janet Miles, who came in ninth, shot with the OM-System M.Zuiko Digital ED 8-25mm f/4 PRO Lens, a compact lens offering ultra-wide to standard zoom capabilities for MFT cameras, available for £949.

For more information on gear, visit www.parkcameras.com.

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