Celebrating the Winners of the International Amateur Photographer of the Year 2025: Top Street Images

The International Amateur Photographer of the Year competition has highlighted incredible talent in photography, specifically in the 2025 Urban Life category. This month, we celebrate exceptional works, including the winning image by Wendy Davies titled ‘Where did you get that hat?’, which stood out for its timing and composition. Additionally, Duy Khac secured the first place in the Young APOY competition. Here’s a closer look at the top 10 images from Round Nine, along with insights from the AP team and guest judges.

Urban Life Through a Lens

Urban life presents a vast tapestry of colors, sights, sounds, and textures. Photographers are often drawn to the street as it encapsulates the entire human experience. Great street photography is about observation and reaction, capturing moments that often occur in the blink of an eye. The images selected this month showcase not only people but also their interplay with urban environments, and at times, the cities themselves. These top images illustrate that having a camera handy can yield remarkable moments worth capturing.

1. Where did you get that hat? by Wendy Davies, UK, 100pts

Camera: Fujifilm X-T5, Lens: 18-50mm at 18mm, Settings: 1/500sec at f/11, ISO 6400

Wendy's photograph is compelling and immediately engaging. The story is clear, showcasing a man contemplating a row of hats displayed in a shop window. Her timing and compositional choices highlight both the subject and surrounding details. The placement of the man and the hats creates a balanced scene, demonstrating her acute awareness of composition. This image resonates with the charm reminiscent of photographer Robert Doisneau.

2. Traveller’s Despair by Charles Ashton, UK, 90pts

Camera: Nikon Z8, Lens: 50mm, Settings: 1/125sec at f/1.8, ISO 1250

Charles Ashton captures the essence of urban solitude with this image of a man gazing pensively out of a bus window. The subdued red tones of the bus frame the scene, invoking a contemplative atmosphere that speaks to the viewer. The man’s small figure within the image creates an intimate yet claustrophobic feel, making for a striking photograph that says much in a single moment. It's an exploration of the everyday thoughts that accompany urban travel.

3. Seagull Looking Over a Window by Rory Smith, UK, 80pts

Camera: Samsung SM-G996B, Settings: 13mm, 1/163sec at f/2.2, ISO 50

This whimsical image features a cheeky seagull perched at a hospital in Wales, likely bringing joy to its visitors. Rory’s choice of perspective — looking down from above — elevates the scene's humor and captures the bird's obliviousness to the camera. Strong framing against the window adds structure, allowing focus to remain on the bird's playful demeanor.

4. The Girl in the Crowd by Phil Tomlinson, UK, 70pts

Camera: Canon EOS 90D, Lens: 17-55mm at 55mm, Settings: 1/400sec at f/2.8, ISO 100

Phil Tomlinson excels at capturing emotion within chaos, focusing on a solitary young girl amidst a bustling protest. By crouching to her eye level, he emphasizes her engagement, rendering her the sole subject of the frame. This deliberate choice eliminates distractions, making for a poignant moment in a tumultuous environment, effectively telling a larger story about the ongoing struggle for justice and change.

5. Passengers, Havana by Bircan Harper, UK, 60pts

Film: Ilford Delta 400

Guest judge Denise Maxwell praised the balance in this image, noting the effective use of black and white to maximize emotional impact. The young boy looks directly into the camera, his expression conveyed amid the contrasting characters in the background. While the image sparks a dialogue about representation, it remains a powerful example of how photography can capture universal experiences through a personal lens.

6. Living in Concrete by Paolo Magnone, Italy, 50pts

Camera: Canon EOS 450D, Lens: 39mm, Settings: 1/125sec at f/8, ISO 200

Paolo's image explores the structured beauty of Chandigarh, designed by Le Corbusier, through geometric repetition. The framing enhances the design's linear aesthetic, with a red figure offering necessary human context amid stark architecture. The placement within the image suggests both movement and stillness, illustrating how urban spaces interact with the people who occupy them.

7. Urban Reflections by Erika Howard, UK, 45pts

Camera information not supplied

In this shot, Erika captures a moment of intersecting lives among a series of windows and mirrors. Her patience in waiting for the perfect moment yields a complex but cohesive composition, revealing snippets of the diverse urban experiences that unfold around her. The interplay between reflections adds depth, making viewers ponder the narratives within.

8. Dog Day Afternoon by Phil Tomlinson, UK, 0pts

Camera: Canon EOS 90D, Lens: 24-70mm at 70mm, Settings: 1/800sec at f/3.2, ISO 100

This playful image captures two dachshunds, showcasing Phil's knack for effectively composing with reflection. The dog's silhouette adds context and enhances the visual story, highlighting the relationship between its character and the urban setting. Appropriate use of aperture draws focus to its expression, making it the standout feature of the photograph.

9. Mind Your Own Business by Shai Kedar, Israel, 35pts

Camera: Sony A6600, Lens: 16-55mm at 32mm, Settings: 1/1000sec at f/8, ISO 320

Shai’s image successfully captures the quiet dynamics of street life. The interplay of light and shadow creates a dramatic atmosphere that sheds light on the complexity of urban interactions. The careful balance of silhouetted figures against vibrant posters makes this photograph compelling, demonstrating the fleeting nature of moments that define city living.

10. What’ll It Be? by Mike Byers, UK, 30pts

Camera: Nikon D750, Lens: 70-200mm at 70mm, Settings: 1/800sec at f/2.8, ISO 100

This nostalgic scene of a UK ice cream van captures a familiar moment for many. The interaction between the customer and vendor is enhanced by the surrounding context, including elements of the urban landscape. Mike’s photograph embodies the joy of everyday exchanges that define street culture.

International Young Amateur Photographer of the Year 2025, Urban Life winner

Untitled by Duy Khac, Vietnam, 100pts

Camera information not supplied

Duy’s dynamic image captures a chaotic moment of small dogs that could be interpreted as playful or confrontational. The gritty quality of the black and white adds texture and depth, with a keen focus on eye-level perspective allowing the viewer to connect directly with the scene. This balance of energy and emotion defines successful street photography.

Spotlighting Camera Club Competition Entries

Every round of the competition also highlights outstanding submissions from various camera clubs participating in the APOY.

The Redundant Dalek by Leszek Chrzastowski

Technical information not supplied

Leszek’s whimsical photograph invites speculation, presenting a surrealistic touch that raises endless questions and captures attention.

Just About Hanging On by Mike Woodman, Richmond and Twickenham Photographic Society

Camera: Nikon D800E, Lens: 85mm, Settings: 1/200sec at f/7.1, ISO 100

This fascinating urban shot captures a woman against a vividly graffitied wall, displaying originality that stands out among typical city images. The model's attire enhances the visual narrative, making the photograph striking.

Autumn Bristol by Bryan Sutton, Wallingford Photographic Club

Camera: Fujifilm X-T5, Lens: 16mm, Settings: 1/125sec at f/5.6, ISO 4000

Vivid colors from autumn leaves against uniquely colored backgrounds create a vibrant spectacle in Bryan's photograph, engaging the viewer through its dynamic palette.

Lonely at Central Station by Steve Banner, Stafford Photographic Society

Technical information not supplied

This image captivates with its juxtaposition of many lives intersecting at a crowded station, highlighted by the solitary bride in a stark contrast to her surroundings.

Behind the Curve by Kevin Leah, Truro Camera Club

Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark III, Lens: 24-70mm at 70mm, Settings: 1/10sec at f/2.8, ISO 2000

Kevin’s composition leverages foreground curves to enhance visual interest, while a cool color palette imparts a moodiness that adds depth to the overall image.

APOY Rankings and Gear Highlights

As we approach the final round of APOY 2025, the competition intensifies, with the potential for significant shifts on the leaderboard. The commitment shown by all photographers, including those from camera clubs, creates an inspiring environment for the photographic community.

What tools did these standout photographers utilize?

The winning photograph by Wendy Davies was captured with a Fujifilm X-T5, praised for its 40.2MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor, impressive ISO range, and robust shooting rates. This mirrorless camera, retailing at £1,579, is designed for those seeking versatility and quality.

Additionally, she used a Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary lens, known for its pleasing aesthetics and performance, available for £474. Its construction and optical characteristics make it a favored choice among APS-C mirrorless camera users.

In second place, Charles Ashton's image was taken with a Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.2 S, priced at £2,199. This lens is built for exceptional low-light performance and durability, catering to those serious about their street photography.

Explore the full range of gear options available at Camera Centre UK.

For more updates and insights, visit APOY here.

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The insights shared and techniques demonstrated in these winning photographs can serve as inspiration for photographers aiming to enhance their street photography skills.