Top Night and Low Light Photographs from the International Amateur Photographer of the Year 2025

The sixth round of the prestigious International Amateur Photographer of the Year 2025 competition has concluded, showcasing remarkable talent in the Night & Low Light category. Leading the pack is Eric Browett, whose striking image titled ‘Death from above’ captured an owl in flight against the night sky. Following closely behind is Hamish Herridge, who won the Young APOY competition. Let’s unpack the top 10 submissions, along with commentary from the AP team and our esteemed guest judge.

Understanding Low Light Photography

Low light conditions can be incredibly enticing for photographers. As ambient light decreases, scenes gain depth and atmosphere, transforming ordinary subjects into captivating compositions. This challenging environment can reveal or obscure details, creating mesmerizing images that draw viewers in. It's no surprise that photographers have long embraced low light settings to showcase their creativity—this year’s round is no exception.

1. Death from Above by Eric Browett

Camera: Nikon D500, Lens: 10-20mm at 13mm, Shutter Speed: 1/250 sec, Aperture: f/18, ISO: 400

Guest judge Sarah Lee praised Browett’s image for its compositional strength and bold use of flash against the dark sky. The grass illuminated by the flash complements the owl beautifully, creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow that contributes to the image’s narrative and emotional depth.

2. Two Old Men by Sirsendu Gayen

Camera: Nikon D750, Lens: 24-120mm at 24mm, Shutter Speed: 1/40 sec, Aperture: f/7.1, ISO: 2000

Gayen’s photograph draws viewers into a subtle narrative featuring two men, each captured in a moment of transition. The harmonious blend of colors—most notably the blue of the man’s tank top against warm orange tonality—forms a visually striking and memorable image, enriching the emotional connection with the subjects.

3. Gateway to the Stars by Ethan Scorer

Camera: Canon EOS R6 Mark II, Lens: 14mm, Shutter Speed: 6 mins, Aperture: f/4, ISO: 6400

Scorer’s image of Lanyon Quoit intersperses ancient history with celestial wonder. The judges noted the photograph’s ethereal quality, evoking a sense of connection across time as the rock formation stands sentry beneath the stars. This was only Scorer’s second attempt at astrophotography, and he clearly demonstrates a burgeoning talent for the craft.

4. Suri Boys, Omo Valley, Ethiopia by Bircan Harper

Camera: Nikon Z9, Lens: 135mm, Shutter Speed: 1/100 sec, Aperture: f/1.8, ISO: 12,800

Harper’s strategic use of a wide aperture draws focus to a lit subject, while the interaction among the boys enhances the composition. The out-of-focus cattle add context to the scene, grounding the viewers and inviting them into the moment.

5. Basketball at Night by Rowan May

Camera: Canon EOS R6 Mark II, Lens: 24-105mm at 35mm, Shutter Speed: 1/125 sec, Aperture: f/5, ISO: 100

This portrait, featuring May's wife training for the Invictus Games, is a compelling representation of determination. The controlled lighting isolates the subject from the darkness, highlighting details in her face and the basketball—a masterful execution that encapsulates the essence of athletic spirit amid low light.

6. Under the Starry Night by Ales Krivec

Camera: Nikon D810A, Lens: 14-24mm at 14mm, Shutter Speed: 25 sec, Aperture: f/2.8, ISO: 6400

Krivec ingeniously introduced warmth into his scene using candles, balancing the blue hues of the snowy landscape with a soft orange glow. The calculated perspective creates a whimsical atmosphere, enhancing the viewer's experience of the tranquil winter night.

7. Ever Feat in Seattle by Charles Tracy

Camera: Nikon Z6, Lens: 70-200mm at 200mm, Shutter Speed: 96 sec, Aperture: f/5, ISO: 100

Tracy's vibrant capture of Seattle’s skyline showcases the interplay of lights, with a ship barely discernible amidst the dazzling illumination. The balance of vibrant city lights provides an engaging spectacle, drawing the viewer’s gaze across the frame.

8. Ganga Aarti at Varanasi by Azim Khan Ronnie

Camera: DJI Mavic 2 Pro, Lens: 28mm equiv, Shutter Speed: 1/3 sec, Aperture: f/2.8, ISO: 100

Captured from a drone, Ronnie’s image of the Ganga Aarti reflects the profound spirituality of the ritual, as thousands gather on land and boats around the river. The glowing boats serve as focal points complemented by the well-composed diagonal framing of the scene, though some critique a slight imbalance with the right side of the image.

9. Dark Night by George Denscombe

Camera: Nikon D7500, Lens: 18-105mm at 35mm, Shutter Speed: 1/50 sec, Aperture: f/8, ISO: 2000

Denscombe’s minimalist approach showcases a silhouette that echoes mystery. By limiting details, he allows the viewer’s imagination to engage with the scene, while the subtle tones enhance the atmospheric tension within the frame.

10. Night Taxi, China by Zac Laws

Camera: Canon AE-1, Film: CineStill 800T

Laws' film photograph showcases the raw emotion of a fleeting taxi moment, enhanced by the unique qualities of tungsten film. The chaotic mixture of colors complements the tension captured in the taxi, lending a cinematic quality to the scene—something rarely achieved in contemporary digital photography.

International Young Amateur Photographer of the Year 2025

Jamblusse en Fete 25 by Hamish Herridge

Camera: Canon EOS 80D, Lens: 70-200mm at 149mm, Shutter Speed: 1/320 sec, Aperture: f/4, ISO: 4000

Herridge’s atmospheric portrait exudes character, drawing on historical aesthetics while capturing modern elements. The profile leaves questions lingering in the viewer’s mind—perhaps a thoughtful depiction of youth caught between moments. The lighting is expertly managed, creating subtle separations that add depth to the composition.

Highlighted Camera Club Entries

Each round, we spotlight excellent entries from various camera clubs participating in the competition.

Butter Lamps by Charles Ashton

Camera: Unknown

Ashton’s composition distills the street into its simplest form, demonstrating impeccable timing and skill in highlights and shadows.

Evening Glow by Tracey Small

Camera: Fujifilm X-H2S, Lens: 16-55mm at 31mm, Shutter Speed: 2 sec, Aperture: f/11, ISO: 160

Small’s still-life captures the delicate interplay of candle light, showcasing her thoughtful approach to placement and composition.

Radio City by Night by Steven Pinniger

Camera: Fujifilm X-T2, Lens: 18-55mm at 18mm, Shutter Speed: 1/2 sec, Aperture: f/6.4, ISO: 200

Pinniger’s depiction of New York’s neon lights balances stillness and motion, brilliantly capturing the city’s vibrant energy.

Sky Full of Stars by Mark Hetherington

Camera: Sony A7 Mark IV, Lens: 14mm, Shutter Speed: 10 sec, Aperture: f/13, ISO: 100

Hetherington’s carefully composed shot captures the Milky Way, where the reservoir’s reflection enhances the celestial imagery.

Conclusion and Next Steps

With Bircan Harper’s outstanding contribution elevating her to the top of the leaderboard, the competition remains fierce as we reach the halfway mark. Many rounds are left, and the anticipation for fresh submissions is palpable. The Young APOY leaderboard shows a clearer divide as participants like Hary Hammad and Ben Hancock-Smith assert their positions. It will be intriguing to see how the following rounds unfold!

Gear Used by Winning Photographers

Curious about the equipment that captured these incredible images? Eric Browett utilized the Nikon D500—a fast APS-C DSLR acclaimed for its impressive 20.9MP sensor and robust autofocus system, available from Camera Centre UK from £799.

Rowan May favored the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM, which delivers versatility and quality, priced at £1,179 from Camera Centre UK.

Charles Tracy’s brilliant shot stemmed from a Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Sport lens, characterized by its exceptional optical performance, available for £699.

To explore the full inventory of gear, check out Camera Centre UK.

As the competition progresses, these photographers exemplify what can be achieved through passion and technical skills in the realm of low light photography.