Key Highlights from the International Amateur Photographer of the Year 2025 Competition Revealed

The results for the second round of the International Amateur Photographer of the Year 2025 competition are in, showcasing an impressive array of portraits. Congratulations to Azim Khan Ronnie for clinching the top position with his evocative image titled ‘Drying clothing under the sun,’ which depicts a textile worker in Narayanganj, Bangladesh. Valentin L also shone, securing first place in the Young APOY category. Below, we'll explore the top ten portraits from the round, illustrated with comments from the AP judging team and guest judge insights.

1. APOY 2025 Winner: 'Drying Clothing Under the Sun' by Azim Khan Ronnie

Equipment: Canon EOS R5, 16-35mm at 16mm, 1/320sec at f/10, ISO 100

In this dynamic shot, Azim’s low-angle perspective offers a unique and imaginative view, showcasing the textile worker in action. The timing is impeccable, capturing the worker's arms extended while ensuring his face remains unobscured by fabric. The contrasting colors of orange and blue enrich the framing, making this image stand out.

2. 'Happy Moments' by Aung Chan Thar

Equipment: Nikon D7200, 24-120mm at 38mm, 1/125sec at f/7.1, ISO 250

Aung Chan Thar beautifully encapsulates children's joy in this photograph. The boys’ physical connection and their playful interaction with the mud create a strong compositional impact. The clever cropping of limbs adds dynamism, transforming this potential snapshot into a thoughtful representation of childhood delight.

3. 'Free Gaza Protester' by Phil Tomlinson

Equipment: Canon EOS R, 24-70mm at 24mm, 1/400sec at f/4, ISO 100

Phil’s powerful portrait captures a moment of solemnity. The interplay of sunlight accentuating the protester’s eye draws the viewer’s focus, establishing an emotional connection. The subtle inclusion of the Palestinian flag discreetly informs the viewer of the protest's context without overwhelming the composition.

4. 'The American Dream' by Andy Holloway

Equipment: Nikon D750, 24mm, 1/1000sec at f/8, ISO 100

Andy Holloway’s portrait blends modern and retro, demonstrating masterful editing skills. The unconventional overhead lighting adds a unique charm, while reflections in sunglasses enhance the narrative. This portrait could easily fit into the repertoire of renowned photographers, showcasing expert composition and vibrant post-processing.

5. 'Girl at a Concert' by Oana Vasileniuc

Equipment: Nikon Z5, 85mm, 1/640sec at f/1.8, ISO 500

Oana captures a poignant moment of solitude amid the excitement of a concert. The girl's three-quarter profile draws attention to her thoughtful demeanor, evoking curiosity about her distractions from the event. This layered simplicity enhances the image’s impact, inviting the viewer to ponder her thoughts.

6. 'A Boy Holding a Candle at Ethiopia’s Genna' by Bircan Harper

Equipment: Nikon Z9, 135mm, 1/400sec at f/1.8, ISO 12,800

Lauded by guest judge Drew Gardner for its beauty and simplicity, Bircan’s photograph has a serene composition that speaks to the charm of low-light photography. The image gains depth with its context, showcasing the boy against the vibrant backdrop of Ethiopian tradition, accentuating the craftsmanship behind it.

7. 'Bhutanese Schoolgirls' by Erika Howard

Equipment: Canon EOS R6, 24-70mm at 43mm, 1/100sec at f/4, ISO 100

Erika Howard delivers a confident travel portrait with a striking composition that harmonizes the girls' poses with the setting's geometric lines. The square crop enhances the formal yet relaxed atmosphere, creating a pleasing visual rhythm that guides the viewer through the captured moment.

8. 'Cliff-Diving' by Roy Egloff

Equipment: Fujifilm GFX100S, 45-100mm at 45mm, 1/1600sec at f/5, ISO 3200

Roy expertly navigates the challenge of photographing a photographer in action, capturing the diver in a thrilling twist. The background spectators provide context and dimension, enhancing the sense of excitement and engagement in the scene.

9. 'The Eyes That Follow Into Your Being' by Matthew Crosby

Equipment: Nikon D500, 105mm, 1/125sec at f/8, ISO 100

A direct and intimate portrait, Matthew’s image of Joel emphasizes clarity and character. The striking detail becomes even more pronounced through a black-and-white conversion, inviting viewers to connect directly with the subject’s eyes, creating a powerful focal point without distraction.

10. 'Verso l’ombra' by Agim Zeqiri

Equipment: Canon EOS R3, 28-70mm at 28mm, 1/4000sec at f/8, ISO 400

Agim’s work captivates with its enigmatic subject and dramatic use of light and shadow. The title 'Verso l’ombra,' translating to 'towards the shadow,' perfectly encapsulates the visual tension present in the frame, guiding the viewer's eye instinctively towards the subject.

International Young Amateur Photographer of the Year 2025 Winner: 'Emotional Portrait' by Valentin L

Equipment: Canon EOS RP, 35mm, 1/800sec at f/3.2, ISO 640

Valentin's portrait intrigues with its multifaceted emotional portrayal. The young man's joyous expression hints at underlying complexities, creating an engaging narrative that captivates viewers. His low-angle shot enhances the emotional gravity, allowing us to connect deeply with the subject.

Camera Club Highlights

This competition round also shines a spotlight on notable submissions from various camera clubs.

'Chiang Mai Market' by Judith Tolley

Camera: Canon EOS M3, 18-55mm at 18mm, 1/60sec at f/3.5, ISO 200

Judith captures the lively essence of a street-food market, where a black-and-white conversion adds a timeless quality to the scene, enhanced by movement and action.

'The Batwa Chief’s Wife' by Phil Gravett

Camera: Panasonic DC-TZ90 at 33mm, 1/160sec at f/5.6, ISO 3200

Phil’s engaging portrait captures the direct gaze of the subject, creating a striking connection between the viewer and the image. The relaxed posture contributes to the portrait's inviting nature.

'Claudia' by Karen Morris

Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, 24-105mm, 1/125sec at f/4.5, ISO 160, studio lights

This artistically lit portrait is reminiscent of classical artworks, effectively capturing a sincere expression that adds depth to the conveyance of emotion.

'Grandson Lewis' by Graeme Youngson

Camera: Fujifilm X-T5, 16mm, 1/60sec at f/2, ISO 1000

Graeme’s image highlights a gentle intimacy, with the boy's iPad illuminating his face. His relaxed pose reflects confidence, creating an engaging narrative within the portrait.

'Blooming Roots' by Rahimat Onize Shaibu

Camera: Canon EOS R6 Mark II, 24-70mm at 46mm, 1/250sec at f/5.6, ISO 320, Godox AD400 Pro flash

Rahimat's model radiates beauty in a striking red dress, impeccably styled. The complementary elements in the shot create a cohesive and visually engaging narrative.

Leaderboards Update

As we reflect on this phase of the competition, Azim Khan Ronnie continues to hold a deserving lead, but the standings are close, leaving room for shifts in rankings with upcoming rounds. The same applies to the Young APOY leaderboard, which remains intensely competitive.

Gear Insights from the Top Ten

Each photographer brought unique tools to their submissions, often enhancing their creative visions. Below are some notable gear highlighted:

• Azim Khan Ronnie: Canon EOS R5 - £3,149. A 45MP mirrorless camera known for its stunning quality and effective stabilization.
• Oana Vasileniuc: Nikon Z5 - £1,999. Features a versatile full-frame setup, praised for its reliability and image quality.
• Roy Egloff: Fujifilm GFX100S - £4,999. A medium-format camera offering exceptional image quality and user-friendly design.

For full product details, visit Camera Centre UK.

Explore more about APOY on their official page.

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