Celebration of Creativity: Top Black & White Shots from the International Amateur Photographer of the Year 2025
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The first round of the International Amateur Photographer of the Year 2025 showcases stunning black and white photography, featuring diverse artworks from various talented photographers.
The results from the inaugural round of the International Amateur Photographer of the Year 2025 competition are officially here! Michael Woodward claims the top honor with his stunning image titled Little Buckaroo, capturing the essence of a junior rodeo participant during the thrilling activity of mutton busting. Additionally, Youssef Ahmed takes the lead in the Young APOY category. Let's delve into the top ten mesmerizing black and white shots submitted to Photocrowd for Round One, along with insights provided by the AP team and our guest judge.
Exploring Black & White Photography
Black and white photography attracts a wealth of creativity, allowing photographers to express their artistry by focusing on light, form, and tones. Effective monochrome images are not merely color images converted during post-processing; they are intentional works that prioritize composition and emotional depth. This round's recommendations resonate with viewers due to their originality, making them stand out against typical entries.
A Closer Look at the Top Entries
1. Winner: Little Buckaroo by Michael Woodward, California
Camera Specs: Sony Cyber-shot, 16.4mm, 1/125 sec at f/2.2, ISO 400
Woodward's Little Buckaroo brilliantly encapsulates a decisive moment. The rider’s facial expression coupled with the motion blur creates a sense of nostalgia, making it timeless.
2. Atop a Tower in San Gimignano by Peter Saphier, Italy, 90 pts
Camera Specs: Apple iPhone SE, 1/1748 sec at f/2.2, 29mm (equiv), ISO 25
According to guest judge Dimpy Bhalotia, this image is remarkable for its timing and orchestration of shapes. The bird’s silhouette against the architecture evokes consideration of life's fleeting moments blended with permanence.
3. The Commuter by David Travis, Staffordshire, 80 pts
Camera Specs: Olympus E-M1 Mark II, 45mm, 1/250 sec at f/4, ISO 200, Godox AD200 flash
Travis's imaginative approach tricks viewers into believing this is a candid shot when it's actually a carefully constructed still-life, showcasing a keen awareness of composition and detail.
4. Power of Light and Age by Alaa Nour, Egypt, 70 pts
Camera Specs: Canon EOS R6 Mark II, 24-105mm at 24mm, 1/160 sec at f/4, ISO 125
Nour's composition effectively drives focus to the subject's face, using light to accentuate the man’s concentration, presenting a picture of dedication and artistry.
5. A Gentle Hope by Davina Buchanan, County Durham, 60 pts
Camera Specs: Canon EOS 5D Mark III, 24-70mm at 70mm, 1/1000 sec at f/4, ISO 2500
This heartwarming image captures a tender moment between Davina's daughter and their pony Skye. The focus on the hands and intimate gestures creates a strong emotional connection.
6. Time Stands Still by Lynn Fraser, Invernesshire, 50 pts
Camera Specs: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, 70-200mm at 200mm, 1/2500 sec at f/4, ISO 200
Fraser is back with another captivating travel image, placing a silhouetted figure amidst natural textures. It’s visually compelling and offers a narrative depth.
7. What is the Mists by Gary Hunter, California, 45 pts
Camera Specs: Canon EOS R5, 100-500mm at 223mm, 1/250 sec at f/8, ISO 640
This captivating landscape pulls the viewer into a magical realm where light plays a vital role in rendering the composition extraordinary.
8. Strangers in the Mist by Rachel Domleo, Bristol, 40 pts
Camera Specs: Canon PowerShot G3X, 20mm, 1/250 sec at f/5.6, ISO 100
Domleo's composite image is notable for its storytelling and atmosphere, created by merging two frames to achieve a powerful composition.
9. The Fall by Madalin Valentin Failla, Italy, 35 pts
Camera Specs: Sony A7 Mark III, 24-105mm at 82mm, 1/160 sec at f/4, ISO 10,000
Failla creatively employs intentional camera movement to present St Paul’s Cathedral in a fresh perspective, juxtaposing sharpness with ethereal blurs.
10. Hand of Creation by Sirsendu Gayen, India, 30 pts
Camera Specs: Nikon D610, 15-30mm at 15mm, 1/80 sec at f/9, ISO 1250
Gayen showcases an artisan at work, ingeniously using ultra-wideangle lenses to draw attention to both the craftsman's hands and tools, emphasizing the artistry involved.
International Young Amateur Photographer of the Year 2025
Winner: Age Details by Youssef Ahmed, Egypt, 100 pts
Camera Details: Unknown
Ahmed’s portrait captures an intimate moment with striking clarity, using direct simplicity to connect the viewer with the subject's profound expression.
Camera Club Highlights
Stairs Home to Roost by Andrew Knight, Plymouth Camera Club
Camera Specs: Sony A7R Mark II, 28-75mm at 49mm, 1/100 sec at f/7.1, ISO 500
Knight impressively balances forms and subjects in the composition, focusing on the minimalism of spiraling stairs contrasted by birds.
Shape and Form by Chris Robbins, Launceston Camera Club
Camera Specs: Canon EOS 5D Mark III, 24-105mm at 24mm, 1/160 sec at f/5.6, ISO 100
This striking composition perfectly harmonizes the model's pose with the checkered background to create a memorable aesthetic.
It’s All About the Bass by Carolyn Moore, Mid-Somerset Camera Club
Camera Specs: Canon EOS R5, 24-105mm at 67mm, 1/160 sec at f/11, ISO 100
Moore's still-life entry demonstrates excellent use of negative space and dramatic contrasts, making it a standout shot among the competition.
City Shapes by Zoe Moss, Kempsey Camera Club
Camera Specs: Canon EOS 80D, 18-135mm at 35mm, 1/800 sec at f/8, ISO 200
Moss's image creatively engages with perspective, complementing architectural elements with atmospheric clouds.
Competition Rankings and Gear Insights
The competition kicks off with robust entries featuring artists from various corners of the globe. Woodward’s documentary style shines through his evocative work with a junior rodeo rider, setting a high benchmark for future rounds. Youssef Ahmed's impactful portrait leads the young competitors, while strong showings from camera clubs maintain high engagement levels.
Equipment Overview
The winning entries highlight the photographers' choice of gear:
In fourth place, Alaa Nour utilized the Canon EOS R6 Mark II, a highly lauded full-frame mirrorless camera priced at £1,749 at Camera Centre UK. This model boasts rapid shooting capabilities and superb image quality.
Gary Hunter's seventh-placed photograph was captured using the Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM, a versatile lens available for £2,539 at Camera Centre UK. Known for its impressive sharpness, it's excellent for wildlife and landscape photography.
Taking the ninth position, Madalin Valentin Failla opted for the Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS, a general-purpose zoom lens praised for its sharp performance and priced at £999. A stellar option for various photographic situations.
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The results reflect the remarkable talent in the realm of black and white photography, with both seasoned and emerging artists making a strong impression. An exciting journey lies ahead for this year's competition.
