Marrakesh Silhouette Captures Top Prize in Travel Photography Competition
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Graeme Youngson's silhouette shot from Marrakesh wins the ninth round of the Amateur Photographer of the Year competition, with insights into all top entries.
The results of the ninth round of the prestigious Amateur Photographer of the Year (APOY) competition have been revealed! Graeme Youngson has claimed top honors with a striking silhouette image featuring figures on a moped in Marrakesh. In addition, Lucy Monckton secured first place in the Young APOY competition. Below, we explore the top 10 images from the Travel category, with insights from the AP judging team and our guest judge.
APOY Round Nine, Travel Results
Winner: Graeme Youngson (UK) - 100 points
Camera Setup: Fujifilm X-T5, 10-24mm lens at 24mm, 1/1000 sec at f/8, ISO 125
This encapsulating shot depicts a moment of everyday life in Marrakesh, highlighting the dynamic between generations through the silhouettes of the figures on the moped. The seasoned woman walking across the frame adds a narrative layer while the two bollards serve as essential anchors, preventing the subjects from appearing as if they’re floating in the scene.
2nd Place: Lynn Fraser (UK) - 90 points
Camera Setup: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, 70-200mm lens at 200mm, 1/1250 sec at f/6.3, ISO 800
Fraser’s portrayal of life in Mundari, South Sudan resonates with its sense of familiarity, capturing a moment of community interaction amid an atmospheric haze, whether mist, smoke, or dust. The clarity amidst the soft textures makes the image an insightful glimpse into the daily lives of its inhabitants.
3rd Place: Kelly Beckta (Canada) - 80 points
Camera Setup: Sony A7R Mark II, 24-70mm lens at 25mm, 1/80 sec at f/10, ISO 100
The dominance of blue in this image creates a visual impact, with the figure peering through a doorway serving as a focal point. The symmetrical composition with the staircase contributes to a powerful yet simple visual narrative.
4th Place: Kirsty Dolphin (UK) - 70 points
Camera Setup: Nikon D750, 70-200mm lens at 70mm, 1/500 sec at f/2.8, ISO 100
Dolphin captures a serene moment of two figures moving away on a cart, conveyed through a tranquil composition amidst the recognizable silhouettes of baobab trees, evoking a sense of calm and intention in their journey.
5th Place: Alaa Noureldeen (Egypt) - 60 points
Camera Setup: Canon EOS 6D, 24-105mm lens at 24mm, 1/80 sec at f/11, ISO 100
Noureldeen’s image presents fishermen attending to their nets against the backdrop of a sky that balances well with the image's foreground. The calm focus on daily labor resonates universally, depicting the everyday rhythm of life along the coast.
6th Place: Tommaso Carrara (France) - 50 points
Camera Setup: Leica Q3, 28mm, 1/500 sec at f/5.6, ISO 2000
Carrara's vibrant portrayal of the Ganesh festival triumphantly balances elements of chaos and color, capturing the spirit of festive energy. His composition compellingly features the main character, enhancing the dynamic narrative of the scene.
7th Place: Ben Evans (UK) - 45 points
Camera Setup: Pentax K-1, 28-105mm lens at 40mm, 1/10 sec at f/4, ISO 100
Guest judge Bella Falk highlighted Evans' unique take on travel photography—capturing everyday life on an ordinary street. The juxtaposition of the nostalgic billboard and individuals in stark winter clothing creates a compelling commentary on the disparity between dreams and reality.
8th Place: James Strouse (US) - 40 points
Camera Setup: Canon EOS R6, 50mm, 1/1000 sec at f/3.5, ISO 160
Strouse's portrait delivers an immediate sense of place, depicting a relaxed Peruvian woman with her child. The background mountains enhance the emotional connection while subtly emphasizing the stark beauty of the Andes.
9th Place: Robert Mark (UK) - 35 points
Camera Setup: Panasonic TZ10, 25mm equivalent, 1/500 sec at f/3.5, ISO 80
This image stands out for its portrayal of a family taking a breather on holiday. Captured at just the right moment, it amusingly reflects the chaotic experience of family travel, showcasing a relatable slice of life.
10th Place: Lorenzo Passalacqua (Italy) - 30 points
Camera Setup: DJI FC3411, 22.4mm, 1/5 sec at f/2.8, ISO 100
This drone shot beautifully showcases the thermal waters of Cascate del Mulino in Tuscany, artfully dividing the landscape into pleasing color zones, perfectly capturing the unique beauty of this location.
Young Amateur Photographer of the Year 2024, Travel Winner
Lucy Monckton (UK) - 100 points
Camera Setup: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, 70-300mm lens at 128mm, 1/1000 sec at f/8, ISO 1250
With this win, Monckton has solidified her lead in the Young APOY rankings, showcasing a comedic and charming shot devoid of people, yet still providing a strong sense of place from Svalbard. Congratulations on this remarkable achievement!
Camera Club Competition
Richie Johns (UK) - 10 points
Camera Setup: Nikon Z 7, 24-70mm lens at 32.5mm, 1/640 sec at f/8, ISO 100
Johns earned points for Plymouth Camera Club with his serene shot of fishing huts along the frozen River Ottawa. The composition harmonizes muted colors against the crystal clear winter sky, enhancing the tranquil atmosphere of a winter landscape.
2024 Leaderboard After Round Nine
As we approach the final round, Monckton’s lead in the Young APOY is confirmed, while Plymouth Camera Club stands at the brink of victory. The main competition remains open, where the top six contenders still have a shot at the title in the upcoming final round, which will be thematically open, ensuring a thrilling conclusion to this year’s competition. Results will be announced on February 6.
Winning Kit from Camera Centre UK
All top ten photographers utilized a range of impressive gear:
Graeme Youngson's winning shot came from the Fujifilm X-T5, known for its 40.2MP sensor, ISO range of 125-12,800, and impressive autofocus capabilities, available for £1,449 at Camera Centre UK.
Kelly Beckta shot her image with the Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM, an acclaimed lens noted for its detail and handling, priced around £1,899.
In seventh place, Ben Evans used the Pentax K-1, a well-rounded full-frame DSLR priced at about £1,469, promising exceptional performance in various conditions.
For more photography gear, visit Camera Centre UK.
