APOY Round Eight: Stunning Night Photography Captures the Magic of Dusk to Dawn

APOY Round Eight Results Are In

The results are out for the eighth round of the prestigious Amateur Photographer of the Year (APOY) competition! Italian photographer Matteo Strassera has topped the ranking with an awe-inspiring image of the Milky Way above the undulating curves of the Rub' al Khali desert. This round, themed "Dusk to Dawn," also saw Max Benkard win the top spot in the Young APOY competition. Here are insights into the top ten entries submitted via Photocrowd alongside comments from the AP judging panel and a guest judge.

The Power of Low Light Photography

Low light conditions encourage creativity and innovation in photography. As natural light wanes, it introduces layers, depth, and rich tones that infuse otherwise mundane compositions with life. Capturing the essence of low light photography is crucial, and past competitions have shown that it presents a canvas for extraordinary artistry. The skillful use of low light often leads to captivating images that push visual boundaries.

Winner, APOY Dusk to Dawn – Matteo Strassera, Italy (100pts)

Camera Setup: Canon EOS R5, 30sec at f/5.6

Strassera’s panoramic view of the Milky Way is both breathtaking and meticulously composed. The inclusion of a figure adds a focal point, enhancing visual balance and guiding the viewer’s eye along the contours of the wind-sculpted dunes, which draw us up toward the shimmering stars above. While the specific lens is unmentioned, it likely leans toward the wide-angle spectrum, accentuating the vastness that characterizes the landscape and celestial backdrop. Four judges awarded Strassera first place, affirming his exceptional talent.

2nd Place – Florian Kriechbaumer, Dubai (90pts)

Camera Setup: Olympus E-M1 Mark III, 10-25mm at 10mm, 1sec at f/5, ISO 200

This image captures the iconic Burj Khalifa beautifully emerging from a veil of mist. Guest judge Liam Man remarked on the extraordinary compositional harmony, where the soft twilight hues blend seamlessly with the vibrant reflections from the skyscraper. The play of light and shadow evokes a tranquil atmosphere, prompting viewers to feel a connection to both the city and the serenity of the night.

3rd Place – Tony North, UK (80pts)

Camera Setup: Nikon D500, 11-16mm at 14mm, 116sec at f/3.2, ISO 1250

North's achievement lies in the complexity of his composition, as he skillfully stitched together multiple shots to create this stunning image. The positioning of the tree and a diagonal fence adds depth, allowing the viewer to appreciate not just the mesmerizing Milky Way but also the landscape’s intricate details and textures. The brilliant blue tones and gentle rim light contribute vibrancy and division to the image, showcasing North’s skilled execution.

4th Place – Sara Jazbar, Italy (70pts)

Camera Setup: Nikon D500, 24-120mm at 78mm, 27sec at f/11, ISO 320

Jazbar utilizes long exposure technique adeptly to create a visually pleasing representation of traffic trails. Rather than chaotic lines, the captured movement results in an elegant curve of color that dances above a cool blue fog. The simplicity and minimalistic approach invite viewers to contemplate the scene’s deeper narrative.

5th Place – Dominic Beaven, UK (60pts)

Camera Setup: Sony A7 Mark III, 50mm, 1/160sec at f/2.5, ISO 1600

Beaven’s portrait is a unique interpretation of the dusk to dawn theme. The interplay of lighting and smoke adds a luxurious quality to the image, while the subject's pose invites speculation about the story within the frame. The intimate tone of the photograph is unexpected and captivating, showcasing Beaven’s skillful approach to low-light environments.

6th Place – John Mihopulos, Germany (50pts)

Camera Setup: Canon EOS R3, 100mm, 1/60sec at f/2.8, ISO 2000

Mihopulos paints an enchanting scene with a night shot featuring a deer illuminated by surrounding light. The small details matter here — the breath visible in the air and the gently falling rain enhance the image's charm and intricacy, showcasing a moment captured with both sensitivity and skill.

7th Place – Robin Begg, UK (45pts)

Camera Setup: Fujifilm X70, 18.5mm, 1/340sec at f/8, ISO 400

Begg’s photograph captures the warm tones of golden hour beautifully, contrasting shadows with light to tell a compelling story about the environment and inhabitants. The texture of the surfaces and the quality of light bring the scene to life, engaging the viewer in its warm narrative.

8th Place – Lloyd Hunt, UK (40pts)

Camera Setup: Fujifilm X-T30, 18-55mm at 20mm, 4sec at f/8, ISO 80

Hunt delivers another effective and visually engaging traffic trail image. The minimalist approach is complemented by the suggestion of motion, as the red light trails curve gracefully around a roundabout. This simplicity allows for an intriguing exploration of movement and pace in the urban environment.

9th Place – Jon Morris, UK (35pts)

Camera Setup: Canon EOS R5, 4sec, ISO 800

Portraying a radio telescope juxtaposed against the ethereal aurora borealis, Morris’s image captures a sci-fi-esque moment. The silhouette creates an engaging narrative, inviting viewers to ponder what discoveries could lie beyond the stunning visual spectacle above.

10th Place – Julia Martin, UK (30pts)

Camera Setup: Sony A7R Mark V, 70-200mm at 107mm, 13sec at f/8, ISO 100

Martin’s composition is masterfully divided into strata, creating depth and intrigue. Each layer guides the viewer’s gaze through the fog-laden landscape to the warm, glowing sky. The careful balance of colors both cool and warm ultimately instills the image with an atmospheric elegance.

Young APOY Dusk to Dawn Winner – Max Benkard, US (100pts)

Camera Setup: Canon EOS R8, 35mm, 15sec at f/1.8, ISO 1600

Benkard's tenacity shines through in his photo, where he braved the cold for around five hours to secure this striking shot. His keen eye for composition shines as he effectively places the photogenic barn against a sky bustling with stars. This panoramic nature of the scene adds grandeur and contemplative depth to the photograph. Hats off to Benkard for a job exceptionally done!

Camera Club Competition and Leaderboard Update

In the latest update, Truro Camera Club member Kevin Leah earned ten points with a compelling long exposure photo of St Michael’s Mount. Leah’s thoughtful execution of light and atmosphere reflects the artistic potential inherent in low-light photography. The overall leaderboard remains intense; Sara Jazbar retains the lead due to consistent performance, while Strassera's recent win tightens the race. There are just two rounds left and each point counts more than ever!

For gear enthusiasts, here's a peek at the equipment used by the top contenders. For example, Dominic Beaven utilized the **Sigma 50mm f1.4 DG DN Art**, praised for its sharpness and low-light performance, which is available for £869 at Camera Centre UK. Similarly, John Mihopulos’s shoot with the **Canon RF 100mm f2.8L Macro IS USM** further demonstrates the importance of choosing the right tools for achieving exceptional results.

Keep a lookout for the upcoming rounds as predictions and standings continue to evolve!