Angi Wallace Takes First Prize in APOY Macro Photo Competition with Stunning Floral Image

The results for the seventh round of the esteemed Amateur Photographer of the Year (APOY) competition are in, showcasing a stunning array of macro photography. Taking first place is Angi Wallace from the UK, celebrated for her captivating image of submerged carnation flowers. In the Young APOY category, Lucy Monckton also shines, securing her first position with a meticulous close-up of Cabrera lizards. Here, we delve into the top entries and explore the remarkable techniques and equipment utilized by these talented photographers.

Macro Photography: A Closer Look

Macro photography offers a unique perspective on the natural world, allowing photographers and viewers to engage with subjects at an intimate level. This branch of photography requires not only precision and knowledge but also a deep understanding of light and composition. It can encompass everything from close-ups of living creatures to composed still life or abstract images, ensuring that even the smallest subjects can tell compelling stories through the lens of a camera.

APOY Round Seven Macro Results

Winner: Angi Wallace, UK – 100pts

Camera: OM Digital Solutions OM-1
Lens: 90mm
Settings: 1/125sec at f/18, ISO 200

Guest judge Tracy Calder praised Wallace's entry for its vibrant colors, fine details, and flawless composition, noting the challenges of the submerged flowers technique. This approach often entails extensive planning, as various factors such as bubbles or reflections can complicate shots. Despite these challenges, Wallace’s chosen shutter speed of 1/125 sec perfectly balanced motion in the surrounding liquid, enhancing the visual dynamics. The addition of a Greek legend related to carnations further enriches the narrative aspect of the photograph.

2nd Place: Michele Marini, Italy – 90pts

Camera: Olympus E-M1 Mark II
Lens: 90mm + MC-14
Settings: 1/5sec at f/7.1, ISO 100

Marini’s enchanting close-up captures an Arcyria sp slime mould, showcasing its unique character. The image appears to be a focus-stacked shot due to its remarkable sharpness. The soft, golden background complements the vibrant pink subject effectively, adding depth and context.

3rd Place: Mike Travers, UK – 80pts

Camera: Nikon D7100
Lens: 105mm
Settings: 1/60sec at f/16, ISO 200

This striking close-up of a crested gecko’s eye captivates the viewer through its intense color contrast and well-thought-out composition. The placement of the eye in the frame draws attention while the surrounding textures provide pleasing visual balance.

4th Place: Ashley Hamilton, US – 70pts

Camera: Nikon Z 6II
Lens: 40mm
Settings: 1/100sec at f/13, ISO 200

This distinctive shot stands out for its artistic simplicity, placing a millipede against a vibrant red crayon. Hamilton's intention to demystify insects is effectively conveyed, aiding in the perception of these critters as approachable creatures.

5th Place: Henrik Spranz, Austria – 60pts

Camera: Canon EOS R5
Lens: 180mm
Settings: 1/640sec at f/3.5, ISO 320

Spranz’s shot of a black-veined white butterfly juxtaposed against a soft, pale background captures the ethereal beauty of the subject, emphasizing nature’s delicate aesthetics through its subtle framing.

6th Place: Stephanie Chadwick, UK – 50pts

Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark III
Lens: 24-105mm at 105mm
Settings: 1/80sec at f/9, ISO 500

Chadwick's close-up effectively conveys the texture of a horse's coat, engaging the viewer despite its apparent simplicity. The twisting patterns and glistening effects invoke the sense of weather conditions during the shoot.

7th Place: Jay Birmingham, UK – 45pts

Camera: Canon EOS R5
Lens: 180mm
Settings: 1/8000sec at f/2.8, ISO 50

By shooting into the rising sun, Birmingham’s photograph captures a magical atmosphere. The warmth of the golden tones, along with the silhouettes of the demoiselles’ wings, creates a serene yet striking image.

8th Place: Chris Patterson, UK – 40pts

Camera: Nikon D5600
Lens: 105mm
Settings: 1/13sec at f/11, ISO 100

Patterson’s imaginative shot uses a banana as a climbing wall for miniature figurines, creating a playful visual narrative. The detail in the background adds an intriguing context to the fanciful setting.

9th Place: Chris Graham, US – 35pts

Camera: Sony A7R Mark IV
Lens: Laowa f2.8 Ultra Macro
Settings: 1/2sec at f/2.8, ISO 200-300

Graham presents a breathtaking macro shot of a monarch butterfly on the verge of emerging from its chrysalis, showcasing intimate details and the tender vulnerability of life.

10th Place: Ashley Hamilton, US – 0pts

Camera: Nikon Z 6II
Lens: 40mm
Settings: 1/100sec at f/13, ISO 160

In her second top-ten entry, Hamilton captures a Linda's treefrog in Ecuador's rainforest at night. She effectively highlights the amphibian against a dark backdrop, showcasing its character with remarkable clarity.

Young APOY, Macro Winner

Lucy Monckton, UK – 100pts

Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Lens: 100mm Macro
Settings: 1/1600sec at f/3.5, ISO 500

Monckton’s impressive close-up of Cabrera lizards demonstrates her remarkable patience as a wildlife photographer. Capturing the lizards in an optimal pocket of light, she shows a promising future in the field.

Camera Club Highlights

Rachel Domleo, UK – 10pts

Camera: Canon PowerShot G3 X
Lens: 8.8-220mm at 25mm
Settings: 1/160sec at f/6.3, ISO 125

Domleo's well-executed macro of frost patterns captures the audience's imagination, adding depth to her club, the Bristol Photographic Society, currently in a competitive standing on the leaderboard.

APOY Leaderboards after Round Seven

The leaderboard remains tightly contested, with three rounds left in the competition. As past rounds have shown, the final outcomes can shift dramatically, prompting participants to continue submitting their entries. Monckton’s image has vaulted her ahead in the Young APOY category, while Plymouth Camera Club holds a solid lead in overall standings.

Insights on Winning Gear

Examining the equipment used in these top entries reveals crucial insights into macro photography. Angi Wallace utilized the OM System 90mm f3.5 M.Zuiko Digital ED IS PRO macro lens, praised for its high image quality and stabilisation features. This lens is available for £1,295 at Camera Centre UK.

Ashley Hamilton relied on the Nikon Z6 II for her submissions, a model noted for its robust performance in various shooting conditions, priced at £1,449. Meanwhile, Stephanie Chadwick captured her sixth-place image with a Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM, a versatile lens priced at £1,199.

For photographers looking to enhance their macro photography skills, examining the techniques and gear used by successful competitors offers valuable insights. Check out the full range of equipment available at www.cameracentreuk.com.

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