Highlights from the APOY 2024 Round Six: Outstanding People Portraits

by Jessica Miller

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Shelf	Cameras & Lenses
Date in	Oct 17, 2024
Readers	415

The latest results from the APOY 2024 showcase striking portraits, with Patrick Reilly and Yousef Naser leading the top positions in their respective categories.

Highlights from the APOY 2024 Round Six: Outstanding People Portraits

The prestigious Amateur Photographer of the Year competition has announced the results of its sixth round, focused on the theme of People. Patrick Reilly has secured the top spot with a captivating portrait of two red-haired boys, while Yousef Naser triumphed in the Young APOY category. Below are the top ten entries from this round, offering insights into the judging process and comments from the judges.

APOY Round Six People Results

Winner: Patrick Reilly, Ireland - 100pts

Camera: Fujifilm X-Pro2 | Lens: 23mm | Settings: 1/320 sec at f/8, ISO 1600

Portrait of twin boys with flame-red curls — Image: Patrick Reilly

Patrick’s portrait stands out for its striking color contrast, with the rich red of the boys’ hair against a blue backdrop. Their confident demeanor and adult-like clothing suggest maturity, effectively portrayed through the relaxed atmosphere Patrick created during the shoot. This composition leaves viewers curious about the subjects, a hallmark of successful portrait work.

2. Jevgenijs Scolokovs, Latvia - 90pts

Camera: Canon EOS 5D | Lens: 135mm | Settings: 1/2500 sec at f/2, ISO 100

Woman outside with umbrella flying overhead — Image: Jevgenijs Scolokovs

Guest judge Carolyn Mendelsohn praised this surreal composition for its storytelling quality. The scene, featuring a woman knitting on an outdoor sofa amidst an unpredictable environment, evokes domesticity and surrealism. Mendelsohn noted the photograph's balance and the intriguing narrative it presents, encouraging viewers to engage with its conceptual depth.

3. Al Stuart, UK - 80pts

Camera: Nikon D5 | Lens: 24-70mm at 40mm | Settings: 1/125 sec at f/5, ISO 100

Woman holding a newspaper amidst a cluttered background — Image: Al Stuart

Al's straightforward yet effective studio shot was captured in his kitchen, illustrating that impactful images can be achieved without extensive setup. The model's neutral expression and relaxed pose direct attention to her face, revealing a moment of contemplative calm amidst a busy backdrop, which serves to underline the theme of media consumption.

4. Peyman Naderi, Iran - 70pts

Camera: Sony A7R Mark III | Lens: 24-70mm at 70mm | Settings: 1/160 sec at f/5.6, ISO 64

Intriguing portrait of a woman in costume — Image: Peyman Naderi

Peyman's image encapsulates mystery and allure with its captivating styling and composition. The artistic approach, where the model's hand obscures part of her face, compels the audience to engage their imagination, conjuring a world of intrigue reminiscent of fairytales.

5. Paul Nash, UK - 60pts

Camera: Fujifilm X100V | Lens: 23mm | Settings: 1/500 sec at f/5.6, ISO 160

Person walking through light and shadows — Image: Paul Nash

This image exemplifies the art of composition, with the interplay of light and shadow creating a visually striking frame. The anticipation of the subject's entry into this play of light showcases Nash's patience and timing in street photography, enhanced by the dramatic black and white treatment.

6. Laura Allegri, Italy - 50pts

Camera: Canon EOS M50 MkII | Lens: 18-150mm at 29mm | Settings: 1/800 sec at f/10, ISO 500

Woman dressed in red with long shadows — Image: Laura Allegri

Laura's portrait utilizes repetitive motifs of red that add cohesion to the image. This approach, coupled with the striking contrast of sunlight and shadows, reinforces the power of color and ambient light in portraiture, enhancing the overall impact.

7. Dominic Beaven, UK - 45pts

Camera: Sony A7 Mark III | Lens: 35mm | Settings: 1/13 sec at f/8, ISO 200

Woman in green dress at a table — Image: Dominic Beaven

This shot captures a moment that suggests a deeper narrative about social media addiction. Beaven’s stylistic choices, including the model’s posture and attire, create a vivid commentary on modern life.

8. Graeme Youngson, UK - 40pts

Camera: Fujifilm X-Pro3 | Lens: 35mm | Settings: 1/500 sec at f/7.1, ISO 800

Woman reading newspaper during protest — Image: Graeme Youngson

Graeme’s observational prowess shines in this compelling image from an Extinction Rebellion protest. The contrasting figures of the police and a costumed woman, tied together by their masks, provoke reflections on society and activism.

9. Kelly Beckta, UK - 35pts

Camera: Sony A7R Mark II | Lens: 35mm | Settings: 1/160 sec at f/2.8, ISO 1600

Barber and client in a dimly lit environment — Image: Kelly Beckta

This intimate scene, illuminated by warm artificial light, presents a quiet moment in a barbershop, engaging viewers with the storytelling that arises from the simplicity and starkness of the surroundings.

10. Erika Howard, UK - 30pts

Camera: Fujifilm X-T2 | Lens: 56mm | Settings: 1/125 sec at f/1.2, ISO 1000

Portrait of a man with a python — Image: Erika Howard

This straightforward portrait draws attention to both the subject and the python draped over him. The use of depth of field adds clarity to the subject, while also revealing details that invite closer inspection.

Young APOY People Winner

Yousef Naser, Egypt - 100pts

Camera: Fujifilm X-T3 | Lens: 18-55mm | Settings: 1/125 sec at f/14, ISO 640

Yousef Naser continues to impress in the Young APOY category with this atmospheric portrait of a fisherman. His skillful use of side lighting highlights textures and expressions, drawing viewers into the story behind the image. The muted colors further enhance the thoughtful nature of this compelling work, which received high marks from numerous judges.

Explore more from Young APOY

Camera Club Competition

Tracey Small, UK - 10pts

Camera: Fujifilm X-T4 | Lens: 35mm | Settings: 1/250 sec at f/2.8, ISO 160

Creative portrait of two women — Image: Tracey Small

Tracey’s portrait captures the softness and intimate expressions of her subjects beautifully. Her artistic treatment enhances the overall composition, showcasing an effective, well-thought-out approach to photography.

The APOY 2024 Leaderboards Post Round Six

The competition is heating up as we enter the second half of APOY 2024. With only 60 points separating the top contestant from joint 11th place, the competition remains fiercely competitive. Watch for the upcoming rounds as previous winners like Yousef Naser and Lucy Monckton vie for the top position in Young APOY, while Plymouth Camera Club leads impressively in overall standings.

Winning Gear from Camera Centre UK

What equipment did our top photographers use for their winning shots? Al Stuart's studio shot, which placed third, featured the Nikkor 24-70mm F2.8E AF-S ED VR, a highly regarded standard zoom lens priced at £1,999. Known for its exceptional performance and optical quality, this lens is a favorite among professionals.

Dominic Beaven's seventh-place entry was crafted with a Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN | Art, priced at £769, recognized for its sharpness and bokeh quality. Meanwhile, Graeme Youngson utilized the Fujifilm XF 35mm F2 R WR for his candid shot, available for £359, praised for its compact design and excellent performance.

For more gear inspiration, visit Camera Centre UK.