APOY Round Four Highlights Action Photography Winners and Techniques
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Discover the top images from the Amateur Photographer of the Year Round Four focusing on action, showcasing winner Lorenzo Passalacqua's breathtaking drone shot.
The results of the fourth round of the Amateur Photographer of the Year (APOY) competition have just been announced, celebrating exceptional talent in action photography. Lorenzo Passalacqua took first place with his stunning drone image titled ‘Avalanche’, while Antisha Thakur emerged as the winner of the Young APOY competition. Below is a look at the top ten standout images submitted to Photocrowd for the Action round, along with insights from our guest judge and the APOY team.
Understanding the Challenge of Action Photography
The Action category in APOY presents unique challenges for photographers. Unlike more defined genres, it demands creativity across a broad spectrum—from sports and wildlife to candid street shots. Judges seek images that transcend conventional capturing techniques; they look for originality, innovative perspectives, and a compelling use of light that elevates the imagery. This round emphasized more than just technical abilities like fast shutter speed. Judges favored compositions that blended emotional depth and artistic expression, making the selection process for the top ten images quite demanding.
Top 10 Images from APOY Round Four: Action
1. Winner: Lorenzo Passalacqua, Australia - 100pts
Camera: DJI Mini 3 Pro | Settings: 6.7mm (24mm equivalent), 1/4000 sec at f/1.7, ISO 150
Guest judge Amy Shore praised ‘Avalanche’ for its visceral impact, remarking, “The overwhelming blues and whites of the raging sea paired with the bright yellow of the surfboard create an adrenaline spike for any viewer.” The dynamic contrast between the chaotic waves and the calmer lower portion of the image underscores its strength, setting it apart as an inspiring representation of action photography.
2. Tim Burgess, UK - 90pts
Camera: Sony A7R Mark IV | Settings: 24-105mm at 24mm, 1/250 sec at f/8, ISO 400
Burgess brilliantly captures a moment of joy featuring a dog in flight against a backdrop of soft colors achieved through intentional camera movement (ICM). The perfect timing and hair-raising clarity of its airborne leap transform an otherwise sublime image into something extraordinary.
3. Sara Jazbar, Italy - 80pts
Camera: Nikon Z 8 | Settings: 24-70mm at 24mm, 1/25 sec at f/22, ISO 64
Utilizing a top-down perspective, Jazbar successfully injects drama into a conventional sports image by eliminating color distractions through monochrome conversion. Her adept panning technique captures motion elegantly.
4. Kevin Leah, UK - 70pts
Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark III | Settings: 100-400mm at 400mm, 1/6400 sec at f/5.6, ISO 1000
Leah's motorsport shot stands out for its excellent timing and composition. Capturing the rider in a particularly precarious maneuver against a backdrop of flying mud adds drama and heightens viewer engagement.
5. Stephanie Chadwick, UK - 60pts
Camera: OM Digital Solutions OM-1 | Settings: 300mm, 1/160 sec at f/5.6, ISO 800
Chadwick's approach to capturing starling murmurations is refreshingly different. The late-evening light creates a semi-abstract quality, contrasting the dense shapes of birds with their illuminated outlines, thus highlighting the beauty of this natural phenomenon.
6. Ian Groves, UK - 50pts
Camera: Sony A7 Mark III | Settings: 200-600mm at 400mm, 1/2500 sec at f/6.3, ISO 1250
Groves captures a dirt biker in dynamic action, with a striking angle that emphasizes the lean of the rider’s body and the dust kicked up behind. The image's foreground interest effectively draws the viewer into the scene.
7. John Mihopulos, Germany - 45pts
Camera: Canon EOS R3 | Settings: 600mm, 1/2000 sec at f/4, ISO 6400
Mihopulos captures the tension of a tern turning with impressive precision, the water spray sharp and crystal-clear. The technique showcases not only the dynamics of bird behavior but also the skill required for wildlife photography.
8. Henrik Spranz, Austria - 40pts
Camera: Canon EOS R6 Mark II | Settings: 200mm, 1/2000 sec at f/4, ISO 1600
This engaging shot of a dog in mid-flight perfectly captures the animal's joy and energy. Spranz’s choice to shoot from the dog's eye level, coupled with warm lighting, creates an intimate connection with the subject.
9. Paul Nash, UK - 35pts
Camera: Nikon 1 J1 | Settings: 10-30mm at 12mm, 1/200 sec at f/3.8, ISO 100
Nash artfully uses the zoom-burst technique to dramatize a train in motion, providing viewer engagement with the sharpness of the front contrasted against ethereal background motion that evokes a dystopian atmosphere.
10. Joseph Beet, UK - 30pts
Camera: Canon EOS R5 | Settings: 100-500mm at 363mm, 1/1000 sec at f/9, ISO 100
Beet captures the dynamic action of the Red Arrows in flight, each plane's trail adding drama and depth. The image successfully conveys the energy of the performance, making it a memorable capture.
Young APOY Action Winner
Antisha Thakur, India - 100pts
Camera details unknown
Thakur’s image stands out among countless captures of the Taj Mahal, where her clean framing enhances the composition. The captured silhouette of a leaping figure adds energy and engagement, making it a note-worthy achievement.
APOY 2024 Leaderboard After Round Four
With this round, the leaderboard witnessed its fourth different leader, showcasing the competitive nature of the event. Sara Jazbar now leads, overtaking Tim Burgess, who, as the highest-scoring camera club member, has propelled Plymouth Camera Club ahead of Truro by a significant margin. Meanwhile, Young APOY regular Yousef Naser continues to hold strong with impressive performances.
Winning Equipment Insights
The gear choices of the top ten photographers illustrate varied abilities and preferences. For example, Tim Burgess used the Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS lens, prized for its versatility and sharpness across focal lengths. This lens is available at Camera Centre UK for £929, highlighting its suitability for diverse photography scenarios.
In fifth place, Stephanie Chadwick achieved an impressive close-up using the Olympus 300mm f4 M.Zuiko IS PRO Digital ED lens, a compact yet powerful tool priced at £2,395. Its features are ideal for both handheld shooting and longer reach with optional teleconverters.
Henrik Spranz utilized the Canon EOS R6 Mark II, a highly-rated camera recognized for its quick continuous shooting capabilities, acclaimed for £1,999 at Camera Centre UK. This shows how the right camera can significantly enhance shot quality.
For further insights and a complete range of gear, visit www.cameracentreuk.com
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