Unleash Your Creativity in APOY 2024: Capture the Essence of People in Photography

by Jessica Miller

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Shelf	Cameras & Lenses
Date in	Aug 12, 2024
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Enter the sixth round of the Amateur Photographer of the Year competition, focusing on captivating portraits and photographs of people. Submit by September 9, 2023.

Unleash Your Creativity in APOY 2024: Capture the Essence of People in Photography

The Amateur Photographer of the Year (APOY) competition has reached its halfway mark, and Round Six is currently open for entries. This round challenges photographers to showcase their best portraits and images of people.

Whether your subjects are candid street shots or more formal studio portraits, the key lies in revealing character and story. A well-executed portrait should embody simplicity in pose and lighting, allowing personality to shine through clothing, expression, and light. The aim is to connect your viewer with the subject’s life experience, even in the most subtle details.

Enter APOY Round Six: People Here!

Deadline: September 9, 2023, at 11:59 PM BST

Guest Judge: Carolyn Mendelsohn

Headshot of Carolyn Mendelsohn by Scarlet Page

This round will be judged by Carolyn Mendelsohn, a UK-based artist and portrait photographer known for her commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices through her work. Mendelsohn's book, Being Inbetween, has been widely exhibited and reviewed by notable publications including The Guardian and the Sunday Times. Her website can provide further insights into her artistic approach: www.carolynmendelsohn.com.

APOY 2024 Portraits and People Inspiration

For those considering entering the People round, take inspiration from the techniques and styles of top photographers from last year’s competition. Here’s a closer look at their processes and thoughts behind their compelling portraits.

Mark Constable, Derbyshire

Camera and Settings: Nikon D780, 24-70mm, 1/20 sec at f/2.8, ISO 100

elderly woman peering over her glasses whilst sat in armchair reading paper — Image: Mark Constable

Mark Constable placed fifth in the People round of APOY 2024. The judges praised his portrayal, noting how the subject's gaze over her glasses is both challenging and engaging. Mark shared that this image of his 87-year-old friend Christine was developed specifically for a local camera club competition. He set the scene in her home, using natural light from the ceiling windows along with a portable light source to enhance her expression while highlighting her interest in the crossword.

Isotta Zabetta, Italy

Camera and Settings: Nikon D7100, 24mm, 1/640 sec at f/13, ISO 400

portrait of balding man sat against wall of terrace with eyes closed — Image: Isotta Zabetta

Isotta Zabetta captured fourth place, providing a unique study through her thoughtful composition. Isotta's portrait of her father during Italy's COVID-19 quarantine emphasizes solitude, skillfully using natural light and negative space to foreground her subject while creating a contemplative atmosphere.

Mark Letheren, Cornwall

Camera and Settings: Canon EOS 5D Mark III, Tamron SP 35mm F/1.8, 1/60 sec at f/2.5, ISO 160

APOY 2023 Portraits Winner woman lying across a fireplace — Mark Letheren won Round 5 of APOY 2023 with this striking scene.

Last year's first-place winner, Mark Letheren, created a powerful image of actress Tanya Reynolds, emphasizing the theatrical quality in his portrait. He capitalized on natural light to create a serene ambiance while leaving some clutter in the shot, allowing it to narrate part of the story behind the photograph.

Sophie Jeffrey, Northamptonshire

Camera and Settings: Sony A7, 28-70mm, 1/80 sec at f/3.5, ISO 400

person in the bath leaning on the tub second place in portraits round of apoy — Image: Sophie Jeffrey

Coming in second place, Sophie Jeffrey's series depicted the intricate relationship between her subject Xanthe and her environment during a challenging time of recovery. The emotion captured in this series resonates deeply, revealing the quiet struggles and moments of connection that can transpire in one’s personal life.

Guidance for Entering APOY 2024: People

For those looking to refine their entries, check out additional resources and guides designed to inspire and guide photographers:

Enter APOY Round Six: People Here!

woman with pink long hair dressed in red sat on a chair set up with phone in drip — Image: Dominic Beaven

The Camera Club Award

Camera club members can earn points for their society by participating in APOY. At the conclusion of the ten rounds, the club accumulating the highest points will win a ViewSonic X1-4K projector valued at £1,500, while the contributor who earned the most points for their club will receive a ViewSonic ColorPro VP2786-4K monitor worth £1,000.

The Young APOY Award

This year marks the fourth Young Photographer of the Year competition open to entrants aged 21 or younger. Participants can select the Young APOY option when submitting images. Entry is free and aligned with the same categories as the main competition. Each category winner will be awarded a one-year Adobe Photography Plan subscription valued at £120, while the overall winner will receive a £500 voucher for Camera Centre UK.

Potential Prizes

APOY Prizes:

Each round’s winner earns a £500 voucher for Camera Centre UK along with a one-year subscription to Adobe’s All Apps plan valued at £660. Runners-up will receive a one-year subscription to Adobe’s Photography plan worth £120. The overall champion after all rounds will be awarded £1,000 at Camera Centre UK.

Young APOY Prizes:

The Young APOY round winners will each receive a one-year subscription to Adobe’s Photography plan valued at £120, while the overall winner will receive a £500 Camera Centre UK voucher.

Camera Club Prizes:

The camera club with the most points after all rounds will be awarded a ViewSonic 4K projector, while the top point-contributor will clinch a ViewSonic monitor worth £1,000.