Top Images from APOY 2023 Round Three: Urban Life Winners Announced

The results of the third round of Amateur Photographer of the Year (APOY) for 2023 have been unveiled, featuring a stunning array of images that capture the diverse essence of urban life. Daniel Goody has claimed the top spot in the competition, while Liberty McAuley triumphed in the Young APOY category. The entries reflect a vibrant exploration of human experience within city environments, illustrating how everyday moments can be artfully transformed through photography.

APOY Round Three Results: Urban Life

1st Place: Daniel Goody, UK - 100 Points

Camera Settings: Fujifilm X-T2, 23mm, 1/500 sec at f/5.6, ISO 800

Daniel's winning image features a compelling moment of a pedestrian passing by striking street art, perfectly timed to incorporate a bright yellow hoodie. His keen observational skills transformed a common scene into a standout photograph, elevating the mundane into an impactful visual narrative.

2nd Place: Rachel Domleo, UK - 90 Points

Camera Settings: Canon PowerShot G3X, 220mm, 1/640sec at f/7.1, ISO 125 and 122mm, 1/2000sec at f/7.1, ISO 125

Rachel masterfully created a composite image, blending a bus with a misty urban backdrop, exuding a nostalgic feel through its monochrome conversion. This shot celebrates the often-overlooked moments of urban life, showcasing a beautifully harmonious composition.

3rd Place: Paul Farina, UK - 80 Points

Camera Settings: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, 16-35mm at 20mm, 1/400sec at f/10, ISO 1600

Paul’s image offers a glimpse into social interactions in Hong Kong, skillfully shot with an ultra-wide lens. His ability to blend into the scene highlights the essence of street photography, capturing a genuine moment that communicates the vibrancy of urban life.

4th Place: Jay Heiser, USA - 70 Points

Camera Settings: Olympus E-M1 Mark III, 12-100mm at 100mm, 1/200sec at f/4, ISO 2500

This striking photo captures the feet of commuters in a train carriage, creatively framing the anonymity of urban dwellers. Guest judge Peter Dench praised the image for its depth and composition, successfully portraying the atmosphere of public transport.

5th Place: Mai-Britt Larsen, Denmark - 60 Points

Camera Settings: Nikon D780, 17-50mm at 50mm, 1/50sec at f/11, ISO 3200

Mai-Britt captured a scene accentuated by repetitive lines, perfectly timed with a figure ascending the stairs. The application of the Adamski effect adds a unique flair, effectively enhancing the visual appeal of the subject.

6th Place: Judi Dicks, UK - 50 Points

Camera Settings: Olympus E-M5 Mark II, 25mm, 1/125sec at f/4.5, ISO 200

This tender moment captured by Judi illustrates intimacy and connection, amplified by a black and white composition that evokes a sense of nostalgia. The image speaks volumes without being intrusive, capturing a genuine moment of affection.

7th Place: Sam Binding, UK - 45 Points

Camera Settings: DJI FC3411, 22mm, 1/15sec at f/2.8, ISO 370

Sam's drone shot captures an ethereal view of Bristol bathed in early morning light. The harmonious balance of elements, including church spires and atmospheric mist, presents a serene urban scene that intrigues and delights.

8th Place: Oleg Bolotnikov, Russia - 40 Points

Camera Settings: Canon EOS 60D, 70-200mm at 127mm, 1/60 sec at f/8, ISO 100

Oleg offers a well-composed silhouette of a construction site at sunset, using a longer focal length to create depth. The vertical lines throughout the image contribute to its clarity and impact, highlighting key elements without distraction.

9th Place: Tommaso Carrara, France - 35 Points

Camera Settings: Leica Q3, 28mm, 1/125sec at f/8, ISO 200

Tommaso’s photograph focuses on the interaction of light within a train station, beautifully illuminating shapes and forms. The way light interacts with the scene makes this capture remarkable, as it tells a story of everyday life.

10th Place: Tommaso Carrara, France - 0 Points

Camera Settings: Leica M11, 35mm, 1/350sec at f/8, ISO 160

In a rare feat, Tommaso landed two images in the top ten with this second entry. The play of light and shadow is masterfully executed, creating an engaging narrative without needing to reveal the subject’s identity directly.

Young APOY Winner: Liberty McAuley, UK - 100 Points

Camera Settings: Sigma fp L, 1/60sec, ISO 3200

Liberty's winning composition captures a scene from a London bus during a farmers' protest, combining multiple elements into a cohesive and engaging narrative. This well-thought-out image demonstrates her skill in creating visual complexity without overwhelming the viewer.

Explore more from Young APOY.

Camera Club Competition

Les Cornwell, UK - 10 Points

Camera Settings: Leica Q2 Mono, 28mm, 1/160sec at f/5.6, ISO 25,000

Les’s humorous shot captured through a bus window features a startled woman and child, drawing viewers in with their expressions. This image showcases the unexpected and engaging moments found within urban life.

APOY 2024 Leaderboard After Round Three

The leaderboard is tightly contested, with only 30 points separating top and bottom placements, ensuring an exciting lead-up to upcoming rounds. Meanwhile, the Young APOY leaderboard shows greater variances, and the Camera Clubs category sees Plymouth CC making notable strides in rankings.

Winning Gear Overview

Examining the equipment utilized by the top photographers reveals an array of high-quality gear:

1. **Daniel Goody** used the Fujifilm XF 23mm F2 R WR lens, praised for its excellent build quality and performance, available for £419.

2. **Paul Farina** shot with the Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM, a lightweight, wide-angle lens priced at £1,099, known for its low aberration levels.

3. **Mai-Britt Larsen** opted for the Nikon D780, available for £1,999 and recognized for its high image quality at elevated ISO levels.

For further insights and purchases, visit Camera Centre UK.

Explore more about APOY 2023 here.

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