Who can resist photographing one cute dog, let alone two? Phil has maneouvred himself to make sure the dog’s head fills the wing mirror and has allowed enough space for us to see the wider context of the queue of traffic. What makes the image is the shadowy silhouette of the dachshund bottom left, which adds another layer to the story and helps fill what would otherwise have been empty space. Shooting with a wide aperture is a large part of the image’s success, too, ensuring our eye goes straight to the main character in the shot.
9. Mind Your Own Business by Shai Kedar, Israel, 35pts
Sony A6600, 16-55mm at 32mm, 1/1000sec at f/8, ISO 320
People walking past posters is a common theme in street photography, so it takes a good one to capture the judges’ attention – and this is a great example. Shai has played with light, shade, scale and perspective, from the model’s eyes looming out of the top right of the frame to the triangular shadow that the silhouetted man on his phone is appearing to step out of. So much good street photography is about capturing a split-second slice of life that disappears as quickly as it appears, and that is what the photographer has achieved here.
10. What’ll It Be? by Mike Byers, UK, 30pts
Nikon D750, 70-200mm at 70mm, 1/800sec at f/2.8, ISO 100
A scene that could only have been captured in the UK, this is a picture that will be familiar – and evoke a sense of nostalgia – to many of us. There’s a nice sense of interaction between the customer and the van owner, and the somewhat run-down housing in the background adds context.
International Young Amateur Photographer of the Year 2025, Urban Life winner
Untitled by Duy Khac, Vietnam, 100pts
Not supplied
The judges loved the flurry of chaos in this entertaining image. Are the dogs fighting or playing? And has the one on the left had enough? The gritty grain of the black & white elevates this shot out of the ordinary, and as with so many other successful photographs of this type, it’s the getting down to eye level that makes it a success.
Camera Club competition
Each round, we shine a spotlight on a selection of excellent entries from the many camera clubs that enter APOY
The Redundant Dalek by Leszek Chrzastowski, Coalville and District Camera Club
Technical information not supplied
Witty, well seen, and a touch surreal – this image raises a multitude of questions that will probably never be answered, and that’s what makes it so good.
Just About Hanging On by Mike Woodman, Richmond and Twickenham Photographic Society
Nikon D800E, 85mm, 1/200sec at f/7.1, ISO 100
A curious take on urban life that stands out for its originality. The climber’s slip dress and the tattoos add to the overall effect.
Autumn Bristol by Bryan Sutton, Wallingford Photographic Club
Fujifilm X-T5, 16mm, 1/125sec at f/5.6, ISO 4000
The colour in this frame is very engaging – from the purple wall, to the golden leaves and the young man’s red hair.
Lonely at Central Station by Steve Banner, Stafford Photographic Society
Technical information not supplied
What an intriguing shot. So many separate lives in one place, and what is the solitary bride doing there?
Behind the Curve by Kevin Leah, Truro Camera Club
Canon EOS 5D Mark III, 24-70mm at 70mm, 1/10sec at f/2.8, ISO 2000
An excellent composition that makes the most of the foreground curve. The blue tone adds atmosphere.
The 2025 leaderboards after round nine, Urban Life
As we head towards the final round of APOY 2025, things are hotting up at the top of the leaderboard. Depending on their scores in round ten, any one of the top four entrants could end up snatching the overall prize. Who will it be? We’ll find out in a few weeks’ time! We’re in a similar position with Young APOY, thanks to the consistency of the entries from several photographers. It takes a lot to commit to entries across ten rounds, and all of our entrants – in both the main competition and Young APOY – deserve to be commended for their commitment to the competitions. The same goes for our camera clubs, whose images and dedication continue to inspire.
Winning kit from Camera Centre UK
What gear did our top ten photographers use?
In first place, Wendy Davies used a Fujifilm X-T5 for her street shot. Described as a ‘40MP mirrorless sensation’ in AP, this camera features a 40.2MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor, ISO 125-12,800, 15fps shooting and 5-axis in-body image stabilisation. AP’s five-star review concluded, ‘Ultimately, nothing else on the market can quite match the all-round package that the Fujifilm X-T5 offers enthusiast photographers at the price.’ This model can be bought at Camera Centre UK for £1,579.
Fitted to Wendy’s camera was a Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary, which has a 27-75mm equivalent zoom range, constant f/2.8 maximum aperture and 12.1cm minimum focus (at 18mm). It is constructed of 13 elements in 11 groups and has an aperture diaphragm with 7 curved blades. Its review said it is ‘one of the most attractive standard zooms available for APS-C mirrorless cameras’. The lens is available at Camera Centre UK for £474.
In second place, Charles Ashton shot his image using a Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.2 S. This outstanding lens is constructed of 17 elements in 15 groups, with 9 diaphragm blades, and has a wide f/1.2 aperture that makes it ideal for shooting in low light – as Charles has here. It is dust- and weather-sealed, too. You can purchase this lens at Camera Centre UK for £2,199.
To see the full range, visit www.cameracentreuk.com
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