Our Images Of The Year

At AP we see thousands of images each year, so it takes something pretty special to grab our attention. Here, we each pick our favourites and explain their impact

Claire Gillo Editorial team From the series ‘Mallakhamba’ by Ken Hermann

It’s hard to decide on one favourite image from the year, as the quality of photography in 2019 has been incredibly high. I was impressed this year by the standard of images in the 2019 ZEISS Photography Award, and one in particular from among those that were shortlisted stood out for me. It’s a clever image taken by photographer Ken Hermann from Denmark. It makes me think about human strength and endurance, environment, sport, architecture, and culture; this is all in just one image. The art these girls are performing is a traditional Indian sport called Mallakhamba, and although that is impressive in itself, it’s the contrast between the bright blue sheet hung like a stage against the ordinary outdoor scene that makes it so interesting. What the performers are doing in such an extraordinary and professional way is contrasted against the housing in the background, making you want to know more about them and their stories.

Andy Westlake Technical editor ‘Organic Staircase’ by Janet Miles

The sheer quality of the photography that graces Amateur Photographer’s pages every year is remarkable, so when it comes to choosing a favourite picture, it can be extremely difficult to know where to start. It’s not just the seasoned professionals or the big competition winners, either; we have some incredibly talented readers, too.

One image that really caught my eye was this spiral staircase by Janet Miles, which graced her Reader Portfolio in AP 5 October. Staircases are popular subjects, and it’s rare to see a shot that looks fresh and new, but Janet has managed it with aplomb.