N Photo PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR 2022

The search for the world’s best Nikon photographer of 2022 begins! Each issue the monthly N-Photo POTY 2022 photo contest’s top 10 images are selected by the N-Photo team. This issue’s competition has the theme of still life photography…

1. Pandora’s Box BY STEVE JAMES

This inventive interpretation of the classic still life boasts a strong narrative, attractive lighting and a balanced arrangement. The monster was created using a hot water bottle cover and stick-on eyes, and the mannequin hand was stained to achieve a richer aesthetic. The Rembrandt-style lighting was attained by using a torch to light paint multiple exposures that were blended together in post.

Camera: Nikon D850

Lens: 45mm f/2.8

Exposure: 15 secs, f/22, ISO64

2. Out of Lockdown BY MAUREEN ROGERS

Not every still life image has to pay homage to the Dutch masters. This modern minimalist piece shuns traditional items and arrangements in favour of a beautiful spherical vase filled with seed pods. The studio aesthetic was created using a single sheet of card, curved to form a seamless backdrop, and a single light. The black-and-white conversion was performed in Silver Efex Pro.

Camera: Nikon D7100

Lens: 50mm f/1.4

Exposure: 1/3 sec, f/14, ISO100

3. Staple Skyline BY DAVID QUEENAN

Lengths of staples were used to form this creative skyline. The lighting is key and was created using just two flashguns with coloured gels. The cool lighting has produced a blue-hour effect, while the contrasting red lighting represents glittering city lights. The mirrored base is an ingenious addition, because the reflection balances the composition and creates the illusion of a waterfront.

Camera: Nikon D750

Lens: 24-70mm f/2.8