Amateur Photographer of the Year

Here are the top 30 images uploaded to Photocrowd from Round Five, Small Worlds, with comments by the AP team

1 Jay Birmingham UK 30pts

Canon EOS 6D Mark II, 24-70mm at 70mm, 25sec at f/14, ISO 100

This is a worthy winning image. The dark and dominant background leads the eye into the delicate and warm tone of the isolated fungus that the photographer has perfectly positioned just off centre. The light is simply beautiful, pouring down onto the fungus. The movement of the surrounding water has created a calm and tranquil effect which enhances the main subject even further. There is a serenity to this image that is enticing.

2 Henrik Spranz Austria 29pts

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, 180mm, 1/1000sec at f/4, ISO 500

Two male black-veined white butterflies rest on a Dianthus cruentus, the combination of cream, black and red drawing the eye straight to the upper-centre area of the frame. It’s a beautifully balanced image, with just the right proportion of sharp and soft areas. The swirly bokeh in the background is gorgeous and doesn’t distract. But let’s not forget the most important feature of this image – the butterflies themselves. They are pin sharp, and the way in which their antennae cross over completes a wonderful macro image.

3 Tony North UK 28pts

Nikon D500, 105mm, 1/640sec at f/10, ISO 640

Stunning in its simplicity, it would be easy to conclude this was a straightforward image to capture – but there’s no doubt that patience and timing played a huge part in its success. As with Henrik Spranz’s image (far left), it’s all about balance, with the three butterflies forming a lovely triangle – a classic compositional device that has been used since time immemorial. The muted tones are very appealing, and it was the right choice to ensure the background was as plain as possible. A lovely capture.

4 Dmitry Saltykov Russia 27pts

Canon EOS 60D, 100mm, 1/200sec at f/3.5, ISO 100