LCE Photographer of the Year

Abstract

Abstract photography offers a different way of looking at a subject. There are no hard and fast rules about what makes a great abstract image, but think about form, colour, and texture. It’s about experimenting with styles and techniques, using your imagination to come up with some exciting new visual creations! Mix things up by experimenting with motion blur, panning and composite images – adding intrigue leaves the viewer guessing the original subject within the image. A macro lens is great for picking out close-up details, you can also zoom and crop in post-production.

Action

Shooting moving subjects can be one of the most technically challenging forms of photography, requiring you to carefully plan your shoot and know your camera equipment inside and out. A great action shot is all about capturing the feeling of movement, so intentional blur, panning or use of flash can help you freeze the action while conveying dynamism. There can be an element of luck at play, but that’s all part of the thrill and many modern mirrorless and DSLR cameras include technology that will help you get more hits than misses. Grab a long lens, pack your tripod, and fast card and go find some speed to capture!

After Dark

Night photography is synonymous with long-exposures. Images taken usually before sunrise or after sunset, showcasing the beauty and mystery of the night. Light trails, stary skies, cityscape, or supernatural-looking night time landscapes. A fast lens and tripod are essential, beware blown out highlights and you might want to consider shooting RAW so you can enhance your images in post-production.

Birds

No doubt one of the most popular genres amongst nature lovers, whether you capture sparrows in your back garden or something a little more exotic. Capturing birds in their natural habitat, showcasing their beauty and diversity is hugely rewarding and helps promote conservation. Shutter speed is your best friend when it comes to photographing birds in flight or on the move, a long lens helps as well!

Drone

Drones have revolutionised the world of photography, allowing us to capture unique angles and vantage points that were previously impossible to achieve. The ability to fly high and capture landscapes, buildings, and other objects from a fresh and interesting perspective has never been easier or more accessible. Although great for video, it’s your still images we want to see!

Landscape

One of the most appreciated genres of photography, you are aiming to immortalise a natural vista in an artful or compelling way to engage the viewer’s eye and attention. Natural light and atmospheric conditions can all play a part as we explore and become transfixed by a beautiful landscape image. The vast and varied landscapes, from mountains to oceans, provide endless opportunities to showcase your skill and creativity.

Macro

Macro photography is extreme close-up photography, usually (but not always) of very small subjects and living organisms like insects, in which the size of the subject in the photograph is greater than life size. Equally close-ups of non-organic subjects often revealing intricate details not visible to the naked eye, showcasing the beauty of the natural and man-made world. Obviously, having a macro lens is a major advantage here!

Music

A style of photojournalism that documents music and performance. From classic images of the Beatles or Hendrix to capturing more recent live music performances, behind-the-scenes moments, and portraits of musicians - it’s a genre that has become increasingly accessible. Your mission: to convey the performers energy and personality, and to document unforgettable musical moments.

Pets

Pet photography is currently the most popular form of photography there is. Capturing yours or someone else’s pet’s personality, character, habits, or other memorable moments is the aim. You can go for natural, candid shots or portraits, however unlike people, pet pets don’t pose …unless they’re show-offs! Capture the unique personality of your furry, feathered, or hooved friend and show us your beautiful pet pictures.

Portrait

There are so many quotes about portrait photography and for good reason. Portraits aims to capture the identity, personality, the essence of the subject.
‘The difference between a portrait and a snapshot is that in the portrait, the person has agreed to be photographed.’ – Henri Cartier-Bresson
’Photography is about capturing souls, not smiles.’ – Dragan Tapshanov
Enough said.

Street

A genre that records everyday life in a public place. The very publicness of the setting enables the photographer to take candid pictures of strangers, often without their knowledge. Isolate your subjects and capture moments which might otherwise go unnoticed. Discreet, lightweight camera gear and a good pair of shoes are your best friend here!

Travel

Not everyone has the luxury of travel to far-flung locations, but great travel photography doesn’t necessarily need to be from distant destinations. We can all appreciate images which bring the world to us and expose the wonders of the world to the viewer, whether on the other side of the globe or just on our own doorstep. Document an area's landscape, glorious buildings, people, cultures, customs, and history. Travel light and go explore!

Wildlife

Let’s face it, we’re a little spoilt now with beautiful imagery of nature’s splendour. With TV series like ‘Life on Earth’ and ‘Our Planet’ (in fact anything featuring David Attenborough), the bar has been seriously raised. Grab your camera, a long fast lens and embrace the challenge. Express your passion for nature and document wildlife in its natural habitat.

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