Need a boost? We absolutely love these stunning colour-soaked photos! Take a look and brighten your day
Need some inspiration for your colour photography? We share some of our favourites from the International Amateur Photographer of the Year competition The post Need a boost? We absolutely love these stunning colour-soaked photos! Take a look and brighten your day appeared first on Amateur Photographer .
Colour photography enthusiasts, rejoice! We have gathered some of the most stunning images from the International Amateur Photographer of the Year (APOY) 2025 competition under the 'Celebrating Colour' category. These vibrant pictures will surely brighten your day and inspire your own photography endeavors.
In the 'Celebrating Colour' 2026 category, entries are now open and will close on August 17th, 2026. This competition showcases the best non-professional photographers from around the world who compete in ten rounds throughout the year for fantastic prizes. It is a free competition for photographers aged 13-21 in the Young Amateur Photographer of the Year category.
One photo that stood out among the rest was "Courtship colours" by Paul Howrihane. Nigel Atherton, the editor, described the iguana captured in this image as a "technicolour dinosaur" with a "beautifully captured" close-up. The photographer managed to showcase the intricate beauty of the iguana, even though many of its species are now critically endangered due to human exploitation and habitat loss.
Another image that caught our attention was "Mark Rothko sunset" by Dāvis Zandersons. Ailsa McWhinnie, the selector, found that the photograph reminded her of the iconic painter's work, and the beautiful gradient of orange and blue tones left her in awe. Zandersons used his Sony RX10 IV to capture this image of the sunset, with a 435mm-equiv lens for maximum detail.
"Linda Wride's" "Muralla Roja" was selected by Jessica Miller, the deputy online editor. The photographer showcased the bold and graphic nature of Spanish architecture in this striking image. The colour balance throughout the composition, with each segment fitting perfectly like Tetris bricks, is a testament to Wride's technical skills and creative vision.
Lastly, Tracy Higgins' "Rainbow strolls in Burano" was selected by Peter Dench. This photograph captures the enchanting blend of colours reflecting off Burano's canals, creating a vibrant and painterly effect. The composition of the boats, a father and daughter, and the warm golden sunlight make this image a true jewel of colour photography.
Written by urgent.news from Amateur Photographer's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.