The winners & finalists of the 500px Global Photography Awards 

by 500PX

After much anticipation, the curtain has been drawn, and the spotlight is now on the incredible talents behind the lens. We’re thrilled to unveil the exceptional winners and finalists of the 2023 edition of the 500px Global Photography Awards.

From seasoned professionals to dedicated hobbyists, this year’s competition attracted photographers from all walks of life, each vying for the title of 500px Photographer of the Year and a chance to claim remarkable prizes from amazing brands.

In this third installment of the awards, participants had the opportunity to showcase their best works captured or uploaded throughout 2023. With categories spanning Landscape, Fine Art, Technical, Documentary, Storytelling, and Commercial Content, there was something to captivate every eye and imagination.

Today marks the grand unveiling of our winners, finalists, and the photographers who have secured the coveted titles of 500px Photographer of the Year. Let’s celebrate their extraordinary talent and creativity!

Drum roll…

The Photographers of the Year are…

Serhii Fett and Richard Beresford Harris—congratulations!

You will find their winning images, and the rest of the winners and finalists, below.

The winners and finalists

Landscape

PRO First Place Winner

Leonardo Papèra
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What our Editors loved about this photo: The Dolomites are a sought-after, highly photographed locale, but when they are captured with this precision and attention to detail, they become a true wonder. Leonardo leans into the soft light and brings the peaks, valleys, and cotton candy sky to life through his camera. The contrast is just right, the sharpness uncompromising, and the framing is done in a way that embraces the rules without hinging on them. Yes, landscape photography is made a little easier when your surroundings are this stunning, but mastering precision and color tones like this can only be done by a skilled eye.

HOBBYIST First Place Winner

Richard Beresford Harris
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What our Editors loved about this photo: Mountains are massive natural features that convey a sense of grandeur and awe-inspiring scale. By introducing a person into the scene, Richard provides a reference point for the viewer, allowing them to better understand the immense size and majesty of the landscape. This contrast in scale emphasizes the enormity of the mountains and adds depth to the composition. The photographer positioned the person central in the landscape in the lower third, and used that mountain peak to create visual intrigue. The textured green, suddenly juxtaposed by the blue of the water, creates depth and leads to the layer of snow-capped mountains.

Finalists

Gianluca Rubinacci (Hobbyist)

Dimo Hristev (Pro)

Thanayu Jongwattanasilkul (Pro)

Bahadir Sansarci (Hobbyist)

Mike Tesselaar (Pro)

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Fine Art

PRO First Place Winner

Serhii Fett
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What our Editors loved about this photo: A frame, within a frame, within a frame. There are many layers to Serhii’s image—the deep dark entry, that lacks detail with its extreme shadows, guides you to a staircase, where light pours in, and then back to darkness that is contrasted with a bold sliver of a silhouette. Every decision is intentional—the geometry of the lines and the darkness that is broken by the brightness and warmth of the yellow and pink of skin to then dissolve back to black. It’s a captivating capture that brings forth more questions.

HOBBYIST First Place Winner

Lukasz Spychala
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What our Editors loved about this photo: A play on perception, on what is real and what’s not, in the way that only a fine art photo can do. It’s a mesmerizing capture that plays on soft tones, reflections, and leading lines. The subject is positioned perfectly, and the distortion is so artfully done. The eye is drawn to the bold red lip and the distorted eye in a manner that draws the viewer in. At first glance, what could appear to be a simple shot is Lukasz mastering the solo subject and crafting it into a conceptual triumph.

Finalists

Milos Nejezchleb (Pro)

Prosto_Yanka_ph (Hobbyist)

Alireza Karimian (Pro)

Michal Zahornacky (Pro)

Sabina Akter (Hobbyist)

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Technical

PRO First Place Winner

Dina Belenko
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What our Editors loved about this photo: The power of this shot is in the details—the water droplets, the prop styling, and the lines. Dina knows how to craft a shot in the studio, wielding artificial light to her advantage and using post-processing to elevate the shot as-needed, as is evidenced by the perfectly levitating drop of water.

HOBBYIST First Place Winner

Tinu Muller
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What our Editors loved about this photo: Most winter sports photography can entail lots of white; however, Tinu’s intentional decision to distill the shot down to the essentials while catching the snowboarder suspended midair pays off. The slope of the half-pipe and the yellow of the athlete pop out from the darkness in a manner that marries both minimalist and action photography.

Finalists

Yevhen Kostiuk (Pro)

Elena Novikova (Pro)

Nicolas Doyen (Hobbyist)

Lara Mora (Hobbyist)

Mads Thomsen (Pro)

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Documentary

PRO First Place Winner

Nicolas Castermans
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What our Editors loved about this photo: A successful documentary photo conveys emotions through its subject while also relaying an event or experience. Nicholas hits the nail on the head with this poignant photo of a lady in the middle of a ritual that takes place in the mountains of Peru annually. Her stare drives straight at you with a sense of calm and peace amid a mass of people in celebration. There is a startling power in holding the focus of a stranger for a documentary image, and the precise clarity of the lady’s eye connects the viewer with her instantly, while keeping the crowd just in focus enough to give context to the festival.

HOBBYIST First Place Winner

Sebastian Szczepanowski
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What our Editors loved about this photo: The everyday setting is ripe with opportunities for a true documentary-style photo. Sebastian’s depiction of fatherhood proves this—the creativity comes from the unique overhead vantage point, while the scene itself is quite simple: a father soothing his child in a stroller. An ordinary setting, but relayed through the camera in a way that shows an intimate relationship, a habit, and lives being lived—this is the core of documentary photography.

Finalists

Roy Vereijken (Hobbyist)

Mustafa AbdulHadi (Hobbyist)

Dee Potter (Pro)

Roberto Pazzi (Pro)

Yana Zyryanova (Pro)

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Story-Telling

PRO First Place Winner

Andrea Gonar
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What our Editors loved about this photo: A layered image telling the story of family and telling a narrative as much through the space and setting as the brother and sister duo. There is simultaneously an airy feeling through the colors used, the posing and spacing, and facial expressions, while also creating a sense of home in the props. Is he bored? Is she comfortable? Why the teddy bear? As you continue to inspect the image, more questions spring up, and the complexity of the scene leaves the viewer wondering what the true story behind it may be.

HOBBYIST First Place Winner

Oksana Karashchuk
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What our Editors loved about this photo: A playful story unfolds between husband and wife in Oksana’s creative self-portrait. The way the photographer artfully frames and lights the male as he sits in shock makes the eye gravitate to him. He is also clearly communicated as the main character by being the only subject in focus. As the eye travels to the forefront of the image, we understand the full narrative, The wife playfully has her towel open, however, lighting is used with finesse as she stands heavily draped in the shadows to maintain an air of mystery. Photographer or storyteller—Oksana does both well.

Finalists

Vincenzo Carrieri (Hobbyist)

Gustavo Chams (Pro)

Refat Mamutov (Pro)

Darko Trajkovic (Hobbyist)

Arunas Gricius (Pro)

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Commercial Content

PRO First Place Winner

Michal Jasiocha
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What our Editors loved about this photo: Michal Jasiocha’s photo is sharp, well-lit, and has creative lighting that makes it ideal for a variety of commercial uses. The model is exercising using rings in a gym, which can connect with themes like fitness, health, balance, endurance, and personal development. While fitness-themed commercial content can be a saturated category, Michal is able to elevate his shoot with dynamic lighting and rich copy space, perfect for potential text or branding, an essential quality for commercial photography.

HOBBYIST First Place Winner

Laro Pilartes
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What our Editors loved about this photo: Laro uses a drone to capture the dynamic perspective of a young woman on a beach in a red dress. Because of its versatility, this photo works well with commercial photography themes of travel, vacation, and adventure, as well as conceptual issues like identity, health, and romance. The wide composition of this photo makes the model somewhat anonymous and mysterious and allows the viewer to imagine themselves in their place.

Finalists

Agnieszka Wieczorek (Hobbyist)

Iza Lyson (Pro)

Serge MELESAN (Pro)

Alex Karamanov (Pro)

Nika Pailodze (Hobbyist)

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As we celebrate the incredible talent showcased in the 2023 500px Global Photography Awards, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all participants, sponsors, and supporters who made this event possible. A special thank you to our sponsors, including JOBY, Exascend, DJI, and Xpozer, whose generous contributions helped make this year’s awards a success.

As we reflect on the incredible submissions and exceptional winners, we eagerly anticipate the next edition of the awards in 2024. With your continued support, we are confident that the 2024 awards will be even bigger and better, offering new opportunities to showcase your talent and creativity on a global stage. Stay tuned for updates, and until then, keep capturing the world through your lens.

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15 Creative Garden Photography Ideas Made Simple

by Darlene Hildebrandt 

Dive into the world of garden photography with these 15 ingenious garden photography tips. Whether you have a sprawling garden or just a windowsill of plants, these tips will transform your photos into masterpieces. So grab your camera and let’s explore the endless possibilities that your garden offers for stunning photography.

You can do this even if you don’t have a big garden or it’s the wrong time of year in your area. Perhaps you can visit a local farm, greenhouse, or conservatory.

Side lighting here brings out the texture in this squash leaf.

15 creative ideas for garden photography:

These garden photography tips will help you capture the essence of your garden.

1. Look for a capture texture
2. Use backlighting
3. Try different camera angles and views
4. Get closer
5. Try macro
6. Capture non-plant garden items too
7. Try b/w
8. Capture the first frost
9. Capture the birds and the bees
10. Vary the aperture
11. Make some bokeh
12. Look up – way up! Literally!
13. Photograph the dead bits
14. Shoot at dusk
15. Do some HDR

Let’s look at each of the tips individually.

#1 – Look for texture

The first tip is about looking for texture, which actually means paying attention to the direction and quality of light falling on objects in the garden.

When you find a great subject that has a lot of texture, pay attention to the light. Come back at different times of day if need be until the light is optimal. You want the light skimming across from the side (as seen in the images above and below) because that will emphasize the texture the most.

Move around the subject and see how the light changes. Take one photo from each direction.

Clearly visible texture on these Comfrey leaves

Remember to look at the quality of light too. Hard light such as direct sunlight will provide deeper shadows, more contrast, and enhance the texture.

Compare the image above (hard light) with the one below (soft diffused light). Can you see the difference the quality of light makes? Neither is right or wrong, just experiment with both.

#2 – Use backlighting

Foliage and flowers both come alive and take on a beautiful glow when the light shines through them. This is one of the essential garden photography tips that can make your subjects truly glow. So use that to your advantage and position yourself to capture some backlit subjects.

Notice how it also brings out the colors and the texture, so that’s another bonus of backlighting.

#3 – Try different camera angles and views

When you find something that grabs your attention, take more than one image. Move around the subject and look at it from all angles.

Try a variety of different viewpoints. Get up high and look down on the subject. Get down on the ground and look up at it. See how it looks from the side, or even tilt the camera and get funky with it.

The main takeaway here is to take more than one photo of each scene. Explore it fully and then review the images later on the computer and decide which is your favorite.

#4 – Get closer

One of the biggest mistakes I see many photographers make is including too much in their images. The image is taken too far away and the subject is too small or lost in the scene.

So, get closer.

AND closer!

And then, get closer yet!

Now we’re getting into macro photography territory. But can you see how much simpler and less cluttered the image below is compared to the ones above?

Notice that I’ve separated this tip from the one below. I want you to see them as two distinctly different ideas.

Just keep in mind the phrase “get closer” as you photograph your garden and ask yourself “Is this close enough?” If not, or you’re not sure – get closer and take another image.

#5 – Do some macro photography

Now that you’ve gotten close, get in even tighter and go for the macro shot! Macro shots are a fantastic avenue in garden photography to explore the minute details.

There are many ways you can do macro photography without breaking the bank including:

• How to Use Extension Tubes for Macro Photography
• How to turn your 50mm into a Macro lens for under $20

Both of the images below were created using a normal 50mm lens and an adapter to mount the lens backward. Yes, you read that right! A $20 accessory can help you make images like this.

#6 – Photograph non-plant items too

Gardens are made up of a lot of other items besides plants. So look around and see what you can find. Remember that the stack of lumber in the corner, the old rusted bicycle, and even the fence might make an interesting image.

If you have a rock garden, photograph that too. We have a very special rock in our garden (this is for you Brad) that’s just visiting.

#7 – Do some black-and-white photography

You may not have even considered photographing your garden in black and white, but I highly recommend you give it a go. All that’s needed for a good b/w photo is contrast. So look for a subject that stands out, one that has nice light on it to enhance the texture.

Look at the example below. Can you see how the lighter leaves stand out well against the darker ones in the background? You can further emphasize this when you do the b/w conversion if you do it correctly. Add more contrast, deepen the blacks, brighten the whites, and make it pop!

#8 – Capture the first frost

If the weather is already turning cold in your area, pay attention to the weather forecast and get out early in the morning after a frost occurs. The leaves and any flowers left will transform into sparkling frozen statues.

Once again, remember that light matters. Always pay close attention to the light. If it’s not adding to the subject, then it’s distracting from it. Position yourself in a spot where the lighting works and enhances the subject.

#9 – Remember the birds and the bees

Insects start slowing down as the weather gets cooler so that presents an opportunity. Bees are sluggish at this time of year, so try and capture them sitting on a flower, or what’s left of the flowers in your garden.

Note: If you put out a bee watering station it will help keep the bees hydrated and give you a chance to photograph them there too!

Don’t forget about our feathered friends too. Birds move a lot quicker so you’ll need to be ready. A longer telephoto lens is advantageous as well so you can keep your distance and not scare them away.

Capturing the birds and the bees is among the garden photography tips that add life to your photos.

Read more here: 8 Beginner Tips for Better Bird Photography

#10 – Vary the aperture

This tip is about experimenting with different camera settings. Don’t get stuck on one aperture and take all your photos at f/8. Look at the following examples.

f/11

f/5.0

f/1.4

Can you see how drastically different this subject looks at different aperture settings? Which of the images do you prefer?

The one taken at f/11 is very busy and the subject is lost. But at f/1.4 it’s now gone too far the other way and not enough of the subject is sharp. So perhaps somewhere in the f/2.0-2.8 range might be just right.

This is a perfect example of why you need to try different settings. Also, make sure you have enough depth of field to cover your subject.

f/2.2 – not enough depth of field

f/5.6 – sufficient depth of field

Likewise, in the first image below, only a small portion of the tree trunk is sharp and the leaves fall out of focus. In the last photo, the bokeh in the background isn’t as prominent. So f/2.8 handles both of those issues nicely.

f/1.4

f/2.8

f/5.6

Which brings us to the next tip!

#11 – Create some bokeh

Bokeh is created in-camera by using a large aperture, but you also need a few other things to make the magic happen.

• The background must be fairly far away from the subject
• Using a longer lens will give you more bokeh
• Look for bits of light in the background – those are what turn into the much-desired blobs of bokeh

56mm lens, f/1.4

56mm lens, f/2.0

#12 – Look up to the sky

This goes along with tip #3 above, varying your camera angle. For something different try pointing your lens straight up at the sky and see what you can find to photograph.

f/4

To create an image like the one above read the following: How to Create Sun Flares for Effect In-Camera.

#13 – Photograph the dried-up bits

If it’s autumn where you live, the leaves and plants are probably starting to dry up and turn brown. But don’t shy away from those subjects. Just take a different approach.

Maybe turn down the color saturation a bit or apply a LUT to create a vintage look in the processing phase as I did with the image above. I personally think shriveled flowers and leaves have a lot to offer photographically.

As photographers, don’t we tend to like old decrepid things that are falling apart or falling down? An old barn, a ripped dirty shoe, a discarded and rusted out old car are all prime photography subjects. Why not flowers too?

#14 – Photograph at dusk

Have you ever photographed your garden after sunset? When the sun is down and dusk is upon you that’s a great time to do some blue hour or night photography.

Your garden may look totally different after sunset. We have a few solar lights that come on after it starts getting dark so I tried to capture the mood.

Before

After

Make sure you use a tripod and follow these tips for getting the right exposure: Night Photography Settings – Guide to Getting the Best Exposure.

Notice that I’ve shared two versions of each of the images above and below. The second of each is set has had the Sun Rays tool applied using Luminar Neo. Depending on the light sources, the Magic Light AI Extension might work as well.

Before

After Magic Light AI added with Luminar Neo

#15 – Do some HDR

Night photography lends itself well to doing HDR. The high contrast between the dark shadows and bright lights cannot be captured in a single image, even if you are shooting in raw format.

So in this case, you’ll want to bracket and take a few different exposures and blend them using a photo editing software that handles HDR. I use both Lightroom Classic and Luminar Neo’s HDR Extension for doing that. They are both good.

ISO 400, f/5.6, 1/4th

ISO 400, f/5.6, 1 second

ISO 400, f/5.6, 4 seconds

ISO 400, f/5.6, 15 seconds

Above are the four bracketed images I took of a garden scene in my yard. For more help doing HDR read this: To HDR or Not – When and If You Should Use HDR?

Below is the finished HDR image created by merging the ones above.

But I wasn’t happy with it because the sky took on a weird halo and was dark in parts where I didn’t want it to be. Can you see the halo I’m talking about? The sky is lighter around the wooden pergula and it just looks fake.

So I decided to try a sky replacement and came up with the image below. I think it looks natural enough to be believable. I fooled my husband, Rob, he thought it was the original sky. If I didn’t tell you the sky was replaced, could you tell?

The Unspoken Rules: Ethical Considerations in Garden Photography

While this article is all about your own garden, you might sometimes venture into another’s green haven. In those moments, remember the unspoken rules.

First, always ask for permission. It’s not just polite; it’s respectful.

Second, be a good garden guest. Avoid stepping on flower beds. And please, don’t pick the flowers.

These aren’t just manners. They’re the ethical backbone of garden photography. So, whether it’s your garden or not, these tips make your session respectful and creative.

Bonus tip – practice your editing skills

We’ve already discussed b/w and HDR so I’ll leave you with this bonus tip. Once you have your garden photos use them to practice and hone your photo editing skills.

Every week I host a livestream on my YouTube channel where I edit subscriber submitted images and demonstrate different tips and techniques using Lightroom and Luminar Neo (it’s totally free!).

We do a different theme or topic each week and recently we looked at how to edit garden photos. You can join in live each week and you can also watch the replays at any time. There is a TON of value in here, all you have to do is show up to watch and/or participate (in the chat and/or send in some images).

Your turn to get out in the garden

Now it’s time to put down your phone, step away from the computer, and go do some actual photography.

I challenge you to create a minimum of 10 different images of your garden (or a friend’s garden, or a local park) and share your favorite one or two in the comment area below. Show us what you have created!

Cheers,

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