PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR 2020
The search for the world’s best Nikon photographer of 2020 begins! Each issue the monthly N-photo POTY 2020 photo contest’s top 10 images are selected by the N-photo team. This issue’s competition has the theme of portrait photography.
1. Glitter Ball
BY KATRINA BARBER
From the disco ball to the clothing and makeup, this month’s winner oozes 1970s Americana. Remarkably, it wasn’t planned. The helmet was borrowed and the location was found on the spur of the moment. A prism was used to mirror the subject, and a flash mitigated the diminishing light from the setting sun.
Camera: Nikon D810
Lens: 50mm f/1.8
Exposure: 1/160 sec, f/3.2, ISO100
2. Close-up
BY EUGENE LI
This image is incredibly detailed and sharp, but it’s the strong colours that really make this studio shot stand out. In the top corners a red background is visible, which complements the subject’s red lips. The green eyes contrast their surroundings, providing a strong focal point, and the lighting leads the viewer’s eye directly to the centre of the face.
Camera: Nikon D5300
Lens: 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3
Exposure: 1/200 sec, f/16, ISO100
3. Skins Elliot
BY ELLY RUSSELL
Every element of this photograph exudes character. The subject, Skins Elliot, was captured at blue hour as he performed on Clapham Common. Flash was used to balance the scene, illuminating the subject, while the sky and flaming implement are exposed correctly. The flame and chain is slightly blurred too, which conveys a sense of movement.
Camera: Nikon D850
Lens: 24-70mm f/2.8
Exposure: 1/100 sec, f/8, ISO500
4. Abuela
BY CHRISTIAN KIEFFER
This fantastic street portrait was taken in Santiago de Cuba. The rays of light breaking through the gaps in the woman’s hat and the presence of a cigar make for unusual elements of interest. The photo feels relaxed and not at all staged, as the woman isn’t looking directly at the camera. It was edited in Adobe Lightroom with the Silver Efex Pro plugin.
Camera: Nikon D300
Lens: 60mm f/2.8
Exposure: 1/1600 sec, f/2.8, ISO100
5. I Am Mundari
BY TREVOR COLE
The Mundari people cover themselves in ash, and this image was taken with a wide aperture and against a dark backdrop to highlight the subject.
Camera: Nikon D850
Lens: 70-200mm f/2.8
Exposure: 1/125 sec, f/2.8, ISO1250
6. Reflection
BY PATRICK HOCHNER
This candid image of a young maiko is beautifully composed. The mirror reveals the subject’s face, without the photographer intruding on the moment.
Camera: Nikon D850
Lens: 70-200mm f/2.8
Exposure: 1/200 sec, f/7.1, ISO200
7. Spilt Milk
BY ELENA PARASKEVA
We could talk about the lighting, composition and colour palette, but it’s the incredible scene and narrative that make this a special image.
Camera: Nikon D810
Lens: 85mm f/1.8
Exposure: 1/160 sec, f/14, ISO200
8. Plumbing Supplies
BY STEVE JAMES
Another image that’s fuelled by story-telling. The 19mm focal length is unusual for a portrait, but it’s been used to cram in a mass of context.
Camera: Nikon D850
Lens: 19mm f/4
Exposure: 1/60 sec, f/8, ISO1100
9. Erin
BY JUDITH STEWART
This great studio portrait is all about the colour palette. The subject’s blue eyes match her dress and her striking red hair contrasts with the dark background. The somewhat absent expression adds a layer of mystery, and the f/10 aperture has retained sharpness throughout the image.
Camera: Nikon D610
Lens: 24-70mm f/2.8
Exposure: 1/200 sec, f/10, ISO100
10. Attitude
BY ANTHONY P MORRIS
This quirky studio portrait is all about the subject. An aperture of f/11 keeps everything crisp, and the clean lighting never detracts from the outrageous outfit. Catchlights also ensure the eyes are not lost amidst the explosion of visceral detail.
Camera: Nikon D5
Lens: 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6
Exposure: 1/160 sec, f/11, ISO200