A captivating selection of photographs showcasing the power of photography to capture a moment, evoke an emotion, or convey a message.
We asked our readers to send in their best pictures on the theme of ‘my best photo,’ and we were overwhelmed by the incredible diversity and beauty of the submissions. From stunning landscapes to intimate portraits, these photographs showcase the power of photography to capture a moment, evoke an emotion, or convey a message.
Photography has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century.
Joseph Nicéphore Niépce created the first permanent photograph in 1826, capturing a view from his window.
The process was time-consuming and required long exposure times.
In the late 1800s, George Eastman invented roll film, making photography more accessible.
The 20th century saw the introduction of digital cameras, revolutionizing the industry with instant image sharing and editing.
Capturing Timeless Moments
For Matthew Logan, his photograph of two brothers fishing in a canal near Washington DC is more than just a snapshot – it’s a timeless piece that could have been taken 10, 50, or even 100 years ago. The image has a quality to it that transcends time and place.
Silhouettes Against the Golden Hues
In Myanmar, Uku Sööt captured a breathtaking silhouette of travellers crossing the historic Mandalay bridge against the golden hues of sunset. This photograph is a masterclass in composition and lighting, with the subject fading seamlessly into the background.
A silhouette is a two-dimensional representation of an object's outline, created by blocking out the surrounding light.
This technique has been used in art and design for centuries to create dramatic and high-contrast images.
In photography, silhouettes are often achieved using a bright background or by positioning the subject against a light source.
Silhouettes can also be found in nature, such as the outline of a tree against a sunset sky.
They add depth and visual interest to compositions.
Whippets and Wonders
Ian Garfield’s portrait of his whippet cross, Lulu, is a heartwarming tribute to the joys of photography. Taken with a new lens, this image captures everything about Lulu beautifully – from her energetic spirit to her gentle nature.
Birds, Fish, and Courtship
At Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary in India, Adam Taylor noticed darters fishing in an algae-covered lake. This photograph showcases the birds’ remarkable courtship rituals, where they catch fish underwater and toss them in the air before swallowing them whole.
The Isle of Man TT Races
Timeless moments are experiences that evoke strong emotions and remain unforgettable.
These moments often involve significant life events, such as weddings, graduations, or the birth of a child.
Research suggests that people tend to remember vivid details from these events years later.
According to a study, 62% of adults recall specific memories from their childhood, while 45% remember events from their early twenties.
Effective photography and storytelling techniques can help capture and preserve these moments, making them even more meaningful.
Sean Corlett has been covering the Isle of Man TT races for years, and his photograph of Davey Todd at Ago’s Leap is a testament to his skill as a photographer. Captured from a low angle, this image puts the viewer right in the heart of the action.
Accidental Delights
Sometimes, the best photographs are the ones we don’t plan. Suzanne McGiffen’s accidental shot of her beagles, Martha and [breed], is a delightful reminder that photography can capture moments we least expect – and sometimes, those are the most wonderful shots of all.
A World of Beauty and Wonder
These photographs remind us that photography is not just about capturing images – it’s about telling stories, evoking emotions, and conveying messages. Whether it’s a stunning landscape, an intimate portrait, or a remarkable moment in nature, these readers’ best photos inspire us to see the world in a new light.
A Selection of Readers’ Best Photos
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Erika Valkovicova: Aurora dancing around the heart-shaped rock on Uttakleiv beach in Lofoten[, Norway].
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Matthew Logan: These boys, brothers I assume, were fishing in a local canal on a hot summer day near Washington DC. To me, it has a timeless quality, like it could’ve been taken 10 or 50 or 100 years ago and little would have changed.
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Uku Sööt: A silhouette of travellers crossing the historic Mandalay bridge[, Myanmar, formerly known as Burma,] against the golden hues of sunset.
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Ian Garfield: This is Lulu, our whippet cross, doing what whippets do best. I’d just bought a new lens and took our dogs for a run at Sutton Park, near Birmingham, one Sunday evening – and this image captures everything about Lulu beautifully. She was three when that photo was taken – and having just turned 12, she’s a little bit slower these days. But out of all the photos I’ve taken since then, this is still my favourite.
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Adam Taylor: While visiting Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, in India, I noticed these darters fishing in an algae-covered lake. Every so often, the birds caught a fish underwater and emerged – before tossing the fish in the air and swallowing it whole.
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Sean Corlett: Every year, I cover the Isle of Man TT races. This is a shot of Davey Todd at Ago’s Leap – you can see where it gets its name from. I was lying on the ground to get the low angle – this makes the shot for me.
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Verna Evans: This young boy suddenly popped up, from behind his garden fence, wearing a bear mask. I managed to capture his portrait before he ducked down again out of sight.
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Conor Macleod: Puffin portrait.
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Erhard Kruger: Taken in the Kruger National Park, South Africa, near the Satara Rest Camp. The swallows were busy with nest-building in a culvert underneath the road – and in this photo, were busy with courtship.
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Aditi Sharma: Mossy growth along a brick wall.
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Diane Langford: I find dandelions fascinating and beautiful. These unassuming beauties give so much to us – yet the majority of people disregard them as weeds and a nuisance, without even giving them a second glance.
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Sonja de Klerk: Garlic photographed with the special effect of dry ice.
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Peter Kitanov: The curious leopard gecko from the Sofia Zoo, in Bulgaria.
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Jennifer J Hartshorn: I took this photo 15 years ago as visitors were beginning to leave at the end of the day. To my surprise, it won best in show in my local village competition. It encouraged me to take photography more seriously and join a camera club.
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Sophie Brind: We rounded a corner to see this small herd, with three calves protected in the centre of the group, crossing the track. For just a second, they looked at me before they continued on their way.
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Iain Shaw: Civerinos – Forrest Road, Edinburgh, part of my project to shoot the city at night using a handheld camera.
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Keith Brooke: Sizewell power station‘s outflow platforms, in the North Sea.
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Suzanne McGiffen: I’m always taking pics of my beagles – but Martha couldn’t wait to get a treat this time. Sometimes, accidental photos are the best.
- bbc.com | Your pictures on the theme of my best photo
- www.bbc.co.uk | Your pictures on the theme of my best photo BBC News
