Amateur Photographer

Amateur Photographer is the world’s oldest weekly photographic magazine, established in 1884. It is the respected authority for news and reviews, with detailed tests and investigations on the latest equipment. The weekly contents include interviews and columns from many of the world’s leading photographers and practical technique to inspire and enthuse the devoted readership, to whom taking photos is far more than just a hobby. Essential reading for those interested in buying photographic equipment or wanting advice about improving their picture taking. Amateur Photographer is published 51 times a year. Subscribe now and save money on the retail price.

Welcome

THIS ISSUE’S CONTRIBUTORS

Year of the power compacts

Closely followed by video heavy-hitters

Smartphone makers take the long view

Some great events for next year’s diary

Remembering the greats who passed this year • We honour some of the fine photographers who died in 2025, including some very big names

Martin Parr • AP Acting Features Editor Peter Dench pays a personal tribute to Martin Parr, a photographer who shaped him and reshaped how Britain sees itself

Amateur Photographer

Inbox • Write to the Editor at ap.ed@kelsey.co.uk and include your full postal address. Please don’t send letters in the post as there is no one in the office to receive them. Replies are from the Editor unless otherwise stated

THIS WEEK WE ASKED... • What photography skill do you wish you could master instantly?

The Greatest Photographers in the World EVER...! (again) • Who are the ten greatest photographers of all time? It’s the question every photography lover has an opinion on, and no two answers are the same. Peter Dench asked a panel of experts to take on the impossible task of deciding, and adds his own

Portrait of a creative community • Described as an antidote to throwaway culture, Suzy Bennett’s beautiful book, Artisans of Dartmoor, celebrates inspiring individuals who work in traditional crafts. Tracy Calder talks to her about the challenges involved in environmental portraiture

Amateur Photographer of the Year • Here are the top ten images uploaded to Photocrowd from Round Seven, Animal Kingdom, with comments by the AP team and our guest judge

Review of the Year 2025 • It’s been an eventful year – here are our photographic highlights of the past 12 months

Our images of the year • The AP team are fortunate to be able to view thousands of fantastic images each year. It’s not easy to choose a favourite but here are a few that stuck with us during 2025

Meet Honor’s latest smartphone for better photos and video • Honor Magic8 Lite arrives, with long-life battery, powerful cameras and more. Check out Honor’s tempting seasonal deals too!

Picture Editors’ choices • It’s a tough job illustrating the ever-changing news landscape with photography that will stop a reader in their tracks. Here, Peter Dench compiles a round-up of the best images that picture editors of newspapers and of media outlets have seen in 2025

Best of the best • Jessica Miller looks back at the winning images from another great year of photography competitions

Great reads • 2025 has been a bumper year for books. Peter Dench selects some highlights reviewed in AP

Best cameras of 2025 • Andy Westlake surveys the cameras and lenses released over the past year, and what they tell us about the state of the market

Joshua Waller • Our Online Editor has been using the latest phones and cameras, both digital and analogue, with a lasting impression being made

Geoff Harris • AP’s Deputy Editor finds his perfect lens for birding, enjoys a quirky compact camera, and sings the praises of a bargain 35mm film...