October 2025 Photo Contest Winners: Abstract Realities

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    • #541787
      Dahlia Ambrose
      Keymaster
        • https://www.instagram.com/livingsta/
        • https://www.flickr.com/photos/livingsta/
        • Allows Edits: Yes
        @dahliaambrose
        Allows Edits? Yes

        We’re happy to announce the winner of October’s competition, “Abstract Realities.”

        The “Abstract Realities” Photo Contest

        Abstract photography is a very intriguing genre and it is a skill learning to see in abstract. Abstractness if found all around us in nature and in manmade things and as photographers, we need to observe or look closely and also learn to see things differently. Colours, patterns, textures, lines, light and shadows and many other factors contribute to abstract nature in photographs.

        Some of the ways in which abstract photos can be captured are, using abstract compositions by focusing on the details and textures of natural subjects, using focus and blur creatively, exploring urban environments to capture geometric patterns and abstract forms, using the interplay of light and shadow to create abstract images that emphasize form and contrast or utilising reflections and distortions to create abstract images.

        For October’s contest, participants came up with their creative interpretation of the theme where a lot of natural subjects were photographed in an abstract way, while some members also used camera techniques or unusual perspectives to capture abstract photos. Each photo was unique and stood out in its own way, portraying interesting abstract realities.

        When choosing the winning photos, we wanted to make sure that the decision process was based on a good interpretation of the theme, followed by other factors like light, composition, story, details, creative vision, etc. The results are entirely subjective and there are no losers in any competition as we all know.

        Here are October’s Winners:

        First Place: “Autumn Leaves” by Jean T @jeant

        Copyright Jean T

        Autumn season is a time for colours and some very interesting photography opportunities and one that many photographers miss capturing is the abstract nature of the season. Jean T has wonderfully captured the beauty of the Autumn leaves over the tree’s roots. This adds interesting depth and intrigue to the photo bringing attention to what was in a particular spot, ignoring everything else around.

        The combination of textures of the leaves, tree roots and the gravel underneath add interest and beauty to the photo. The light is soft and just right to add depth, reveal colours and the textures in the photo. The composition also seems to lead the eye through the frame with the help of the elegantly curved and intertwined tree roots.

        Congratulations Jean T on the win and for capturing this stunning photo!

        Second Place: “One step more” by Patrick @patrickw-2

        Copyright Patrick

        Black and white is always a very compelling way to bring attention to the abstract nature of patterns and textures in an image. It can also add a layer of drama to the image and make it look interesting and visually appealing. In this photo Patrick has made use of light and shadow to capture a very interesting photo that is also story telling.

        The composition in this photo is very powerful with the horizontal line leading to the subject or point of interest, while also the subject’s shadow is framed by the bright illuminated area in the frame making two compositional guidelines work together powerfully. The vertical lines and the textures on the road add interest to the entire image boosting its visual appeal.

        Congratulations Patrick on this stunning capture – the textures, light and composition are all perfect.

        Third Place: “Kestrel” by Wendy P @wendyp

        Copyright Wendy P

        This photo of a kestrel is quite interesting to look at. It is one that can leave the viewers wondering as to how this image was captured or if something was done during post-processing. Either way, this work by Wendy stands out for its unique presentation.

        The image almost seems monochrome with a touch of another colour on the bird. Breaking the rule of thirds and placing the subject towards the center of the frame has worked well for this image. Besides the movements in the frame, the subject and other elements are quite recognisable with enough details.

        Congratulations Wendy on this beautiful submission!

        People’s Choice Award Winner

        Our monthly photo contests also come with a People’s Choice Award. The winner of this part of the contest receives $100 worth of store credit on Light Stalking which they can spend as they please on our blueprints, drills, courses or Presets.

        Copyright Pat Garrett

        The most popular photo for October, voted by the contestants was “The World of “Upside Down”” by Pat Garrett, @patography which has won the people’s choice award. This photo works quite effectively in terms of its abstract nature, the vibrant colours, the distortion produced by the water and the beautiful Sun along with the halo. The frame also indirectly depicts the end of fall and the start of a colder season. This interesting frame makes the viewer scan and enjoy all the minute details. Congratulations on the win Pat.

        cc: @admin-2

      • #541788
        Patrick
        Participant
          • Allows Edits: Yes
          @patrickw-2
          Allows Edits? Yes

          Oh 🙂 , Thank you very much Dahlia , i must have slipped time in someway , i forgot about this image i entered , really appreciate the Pick folks 🙂

          Congratulations and big well done to everyone , Jean Well deserved win lovely photo indeed 🙂

          Congratulations Wendy  , you got much closer to these birds that i have managed to get so far 🙂 Well done

          Super creative Eye Pat , loved this photo from the min i seen it , Congratulations 🙂

          Massive thanks again Dahlia 🙂

        • #541825
          Pat Garrett
          Participant
            • https://www.instagram.com/patriciaj.garrett/
            • Allows Edits: Yes
            @patography
            Allows Edits? Yes

            @dahliaambrose – thank you for the picks and commentary. There were some terrific entries and I am honored to receive “People’s Choice”. Thank you everyone. @jeanT congratulations on a beautiful win, @patrickw-2 this shot made me wonder the thoughts going through the figure’s head, and @wendyp the kestral is such a unique, intriguing  frame. Congratulations to everyone.

            • #541904
              Patrick
              Participant
                • Allows Edits: Yes
                @patrickw-2
                Allows Edits? Yes

                Thank you Pat 🙂

            • #541826
              Robert Apple
              Moderator
                • https://www.instagram.com/robert.apple.98/
                • https://photography667a.myportfolio.com/
                • Allows Edits: Yes
                @robertapple
                Allows Edits? Yes

                Grats to all the winners, nice photos all.

                • #541892
                  Pat Garrett
                  Participant
                    • https://www.instagram.com/patriciaj.garrett/
                    • Allows Edits: Yes
                    @patography
                    Allows Edits? Yes

                    Thanks, Robert!

                  • #541895
                    Patrick
                    Participant
                      • Allows Edits: Yes
                      @patrickw-2
                      Allows Edits? Yes

                      Thank you very much Robert 🙂

                  • #541883
                    Wendy P
                    Participant
                      • Allows Edits:
                      @wendyp

                      Just caught up with this on my travels to Europe. Thanks for picking my Kestrel photo and congrats to Jean, Patrick, and Pat for their interesting and worthy winning entries. Nice work!

                      • #541893
                        Pat Garrett
                        Participant
                          • https://www.instagram.com/patriciaj.garrett/
                          • Allows Edits: Yes
                          @patography
                          Allows Edits? Yes

                          Have a wonderful time, Wendy.

                        • #541906
                          Patrick
                          Participant
                            • Allows Edits: Yes
                            @patrickw-2
                            Allows Edits? Yes

                            Thank you Wendy 🙂

                        • #541903
                          Jean T
                          Participant
                            • Allows Edits: Yes
                            @jeant
                            Allows Edits? Yes

                            Thank you very much Dahlia for the pick and for the commentary !I really appreciate this honor!

                            This win push my confidence in my photography forward  !

                            Congratulations to Patrick for his photo “One step more” ! I love this kind of photo between realty and fiction. Nice format and composition. The B&W is strong and effective.

                            Congrats Pat for his win ! Nice colors ! A good idea completed by a nice work !

                             

                            • #541907
                              Patrick
                              Participant
                                • Allows Edits: Yes
                                @patrickw-2
                                Allows Edits? Yes

                                Many thanks Jean 🙂

                              • #542007
                                Pat Garrett
                                Participant
                                  • https://www.instagram.com/patriciaj.garrett/
                                  • Allows Edits: Yes
                                  @patography
                                  Allows Edits? Yes

                                  Thank you, Jean

                              • #541918
                                Tersha
                                Keymaster
                                  • https://www.flickr.com/photos/diane_rose/
                                  • Allows Edits: Yes
                                  @tersha
                                  Allows Edits? Yes

                                  Great set of photos, all worthy winners. Congrats to Jean T, Patrick. Wendy and Pat.

                                  • #541934
                                    Patrick
                                    Participant
                                      • Allows Edits: Yes
                                      @patrickw-2
                                      Allows Edits? Yes

                                      Much appreciated Diane Big thanks 🙂

                                  • #541951
                                    Jean T
                                    Participant
                                      • Allows Edits: Yes
                                      @jeant
                                      Allows Edits? Yes

                                      Ouppps! Sorry Wendy, I missed your picture “Kestrel”

                                      I love all pictures look like ICM (Intentional Camera Movement).This adds an artistic and expressive dimension. We can see our own story in it.

                                      Congrats on this well-deserved third place !

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                                  About Author

                                  Dahlia is one of the staff writers at Light Stalking and besides writing, she also responds to customer queries, schedules social media posts and helps with product development. Get to know her better here.