Early Mornings are exactly what us photographers love… that time of day when everything can be yours. The space, the unseen and the awesome light!
How early is early? Well that is precisely down to each and everyone of us given the goals and objectives that we are seeking to meet.
With no fixed theme other than the time of day there was a wonderfull variety of images of trees, insects, activites and places all taking place while most people are sleeping.
Well done to all of you who took part and congrats if your were one of the selected top five images that are featured in the current June edition of the Algarve Plus Magazine.
Avery Holt is a curator and visual culture critic whose work explores the intersection of narrative, place, and perception went to work once again performing her Judging duties. With a background in documentary photography and environmental design, Holt has served on juries for international exhibitions and competitions celebrating creative reinterpretations of culture and tradition. Their curatorial philosophy centers on the quiet power of the unexpected — moments where familiar symbols are reframed through light, geography, or imagination.
The next theme for Algarve Plus for August will be: “Pottery”.
Selected & Published Images
Words of Wisdom
1st Place: 01 Early Morning Mist by Nigel Moore
This image succeeds because every element works in quiet alignment. The diffused backlight, partially veiled by mist, creates a soft, believable glow that immediately signals early morning without overpowering the frame. The atmosphere adds natural depth, gently separating foreground, mid-ground, and background, while the composition is both simple and deliberate—the off-centre tree, subtle S-curve in the trunk, and grounding stone circle all guide the eye without feeling constructed. The restrained colour and tonal control preserve the mood rather than exaggerate it, and sharpness is used selectively, allowing the scene to feel organic rather than clinical. Most importantly, it conveys a sense of stillness and quiet anticipation; it feels observed, not engineered, which is why nothing appears forced and the image feels complete.
2nd Place: 12 On the Tee by Daryl Gabin
This image stands out for its technical control and refinement. The soft, directional morning light is handled beautifully, creating gentle contrast and a natural tonal falloff without any harsh highlights or blocked shadows. The shallow depth of field is particularly effective, isolating the subject while allowing the background to recede into a soft, atmospheric context that still hints at place. Composition is clean and assured, with a clear subject hierarchy and subtle lines guiding the eye without distraction, while the colour palette remains cohesive and understated. Where it sits just behind the top image is in its emotional reach—it feels more specific and situational, centred on anticipation and routine, rather than delivering the same immediate, universally resonant sense of atmosphere, but it remains a highly polished and professional piece of work.
3rd Place: 05 Morning Catch by Jan Chapman
This image distinguishes itself through its sense of lived-in narrative, capturing early morning not just as a quality of light but as a moment of activity and purpose. The presence of the fishermen and birds introduces movement and interaction, giving the frame energy while still retaining the calm rhythm typical of that time of day. Compositionally, the diagonals of the boats and the distribution of subjects guide the eye naturally through the scene, reinforcing that sense of flow. The light, while softer and less dramatic than some others, supports the story with gentle warmth and realism, avoiding distraction. What makes it compelling is that it feels observational and authentic—like a genuine slice of morning routine—rather than a constructed image, and that narrative dimension gives it an edge over more static or purely atmospheric entries.
4th Place: 03 Cobwebs by John Kendall
This image is very strong technically, with crisp focus and excellent control over detail, particularly in the dew droplets that immediately signal early morning conditions. The way the light catches the moisture adds texture and sparkle without tipping into overexposure, and the colour remains vibrant yet believable. It’s a clear and effective interpretation of the theme, using natural cues rather than relying on obvious sunrise elements. However, it functions more as a study than a story—the frame is dense and visually engaging, but lacks a clear focal hierarchy or narrative anchor to hold the viewer’s attention longer. As a result, while it demonstrates skill and thematic awareness, it doesn’t quite reach the same emotional or storytelling depth as the higher-ranked images.
5th Place: 06 Early Morning Walk – Kevin Saunders
This image works well because it combines a clear, engaging composition with a relatable sense of early morning routine. The leading line of the road draws the viewer naturally into the frame, while the dog provides a strong foreground anchor and an immediate narrative hook, adding both scale and personality. The low sun and long shadows reinforce the time of day effectively, giving the scene warmth and direction. Where it loses a little ground is in the processing—the contrast and clarity feel slightly pushed, which reduces the softness and subtlety that typically define early morning light. Dialling that back would allow the atmosphere to breathe more and elevate the image from a strong capture to a more refined, top-tier result.
Main Gallery
