At first glance, an empty space may seem to be a photograph without a subject. In reality, it is often the subject itself.
This challenge invited members to explore the beauty, emotion, and storytelling found in places where little—or nothing—appears to be happening. Empty streets, abandoned buildings, vacant chairs, open landscapes, quiet interiors, or vast skies can all evoke feelings of solitude, anticipation, peace, mystery, or even loss.
The absence of people or activity often encourages the viewer to imagine what came before or what might happen next. Through careful composition, light, texture, scale, and the thoughtful use of negative space, an “empty” scene can become remarkably powerful.
Sometimes, what isn’t there tells the most compelling story.
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.
Well done to everyone who took part, and congratulations to those who were selected and are featured in the current September edition of the Algarve Plus Magazine.
The next theme for Algarve Plus for October will be: “Jetties and Piers“.
Selected & Published Images
Words of Wisdom
1st Place: 8 I ride my bycicle by Ina Tänzer
Bold, original interpretation of the theme — the lone rider dissolves into a radiating blur of empty tide flat and sky. The zoom-burst effect feels deliberate, not gimmicky, and the monochrome treatment suits the stark mood perfectly.
2nd Place: 11 Storm and Boat by Sergio Pereira
A dramatic sky dominates two-thirds of the frame over a desolate, waterlogged flat with one forgotten boat — powerful storytelling of neglect and isolation, with excellent tonal contrast between the dark foreground and glowing cloud gaps.
3rd Place: 5 Fishing in empty Spaces by Glyn Parry
The purest compositional restraint of the set — a tiny boat against a vast sky and sea, with cool desaturated tones reinforcing solitude. Directly ties to Algarve’s fishing heritage.
4th Place: 4 Dawn by Jan Chapman
A glassy water reflection and a warm, cohesive sunset gradient give this a serene, quietly empty mood. The houseboat is well placed off-center.
5th Place: 2 Cloisters by Nigel Chapman
The foreground arch frames the receding row of columns beautifully, creating real depth and a contemplative, empty-corridor mood that fits the brief well.
Main Gallery
