Photocrowd is an incredible web-based photographic competition platform, home to a vibrant community of 18,000 passionate members! With a variety of competitions to spark your creativity, including the exciting standard competitions where members choose the themes, as well as thrilling events like the International Amateur Photographer of the Year and the Environmental Photographer of the Year, there’s something for every photographer. Best of all, joining is completely free, and entering most competitions costs you nothing! Imagine receiving enthusiastic feedback from the crowd and insights from seasoned professionals alike. With over 500,000 views on my work, I’ve found that it offers amazing exposure—far beyond what platforms like Instagram can provide. I’ve been lucky enough to win a couple of contests with what I consider my strongest shots, proving that this platform truly works! If you’re eager to showcase your photography and receive invaluable feedback without spending a cent, I wholeheartedly recommend diving into the world of Photocrowd!

This photograph clinched 1st place out of nearly 4500 entries, and what a tremendous honor that is! The professional feedback was certainly laudable, highlighting technical aspects like the double image, framing, and composition. Yet, for me, there’s a deeper magic at play. In the world of street photography, strolling down the street with a hefty camera can sometimes feel confrontational, and I’ve faced that tension more than once. But with the Rolleiflex in hand, something extraordinary happens—people light up with genuine curiosity, and it’s common to be approached with a flurry of questions. Surprisingly, concerns about “image rights” fade away, as most are delighted to have their portrait captured! Of course, developing and printing photographs can be pricey, yet you can mitigate these costs by processing your own film, scanning the negatives, and editing them using your favorite software. While some might call scanning a shortcut, I believe it strikes a beautiful balance. Ultimately, analog photography remains vibrant, and I assure you that wielding a Rolleiflex while exploring the streets can be an exhilarating experience, even more so than using a classic film SLR. It demands a touch more skill, but the joy and artistry found in the prints make every ounce of time and effort worthwhile! In comparison to a shiny new Mirrorless SLR you can pick up a Rolleiflex for less and have way much more fun.

Another 1st place photograph, and one of my favourites. It beautifully captures the essence of storytelling, even if it may not resonate with everyone. This photograph, taken in Glasgow just a couple of years ago near one of the renowned football stadiums, features a backdrop of typical tenement buildings that are sadly vanishing, holding a piece of history for those who are aware or who grew up during that time. The most poignant aspect is a set of “real” goalposts; back in the day, children crafted goalposts from jumpers or whatever was at hand, a reflection of simpler times that hints at social melancholy. For those who were fortunate enough to grow up with actual goalposts, they often stood in front of patches of ground worn down to mud from countless games. Here, the grass is overgrown, signaling a poignant reality of children sitting indoors, immersed in their PlayStations, hesitant to explore the outside world and embrace childhood. This moment marked a turning point for me; I became acutely aware of what I was documenting, recognizing it as more than just a fortunate shot.

This photograph earned a well-deserved second place award, but it’s so much more than that—it tells a powerful story. During my unforgettable time in Dresden for a photoshoot, I stumbled upon an enchanting outdoor market. I captured hundreds of moments, pouring my heart into editing them days later back home. Among them, this photograph radiates with energy, compelling me to uncover its mysteries. One striking statue—a lady with her arms gracefully folded—stands proudly beside her reflective human mirror. In the foreground, another lady mirrors her pose, while a gentleman in the background echoes the same stance. It raises profound questions: Did I consciously notice this captivating alignment? Probably not. Did it seep into my mind subconsciously? Perhaps. Was it merely luck? Possibly. Yet, with all the experience I’ve gained from workshops, it’s evident that when it comes to editing I can “read” photographs with greater clarity, and that other skilled photographers and judges recognise and appreciate the depth of my work.

Another photograph that garnered prestigious awards, captivating countless admirers for an array of reasons. Captured in the enchanting city of Istanbul during an inspiring workshop with Nikos Economopolulos, this image was instantly chosen by him during the evening review. Some are drawn to its mesmerizing color palette, others feel the deep intimacy it conveys, while many appreciate its stunning composition. I share this to illustrate that each photograph can evoke profoundly different emotions and meanings for each viewer.