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

A look back on some of the year’s photographic highs and lows

AI leaps ahead, but not without controversy

More great phones for photography

A big year for AP, too

Simply the best • It’s been another bumper year for stunning entries to photography competitions. Amy Davies picks out a selection of 2024’s finest

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 photographic purchase do you really regret?

A lasting legacy • Your photographic archive is likely to be very important to your family – how can you make sure it’s easy for them to deal with once you’re no longer around? Amy Davies explores the options

Review of the Year 2024 • 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 very 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 2024

Our contributors’ choices • Those who often write for AP also see lots of images throughout the year – so as you can imagine, those that stand out need to really make an impact. Here, five of our regulars choose their favourites

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 roundup of the best images that picture editors of newspapers and of media outlets have seen in 2024

Remembering those who passed • We pay tribute to some of the great photographers who died this year, from well-established names to the tragically young

Page turners • We’ve been spoiled for choice with photography books this year. Amy Davies selects some of the best that have featured in AP in 2024

AP out and about • Aside from putting together a weekly magazine, running a website and various social media platforms, we do spend a lot of time taking photos, whether part of a review or just for pure enjoyment in our personal time. Here’s a selection of our favourite photos taken in 2024

Get the medium format advantage • Fujifilm’s GFX range has made medium format more affordable. We reveal its benefits over full frame

2024: The year’s best kit • Andy Westlake looks back on the cameras and lenses released in 2024, and picks out the highlights and trends

Nigel Atherton • AP Editor Nigel Atherton has enjoyed using a small travel camera and a large-screen folding phone

Joshua Waller • An eclectic list from Online Editor Joshua Waller includes two compact cameras, two flagship smartphones, and a clever little drone

Jessica Miller • Deputy Online Editor Jessica Miller tested a new and exciting half-frame film camera from Pentax

Isabella Ruffatti • An affordable smartphone and a 30-year-old film...