PM/Nikon UK's Best Photographer 2009

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1. What an awesome collection of pictures. I am staggered by the versatility and imagination of your readers and their skill in putting their ideas into a finished picture. The PM team must surely be proud to have inspired and encouraged by such an entry.
   Regards - Dennis Shelley

   Comment made by: denshelley
   15.07.09 21:12:02

2. A lot of pro's pic's there,
   With pro websites,
   and pro services.
   
   I never had a chance.
   I never had a chance before i saw the slide show.
   Come on the amatures.

   Comment made by: vitalsigns
   16.07.09 18:11:06

3. brilliant sets of photos here :D

   Comment made by: Midnight
   16.07.09 19:49:46

4. I thought that this comp was for the average joe,
   Not virtual pros, with their heavy manipulation of pics.
   However, some of the more natural pics were excellent.
   Bootneck

   Comment made by: bootneck
   16.07.09 20:12:22

5. Stunning and very varied selection of photographs.
   Congratulations to everyone selected - it's going to be a very interesting competition.

   Comment made by: JoT
   17.07.09 11:11:35

6. Such a shame some pro's have slipped the net here. I remember checking out some of the entrants pages and seeing they were quite clearly pro's and am now seeing their images.
   
   An amazing selection of photographs none the less, some top work from amateurs too. Even if I'm not one of them... it's hard for me to justify feeling that I should have got through instead of other people.
   
   Best of luck to all the amateurs.

   Comment made by: cornzee
   18.07.09 13:10:55

7. Bet a million pound that a pro wins...although the photos from the amatures are far better in every way.

   Comment made by: brfc123
   18.07.09 17:13:21

8. A set of excellent, very varied and amazing photos very well done to the 'amateur' photographers amongst the 50 that took them. Some of the themes are a bit tenuous. I hope the next competition of this type is run in a less confused and more rigorous manner. I hope a true amateur wins, who will really appreciate the fantastic D700 prize.

   Comment made by: MikeGordon
   19.07.09 10:56:09

9. It's very easy to say that there are 'pro's' amongst the 50 seleceted.
   Just because someone has a website and sells photographs from that website that doesn't mean they are professional photographers.
   It's generally accepted that if you earn less than 10% of your yearly income from photography then you are not a professional photographer.
   A professional has to make a living, it's his day job he can't pick and choose what he photographs he does the jobs that pay the bills.
   Take the lad who has the

   Comment made by: JoT
   19.07.09 12:05:50

10. I agree. The amatuer shots are better and the oppurtunity to win should be given to amateurs only.
    Someone using gear the same as what we all want to win here... has a great advantage. I know one doesn't always need the best kit for the job but, think someone with professional gear will probably win and sell the gear on or, add it to their already superb collection, leaving us no bodies behind to keep trying for nothing.
    I hope someone wins with a really low budget camera so they can be given the chance

    Comment made by: Riaan
    19.07.09 18:25:33

11. Many of the photogs here will be very happy that you define them as pro's. No where in the rules did it state that this was for amateurs only.
    Absolutely stunning finalists all of them, congratulations on getting through. Look forward to watching their progress through the next stages.

    Comment made by: sgtbilco
    21.07.09 08:24:58

12. There are certainly lots of great pictures here, but I'm left wondering - as with many other correspondents - where the professional / amateur dividing line falls. Your competition loses a lot of its interest if you've just picked a couple of talented amateurs and a vast preponderance of people who do this professionally or semi-professionally.

    Comment made by: timlennon
    21.07.09 08:44:45

13. As one of the lucky 50, I'd like to thank everyone at PM for a really great afternoon out. That was a really tough session you put us all though, but what I will take away even if I progress no further, was the enthusiasm and encouragement from both the PM staff and my fellow entrants. There are some truly talented photogs in there. Not sure about this Amateur v Pro thing. I also had a look at some people's profiles, mine looks quite pro, I would love to make my living from photography, but reality is a

    Comment made by: WellingtonSparky
    21.07.09 10:44:48

14. As one of the 50, I too would like to say thanks for an interesting day. I now wait with bated breath to get the results of my marked 'exam'!
    On the matter of pro versus amateur, to me a pro is someone who has undertaken a course of study in photography, served an apprenticeship under a recognised pro and then gone on to work as a pro in the field with this job as their main source of income. It's definitely not someone like me with a website, who sells a few images or portrait sessions to help

    Comment made by: angelaadamsuk
    21.07.09 11:59:12

15. ... finance a 'need' for all things photographic.
    
    The advent of digital has made photography more accessible to the masses and encouraged those with a passion to creatively post process - without having to mortgage one's home to buy kit!
    
    Well done to all those who entered. Today's standard of amateur photography does indeed equal that of the pros, but let's not get the two confused - and give credit where credit's due to those who put in time and effort to achieve stunning images, and make a f

    Comment made by: angelaadamsuk
    21.07.09 12:05:52

16. ... few quid on the side!

    Comment made by: angelaadamsuk
    21.07.09 12:09:08

17. ... few quid on the side!

    Comment made by: angelaadamsuk
    21.07.09 12:09:35

18. There are some very good shots in there... there are also shots that shouldn't be there, to much manipulation imo, but I'm no pro.
    Good luck to all the entrants! especially the 'real' amatuers ;-)

    Comment made by: B1n0ry
    21.07.09 12:23:58

19. As another of the final 50, I'd like to thank the team for a well organised morning, it definetly made the long drive down worth it. Just waiting for the results now...the more time that passes, the more my paranioa kicks in!
    
    P[H]

    Comment made by: PaperHe4rt
    21.07.09 14:15:12

20. As one of "the 50" that was fortunate enough to be considered. I would like to thank Roger, Liz, Will and the team for a great day and a valuable experience. I'm not too optimistic about getting through to the next round due to the number of guesstimates I made on the test but well worth it and best of luck to those that do.
    
    Steve

    Comment made by: bassguitar
    21.07.09 20:13:32

21. Another one of the lucky 50 here....Thanks to the well organised and highly professional PM team headed by Roger. An amazing experience with the "X factor" style competition, great idea as it added a twist to the competition! Makes the challenge interesting with winners along the way. Thanks again, good luck to the other 49. May the best person win!

    Comment made by: fudgley
    22.07.09 00:43:32

22. I have to echo what has been said as being one of the 50 too, well organised and a great day! So many thanks to Roger, Liz, Will and all the team! It was also briliant to put some faces to names of the other competitors! good luck to the other 49!
    
    Stu.

    Comment made by: StuartGLoch
    22.07.09 08:20:34

23. Thank you all at PM had a great albeit exhausting afternoon, God it was hard, but fun,enjoyed meeting every one good luck to one & all. Jenny, amatuer photographer!!

    Comment made by: hibbz
    22.07.09 09:11:50

24. Damn it, I knew I'd be the impatient one! Does anyone have an idea is to when the 'Final 50' know whether they're in the 'Final 24' or not? It'd be good to find out, so that time off work can be sorted...and so my anxiety can be reigned in!
    
    P[H]

    Comment made by: PaperHe4rt
    22.07.09 09:39:05

25. Oh no, tomorrow? I'm not sure if I feel better or worse for knowing that! :0) Oh well, fingers crossed everyone...good luck!
    
    Lee

    Comment made by: PaperHe4rt
    22.07.09 15:40:28

26. Another one of the fortunate 50 here. Looking forward to finding out the results and obviously hopeful with fingers, toes and, whatever else can be crossed, well and truly crossed!
    Have to echo the comments already made and thank Roger, Liz, Will, Kevin and Sean for a wonderful afternoon. Really looked after us and made everyone welcome. A great experience and good to meet the other competitors too and to whom I wish good luck - only one more sleepless night!

    Comment made by: Coast
    22.07.09 16:56:04

27. Hey Roger, will you be publishing the questions at any time, so I can 'Wiki' the answers to see where I lost the plot?! I'm kicking myself on a few that I know I got wrong. Tests, eh! Put me right back into an exam mental block nightmare! Great questions though. Really diverse. I'm sure they wouldn't have been out of place on 'Millionaire'.

    Comment made by: WellingtonSparky
    22.07.09 17:38:26

28. My own impatience surprises me! Has anyone heard whether they're through to the second round yet? Come on PM, put the paranoid and anxious amongst out of our misery!
    
    Lee

    Comment made by: PaperHe4rt
    23.07.09 11:03:02

29. Well I think since everyone else is saying there thankyous I'll do the same. So:
    
    Thank you to the team! It was a great day out and I really enjoyed it, no matter whether I progress through or not it was a great experience and lovely to meet the PM Team. :)
    
    - Will

    Comment made by: WillN
    23.07.09 15:50:12

30. I'll also echo the comments made by members of the '50' (sounds like a cult).
    
    Was good to meet the organisers and the other competitors (especially the small group I tagged on to - hibbz, coast, w/sparky, zigzygo - sorry if I forgot someone), all made you feel very welcome and top people.
    
    Unfortunately, I won't be joining others in the new '25' club, was let down gently by email earlier.
    
    Good luck to all those who made the grade and for all those in my half of the '50', you made it this far! Do

    Comment made by: Browni
    23.07.09 18:18:39

31. ... not be too disheartened. All the photos I've seen are well worthy of a pat (hand, not cow) on the back and some praise to boot.
    
    Hope to catch you all in the next 'group' competition/challenge that may come around.

    Comment made by: Browni
    23.07.09 18:20:57

32. Sadly, I didn't make the grade either, but well done to those who did. I shall be watching you progress with interest - good luck!

    Comment made by: angelaadamsuk
    23.07.09 19:59:41

33. lots of wonderful shots and some imagination, if only I had half the gear these guys have. Some colours look false and there are a number of iffy pictures that makes one wonder how it got in. but overall some very worthy winners.

    Comment made by: Gramps427
    08.08.09 12:12:10

34. Congratulations to all who made it.
    I like many of the varied post producation techniques on show here some i dont like so much, buts its all good and helps to illustrate the depth of imagination out there. Lots if inspiration and hopefully my pictures will be good enough next year to progress.

    Comment made by: GraStir
    10.08.09 12:16:47

35. Well done to all those how have progressed, great to see the 100th issue and reconise some of the great photograpers i meet up with.
    good luck to all the other 49 in all your photgraphic adventures

    Comment made by: zigzygo
    14.08.09 08:36:45