Our writers' choices

Those who contribute to AP see countless images throughout the year, so it takes a great deal for one to stand out. Here, four of our regulars choose the image that made an impact on them in 2023

- Angela Nicholson

Gone Fishing, by Lesley Martin
Canon EOS R5 with Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM

Kingfishers are a popular subject, but one of the most difficult birds to photograph because they're so small and fast. Most people barely see a flash of blue, let alone capture a sharp image. That's why Lesley Martin's image sticks in my mind: it's one of the best portraits of a kingfisher that I've ever seen. Lesley submitted it for the SheClicks July 2023 Challenge, which had the theme *Complementary Colours', with a brief to have colours that pop together. The bright orange and blue of the kingfisher really nails it.

Lesley shot her image from a small hide on the outskirts of Durham, where a small beck runs alongside an embankment covered in ivy. The embankment was in shade for most of the day but as the sun moved round, attractive hot spots appeared through the gaps in the trees. There were several places the kingfisher could have perched on, but luckily, he landed on one in a patch of light.

I like that Lesley has captured the bird resting on a perch rather than diving into water, because it gives us the opportunity to really study its beautiful plumage, which is set off against the dark green background.