#Bestof2024 Photo Challenge WInners
To kick off 2025 in style, our photo challenge in the Archipelago Collective group took a look back at the previous year with the #BestOf2024 photo challenge!
We invited our incredibly talented community to share their favorite images from 2024, edited with Archipelago or Quest Presets, and the response was nothing short of amazing. Our feed was brimming with stunning work that showcased the immense talent and creativity of our community. We absolutely loved seeing your best moments from 2024 and couldn’t be more inspired by the artistry on display. Here’s to another year of unforgettable images!
First Place Winner of the #Bestof2024: Jamie LeMaire Photography
Image by Jamie LeMaire Photography
Edited with Light & Truth
This stunning wedding photo was photographed in Big Sur, California USA
Gear: Two Canon R6 bodies, 35mm, 85mm, 24mm, 70-200mm
“Archipelago knocks it out of the park again! I am a long time user of their presets and they never disappoint. I shoot 99% of my weddings in Big Sur, and the Light & Truth preset does a great job of
highlighting the natural beauty of the landscape, without changing it too much. The colors stay true, but it still just adds that “pop” of drama. The skin tones are perfection, and it’s the closest thing I’ve found to a one click edit.”
Before & After
What or who inspires your photography?
Lately I am super inspired by @tuckerhousephoto and always by @maleyphoto
What’s your favorite photography tip?
Have a plan! Before every session, whether it's a wedding, maternity, couples - I always have a "vision board" both in my head and on my phone. I create an inspiration of album of certain poses, locations, ideas and colors. It really helps me to stay creative and to refer to do during the session when I'm feeling a lull.
What’s your favorite bit of gear and why?
My favorite bit of gear lately is my old school Canon Auto Boy 35 mm! I am loving film lately, and this little point and shoot is so fun to bring along on wedding days and just snap away at some candid moments. I would truly only shoot film if I could - maybe one day I will!
Second Place Winner of the #Bestof2024: Haz Goldson, Moments by Goldson
Image by Haz Goldson, Moments by Goldson
Edited with LXCR
Gear: Canon R6, Sigma Art 35mm F1.4 & Canon RF 85mm F2
What or who inspires your photography?
I started my photography journey photographing live theatre. I loved the intensity, expression and how fleeting each moment was, it became so addictive to try to catch the moments before they disappeared. When I moved into weddings, I found myself inspired by much the same. The intensity, expression and fleeting moments! I would say that’s what impacts my style and composition more than anything.
What’s your favorite photography tip?
To never compare yourself to anyone else - your journey is different and so are your clients. It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks or assumes about you or your work, you are just as much of an artist as any other photographer.
Go, take photos, have fun and find your groove - your journey doesn't have to follow the same path as other photographers to find success.
What’s your favorite bit of gear and why?
I love both my Sigma Art 35mm and my RF 85mm F2 by Canon - these are my main lenses for weddings and theatre work alike and I get almost all of my shots with them. I love how they feel in my hand, and in my experience both are really reliable and hardy lenses.
We also wanted to give a special mention to these amazing photographers and their #Bestof2024 photos!
Runner Up: More Than Click Photography
Gear: Nikon Z6 , Nikon 35mm 1.4, Nikon 50mm 1.8, Nikon 85mm 1.4
Image by More Than Click Photography
Edited with FOURXFIVE
“As a wedding photographer since 2013, the editing process has always been a significant part of my workflow. For the past 10 years, I’ve been exclusively using Archipelago Presets for all my projects, and I can confidently say that they have transformed my editing experience. Archipelago Presets have made the editing process incredibly effortless and efficient, allowing me to focus on bringing out the best in my images. With just a few clicks, my photos achieve stunningly beautiful colors and a unique aesthetic that perfectly matches the timeless style my clients love.
The presets strike the perfect balance between enhancing the natural tones and creating a distinct mood that sets my work apart. They’ve helped me maintain consistency in my style while ensuring each photo feels fresh and captivating.
Thanks to Archipelago, my workflow has become smoother, and the results speak for themselves— beautiful, vibrant images with a signature look that resonates with my vision as an artist. I can’t recommend them enough to photographers seeking both simplicity and exceptional results in their editing process! I’ve been a member of Archipelago Quest since the very beginning, and I can confidently say it has been one of the best decisions in my career as a photographer. I wouldn’t trade the incredible capabilities of their presets for anything.
A heartfelt congratulations to the entire Archipelago team for their outstanding work! Thank you for these amazing years of inspiration, creativity, and support. I look forward to many more!”
Image by More Than Click Photography
Edited with Quest 43 Llŷr
Runner Up: Chris Yushta
Gear: Nikon D850 Nikon 35mm 1.4G
Image by Chris Yushta
Edited with LXCR
“The Archipelago presets completely changed my workflow and even to some extent how I shoot. I know what I want my final product to look like, so I shoot to achieve that and the presets help me get there. When I start to feel burnt out or bored, I grab something different and play and the difference in tones and textures can revitalize what I am doing.”
Runner Up: Brooke Ladouceur
Gear: Sony A7iii + 35 mm 1.8
Image by Brooke Ladouceur
Edited with Quest 11 InstantFilm + Aurae from Quest 38 BeQuest
“Quest 11 Instant Film is one of my top go-to presets for instant nostalgia. Giving my images a throwback to a time of golden simplicity. Matted tones and light leaks, in an instant one-click BANG to creativity.”
Runner Up: Corissa Fir
Gear: Canon R5, 28-70 2.0 lens
Image by Corissa Fir
Edited with LXCR + Aurae from Quest 38 BeQuest
“I’ve been a fan of Archipelago presets for years! I’ve loved being a Quest member and having access to a new and unique preset every month. It inspires me to try out something different and play around with my settings.
I’ve explored quite a few different presets over the years from a variety of places but always come back to
Archipelago!”
Runner Up: Cerith Morgan-Jones
Gear: Canon RP and a Canon EF 85mm 1.8 lens
“Literal photo editing wizardry. I can’t use any other presets/tools, they all pale in comparison.”
Runner Up: Will Milne
Gear: Canon R6 MII
Image by Will Milne
Edited with Quest 16 Riven
“Archipelago presets bring my photos to life exactly how I envisioned them in my mind when I first captured the moment.”
Thanks so much to everyone who participated in our #Bestof2024 challenge! Keep an eye out for more challenges in the Archipelago Collective!