Best of 2025 Photo Contest WInners
To kick off 2026 in style, our photo challenge in the Archipelago Collective Facebook Group looked back on the year that was with the #BestOf2025 photo challenge.
We invited our community to share their favorite images from 2025, edited with Archipelago or Quest Presets, and you showed up in the best way. The feed became a collective highlight reel filled with meaningful moments, personal growth, and creative exploration. Seeing your work, your stories, and the images that mattered most to you reminded us why this community exists in the first place. Thank you for sharing your year with us. Here’s to continuing to learn, create, and inspire together.
First Place Winner of the #Bestof2025: Emilie Eychenne
Image by Emilie Eychenne
Edited with Quest 39 Driftwood
This stunning beachy couples session was photographed in Seignosse, Landes, France
Gear: Canon R5 + Canon 50mm 1.2
“Archipelago Presets are among the highest quality I know. I’m always so excited when a new one is released! Whether it’s the tools or the presets, they’re part of my everyday workflow.”
Before & After
What or who inspires your photography?
The ocean is an endless well of inspiration, and when my couples love it as much as I do, I make sure it’s fully woven into their session.
What’s your favorite photography tip?
Think about the experience before thinking about the final photos… If the moment feels magical, the images will be too.
What’s your favorite bit of gear and why?
My 28–70mm f/2 — it’s so versatile and high-quality! It lets me switch up my framing a lot while staying super reactive to every cute little moment happening around.
Follow Emilie on Instagram at @emilieeychenne
We also wanted to give a special mention to these amazing photographers and their #Bestof2025 photos!
Runner Up: Licht & Lens
Gear: Sony a7III + Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 DG DN II Art
Image by Licht & Lens
Edited with ExFilm
“Archipelago presets have become an essential part of my editing process. The depth of color and the organic tones they produce are stunning. They don’t just ‘filter’ the photo; they enhance the mood perfectly. If you’re struggling to find your ‘look,’ start here!”
Runner Up: Chelsea Broda
Gear: Canon R6 mark ii and 35mm 1.4EF
Image by Chelsea Broda
Edited with ExFilm
“I absolutely love Exfilm and the way they work on my images. I find no matter what the lighting situation, I can always count on these to help create the image I imagined. ExFilm is versatile and has been my go to for years now.”
Runner Up: Sara Caswell
Gear: Canon Mark IV, Canon 85 mm, Alien Bees 1600
Image by Sara Caswell
Edited with Quest 43 Pittura
Thanks so much to everyone who participated in our #Bestof2025 challenge!
Keep an eye out for more challenges this year in the Archipelago Collective!