2020 Automotive Photography Challenge Winners

Words by Loli Azuelo | SiQ Founder

Our official panel of professional photographers: Canon Australia Ambassadors Kass Brumley & Gemma Ortlipp, and professional photographers Michal Lomman of Mick Focus Photography Australia and Jonathan Salmi of Jonathan Salmi Photography Chicago have spoken - and here are your Winning 7 entries who will be in print for our Women's Automotive Calendar for 2021 aaand Winner's Lanyards!!

The power is now in your hands to determine who will featured on the front cover, alongside our upcoming Automotive Recognition Awards Winners.

Street Ignition Queens is taking over Lady Driven Co. for one week only. So join over 17k automotive enthusiasts over at their instagram and give your favourite submission a Like! The entry with the most Likes will be crowned Cover Queen and Ms January 2021.

FIRST HIGHEST SCORED ENTRY

RUTH STRUTH | AUSTRALIA | #VIQ017

Photographer: Thirteen27 Media

Ruth Struth from Sydney, Australia with her 2004 Ford Falcon BA

Official Judging Panel Response

"The beautiful mood lighting in this image draws the eye straight to the car and subject without distraction while still telling the story of the garage it is housed in. The intimate pose of the car owner shows their love and passion for their car and lends well to the story told."

- Kass Brumley | Canon Ambassador

"This is some really nice lighting, and I love the garage setting. The pose is very intimate; I didn't need to read the description to feel like she has a real connection with this car. It's a member of the family."

- Jonathan Salmi | Jonathan Salmi Photography

"I appreciated the story behind this submission that the subject was vulnerable, and the tone matching the posing and position in the image. I like the stark lighting illuminating the subject and that the light drops off only showing a pop of the green."

- Gemma Ortlipp | Canon Ambassador

SECOND HIGHEST SCORED ENTRY

JAIMI-LEIGH HARPER | AUSTRALIA | #VIQ009

Photographer: Kylie Hamilton Photography

Jaimi-Leigh Harper of Tasmania, Australia and her 2009 Subaru G3 Hatch WRX

Official Judging Panel Response

"There are a number of reasons this image stuck out to me, the use of off camera lighting used to highlight both the car internally and externally as well as the subject is balanced and done well and shows good technique. The spinning steel wool in the background brings interest to the frame without distracting from the subject. And of course that beaming natural smile from the subject lights up the whole image."

- Kass Brumley | Canon Ambassador

"You know you have love for cars when you won't let anyone touch it, not even a mechanic. You can see the love on her face in the image. It's a great picture!"

- Michael Lomman | Mick Focus Photography

"I loved this composition, the lighting and that the image exuded joy. I appreciate the effort involved taking this image both at night and incorporating the steel wool effect in the background."

- Gemma Ortlipp | Canon Ambassador

THIRD HIGHEST SCORED ENTRY

CANDY PORTER | AUSTRALIA | #VIQ059

Photographer: @CandyFCute

Candy Porter from North Queensland, Australia with her Holden 1959 FC Ute

Official Judging Panel Response

"Love the colour theme in this image, with the car matching the model. It tells a cohesive story and the model made me smile immediately."

- Gemma Ortlipp | Canon Ambassador

"I love the story behind this image and commend them on their persistence! It is a lovely natural shot that shows off the pride and love of the owner, it makes your want to smile along with them!"

- Kass Brumley | Canon Ambassador

FOURTH HIGHEST SCORED ENTRY

ROX GUZMAN | AUSTRALIA | #ViQ033

Photographer: Phonix Photography

Rox Guzman from Sydney, Australia with her 2007 Subaru Impreza WRX

Official Judging Panel Response

"Showing the love with previous car models she's owned. Mentioning the Gti “saved her life by sacrificing its own” tells me she values cars as more than just cars. I love how the image portrays more than just her and her car, but also the message about her mothers recent passing."

- Michael Lomman | Mick Focus Photography

FIFTH HIGHEST SCORED ENTRY

MADISON BENOIT | CANADA | #ViQ064

Photographer: Kate Cameron Photography

Madison Benoit from Nova Scotia, Canada with her 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser GT Turbo

Official Judging Panel Response

"I'm a sucker for a sunset shot. This one is very well done, with the reflections on the car tightly controlled and some serious dynamic range without going over the top. I agree with the description: this pose and composition reflect empowerment."

- Jonathan Salmi | Jonathan Salmi Photography

SIXTH HIGHEST SCORED ENTRY

KYLIE HAMILTON | AUSTRALIA | #ViQ071

Photographer: Kylie Hamilton Photography

Kylie Hamilton from Tasmania, Australia with her 1970 Holden HG Premier

Official Judging Panel Response

"This is one passionate automotive enthusiast! Moving from a love of the car world to capturing it for magazines does it for me. Describing how cars play on her senses and help make memories is exactly what we all feel and why we love them."

- Michael Lomman | Mick Focus Photography

FINAL HIGHEST SCORED ENTRY

INDY PARSONS | AUSTRALIA | #VIQ077

Photographer: Phonix Photography

India Parsons from Sydney, Australia with her 2006 Subaru Impreza Hatch

Official Judging Panel Response

"I really like this image from both a technical and a storytelling perspective. The lighting an composition both work very well, and the pose gives an instant impression of just how happy this car makes her. Having a hobby you can share with a partner is an added bonus."

- Jonathan Salmi | Jonathan Salmi Photography

Now head to Lady Driven Co,'s instagram to vote for your favourite image! Who will be crowned the Cover Queen of our 2021 Women's Automotive Calendar?