AP's free monthly photo comp April 'The beach' - the wrap-up

12 May 2025

Congratulations to Jackie Mann, who's image Surfing Cyclone Alfred has taken out AP's free monthly photo comp for April 2025, from a hotly contested shortlist of stellar entries.

Speaking about the image, AP's Mike O'Connor said it was a clear winner in what was a hugely competitive competition this month.

"This shot has everything you’d want in a surf photo—drama, perfect timing, and that wild, powerful energy of the ocean that’s so tough to catch. It’s moments like this that make shooting in the ocean so awesome."

Jackie takes home a 12-month print subscription to AP for winning the free monthly comp.

We also chose two special mentions,

Sharnee O'Rourke's Pip, the Kelpie and Mathew Toll's Middle Brighton Pier Silhouette.

Mathew Toll, Middle Brighton pier silhouette

Over on Facebook, Matthew Canino narrowly took out the People's choice with him image Explosive sunrise bagging 162 votes at competition close.

Matthew takes home a 12-month digital subscription to AP for winning the free monthly comp People's choice vote.

If you'd like to enter our free monthly photo comp, there's a different theme every month, with May's theme Trees and Plants. You can enter here.