A single tree
June Fox

A single tree

June 2020

Expert
winner
Entry 6511994
122nd
93

The standard of entries for this competition was very high and narrowing it down very difficult, let alone picking a winner but this was the image that stood out for me the most.

I have never seen a photograph from this place before and it immediately grabbed my attention

The shot itself is beautiful, the lone cypress tree in these rolling hills so simple but enchanting. Makes me wonder what it would look like at the other times of the day or year and in different lighting conditions but the simple and barren nature of the scene works so well.

Congratulations on your shot and a well deserved win.

Entry 6155915
56th
64
Entry 6155916
4th
222

1,661 Images entered

662 Photographers

42,800 Ratings

The Palouse is right near the top of my own photography wish list and I always find images from the area so captivating.

There were a number of images from the area in the contest but the undulating slopes, soft light and single isolated tree really drew me to this one.

Wonderfully composed and executed shot, makes me envious.

Crowd
winner
Entry 6400589
38th
1
468
Entry 6440628
85th
167
Entry 6465935
660th
4
Entry 6474292
91st
92

Unsurprisingly, there were a number of entries in this competition featuring some of the more famous lone trees in landscape photographers. In particular images from Llyn Pardan, Wanaka and Buttermere with so many beautiful photographs featuring.

I wanted to award a variety of images across the contest but felt my top 10 wouldn't be complete without at least one from one of these iconic locations.

The problem for the judge is to try to pick one and I chose this one from Buttermere in the English lake district. The conditions are magical with the mist really making the lone tree stand out but still revealing a glimpse of the mountains in the background. The edit is really well handled, the colours are beautiful without being too saturated and highlights and shadows well managed. Great shot

The image has a real cinematic feel but is also so peaceful. As the viewer, I can't imagine any sound in this scene except for the boat paddle in the water.

I like the choice of black and white to simplify and give the shot that timeless feel. The two subjects compliment each other well, it would have been strong with either but with both it is outstanding.

Great work, congratulations

Meet the expert judge

Brief

See more contest details

***This contest is open to subscribers (members on the Challenger, Pro and Master subscription tiers). However if you're not a paying subscriber you can still purchase entries for £2 (GBP) per image.*** Trees are willing subjects. They won’t get bored or uncomfortable, they won’t shut their eyes just when you click 'shoot'. They don’t move around or get moody, but does all this make them easy to photograph? Not necessarily. You still net to ‘get to know’ a tree to know how to shoot it; how it looks at different times of day and the right angles for capturing its unique personality. Give it a go!

Entry 6153072
34th
57
Entry 6154040
46th
130
Entry 6155072
55th
1001
Entry 6155073
41st
2
1276
Entry 6157781
24th
704
Entry 6179211
22nd
250
Entry 6187335
57th
22
Entry 6192005
11th
29
Entry 6194361
48th
368
Entry 6264031
1287th
20
Entry 6266719
178th
70

I really love this photograph, superbly composed, executed and taken in gorgeous light.

I know that the competition themes are open to interpretation but the reason I didn't commend in the 'Single Tree" competition was that I felt the subject of the photograph was the lady on the top of the hill. Also while the tree/ bush in the scene acts as an excellent foreground to anchor the frame, I felt it didn't stand up a single tree against some of the others in the competition

I am not being critical of the image, as I say above, I think it is superb and am sure it do very well in many other competitions. Unfortunately I was unable to commend in this one.

Entry 6434361
19th
173
Entry 6494058
595th
16
Entry 6529560
663rd
30
Entry 6530112
96th
199
Entry 6530113
1072nd
110
Entry 6530114
53rd
212
Entry 6530115
181st
247
Entry 6532009
39th
27