Abstracts in Black and White

Usually, as a judge in my contests, I have quickly decided which picture should be awarded first place. This time it has been difficult because of the many beautiful photos submitted. The choice has fallen on this close-up of a succulent. I love the beautiful shapes of the leaves and the image processing is done with a sure sense of highlighting their texture. My compliments and congratulations :-)

Here is a neat job in every way. The chairs are manufactured so precisely that it is possible to stack them completely uniformly. The photographer has done a beautiful job of composition and the image processing is excellent. Nothing is left to chance. An image with beautiful lines and textures. My compliment and a place as number five :-)

Again an image with circles, but this time full of symmetry and many pattern details. What I want to emphasize about this image is that, although it is very detailed, it still seems calm and harmonious. This is undoubtedly due to the photographer's skills in image processing. I am full of admiration. Congratulations on fourth place in my top ten :-)

We see here again an excellent example of how a fantastic abstract picture can be made out of a close-up. The author has not been afraid to crop closely and this is one of the ways that you can achieve an abstract look. There is a lot that can be learned from that. I have seen many pictures in this contest that could benefit from being framed a little closer. In addition to beautiful shapes and a good framing, the image also has a nice texture. My compliments and congratulations on a third place :-)

Second place in my top ten goes to this very minimalistic still life image. Here again it is the shapes that catch the eye, these beautiful uneven and asymmetrical circles complement each other in the best way. The black background highlights the outline of the lower white bowl, while the upper bowl's thin dark edge creates the contrast between the two bowls. As the icing on the cake, the dark liquid forms another slightly lighter circle around the edge of the liquid. Excellent styling and use of light. My compliments and congratulations :-)