Ageing and the elderly

This beautifully composed image really fits the brief perfectly. the close crop and well balanced framing of the couple in shot draws us in to the main area of interest, the look between them. Almost guarded away from camera, we can only imagine what they are thinking and maybe saying to each other. Their is a reassuring and tender glance between them. The exposure is beyond reproach with wonderful details in the clothing and within the faces. The clean background works incredibly well with the subjects in what is a stunning and engaging capture between two people. Very well done

This remarkable portrait is truly stunning. Technically it is beyond reproach with great care and attention paid to the individual within the frame. The subtle color palette and high camera position allows us not to look down to the elder but to look in awe at the dignity they show and the remarkable poise and composure shown. The detailing in the face really draws us in to a life lived and the pipe gives that elder statesman vibes. The background with its metallic colors works perfectly with the subject in this stunning visual portrait. Very well done.

This image really fits into the genre of classic documentary environmental portraiture. The relationship between the child and grandma is at the center of this incredible photograph but it is also the way the photographer has framed the image that really draws us in. The darkened pattern in the carpet leads our eye onto the clothed table where we are presented with another person. Probably the husband and grandfather of the child sitting with their back against the camera, maybe no longer with us. Their framed portrait taking pride of place within the room. The deeply saturated colors work well with the exposure and really adds to the dramatic scene that we are viewing. A beautiful and poetic photograph that talks to us about generations. Just lovely.

A classic square format documentary portrait of a couple. It fits in well with the tradition of great portraitists including Diane Arbus and Walker Evans. It has that humanist quality which is so rich in this genre. The tight crop and detailing in the clothes sets this image apart from many entries as does the relationship between subjects and photographer which is warm and unobtrusive. The expressions back to camera are wonderful as are the hand positions. A stunning black and white portrait that shows that getting older still means love and happiness. Great capture. Well done.

This beautifully considered and photographed image was very close to my top 10. The juxtaposition between the foreground, individual and dog against the bridge is precisely constructed by the photographer and the soft black and white tones are in keeping with the subject in this wonderful photograph. I can only imagine what the person is thinking and I'm sure it's a spot they often return to. A classic. Well done.

A wonderful example of a moment in time. The classic calculator, now almost obsolete with the way mobile phones have taken over our electronic and communication needs is alive again in this well seen photograph. The close up of the hands and the device may seem simple but it is exactly that what makes it such a stunning image. The detailing in the hands shown holding and then working the calculator is lovely as are the colors of the deep red in the sofa which works so well against the muted grey of the carpet. This is a stunning capture and shows that sometimes it is the things that we know are the most useful. Just wonderful. Very well done.

A positive image of love and tenderness showcasing the commitment people have towards each other in this warm and gentle photograph. The tight crop and positioning of the couple embraced by their hands with a look into each others eyes is full of happiness and beautifully photographed. The subtle colors of the clothes work well against the warm blurred corn field in the background which complements the skin tones superbly. A classic image shining a light on love and commitment through the ages to one another. Lovely. A great keepsake for themselves and generations to come.

Not all images are positive and this social document traces the issues that many older people face within large urban environments. We can read this photograph in several ways including how the closed down shops talk about decay and a changing way of life. A new computerized and AI world that does not always consider the needs of an ageing population. The single figure that stands out with the red bag is beautifully observed by the photographer and the framing, placing the lady to the right of center could not be bettered. A classic image in the environmental tradition that speaks and opens up debate about how as we get older we can start to feel lonely within society. Remember this is a photographic reading and may not reflect the person within the picture. Stunning. Well done.

Ethel and her friend are clearly having a lot of fun in this great capture or at least it seemed like a great idea to go on this ride in this quintessential slice of British life. The colors used are vivid and have that postcard feel about it. It fits into this great tradition of British photographers documenting people at play from the famous holiday camps in the 1950s to the 80s and the seaside resorts around the coast. This is a great capture showcasing wonderful technique by the photographer. I hope they enjoyed their day out. Very well done.

An image that many people go through. It is a testament to love and commitment which is evident within this beautiful but no doubt difficult image to look at. We feel the pain on both parties and the slight separation between them within the frame is heartbreaking. The photograph is stunning with the man darkened by the lack of light on him whilst the patient is illuminated by the harsh light from the ceiling we cannot see. A sobering image of life and ageing. Full of dignity and love. Well done.

The ultra tight crop and sharpness really makes the details on both their faces really stand out in this wonderful capture. The square crop works really well and the blurred background is in keeping with the subjects and offers a contrast to the lines on their faces. I could spend hours looking at this image and each time I would see a new line on each face. Its a photograph full of love and life. Stunning. I could see this as part of a larger project on these two people. Well done

This serene and peaceful image allows us time to take a breath and enjoy the scenery within this image exactly the same as the elder person are themselves within the frame. The colors jump out of the screen and the icy frost of the greens in the foreground work well in contrast to the wintry pinks in the trees on the waters bank and reflected back in the water. I can imagine the person spending time often in this space reflecting about life. A beautiful and delicate image. Stunning. Well done.

The soft subtle colors throughout this image work so well and complement each area of the frame. The photographer has giving the main subjects distance from the camera and lots of space around the frame in this quiet image that shows a couple taking a walk along the beach and sea. Its calm and relaxing and allows us to take a breath and think about the moment. Something we tend not to do in our lives. A lovely image. Well done.

Proving that age is no obstacle to having fun and dare-doing, this vivid and imaginative picture takes its lead from the unique images of the great French photographer Jacques Henri Lartigue. The expressions on their faces are priceless with the driver full of concentration whilst the the passenger seems not so convinced of his driving skills as the round the corner. The framing is spot on as is the use of black and white to give it a sense of history in this superb and fun photograph that shows life is for the living regardless of age. Stunning capture.

This vibrant image was another very close to my top 10. The quality of light on the swimmers face against the dark blue sea is wonderful and makes him really stand out. The crawl position as his arm goes over his head is well seen and captured by the photographer. It's a vibrant photograph full of life that really does fit the essence of the competition subject. Well done.