Aging and Older People

Although I obviously know none of the people photographed in this contest, in my judging I was looking for images which left me feeling as though I did know them. For this to be so, their character and story had to be captured and conveyed, creating an emotional response when I viewed the image, as though looking at the face of someone I know well. Here is a beautiful portrait image, technically spot on, to show the graceful beauty of an aging face. Lighting is nice and soft, meaning her features remain natural and portray a quiet dignity, with no harsh highlights and shadows. There could be some argument for increasing the depth of field so more of the hair was shaply focused, although use of such a narrow depth of field does focus all attention on the eyes. Congratulations on your winning image.

The success of this image is in the lighting. It can be very difficult when shooting into the sunlight to visualise the effect, but for me this spot on. The conversion to black and white helps the overall effect, but the more-or-less silhouetted figures, with just their hair illuminated by the rim lighting effect of the sun, really tell a story. I cannot know for sure, but this looks like a couple, where the lady is able to walk ahead a little more speedily than her male partner bringing up the rear, his mobility being assisted by a rather unconventional walikng aid, which is also wonderfully silhouetted by the bright light. Great work, well done on your top ten placing.

Although we cannot see faces, and even what we can see of the subjects is obscured by opaque glass, we just know this must be an elderly couple from information we can glean from looking at the image. I like we get to share their view as we see a little glimpse of the sea and coastline through the gap in the shelter. Such a simple scene which many would pass by without a second glance, but a very strong and emotive image showing the closeness of this couple. Well done on your top ten placing.

I was captivated by the character of this gentleman, which conveys to me a sense of wisdom, maybe tinged with a little sadness, brought about through life experiences and the passing of time. A lovely low key capture with a strong black and white conversion, retaining some lovely tones to reveal plenty of detail and textures in the hair, skin and clothing. Congratulations on your third place finish.

A simple scene but a great story, which perfectly captures the moment. There is good balance to the composition with the placement of the two main subjects. I find it rather amusing that the state of the sea and the grey sky does not look like a typical day for a gentle paddle in the sea. Judging by the tyres on the wheelchair however, suited for movement over soft sandy surfaces, I imagine this venture into the waves is probably not a one-off, and maybe more likely continuing a pleasuable habit of a lifetime for as long as possible. Well done on your top ten placing.

I am unsure if this is a posed shot, or more likely candid image, but either way it had been very well captured. Composition and framing is good, with enough surrounding to give context, but not too much as to have rendered the subject too small within the image overall. Lovely clear focus on the face and clothing which reveals great detail and textures. There was a tendency in many entries to maybe over-sharpen the shots to try to emphasise wrinkles on the aging skin, but that lead in some cases to a harshness and ugly hardening of the features. Here however, you have retained a natural gentleness, which seems to suit the character of the lady portrayed. Lovely portrait image, well done on your top ten placing.

This is an image I kept coming back to, and in the end decided it should be placed. I get the impression of a fiercely independent but proud lady, quietly contented in her simple but lovingly tended home. A slightly unconventional set up adds to the mood and story for me. I like that we can see a little bit of the room in which she is sitting, with the light coming in through the window. Good control of the colours which are bold but not over-saturated, and still allow the elderly lady to be the main subject of the photo. Well done on your top ten placing.

There is no information supplied with this image, but I imagine it is a portrait shot of an actor at a re-enactment event. I really like your processing treatment of the image, which gives a lovely feel to the shot. Everything is in sharp focus, and plenty of textural details across the image. Nicely composed and framed too. Great work, well done on your top ten placing.