Aging and the Elderly (People)

This image was an early entry into this contest, but as soon as I saw it in my initial review of images, it was always the one to beat. To award a placing or commendation in this contest, I needed to feel an instant emotional response, and this image had me hooked instantly, and the more I look at the shot the more there is to appreciate. Technically spot on regarding focus, exposeure, colouring etc The close crop gives a very intimate feel to the portrait, and to look into those eyes stimulates questions and feelings. A stunning capture of this aged man, who knows the stories he could tell, and where his life has lead. Congratulations on your winning image.

This is a superbly captured portrait, with the subject looking so directly into the camera, when I look at the image I almost feel as if I am there in the doorway of his home and looking into his eyes. Only he knows his thoughts and the stories his face tells, but you have captured his image in such a way as we can look into his face and imagine his story. The lighting highlights just his face, which brings a further stark harshness to the image, in keeping with the mood of the portrait. Well done on your top ten placing.

I really like how you have captured a beautiful sense of grace and calm in the face of this lady. Her gaze if full of wisedom and strength, maybe also tinged with a gentle sorrow. The soft lighting is great, as the lines and form of her face can be seen in lovely detail, with no harsh shadow or highlights. The conversion to black and white suits the subject and has been very well done, with a good range of tones which flatter the subject and help reveal her character. A beautuful and dignified portrait, congratulations on your second place finish.

This is a wonderful portrait of a delightful looking elderly lady. Your image has captured all the detail of her wrinkled skin and fine hair, but more importantly the brightness, life and character in her smiling eyes. We can never know a stranger in a portrait, but the way you have captured her image I can feel an emotional connection to the shot and she looks like someone who would be a delight to know. Lovely lighting and a beautiful capture, well done on your top ten finish.

You have captured an environmenal portrait full of character, giving a tiny insight into the life of "Kathleen". She looks to have a charming but impish character, and I especially like that she has been photographed with her home surroundings visible in shot, rather than a tighter crop or in a less personal setting. A delightful image full of warmth and character, well done on your top ten placing.

This is a fabulous gritty portrait, showing a gent full of character and evidence of the passing of time. Your image description states that you were shooting on an overcast day, and the diffused lighting has enabled you to edit the image freely, and not have strong shadows and highlights to contend with had the portrait been captured in the sunlight. I really like the contrastly black and white treatment you have given the image, as it suits the subject. I also like how you have captured the man with his gaze looking out of shot, as it adds a sense of the unknown to his story. Framing is good, with just enough surroundings visible to give a sense of place. Great image, well done on your top ten placing.

I am not usually a great fan of hdr-style images, but I really like how the effect has been used here to create a wonderfully detailed and colourful environmental portrait image. The composition works well, with the lady well positioned in the frame to give good balance to the shot, and also allows a great view of her surroundings and a little glimpse into her life. The colouring of the shot is nicely bright and bold, without being oversaturated. A lovely environmental portrait image, well done on your top ten placing.

This image shows a scene of such harmony in the relationship of the couple and the simple comfort of their surroundings, but the added description gives a contrasting story of the trauma and harsh realities of the hard lives they have faced. I like the style of the shot, well detailed but retaining a soft gentleness. I also like the muted colour palette of soft blues, greens and greys. A super image, and thank you for adding the story of the shot in the description. Great work, well done on your top ten placing.

What a great candid street image showing three older gents having a relaxed converstation on the side of the street. Your composition and framing is spot on, as we are close enough to get a sense of their mood and characters, but there is enough of their surroundings visible to give context to the shot. I find the colouring of the image especially appealing, with a limited palette of soft colours adding a further sense of warmth and gentleness to the shot. A fabulous street portrait image, well done on your third place finish.