Angles and curves

For me, this striking image stood out from the crowd for several reasons: the high visual impact of a wave of colour shining out from the black background; the simplicity of the composition, with the flamingo's reflection mirroring the beautiful curve of the neck above the water. Above all, this image quite literally embodies the contest brief - a composition in which a sinuous curve and its reflection creates a delightful series of angles. Well done!

There were several examples of very pleasing architectural shots looking up directly at the intricate ceiling of a religious building, in which a symmetrical design of angles and curves create a beautiful composition. I selected this image for my top 10 simply because I found the colour palette particularly attractive.

The contest theme "Angles and Curves" lends itself to an abstract interpretation, and this image nails it for me. The repetition of simple metal metal components is effective. There is a pleasing rhythm to the composition. The subject is well lit and the use of colour enhances the overall effect. Well done!

This image is very a close run second place. Although minimal in approach, for me it has significant impact. I find the simplicity of the design very appealing visually - a good example of "less is more". The elements in the image incorporate both angles (in the rectangular window) and a bold curve in the roof shape. The composition of these two simple elements encourages my eye to travel around the image almost to the edge of, but not out of, the picture before starting and finishing at the static window in the corner. The subtle, muted colour palette is also very attractive. Bravo!

My immediate reaction when invited to judge this contest was that it would be primarily about architecture - angles and curves found in the built environment - so I was pleasantly surprised to see landscape images submitted in response to the brief, including several worthy of commendation. In this image, I particularly liked the contrast between the lines of posts zig-zagging into the distance, the rounded stones caught between posts and the movement of water captured as waves ebb and flow around the structure. A very pleasing portrayal of angles and curves arising from the natural and man-made environment.

Antelope Canyon is one of those much photographed. iconic landscape locations. However, this image stood out for me because of the low viewpoint looking up at the narrow sliver of sky snaking between the sculpted, layered walls of the canyon. A difficult shot technically due to the strong contrast between bright light above and deep shadows below.. Sadly, small areas of blown highlights on the right hand side of this image are a distraction, drawing the eye away from the wonderful shapes and textures elsewhere in the image, subtly lit by shafts of light.

This image caught my eye as it's unusual to see rectangular steps set around around a curved pillar - a wonderful interpretation of the contest brief. Processed beautifully, with a subtle colour palette and soft lighting, the photographer's central viewpoint with views both up and down the stairwell gives this image great depth. The square format works well with the composition.

This abstract image grabbed my attention during the judging process - the colours are eye catching and the symmetrical design of curves and angles is visually pleasing. However, cutting off the top of the central curve interrupts the flow as the eye travels around the edge of the papers and detracts from the symmetry of the composition, which is a great pity. A lesson in the importance of looking at the edges of the image before taking a shot or making a crop to ensure you don't inadvertently loose a key element of the design as in this case (or include features which draw attention away from an otherwise strong composition).