Balconies

This is a mesmerising image of some modern balconies, rendered abstract by the composition and perspective, and the use of light and shadows. I initially pondered whether the image would have benefited from the contrasts being a little more punchy, with the darker shadows becoming truer black, but I think how you have decided to present the image is just right. I love the fact that the subject fills the frame - looking at a lot of the entries in this contest, many people seem to feel compelled to include a small slither of sky, but for me the impact comes when the subject fills the frame, especially when the image is just as much about lines, shapes and patterns as it is about documenting the architecture. Very close to the top spot, congratulations on your second place finish

I love this type of image, which becomes more interesting the more I look. You have realised the importance of achieving perfect verticals and horizontals when capturing and editing this image, as without such accuracy much of the impact would be lost - just a fraction out would ruin the impact. I could imagine this image printed very large, which would allow all the details of each of the eighty balconies to be explored in detail, comparing the similarities and contrasting the individual differences, maybe gaining a little insight into the occupant of each "box". A strong graphic image, well done on your top ten placing.

A strong black and white architectural image, filling the frame with the subject to create a bold abstract architectural shot. The silhouette of the lone figure gives an initial focal point and adds an element of human interest, which works well and gives an indication of scale. Great composition, with accurate alignment of the horizontals and verticals which creates a strong graphic abstract. A well handled conversion to black and white, with good tones and contrasts. Congratulations on your third place finish.

Whilst there is no clear focal point or obvious subject on which the eye can initially settle, in a scene such as this I don't think that matters, as I imagine one of the messages you are trying to convey in the image is the scale and sheer numbers of little windows and balconies on the multiple high-rise towers. I like the colour palette with the soft greeny blues, creams and browns, which gives a harmonious feel to the shot, despite the crowded urban setting. You have done well to keep the small area of sky between the far buildings unobtrusive, neither too darkly blue not too brightly white, in effect allowing the buildings to fill the frame. I like that the verticals are accurate, which gives strength to the shot. Well composed and focused, with good control over the exposure, which was possibly quite tricky in what looks to be fairly contrasty light. Great work, well done on your top ten placing.

It is nice to see strong images of rather ordinary dwellings from the "burbs", rather than the more usual subjects of towering modern and shiny high rises, or buildings with peeling and crumbling colonial-style faded grandeur. Another fine example in the placed images of how important it can be to accurately straighten the verticals and level the shot. There is always a place for shots with different viewpoints and quirky angles etc, but what does not work for me is when things are just off; almost straight but not quite. Here however we have a precise, well framed and well executed shot. I am not a huge fan of the sepia/cream toning, and would maybe have preferred the image in black and white, but that is just personal taste, and I do like the image a lot, hence is placing. Great work, well done on your top ten finish.

This is a superbly clean and precise image. A great photographic eye has spotted the potential of the subjects, as we see two contrasting sets of repeating patterns, which is very attractive to the eye. Aside from the very closest balconies, focusing looks sharp throughout as a result of the narrow aperture, and your point of view is spot-on, to capture the receeding balconies at just the right angle, and you have done especially well to get everything precisely lined up with the vertical. The contrasting colours between the cool greys of the near balconies and the warm golden shade of the building behind gives further strength to the shot, as does the contrast between the near curves and the straight lines beyond. A superbly captured scene, congratulations on your winning image.

This image looks so simple at first glance, but it looks to be a well considered shot. The lighting appears to be very harsh - just the sort of light a photographer would usually try to avoid, but here it suits the subject well. The strong deep shadows add to the graphic abstract of the image, and the colours seem to reflect the strength of the sunlight. What is absolutely crucial however for this shot to work, is the inclusion of the red towel draped on the upper balcony, and its placement within the composition. Superb accuracy with the horizontals and vertials, with bold lines and shapes throughout This type of image does not always turn out to be a crowd-pleaser, but I find it an inspired piece of work. Well done on your top ten finish.

This image would be quite easy to overlook, but the more times I viewed it during the judging process, the more I liked it and appreciate the skill used in its capture. The wide angle lens and lowish viewpoint gives an interesting perspective to the scene. Your composition works especially well, and I really like that the horizon has not been obscured by the railings, and the framing by the rails of the little white domed building down on the promenade. The strong sunlight has been used to good effect to produce the shadows, which create interest and help lead the eye through the frame along the curve of the balcony to the two figures admiring the view. A very strong image, well done on your top ten placing.

A super image which is both recognisible for what it is, but has an abstract quality too. I have seen several versions of shots of this (or very similar) building, but I think it is the first time I can recall seeing it in colour rather than high contrast black and white, and I think I much prefer the colour version. The colour palette is gentle, with soft creamy whites and pale bluey greys, but it is very pleasing on the eye. Very well composed, giving a great perspective looking up the building on a diagonal, and, obviously vital for this contest, the gentle curves of the underside of the balconies. Great work, well done on your top ten placing.