Black and White (no colour-toning)

A simple yet striking composition, well composed and making the most of the black and white conversion to highlight the shapes and forms of the landscape features. The trees on the island are clearly the focal point, but there is good space surrounding them to give a sense of the wider landscape. Good tones from black through to white bring out the contrasts in the reflections and the trees as they are set against the brighter misty sky. A lovely calming atmosphere and a beautifully captured scene. Well done on your top ten placing.

This image captured my attention as soon as I saw it and from then on it remained the one to beat. An impactful and interesting documentary shot, what I find especially appealing are the different subject layers extending from the front to the back of the shot, emerging from the dust, which give a lovely depth to the image. The crouched figure in the foreground is a clear focal point and adds an important human element, but does not dominate the scene, instead the frame is full of interest and detail to explore and absorb, giving a small insight into the life and culture of the Mundari. Congratulations on your winning image.

What a spectacular viewpoint for this stunning black and white landscape image. Often the Old Man of Storr is photographed from a slightly closer perspective, but this image certainly benefits from a wider angle of view, enabling the viewer to enjoy not only the protruding rocky formations, but also the surrounding hillsides and water beyond. The capture of the light is beautiful, and the skilled processing and conversion to black and white brings an almost painterly feel to the scene. The gentle forms of the clouds and the light and shade in the foreground contrast well with the dramatic pointed rocks. Fabulous image, congratulations on your second place finish.

A stunning image shows this splendid bird at its magnificent best. An unusual composition creates a shot full of character. The detail of the markings and the textures of the feathers is superb, and the black and white conversion has been done especially well, with tones from black through to white, and plenty of subtlely varying shades of grey in between. A beautiful study of a beautiful bird, well done on your top ten placing.

An unusual subject for a landscape image, but one which has a strange type of beauty. I like that the vast cooling towers have been rendered quite small within the frame, and the central composition works well. The light has been well captured, from the low sun shining through the billowing smoky steam to the soft mist above the vegetation in the foreground. Great industrial landscape, well done on your top ten placing.

A lovely still life composition, set off by the capture of some great textures in the door and the ballet shoes. The contrast in textures is especially appealing, between the slightly rough knotted wood and the smooth shiny silky fabric of the shoes and the loosely hanging ribbons. The conversion to black and white has been done very well, with some lovely tones and contrasts, full of details, but retaining a gentle softness which suits the subject. Great work, well done on your top ten placing.

A fascinating image which I like and appreciate more the longer I look. The contrasting shapes and patterns, coupled with the contrasting tones, is fascinating to view and full of interest. Lighting is great, and the conversion to black and white has been done well, with a good range of tones from black through to white. A very striking and well executed abstract shot. Congratulations on your third place finish.

A strong documentary image, full of atmosphere. The image looks to have been captured from in amongst the action, so the viewer gets a real sense of being part of the great celebrations rather than being a passive bystander. What makes the image especially successful is the silhouettes of the figures who have climbed every available traffic sign and signal to get a better vantage point, as they stand out well against the brighter smoky backdrop. The black and white conversion works well and has been done with great effect, as there are plenty of details and interest amongst the crowd for the eye to explore. The inclusion of the flags also gives a hint of the occassion, but do not dominate. Super image, well done on your top ten placing.