Black & White - High Tonal Contrast

The subject here is so simple and unremarkable, but sometimes simple is best. I really like the casual tilt of the bike, against the many horizontal and vertical lines. I am not a fan of adding digital frames to an image unnecessarily, this one, even though quite broad in relation to the scene, works well for me, and becomes part of the overall composition. Great processing, which has highlighted your subject and softened away any distractions. Great image, well done on your top ten placing.

This is an intriguing image which captured my attention as soon as I saw it. The silhouetted figure is tiny wiithin the whole image, but a vitial element to the shot, and they have been positioned wonderfully in the brightest part of the light, and captured in an unusual and slightly sinister pose. You have done well to avoid any temptation to place the window panes centrally within the composition, as for me it works well being off-set, adding to the intrigue. Well done on your top ten placing.

Your composition and framing of this image is very successful, as this delightful little character forms a curving S shape down the image. I like the positioning of the beady eye within frame, central on the upper third line. You have captured some lovely textures on the wet feathers, and focus looks to be firmly on the eye. Great black and white conversion, with the contrasts working really well. Well done.

This is another image which I have placed in the top ten which has managed to combine high tonal contrast with a soft delicacy, which suits the dense plumage of this beautiful bird. You describe in the photo details how difficult this shot was to capture, but you were obviously in the right place with the camera focused to catch the owl peeping our from the window frame, and the eye looks perfectly sharp. Even though the wooden frame and woven curtain is very dark, you have still been able to show some great textures there, along with the gentle soft textures of the feathers. Great work, well done.

I love this image, and it was very close to the top spot. You look to have captured the spirit and character of this delightful looking lady exceptionally well. Generally, such high contrast would not be flattering for portraiture, but as there is an element of humour about the whole scene, with the lady sitting beneath the hair drier in her rollers with a towel clipped around her, it works very well. I love the framing and composition, with the eyes cutting across the centre line. Fabulous portrait, perfect high tonal contrast for the brief too. Great work, well done.

For me the success of this image is how well you have captured the different textures, from the cloth of the gentleman's jacket, the shiny metal of the walking stick, and the wrinkles of his age worn skin. The contrast and black and white conversion works well, as all focus is on the hands, but there is still enough surrounding detail visible for them to still be in context. Some photographers are inclined to darken the background too much, and lead to the impression that the body part is floating in mid-air, but you have wisely avoided that here. Even though we see no face, this is a super portrait image. Well done.

Whilst the subject here is clearly recognisable, I really like the abstract feel of this shot. Cleverly composed with the line of tables and chairs running across the frame on a diagonal, and excellent use of the bright sunlight to make the most of the contrasts and chaotic patterns formed by the shadows. Simple subject choice, but effectively captured. Great work.

A general overall contest comment initially: There were a number of excellent images entered which were colour-toned in some way, such as blue or sepia tone. I excluded those from my judging, as in this contest, I was asking to see tones from the brightest white to the blackest black, and my interpretation of this was for the white to be white, not, for example, a very pale blue. On to the winning image: This image stood out as soon as I saw it. Composition is very strong, and a brave choice to have the lead-in dividing the lower half of the image in two. The capture of the lighting on Tower Bridge is lovely, which stands as the focal point after our eyes have been lead into the frame. The narrow aperture has ensured everything is sharp throughout the shot. The black & white conversion and processing treatment works really well and suits the subject. Congratulations on your winning image.

A late entry to my top ten, this is a beautifully lit study of the female form. The genre of "nudes" does not often interest me, as often a naked or semi naked person will posed in the middle of an abandoned factory etc, which always strikes me as rather odd and unnecessary. Here we have the opposite. The side lighting picks out and accentuates the curves and structure of the lady's back and her half turned face, showing both her strength and beauty in an artistic and stylish way. I like too the folds of the net fabric, which add texture and interest, and further softness and delicacy. Just enough contrast in tones to meet the brief. A very stylish and beautiful study of the human form, well done.