
A subtle yet vibrant dockland area where the sky sets the scene. The subtle industrial greens point sharply up and down at the soft natural blues with contrast and clarity, cutting through the middle of the blue sky and the water like a saw. A perfect use of polarisation that gives a lot of life to the photo.
A handful of peaks basking under high-altitude light, the deep blue sky providing a feeling of contrast to the rough terrain with crisp cool air and warming light. The clouds seated below, make the hiker seem like he's in the sky itself. If the sky was a destination then it definitely feels like we have arrived there in this photo.
This image embraces the brief with a strikingly simple play on tone and symmetry. The rich blue sky blends seamlessly with the vibrant blue of the shed, creating a monochromatic effect that’s both clean and bold. The use of direct sunlight sharpens the contrast with the white trim, making the scene pop. A simple yet impactful composition. Feels very modern yet old worldy at the same time.
This image captures the magic of a clear winter day, where the deep blue sky feels almost otherworldly against the fresh, untouched snow. The snow-covered trees stand like silent sentinels, beautifully contrasting with the sky’s rich hue. There’s a real sense of calm and clarity here, with the sky playing a powerful, leading role in the composition.
A softly dramatic desert shot with the sky set as the main stage. The polarised blue makes the dry landscape feel surreal, even cinematic. A lush balance of colour, contrast, and composition with that tree reaching for the sky which it depends on. The flavour of a painting coming from this photograph..
A striking study in contrast and simplicity, this image celebrates the boldness of nature’s palette. The flawlessly deep blue sky stretches endlessly above a vibrant bowl of yellow oilseed, it almost feels like it is glowing.. Anchoring the horizon, the single distant tree offers quiet balance, connecting the earth to the sky. Very pretty.
This image is a dream in blue—tranquil, delicate, and deeply atmospheric. The fading light of sunset melts into a rich indigo blue sky, mirrored perfectly in the glassy water below. Silhouetted trees and ghostly swans add depth and some movement in the stillness. It's a suspended moment, where the sky isn't just a backdrop, but the soul of the entire scene.
A mesmerizing capture of lenticular clouds suspended in a pristine, polarized blue sky. The striking cloud formation adds a surreal, almost sculptural dimension to the scene. The vivid contrast between earth and sky, light and shadow, embodies the essence of meteorological drama beneath a beautiful azure canopy. A breathtaking moment, framed really well.
This sun-drenched beach scene, with its bold contrasts and clean lines, feels like a vivid echo of Hockney’s California in the 70s. The expansive blue sky dominates with bleached cinematic clarity, while the cyclists and palms add rhythm and nostalgia. A present day period drama with a retro feel. Full of lush sunlight, space, and spontaneity-brought to life by that unmistakable, mood-lifting blue. Great work!
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This image is a striking embodiment of the brief, placing the expansive blue sky not just as a backdrop but as the defining character of the photo. The serenity of the scene is anchored by the seaplane (which I want to be on) resting on glass-like water. The boundary between sea and sky nearly dissolves. The gradient of blues—deepening from a pale, misty hue near the horizon to a rich, saturated dome overhead—creates luscious visual depth.
I love the way this peaceful looking rooftop balcony blends in to the expansive blue sky. This photo melts between the natural azure and soft manmade colours seamlessly. The surrounding sky is intense and engulfs everything, creating a sense of openness and calm, embodied perhaps in the single bird standing at the bough. I'd like to be there.
This image delivers a serene, minimalist feel where the deep blue sky is undeniably the star. The mirror-like reflection doubles its visual impact, while the lone tree and fence line add interest without distraction. The sky’s richness, possibly enhanced by a polarising filter, creates a calm and striking composition that perfectly meets the brief’s emphasis on blue dominance.
This image takes a minimalist, urban approach to the brief, with a bold blue sky offering melty contrast with the pastel wall below. The composition is clean, with geometric lines adding structure. The sky holds visual dominance here and totally makes the scene, binding the photograph together. Would work beautifully as a large scale print.
A joyful explosion of colour and scale, this mural blends an ordinary wall into a surreal coastal fantasy, matching that real sky canvas. Towering ice creams and soaring gulls stretch into a flawless blue sky, mixing imagination with hyperrealism. The vivid azure backdrop amplifies the seaside whimsy, evoking summer nostalgia and childhood wonder. It’s playful, bold, and brilliantly sky-drenched—a clever entry!
This image beautifully captures the simple joy of a sunlit day. A vibrant kite dancing in a warm, deep blue sky—its colours bold and playful against the vast, uninterrupted backdrop. The string leads our eye downward, grounding the moment in human connection between the earth and the vastness. It’s an uplifting reminder of freedom and the lightness of just being.
Captured with a photojournalistic eye, this image from the Mosquito Festival in Paisley, Oregon, distills the energy of a small-town night into silhouettes and motion. Set against a richly hued blue dusk, dancers swirl in the glow of headlights, dust rising from their feet. It’s raw, honest, and alive—where celebration meets atmosphere, and the sky holds the soul of the scene. A personal favourite from the competition.
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For many, blue skies still rule when it comes to taking jaw-dropping photos with maximum impact. That rich blue, often boosted with the cunning use of a polarising filter, and the accompanying direct sunlight that can bring a scene to life in a burst of colour and contrast. We’re not just looking for blue skies in landscapes. They’re present in many genres of photography, but for this contest let’s make them a key feature of the scene, and not too incidental.
A joyful celebration of colour and scale, this image captures the magic of the thought of flying up in to a deep blue sky. There’s a childlike wonder in looking up at these balloons — The vibrant hues pop brilliantly, made richer by the contrast of the deep blue gradients. It’s uplifting in every sense. Maybe clean the sensor though.