Ceilings

Another shot that I consider to be a refreshing change from the grand, opulent and colourful ceilings of stately homes and large cathedrals - not that there is anything wrong with such pictures of course. Shots such as these, I think, can be quite difficult to get entirely straight and distortion-free...if that is the photographer's intention. For the purists amongst us, it might not be quite straight enough, or it may contain too much evidence of lens distortion (which may benefit perhaps from a further slight horizontal tweak in post-processing)...but these are mere semantics I think. You've captured some fine detail here and the uniform slightly cool cream tones work really well. I like it and must thank you for this entry.

I was hoping to avoid 2 shots from the same location in my top 10, but could not resist this one... another welcome change from what may largely be considered the norm in such a contest. Again, I love the overall simplicity and ethereal-like quality you have achieved here - it's almost dream-like and engenders a sense of total calm. I love it. Well done and many thanks for your entry.

What immediately struck me with this shot is the fact that you have managed to maintain the detail right towards the highest point of the ceiling with the 2 windows and that tantalising glimpse of the fresco beyond..something which would perhaps normally have been 'blown' out in a number of similar shots. Compositionally, I think it's perfect and I particularly like the outward-spanning lines which emanate from the outer circle of the centre piece of the ceiling, with the accompanying rectangular/square design lending an overall sense of orderliness to the shot as a whole. Very nice and many thanks for your entry.

I knew this shot would feature somewhere in this competition the moment I saw it. I particularly like the cool tones you have achieved here, with the clash of straight and curved lines working perfectly together..and all topped off rather well with the figurine of Jesus above the chequered archway above what, I assume to be, a doorway. Lovely and many thanks for your entry.

I deliberated long and hard as to where this shot was going to be placed. I particularly like the shapes afforded by what I assume are palm leaves and, once again, I love the fact the shot has a more 'angled' approach as opposed to trying to keep it square. I will admit I was not entirely sure about the inclusion of the beehive but, on reflection, it adds to the story and is a nice touch. Well done, and many thanks for your entry.

How unusual this shot is - not sure I've seen anything quite like it before. Again, another good example - I think - of something that the majority of us would perhaps not think of taking. Of course, the element that makes this shot work particularly well, are the red lights seemingly dropping earthwards like hot droplets of molten larva. I also very much the level of exposure you have here - with the ceiling itself perfectly exposed whilst giving the viewer just enough detail from the outward-spanning darker areas. Love it, and many thanks for entering.

Another of those shots I love, where most of us would not perhaps consider taking it. Again, it's nice to see that you've gone for a more angled/diagonal approach as opposed to a more square-like approach from directly underneath which would, perhaps, have hidden the word 'Telephone' from view. Simple and effective and I like it. Many thanks for your entry.

First of all, I would like to thank all those who entered this competition. There were lots of fantastic shots, which made it very hard indeed to whittle them down to the final stages.

This image hit me between the eyes the moment I saw it. I had a good idea that shots from within Hallsgrimkirkja would figure, but this tops them all in my opinion. I love the cool tones and the fact it's not square - an aspect that featured heavily in this competition as you might expect. Compositionally, I think you've got it spot on, with the window top right perhaps being the main consideration. I also very much like the soft focus you've employed which gives an almost dream-like effect. Well done and many thanks for your entry.