Ceilings

The precise composition and framing of this image cannot fail to grab the attention. Although slight adjustments can be made in post-processing, images presented in this way need to be spot on with the symmetry and balance at the point of capture, as even a slight unevenness can spoil the overall effect. Lining up such an image, especially when looking directly overhead, is not easy, and no doubt took a great deal of minute manoeuvring to get it spot on. Add into the equation the complexities of exposing an interior with stained glass, the result is spectacular. I love the contrast in colours too between the warmer golden browns of the stonework and ghe cool blues of the glass. Congratulations on your winning image.

There were a lot of entries in this contest showing expansive views of entire ceilings of spectacular ceilings in churches and cathedrals etc, many utilising extreme wide angle lenses, but this is a little different and a superb capture, picking out some beautiful fine detail in the stone. The intricacy of the carving has been really well captured, with the image looking pin-sharp, which can often be a challenge when likely needing to shoot hand-held in subdued interior light. Composition and framing is great, with everything carefully lined up and symmetrical. Great image, well done on your top ten placing.

What initially drew my attention to this image is the capture of the lovely rich colours on this intricately decorated ceiling. So many entries in this contest looked to have struggled with white balance, and the resulting shots are unnaturally coloured, usually with unattractive yellow tones over-dominant, which can mar the image somewhat. Here however the colours look natural, with hints of the golden embelishment, which has brought the amazing architecture and its decoration to life. Super image, well done on your top ten placing.

A great image, that can be appreciated both as a visually appealing abstract, and as a photographic documentation of the splendid architecture. This type of image requires such careful composition and editing to present a final image that works well, as just a fraction out here and there, and the overall impact is gone. The human eye is very well adapted to spot things which are even slightly misaligned or perspective that is not quite symmetrical, but to me here it looks perfectly done. I love the light airy tones, which lifts the image, as sometimes the architecture of grand buildings can seem rather austere and oppressing by their sheer size. The more I look at this image the more there is to appreciate, so even during the writing of this review the image is moving up my placings! Stunning image, well done on your top ten placing.

A super image, capturing the typical architecture of railway stations of this era. Many travellers and commuters passing through the station would not think to glance upwards, but those that do would no doubt be impressed by this fantastic ceiling structure. I like that you have captured a broad view of the interior overall, utilising the relatively wide angle lens, yet the ceiling structure remains a strong focal point. Everything is in sharp focus with well balanced exposure, not easy with the light flooding in from the glass ceiling and the darker interior below. Great vantage point too. Congratulations on your third place finish.

Spectacular glasswork such as this is amazing to see, but not too easy to capture in a photograph, due to the competing highlights through the glass and the darkened interior. Here the exposure looks to have been especially well handled, as we can see plenty of detail, and no highlights are blown out. The colours are bold but do not look over-saturated, and the composition is great, capturing enough of the ceiling to give us a sense of the place, but close enough in to be able to appreciate the detail of the artwork the ceiling contains. Great image, well done on your top ten placing.

The richness and beauty of the design and decoration of the ceiling of this mosque have been beautifully captured. Not having visited myself, I do not know how true-to-life the colouring is, but the contrast between the warm and tool hues helps show of the splendid and intricate work. It is often difficult to know how much of a structure to include, but I think you have it just about right here, as we see the full circle of the central dome, along with some detail of the surrounding arches and pillars, which help describe what the surrounding structure may look like. Being picky, I may have been tempted to slightly tone down the highlights on the centre each side, and where the light catches on the lower arches, but that is a minor thing. Great image, well done on your top ten placing.

Sometimes a 'busy' composition such as this can be confusing and difficult to view, but here I really like the complexity of the composition with the competing shapes, patterns and colours vying for attention. In addition, it describes the amazing architecture of this building beautifully. When faced with a grand structure such as this, it can sometimes be quite overwhelming and difficult to decide how best to capture what the eye sees, but you have done a great job. The shapes, colours and patterns are clearly captured and exposure of the interior is good. Great work, well dond on your top ten placing.

I love this type of image, where details fill the frame and create a rather abstract view of the architecture. Some may find such images a little dull, as there is no clear focal point, and the colours are fairly monochrome, but I think it is great. The composition and framing is well considered with good balance and symmetry, containing three clear arch/pillar sections, and avoiding chopping off any part of the structure in a way that makes it looked chopped off. Fantastic detail, with just the right amount of light and shade to hint at the form of the beautiful carvings in the stone. Great work, well done on your top ten placing.