Christmastime

This interesting macro image conveys clear Christmas vibes in spite of being so closeup. That's because the photographer didn't just choose the right subject, but the right background for it too, creating an image that it's sparkly, magical and enchanting throughout. The shallow depth of field adds visually pleasing depth to the shot by blurring both foreground and background - the latter into an exquisite golden bokeh. The rich golden tones are beautifully contrasted by the blacks and the hints of blue in the reflections. I wish the pin in the centre of the frame had been removed, but even so this remains a visually striking and thoroughly enchanting festive macro shot that was a pleasure to look at.

This festive image has plenty of character and fine art qualities that make it stand out from the crowd. My taste often leads me to prefer shallow depth of field, but it's easy to see that this capture simply demanded focus throughout in order for the viewer not to miss out on the scene's exquisite level of detail. The photographer listened, making the perfect choice for the scene that unfolded in front of them. The chosen focal length of 24mm allows for the busy scene to perfectly fit within the frame without distortion. The light, aided by the warm colour grading, is pleasingly intimate. It gently highlights the table, catching the glass in nice reflections, and overall allowing the banquet to stand out from its busy surroundings. I thoroughly enjoyed observing this image and found myself often zooming in to take in more of the beautifully opulent detail. Well done!

I have fallen in love with the beautiful simplicity of this image. From the empty streets to the simply-decorated Christmas tree; to the semi-darkness and the worn out walls: the atmosphere is peaceful and sacred, old and understated. In a sea of bright and busy Christmas images, this shot easily stands out.
Technically, I appreciate the photographer's choice of including the buildings on either side instead of focusing in only on the tree. They add context and depth to the image, and thanks to an F13 aperture which ensures sharpness throughout, the buildings add beautiful texture too. There is magic in simplicity, and this image is proof.