Christmastime

This neat still life shot immediately captivated me with its mix of depth and rich tones. The positioning of the items within the image, respecting the rule of thirds, is very well thought-out and creates a sense of balance and harmony. The panettone is nicely decorated and thoroughly inviting, and the red tablecloth is a nice touch. Loosely draped over one corner of the table, large folds throughout, it adds interest, depth and an extra touch of rich red that greatly benefits the shot. The light, soft and low key, highlights colours and textures enough without overpowering the candlelight, setting an intimate atmosphere of rich tones and deep shadows. This is a beautifully executed festive shot that I thoroughly enjoyed looking at.

The fact that the vast majority of images submitted to this contest were in colour, makes this capture beautifully stand out. Even though the black and white toning makes the tree less identifiable than if it had been in colour, this shot remains a clearly festive one - but with a much more intimate note to it that sets it apart. Looking at it inspires me to think at what the story behind the image might be, and I like a photo that challenges the viewer to come up with their own answers. Technically speaking, I like the depth of field that blurs the tree and lights in the foreground, focusing in on the girl, adding precious depth. But my favourite thing of all is the soft fairy-light glow that projects onto the little girl's face. It lights her up beautifully, at the same time adding a sense of Christmas magic and wonder to an already lovely image. Well done!

This eye-catching image immediately stood out from the rest. There is so much to look at, and I found myself moving closer, eager to take in more and more details. Whereas the majority of images shot from ground level captured subjects in closer proximity, with visible details to get lost into, this farther angle makes the viewer focus on the bigger picture. It draws our attention to the market as whole: from its layout, to the pattens in its light installations, to its overall pleasing symmetry. It's an ode to the work and care that goes into the creation of a street market. Lastly, with a good choice of festive subject and an incredible amount of lights, this image captures the 'Christmas' theme beautifully. It's a lovely, mood-boosting shot that I could spend a long time looking at.