Classic-Style Tabletop Still Life (in colour)

Sometimes it is the simple images that can create the most impact and this is a good example. Without multiple items and colours this soft lit image has a strong story and pulls on the emotions. The gas mask places it straight into the war torn 1940's and the crudely written tag represents the labelling of children that that escaped the bombed cities as refugees. It's a warm image that lets you feel a softer side to hardships of the past and a glint of light from a monotone time. Well Done!

This image kept my interest long enough to make it into the top ten. The weathered yet strongly textured cloths are a great choice of props as are the wooden bases that are ideal for the soft warm side lighting that places the image with an end of day feel.
Despite the great props the real winner here is the window frame shadows that lets your imagination fill in the location. Whether real or made by placing an object in front of the light source (GOBO) the result is fabulous. Whilst pondering I wondered if a little needed cropping from the top but realised that it would be detrimental to the overall effect. Congratulations!

If you look at my top 10 images they have one thing in common and that is some form of background separation that keeps the image from falling into complete darkness and adds depth to the scene. This one is an exception in the absence of an horizon line that uses textures instead that are stronger in the foreground than the softer background. The bright and soft light seems to fill the scene yet burnt out highlights are nowhere to be seen. The shadows are just enough to give dimension and texture yet you can see the details within. The square format is ideal for this image and in every way seems to be intentional rather than just a crop. The contrast of the live and dead works very well in such a great composition. Excellent work and well done in reaching my top ten.