Classical Architecture (Exteriors)

An unusual view, the placement of the buildings low on the horizon highlights the open plain and it allows an appreciation of the outline of both buildings. The lighting is excellent and this is a well considered image. I would be very happy with this image on a feature wall.

This image I reviewed many times, I like the concept, and it is centred on axis. But I think it seems a little remote and lacks engagement. -Ethan’s trying a shot from lower down to fill the view through the gate with more of the soldier.

After an exhaustive judging process, this is the image that was the winner. Many ran close, but the choreography and positioning of the tourists in this image demonstrated some understanding of where to place people. The sandals with straps worn by the woman in white helps the image in recalling dress style from ancient Greece. Tourists are unavoidable in most of the sites from antiquity, how to include them in the image is important. So many submitted images did not consider the arrangement. Architecture is about people, whether that be a new build or an ancient ruin. I always try and include people in my images and this image successfully links people to the building, realising the change in use of the building as well.

Another building I am familiar with from my hometown. The polychromatic brickwork is beautifully captured, and the framing is on axis. However I think this image would benefit from a bit of breathing space, try stepping back so that the centre arch is not cropped and the sides are not hard up against the border.

Such an extraordinary view of this building. Most of us are only familiar with this building from ground level, and if you haven’t visited it, the photograph by Alfred Stieglitz from 1903 taken in a snowstorm is probably the defining image. I am curious as to how you shot this - best keep that to yourself.

So many images of San Marco were ordinary, many were just ‘snaps’, but this one shows some thought about composition, the gothic architecture, repetition and a pleasing rhythm of columns. A very good image, perhaps it could be even better with the morning sun illuminating the columns. Unfortunately you’ll have to plan another trip to one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Dramatic lighting, threatening clouds and an inspiring edifice all contribute to this image. I can even appreciate the tourists; many images of this were ‘snaps’, without much thought as to where the people were in the frame. Unfortunately the person at the lower right distracts from this image, so it missed out on the top 10.

I single this image out as an example of the importance of reading the brief. This spectacular structure, with a hugely colourful history is one of my favourite buildings in the world. However the title of the competition is ‘Classical Architecture’ and though this building maybe a ‘classic’, it is barely 50 years old. Many images were rejected because the photographer did not read the title of the competition.

Like many images submitted, this is a lazy ‘snap’, taken through what looks like a vehicle window. The top of the Gate is cropped, the window frame is visible, a random person on the phone wearing red and a red jacket in the lower right distract the viewer’s eye from the main subject. Please think about your images and consider what you want to communicate through your photography.

Superb image, beautiful contrast in lighting and the time of the shot, allowing for some natural light light in the sky enables the outline of the structures to be appreciated. The composition is excellent, with the bridge providing a soft curve to the sharp angles of the Gothic architecture of Cologne Cathedral.

A superb use of reflection- I kept returning to this enchanting image and wanted to give it a first, but I’m afraid it was just pipped at the post. Keep exploring this theme - you have a wonderful eye for these ‘found images’.

A great juxtaposition of architectural styles, shapes and material. You have done exceptionally well with a 75mm lens to achieve this compression. The detail is wonderful and it is pleasure to explore the different materials used in each of these structures. An excellent image.

Details. There were so many details entered in this competition, and I wanted to mention how to capture them. Details are challenging to photograph, the photographer needs to highlight an unusual aspect of the structure while relating it to the whole, to give the viewer an understanding of why the detail is significant. When photographing details, make sure the camera is level, the image is centred (or placed according to the rule of thirds) and the lighting embellishes your subject.

An interesting choice of subject, better known as the location for the closing scene of ‘Rebel Without a Cause’. Good use of lighting and the time of day, but I would like to see more of the dome on the left, try moving back - give the subject room - you can always crop in later.

A very vibrant blue sky contrast with the yellow lighting on Castel Sant’Angelo, perhaps a little over-processed for many tastes, but the lighting on the angels nearest the camera is excellent and an axial image like this complements the view.

I have taken a similar image of the same scene, so this shot did resonate with me. You have carefully framed the image, so that it is centred. Shots like this are difficult to achieve, and this is a very fine effort.

A beautiful monochrome image of a building style I know well, coming from Melbourne. This is a fabulous building and you have captured the grandeur well, with excellent modelling lighting on both elevations. It was a real joy to review this image, bringing back many memories to me.

There were many images of Greek temples, so with tourists, some abstract images, some taken on grey days. This one achieves a good technical understanding of depth of field, bright Mediterranean colours and the unity of fallen sculpture and ruined temple.