Close Neighbours - High Density Housing

In this contest there were a number of images showing this location, but what stood out for me with this winning image was the clarity and the viewpoint; the distance from the subject is spot-on for me. We are close enough in to see plenty of details, but far enough away to see a range of properties to get a sense of the place and the density of the dwellings. I have never visited this location to know how true-to-life the colours are, but I imagine they represent a memorable version of the reality. Focusing is great, with so many details in crisp focus. An image that I imagine would work especially well when viewed very large. Congratulations on your winning image.

A fabolous image with a mosaic of houses packed together, creating one of those classic 'jigsaw puzzle' effects Lighting conditions look to be a little tricky, but we get some nice areas of highlights where the sun picks out a few areas amongst the more bluey cooler, shadowy streets. Good clarity allows numerous little details to be picked out, an image that gives more and more the longer I look. Great work, well done on your top ten placing.

This fabulous and fascinating image is in contrast to some of the more vividly coloured houses in many other entries, but that is one of the reasons this image stands out for me. The dwellings are at the same time uniform but different, and look as if they have grown out of the hillside rather than been built upon it. The details captured are greaf, and the inclusion of the tiny human and animal figures, and the little scenes from daily life, such as the hanging washing, really bring the scene to life. The sunlight looks strong but the lighting has been well handled, with good contrasts to give the scene depth and form, but avoiding any over-bright or over-dark areas. Congratulations on your second place finish.

I initially passed this image by, as it seemed a little too dark and lacking any punch, but on later reviews of the images I realised I rather like the effect and it rose into my placings. Why I think it works here is that the dull matte effect suits the rather grim and cheerless nature of this vast concrete urban jungle. By using a long lens, the perspective has been compressed somewhat, which further adds to the mood of the shot and helps describe this location as you saw and felt it. The upright verticals add to a sense of sombre and grim. Great work, well done on your top ten placing.

I love this image, which is warm and sunny on many levels, from the gorgeous colours of the paintwork to the little glimpses of people sunning themselves on the balconies and terraces. There is no obvious focal point, but that does not matter in a shot such as this, as everything is of equal value in terms of being worthy of visual exploration. I also like that you avoided any compulsion felt by some to include some sky in the image, and for me the image is all the more impactful by the lack of sky; instead the subject fills the entire frame. Lovely image, well done on your top ten placing.

There were a number of images in this contest that achieved the look of a multitude of apartments by copying and pasting the same block several times. While that effect can have some impact, far stronger for me is an image as we have here, which has captured what is actually there, and not added more in post-processing to make the statement. What works especially well for me is the alignment of verticals and horizontals, which allow the image to be viewed both as a documentary architectural image, but also as an abstract of shapes and patterns. Focusing is sharp enough to be able to observe some of the many differences between each apartment, with the different air-con units, things hanging from the windows/balconies etc. Congratulations on your third place finish.

This is just the type of image I was hoping to see in this contest, where the subject is rows of suburban terraced houses. We have a great view here, with enough included to get a sense of the place, but neither are we too far away to not be able to see the details. There is so much for the eye to explore, from the variation in colours of the roofs and walls, the various extensions and dormas, and the slightly differing styles and sizes across the scene. The little glimpses of parked cars in some of the gaps bewteen the houses, and the edge of the pub building, bring a real sense of 'home' to the image. Great work, well done on your top ten placing.

This is a great capture of the hotch-potch of houses on the streets below your vantage point. Each building looks different to the others in height, shape and size, but are unified by the gorgeous teracotta and earthy golden hues, bathed in sunlight. Composition works well, with the main run of houses being on a diagonal across the frame, which adds to the dynamic of the shot. Great image, well done on your top ten placing.

Cities viewed from above can be fascinating, as they can take on quite an abstract feel, and this image is a great example of that. By removing the colour, there are no distractions or features that especially draw the eye, instead we can wander and explore the shapes and patterns of the city from above. The composition of the image works well, with what looks to be an intersection of many roads being positioned on the left 'third' line. Some may find a shot such as this fairly dull, but I find it full of interest with so much to explore. Well done on your top ten placing.

A lovely bold and bright image, perfectly capturing the mosaic of buildings set onto the hillside opposite. The colours are vivid but do not look overdone. There is no obvious focal point, but with a scene such as this that is one of the main appeals for me, as wherever the eye settles, there is something to see, before the eye can wander to further explore. Super image, well done on your top ten placing.