The use of B&W bows to the documentary tradition, whilst the context is immediate with the pints of beer and bench-seating setting the scene for a terrific portrait that fully exploits the quality of light often found in pubs. Our subject's face is not critically sharp, but is full of charm and character; he also sports some phenomenal eyebrows.
To say we have context in bucketfuls is perhaps a slightly indelicate way of putting it, but we immediately see the unpleasant working conditions this man endures. His expression has a slightly pleading look to it, as if to say 'get me out of here'. The diagonal created by the bucket, open drain and cover all add to the power of the composition.
Congratulations - choosing a winner was far from easy, but this picture drew me back repeatedly. The depth of field works perfectly to emphasis the boatman within his environment and there is a good proportional balance of the essential elements in the composition. The use of light and dark areas across the image have been used expertly; darker areas in the background with the light falling on his face, which is filled with character - the magnificent beard adds to the image's impact. A terrific picture that captures everything the brief asked for.
The 'stiff' pose and enigmatic smile gives this picture a very contemporary feel. The location adds a slight incongruity of subject and environment, but I am sure everyone visits the beach at some point and we are left wondering if this was a pleasure trip or if she was there for some other reason. The three-quarter length view works well as we see her Holy Cross, whilst the wind blown habit adds a dynamic, echoed by the movement in the sea. A pleasingly simple yet powerful portrayal.
This is a macabre but compelling image and the immediate impact of this picture for me, is the link between the similarity of expression on the butcher's face and the pig's head. This portrayal certainly shows environmental context and the soft flat light reveals plenty detail giving us a clear understanding of hygiene standards and working conditions.
The strong central position and direct stare into the camera enables us to make an immediate connection with our subject. As she stares out of the picture her goats move forward and pass either side to create strong diagonals in the composition. By looking down on her we also gain a sense of scale and can see the large rugged expanse behind her, so tons of context for us to enjoy.
A charming portrait of a girl swinging in the snow and giving us an enigmatic smile, whilst the movement in her hair perfectly illustrates the motion in the picture. The shallow depth of field isolates our subject beautifully against the muted colours of the background, which remain detailed enough to deliver the context we need for this competition, including the other swing user. I enjoy the quirkiness of this picture and the way it stands out from many others.
1,205 Photographers
1,668 Images entered
71,209 Ratings
The solemn expression has a haunting dignity in this portrait that uses scale to great effect. Although small in the frame the boy still holds our attention, whilst the street dog adds a powerful juxtaposition, with the two heads creating a strong diagonal within the composition. Sparse simplicity and a B&W presentation really add to the overall impact.
The style and subject matter of this picture were popular choices for entries yet this image stood out for me because of the scale and proportion used in the composition. We see our subject portrayed waist deep in his vegetables and effectively lit by the light of a bare bulb. This picture certainly tells his story.
The direct stare of the butcher and forceful presence of his machete, all composed in a strong central position, grab the attention to great effect. His environment is bloody and messy and he is completely surrounded by it. The shallow depth of field has very effectively limited the sharpness to key areas, so the stare of the adjacent butcher plays an important but secondary role. I also like the digital weighing scales, which along with the lightbulb, provide the only modern elements in an age-old scene.
I think this is a pug, rather than a bulldog, in which case its size is unusual! This street portrait makes a very strong link between the owner's T-shirt and his dog; we have a triangle of faces to explore. With the man looking away from the camera, the direct stare of the dog pulls it into the image to complete a portrait that undoubtedly reflects this man's personality and passions.
The title and colours immediately set the context for this striking portrait with very powerful eye contact. The leaves and autumn colours work perfectly with her eye and hair colour to deliver a considered composition that immediately commands attention. My only suggestion would be to consider eliminating the bright highlight in the background (top left), as it is just a little distracting, although this is a minor point in an accomplished result.
Brief
See more contest details
Having the opportunity to photograph someone in an environment that represents an aspect of their livelihood or personality gives the image a whole new layer of meaning and personality – not to mention depth – and provides the user with a more multi-faceted understanding of the subject. People are profoundly influenced by their environments. Let your photography capture that for this contest.
Meet the expert judge
A picture that is very well thought out and composed. The lighting suggests this was taken at the pole dancing venue and I am particularly impressed with your low, wide viewpoint. Compositionally the pole and her body (from foreground hand to her left foot) provide a simple cross. The hair movement suggests either an action shot or a skilfully held pose with a flick of the head - either way it works very well.
A striking portrait. The haunting look and magic of her eyes are reminiscent of work by Steve McCurry and I am reminded of his 'Afghan Girl'. This picture was under consideration for a Top 10 place but sadly the picture (and lack of supporting information) made it hard for me to fully understand and establish the contextual aspect required for this competition. Nevertheless a great image with enough information for us imagine our own story and one that will certainly do well in other competitions.
Although posed, this gritty B&W portrayal effectively evokes the spirit of contemporary images taken many decades ago. The authentically 'dirty' miner sits slumped in reflective mood and this suggests a back story of exhaustion after a shift or perhaps a pit incident. The strong use of diagonals in the composition ensure our attention always returns to the miner.
The portrayal of angst and anguish in the mourner immediately draws attention. Set against an apparently impassive crowd in the background it arouses curiosity about the event and circumstances. Playing an equally important part in the composition is the out-of-focus child in the foreground whose expression hints at an echo of the mourner.
The approach in this portrait is markedly different from the vast majority of other entries. The face is clearly seen in the context of a large bustling city. The melancholic expression and cool tones of the image work well together and invite us to conjure our own story within the context the picture provides.
