Death

I'm not sure about the origins of cat folklore, 9 lives etc but this is a wonderful example of a photographer working in the moment. The ability to capture this exact expression and pose must be one in a million whilst also fitting into ideas around folklore, black cats etc. On the other hand we could read this image as a animal as natural hunter and protector of its space. A fantastic shot that did really stand out from many of the other images of animals

This image was really close to my top 10. I love the subdued colours and the single face in silver so vivid next to the others. That use of angle which then gives the additional light on the silver face is clever and well seen. A very simple image but one that asks lots of questions. Like death itself we really cant answer.

A really sad photograph but also so beautiful. The use of space the placement within the frame of the dead seal and the dramatic dark sky against the white crashing waves makes for a powerful photograph of the natural environment. The use of B/W gives a dramatic feel and overall a powerful image.

I do love this photograph and thought long and hard for its inclusion in the top 10 but sadly it just missed out. I love the central cross, the dark shadow below adds a real sense of the otherworld and the overall feel of this photograph makes me ask questions and start to reflect on life, death, the need for monuments and the way photograph plays its part on this reflection.

A scene that is now universal. The roadside memorial for what we take to be the last evidence of a tragic accident? The power of this image lies in its vantage point and to include the road is essential in understanding its nature. The stark terrain next to the coloured arrangement of small crosses gives a sense of remoteness. Whilst also reminding us that we need a physical place for grief and remembrance.

I love the simple composition and beauty of the colour and its sensitive restraint that adds emotion to the subject. The idea that we place fresh flowers next to the withered that they themselves wither and die is somehow symbolic that we can never escape our fate. This is one of those rare photographs that is so dignified and appropriate for the topic but asks questions of its audience. Beautiful.

if I had to discuss death with children - this is the image I'd use to chat about what death is about. Or at least try to. This is a fun image but also has a deeper and more serious message behind the humour. The use of colour and scale plus points of focus adds real depth and power to this photograph. It also made me smile which when looking at images on the theme of death was a nice thing to happen. Thank you

Some images are just so real so matter of fact but yet still unexpected and this is one of those images. This does not conjure up ideas about death as something other worldly but as a reality. The power in this image is its unflinching reality of what we are actually looking at. It brings to fact that we are a vessel and when gone this is the reality. It's powerful and I find myself staring at this image for a long time. Thank you for sharing and having the courage to take this.

Some photographs just make us smile. We acknowledge the sense of humour in the arrangement of others and as a photographer it is our job to see this and make the image. This photograph is a case in point, it is aided by the shallow depth of filed and straight on vantage point. Even in death it's better to smile. A well composed and seen shot.

What is it about death, especially when confronted with a graveyard that we look up to the sky? Regardless of our beliefs something about the vast beyond offers something bigger than ourselves. This is a stunning photograph that makes us think about our mortality whilst also been wonderful to look at. The use of colour and light really bring this image alive and it did stand out to me from many images in this competition. Well done.

A treasure trove of both nostalgia and love. Many of us have similar keep sakes, tucked away in a box. This simple but well constructed image brought back my own memories of departed family. I see this photograph as a reminder for us all of the good times and and unique moments that come from looking at old family photographs. The light is soft which is appropriate as it allows the viewers into the images. Overall a quiet reflective image which is familiar to many of us.

As a child this would have given me nightmares. I love the enduring appeal of the ghost but how to photograph it? This is done so well with added fun. The scale works well as does the fact we look up at this 'thing' Fun and really uniques within all the entries. It reminds me of the safety away from things like death. As a child we see things differently and this is one of those images I would have on my wall and enjoy every time I looked at it.

This image talks about survival, life, death and decay. It's also very beautiful which given the subject matter seems strange. The shallow depth of filed for the blurred background really brings into focus what it is we can actually see. The stark contrast works well as does the composition of the bird. It reminds me of Dutch still lives. haunting. Well done.

This photograph could have easily gone wrong given the sheer scale and chaotic nature of the place. But in the hands of this skilled photographer we have an image that perfectly shows the complex nature we have with death. It has the motifs, the 3 central crosses that our eyes goes to at the end of the path, by placing the path centre stage it gives us the break we need to make sense of the space and sheer scale of what we are looking at. The warm hues of the photograph seem to provide comfort and the tree on the left adds balance and weight to the overall feel. For me a worthy winner as it helps me try to understand life, death and why these places exist for the living and future generations. Stunning.