Diagonal Lines

I love this energetic entry and it was very close to going into my top 10. The line of footprints show it doesn't have to be a continuous line to qualify for the theme, and that made it unique in the competition. The composition is nailed on; the triangle created by the footprints and the person's shadow makes for a very strong and pleasing shape which is balanced by the ridge and flash of blue at the top of the frame. Maybe the slightest exposure increase could have lifted it more, but that doesn't detract from a wonderful capture. Well done.

A beautifully simple composition with one strong diagonal alongside a few softer ones, this totally caught my eye. It's one of those shots that could get overlooked, yet it holds the viewer's eye. This is partly down to how clean the image is; the contrast is perfection. That strong black diagonal sits wonderfully with the white surface which retains the highlights and the details of the seams. Between the pure blacks and whites are many tones in between. The whole is a very pleasing image and I can't fault it - well done.

This is a striking, yet simple photograph of strong diagonals and I love it. The composition is perfect with the stronger diagonals entering at the corners of the frame and converging on a third, which shows keen attention to detail. The monochrome tones are magnificent, not over-saturated and the detail of the grain is visible. It could equally work well in black and white too. Well seen and well presented, congratulations for making my top ten!

I asked for diagonals and creativity and this image delivered both. A great title, because that's exactly what it looks like. Thanks for explaining what it actually was and your technique for capturing it. The colours all complement each other and their varying tones are amazing, this is a very pleasing abstract artwork. Congratulations on your top 10 placing!

Among all the excellent entries, this is my winner. There are diagonals everywhere, with the bolder lines forming a strong cascade down through the frame. Capturing the figure adds scale and human interest to the composition, and provides a focal point for the viewer's eye. The monochrome treatment suits the shot perfectly and has been well handled with excellent detail in the highlights revealing a subtle flower pattern. The whole is a simple yet compelling photograph of a person immersed in their diagonal surroundings. Well done for winning my challenge!

I really like this photograph which uses perspective to achieve diagonal leading lines to the people in the background. It's sharp where it needs to be and the hand-in-hand couple being out of focus adds to a sense of anonymity and even an air of mystery; it's like this is the conclusion of a story and the viewer is left to ponder what led to that point and indeed what awaits them through that bright white doorway. The overall colour is warm and you sense whatever the story is, it's a happy one. An excellent use of diagonals and leading lines and deservedly in my top 10, well done.

I love the clean and simple lines of this image, creating diagonals all across the frame. The simple colour palette is complementary and wonderful, even extending into the sky. There's a calmness to the photograph which keeps the viewer pleasingly engaged. Excellent work - well done.

I love this enigmatic image with its strong diagonals and striking colour. I have no idea how it was achieved or what it's derived from and that adds to its appeal. The warm yellow, gold and orange tones are gorgeous and the viewer's eye is magnetised to them. The composition is open to many different interpretations and teases us with illusion. It's uniquely memorable and deserves to be high in the top ten. Well done.

Another shot that was very close to my top 10 and shows why titles and descriptions can be just as important as the image itself. On first viewing it seems like a cut-out of just a rather nice view. The description however explains everything and suddenly the photo transforms into a clever, precise and unique framing of a row of houses. The warm complementary colours work well, from the water to the buildings and into the sky. The whole composition holds the viewer's eye centrally and is very unique. Well done!