Election fever

And the wall remains, but the politician whose career has faded, in this case with ignomy and potential disgrace, is only represented by a facsimille, A faded and decayed poster. I love the three Sarkozy's and the fact that only one is left looking smugly out at you in this beautifully framed image, I think it's slightly over-sharpened, but interestingly this does not create a barrier for me to enjoy the picture. Simple but very effective way to interpret the brief. Well done.

A classic way to get your attention with visual messaging is by using the human form. And in this image the photographer has set out an interesting play on the political message, both by having the standard poster for the politician vying for your attention and the ‘intimo’ poster next to it. The photographer captured the moment of the man walking past, but his attention is not drawn to the female form but to the political message. Well observed with comic timing and well framed. This is a very good interpretation and capture of the brief.

I like the clever use of the montage of election-based words in this image. Time has been taken to secure the messages that form this graphic. It could have been potentially improved with a better crop, and perhaps allowing the depth of field to run from the foreground right away through to the end of the last word at the back. Nonetheless, I think this is a good example of interpreting the contest theme, executed with some style. Well done.

One of the great qualities of photography is to see further into an image and for longer than the snatching moments that come with fleetingness of the eye. Here we see in this political rally in Lisbon the resolution and experience of this woman holding an election mast, we are unfetted with the political party or the message, this is purely about the person. Time has given this woman a real understanding, passion and strength. I see her strong hands with the wedding band firmly and resolutely standing beneath this banner. The black-and-white treatment, the light in the eyes and the placing of the woman in the context of an event has produced a very active picture.

With interesting framing, bold blacks and strong lines, this photograph from Campo Imperatore Hotel has real pathos. The mystery of the importance of the images on the wall and the young girl looking at them (or just resting) adds a really nice element that counters the framing devices the photographer has used. Laying this out in black and white naturally adds a nostalgic feel. With the VE day just passing, it brings home the message that the political choices we make have direct consequences.

In the UK the main political parties are represented by two colours - blue for the Conservatives and red for Labour. In this image we see two doors and, interestingly, the only difference between them is the colour. It is though whatever choice is made by the folks who vote, they are going to get roughly the same experience behind the doors. This is a good example of where photography can tell the story in such a simple form, and convey meaning where many words would be needed.

This considered response to the brief is the result of the photographer thinking hard about how to interpret an idea. Combining language and the image which is constructed on this scrabble board is an effective way of telling the story. To me it is slightly clumsy with the 'scrabbling for votes’ notation as I think that could be left to the viewer. However, I reward the efforts that come with taking time and setting up a response to one of our contests.

This image from a Japanese political event expresses 'election fever' to me - with the close-up of the stretched out hand of the politician Hiroshi Yamada deliberately connecting with the unseen crowd. To me there is a real energy about this picture. It is nicely framed, graphic, and appealing with all the elements working well together. I certainly feel part of the rally, up close and hearing the message. Also, the post-production treatment of the image works well, and makes this shot my overall winner. Congratulations!

It maybe a little crude in execution, but after a whole week of political chaos and chatter, this image has a simple and comic message. It is set against a neutral background and allows the yellow of the rape seed oil plants to offset the blue of the post. I like the graphic nature of the image, and as a hay fever sufferer it's good to be reminded to get some antihistamine tablets. Thank you for lightening the afternoon with this one, it made me laugh.