Empty
Ruth Kamen

Empty

October 2025

Expert
winner

I was drawn to this simple yet effective image. I liked the composition and how the chairs are isolated on the court emphasising the theme. The use of light and shadow bring depth and texture. This is an excellent use of negative space. A worthy winner, well done.

I really liked this entry that I find to be full of texture and interest. I like how the photographer has used the entrance as the frame with the vertical columns, leading lines on the floor and ceiling creating a well balanced feeling of rhythm. The square crop works well by focusing interest.

4,907 Images entered

I really like this dramatic image. I think that possibly a touch of contrast could have been used on the trees in the foreground of the image to create a bit more depth. The use of the natural elements lead the eye into the soft negative space in the centre of the image. A good entry.

I really like the simplicity of this image. The edit is bright but not over exposed in my option. I like the way that the photographer has captured the soft texture of the sky whilst the longer exposure has provided a smooth finish for the sea. A good entry.

I really liked this minimal photo of an empty park bench. I think that presenting this image in landscape was the right choice however I would potentially lose an inch from the right of the frame and crop the image a bit tighter so that bench has more impact. Simple yet effective, well done.

I like the composition of the image using the road to pull the viewer towards the distant mountains. This image gives the feeling of solitude in a vast expanse. The muted tones work well against the soft and moody sky. A visually interesting image.

I liked how the photographer used light to isolate the bench and draw focus for the viewer. The light gives a dramatic feel, almost as though it were a stage scene at the theatre. I think this is an emotive image which is good entry for this theme.

I thought this was an original, creative and unique interpretation of the theme of 'empty'. I really like the simplicity and the bold used of colour in the edit against all of the various textures of the tiles. A lovely entry.

I really like how the photographer uses the line of streetlights to lead the eye. The use of negative space enhances the feeling of isolation. An almost haunting atmosphere is produced by the stark contrast of the light and dark. I think the choice to present this in black and white enhances this image. Well done.

I really liked the vibrant use of colour in this image. The composition is nicely balanced between the water, mountains and sky. The edit is polished. Feelings of peace and tranquility are conveyed in this crisp image. The only edit I would suggest would be to remove the tree branches on the top right as they cause a distraction.

I really liked this image as it brings interest and makes the viewer think about the story of that room and the life that was lived there all now empty. The use of texture and tone brings drama and grit. A good entry well done.

I really like this monochrome photo. The photographer has used the perspective well and the seats and their arrangement feel almost hypnotic to the viewer in my opinion. This is a lovely example of abstract interpretation of the empty theme. Well done.

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I really liked this entry because it felt like the photographer intelligently juxtaposed the quiet of the empty balcony against the hustle and bustle of the evening in a busy city. The use of bokeh works really well and I like that the photographer has elected to use the square crop to present this entry.

1,611 Photographers

Brief

See more contest details

Pots, seed pods and fridges can be empty. So can rooms, streets and skies. This conceptual brief gives plenty of scope for interpretation, and for having some fun exploring your surroundings with camera in hand.

Meet the expert judge

I really like the rich colours and tones of this image that make the empty room feel incredibly inviting. I like that the room is full of furniture and books yet fits the theme. The room is already aesthetically pleasing and on this occasion well captured.

When I saw this photo I felt as though I could almost hear it. The blue neon almost creates a buzz on its own. I like how the photographer has used something considered 'ordinary' and elevated it using heavy contrast to really make you focus on the striking image.