Environmental Portraits

This contest was very tough to judge with over 100 top images that could all deserve a place in the top ten. I pondered over this image for a long time because it was so different from the rest and gives an almost unnatural angle from above that disorients the viewer. The scattered sculptures give enough suggestion of environment but it is of course the blueish dust that creates the atmosphere that dominates the scene. The skin tones blended with the dust give a strong focal point. In all though the originality of this image swayed me to award it first place. Well done!

This certainly fits the brief of an environmental portrait and the grand setting fits in perfectly with the style and costume of the Lady. The whole image is about obtaining a symmetry with a strong central figure. The black outfit blends perfectly with the foreground banister and the central light highlights the red of the lower dress and creates the punch and depth. A clever touch is producing a patch of white on the hair that dominates but also separates from the other light areas. Great processing also makes this a worthy top ten image.

This is very much an environmental portrait of two farmers ploughing in a traditional manner but it could also be excused as a documentary image. The choice of black and white gives a gritty and rugged feel that enhances the rural poverty and hard work. The yoked cows really help to win the show but are still within the brief. A fabulous image, well done!

An orchestral shot like this is not an easy task and when it works, as the image here does, I feel it needs special recognition. Although the surroundings of the musician are not defined or in focus the viewer is in no doubt of a performance in a grand location. The expression on the mans face puts you in no doubt of the music style and puts the sounds given into the imagination. Well done on a top ten image!

This is a charming image that was no doubt full of colour in the mural paintings but the black and white choice is perfect for concentrating the focal point on the violinist that is also placed on the right third yet mirrors the painted sitting figure on the left. The central door with the picture beyond is very inviting and adds tremendously to soft calming atmosphere that the image portrays. Finally, I love the wooden clog shoes. Congratulations on a top ten finish.