Finger Posts

First of all, many thanks to everyone who took the trouble to submit an entry into this contest. I really enjoyed studying each of your submissions, so much so that it took quite some time to work through them all. I have selected those that I felt succeeded most in making a fingerpost the focus of attention within their photo. I was unsure what to expect: simple shots of pointers against a plain background, or more detailed ones of posts in their environment. In the event, there were all extremes and I found myself presented with a full spectrum. I know it’s Christmas, but I cannot gift awards to everyone, so I apologise if yours was missed and hope that you enjoyed taking part anyway.

My winning pick is this shot, entitled “To The Charter Of Rights”, so let me explain how it won my selection: The white on black has produced a striking, contrasty shot that gets it noticed. The subdued colours of the background maintain the contrast, whilst providing information about its modern setting without distracting from the primary focus. The sign is easy to read in crystal-clear detail and has been neatly cropped, leaving no doubt about the subject matter. Combined with an informative title and some history in the description, it met the brief perfectly. A more catchy title would have done even better but it is not always easy to find one for such a mundane subject and was not necessary in this case. Well done, and thank you for your contribution.

An amusing and thought-provoking composition with a simple title to complete it. I wonder why Birmingham was chosen as the reference? I am also intrigued to know how this was produced.. There is so much to absorb, and then I noticed the birds positioned in the centre...

Your title says it all. In spite of the busy background, it does not overwhelm the primary subject. Even the bird adds interest, when you've ceased to ponder on the meaning of the "horizontal staircases" on the lower signs (I expect it's an Irish thing?).

The sepia-like tone and 'vignetting' make this shot stand out. The signage is clearly visible and an invitation to go and explore Knottingley. To discover that this was achieved with a smartphone makes me wonder why I lug much clumsier equipment around with me.

The Pennine way is a long-distance path. The cloud and path disappearing off into the distance suggest that there is still some way to go. I get the impression that the weather and and landscape are typical of what a walker should expect, yet invite the viewer to follow its path. The sign fits perfectly within the lighter space offered by the sky and the writing on it is clear to read.

How can you make an ordinary signpost interesting? Find one like this, maybe. I wonder how the forward-facing arm was (recently) broken and then how one is supposed to get through the undergrowth to follow a path. Renovation is, indeed, required.

A great photo. At first I thought it was more of a landscape but it would not have worked without the fingerpost. It is a picture of a sign with landscape behind. Without the sign, the balance would have been completely wrong and I’d only be able to credit the level horizon. The sign adds volumes to the picture, telling you exactly where it was and encouraging you to seek out your walking boots.

A very colourful shot, and from a refreshing angle. The wide angle lens gives an interesting perspective and the unusual sky blends well with the different colours of the signs. A shame that your title was not as imaginative as your shooting position but at least you gave it one. Well done!

I’m told that everything is bigger in America and this shot tends to reinforce that. The low angle has improved its visibility and made it ‘stand proud’ over the neighbouring buildings. I’m not sure how it is supposed to function as a signpost – there seem to be far too many directions of travel and an interesting range of distances. The symbol on the top is curious and may provide a clue.

At first sight I felt that the walker in the background was a distraction from the sign. I'm unsure if this was an intended inclusion, or not, but it reinforces to the purpose of the sign and balances with the pointer in the top right. The focus is clearly on the signage, rather than the landscape - and I liked it.

A crisp shot in which the contrast between blue sky and yellow signage make a striking image. How could I miss this one? The shadows and reflections suggest a lovely day and make me want to get up there and enjoy it for myself!

This is a fine photo of a footpath sign in a lovely setting. The scenery is most inviting, whilst a certain mystery is provided about what may be discovered beyond the hedge. The picture may have been composed instinctively but demonstrates the usefulness of the ‘rule of thirds’ to obtain a satisfying composition.