Hanging Washing

A fair number of entries in this contest seemed focused on who could find the most unusual line of washing, or were shots taken without too much evidence of thought into the composition of the shot. None of these factors were an issue in the winning image however. One of the main strengths of this image comes from its well considered composition, taken from directly face on to the building, and not cropping into any of the windows, which keeps everything nicely contained within the frame. The focal point of the main line of hanging washing is obvious, but after looking there the eye is allowed to wander to explore the other parts of the building facade. Everything is perfectly focused, with lots of detail and textural content. Colouring looks gentle and natural, and the diffused lighting allows everything to be seen without harsh shadows or highlights. A well composed and well executed image, congratulations on your first place.

This is a very strong black and white image, very well converted from colour with a great range of tones from black through to white. This tonal range helps reveal the textures of the walls and brings atmosphere to this everyday scene. Although relatively small in the overall composition, the lady in the window hanging out the laundry is a clear focal point of the shot. Crisp focusing throughout, lovely details, great image, congratulations on your third place finish.

An unusual image which stood out for several reasons. The extreme high contrast works well with the subject, as we see a contrast between the hard lines of the buildings, and the softer shapes of the wafting washing. The viewpoint from below looking up works well too, and adds a dynamic to the shot. Creatively processed, you did well to realise the potential of the shot to push the contrasts to the extreme of pure black and white. Great image, well done on your second place finish.

This was one of the very few images in this contest which showed any action and movement. There were some images of people hanging out the washing, but these generally still appeared rather static. Here, by use of a slower shutter speed, you have wonderfully captured the washing billowing in the wind, and judging by the strength of the breeze, it looks a perfect washing day! Nicely captured, well done on your top ten placing.

A simple, but well composed image. Everything looks natural, with nothing overdone in post capture editing. Everything looks to be well focused, and we can see some lovely textures on the wall of the fading building, contrasting with the bright washing. All lines of the building are nice and level, keeping things natural. A simple, everyday scene, well captured, and well deserving of a top ten placing. Great work.

An interesting composition, capturing the scene partially hidden behind the broken wall. Very strong sunlight can often make challenging shooting conditions, but you have handled the light well, as the deep shadows are not overwhelming and the colours are still rich. There is nothing dramatic or unusual about your choice of subject, but that is what I like, the simple, the everyday, the ordinary. Well seen and expertly captured, congratulations on your top ten placing.

Many images in this contest were great shots of washing hanging on a line, but nothing much had been added by the photographer beyond standing on the spot and pressing the shutter. This image on the otherhand looks to have been very carefully composed, in a scene I imagine would not have been to easy to isolate your subject from the surroundings. The image has balance, and takes on a rather abstract feel through the presentation of shapes and colours. I like the juxtaposition between the random of the washing and the order of the windows and satellite dishes. Very pleasing image, well composed and technically well executed. Well done on your top ten placing.

The lighting on the line of washing, against the darkness of the building in shadow, is what creates the success in this image. The composition looks well considered, and the lines of the building appear true, which helps raise the image above the level of a grab-shot of some washing on a line. Being picky, I may have been tempted to reduce the level of the blue tones on the building shutters, which I presume were white, which would have warmed the image up a little. Still a great image, well done on your top ten finish.