Hear That!

Many thanks to all those who submitted an entry for this contest. The standard was very high and it was a pleasure to review every one of them. It was not surprising that music was the most popular topic, as that is something that is commonly listened to, but there were several other interesting interpretations. In addition to music, we had noisy machines, creatures, and explosions of all sorts but the sound did not have to be intense....

The selection of my final top ten was closely fought and my first choice is this Singing Robin. It must have taken some patience to obtain such a perfect shot. The lighting is brilliant and this chirpy chappie is as crisp as can be. One day, I’d like to think that we could understand more about the communications being issued by such creatures. I think a caption such as “Morning Message” would have added more value than the factual title offered. The refined border works really well when viewed against a black background. A good shot needs to be striking and invite closer inspection, and this one achieved both.

Even the title of this shot is “shouting” (CAPITALS). I wouldn’t want to mess with those teeth! This may have been a sleepy yawn, but the title helps me believe that the eyes were closed in a concentrated effort to be heard. You were well-rewarded for waiting patiently for this opportunity and I love the detail captured in the tongue. Well done!

A fine, detailed, shot of the sea thundering down on hard rock. Somehow “The Splash” seems a bit of an understatement but perhaps that was intentional. The subtle colours of the fore and background help maintain focus on the water pounding on the rocks, whilst the wide range of shades in the foam convey the menacing force of nature. Not only can I imagine the crashing sound of the waves, I can almost taste the saltiness of the sea!

Geese can be really noisy and this one is clearly going at “full throttle”. I’m never sure what their intent is when being so vocal but the title makes no doubt about it. If I knew what a vocal cord was, I’m sure I’m looking straight at one!

This lady has been captured giving it her all: I can virtually feel her music! The audience is sufficiently out of focus not to distract, yet helpfully there to set the scene. The contrast between her cream jacket and the black background helps to amplify the impact of her sound. Well done!

Life is too important to take seriously, so I do enjoy the injection of some humour from time to time. This shot is well-composed and eye-catching, as well as being humorous. I commend your originality. It is so refreshing to find a different “take” on a brief, rather than more of the obvious. It’s much easier to get noticed by being different!

A lovely contrasty shot of a man blowing his trumpet (and who doesn’t like to do that?). In spite of the light coming from behind, you have managed to obtain a perfect exposure. Music was a common choice for my brief of “Hear That!” but I like the way you have managed to capture the musician straining to perform at his best in this one.

What a smashing picture (please excuse the pun), although I suspect that a sensitive tap is the action that was actually captured. Not only is there so much detail to explore but there is colour in profusion too. Congratulations on producing such a wonderful shot. It fits the brief and I love it.

Christmas is not far away now so perhaps we should not be surprised to see carol singers in full voice. I can feel a winter chill as well as hear their festive message. This picture captures the occasion well. I feel that the caption is rather technical and could be improved by changing it to the title of a suitable carol but maybe I’m being picky here, the shot meets the brief perfectly.

As someone who has worked in an engineering field, this shot reminds me of the noise (and smell) that pervades the shaping of metal. Controlling the depth of field has kept focus on the impact of the hammer and whatever might have been in the background is unable to distract from the message. The spray of debris provides added emphasis of the forces involved. A well-composed shot!

This is a perfectly composed shot. The billowing smoke makes it. I can almost hear the engine puff-puffing its way along the track. Your perseverance in waiting for this particular moment has rewarded you with an extraordinary shot. Well done!

I like this shot because of the visible “roar” of the engines provided by the glow of the jets. The composition is perfect. I might normally choose to leave space for the subject to move into but, here, there is emphasis on the output left behind this wonderful piece of machinery.

This black and white image provides real atmosphere! There was no need for colour here. The shot not only captures the unpleasant sound (of many dentists in a coordinated attack) but also the dust and grime of an industrial environment. The grisly name of the machine is an added bonus. Not all of life is clean and sweet-smelling, as this shot demonstrates. Most would pass this by, quickly, but the photographer has taken time to stop and capture the moment well.