High Key
Karen Cotter

High Key

October 2021

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Great contest!

Judge 2nd

Big curlers and a big pose make for a fantastic image! The subject's expression almost dares the viewer to keep looking and adds to this fun and cheeky photograph. This piece represents a great example of when minimal variation in tone can produce a stunning image. Congratulations on this wonderful portrait!

Judge 7th

This image fits the high key brief perfectly being bright, but not overblown. The lighting is just right and creates very little shadow. The focus on the subject's luminous eyes makes the photograph shine. A soft quality adds dreaminess and an almost painterly feel to the image. Congratulations on creating a lovely portrait!!

Entry 10669547
12th
203
Entry 10669551
8th
150
Entry 10670008
163rd
91
Entry 10670009
7th
2
342
Entry 10670048
41st
86
Judge
winner

Judge 1st

This image grabbed me on the first viewing and I knew it was the winning photograph for this contest. Filling the frame with beautiful texture, the model's hair, bracelet and background create a riveting image. Another favorite part is the juxtaposition of the subject's closed pose with crossed arms and her open and amused expression. Congratulations on a job well done!

Entry 10670461
29th
26
Entry 10670676
94th
184
Entry 10670677
53rd
746
Entry 10671090
35th
136
Entry 10671194
63rd
37
Entry 10671195
5th
283
Entry 10671612
20th
44
Entry 10672600
309th
12
Crowd
winner
Entry 10673602
275th
30
Entry 10673794
60th
51

Judge 9th

Bright and energetic, this photograph truly sparkles! The elegant composition, pose of the dancer and the wafting smoke work together to create a whimsical image. The dark and light tones contrast beautifully and emphasize the composition. A wonderful capture overall. Congratulations on producing an engaging piece!

500 Images entered

Judge 10th

What a wonderful subject for a high key photograph! The bright, low contrast treatment works well for this Buddha statute creating a gentle and calm mood. Filling the frame with the subject further allows the sense of calm to permeate the viewer. Congratulations on a great work!

Entry 10674237
64th
37
Entry 10674374
33rd
146
Entry 10675210
27th
63
Entry 10675297
36th
92

Judge 3rd

This image stood out from the moment I saw it. So many times the eyes are the focus in a portrait but in this case, the subject's bright red lips are clearly the focus and lend great intensity and dynamism to the photograph. This high key piece has the perfect amount of color and the tones are beautiful. Congratulations on creating a stunning work!

257 Photographers

Brief

See more contest details

This contest is for your high-key photos. A high-key image is one that is bright throughout with very few, if any, shadows. Think about trying to create a specific mood with your high-key image. Photos can be in colour or black and white.

Entry 10672068
262nd
43

Judge 5th

This is a wonderfully moving image that captures the fullness and joy of parenting, the vulnerability and care that are essential in the parent/child bond. I really like the compositional tool that the blanket over mother's arm plays and how it frames mom and baby. The natural light and low contrast create a soft and delicate mode perfect for this family portrait. Congratulations on a job well done!

Entry 10672601
104th
34
Entry 10673776
172nd
24
Entry 10675800
46th
78
Entry 10676391
99th
182

Judge 4th

Viewing this image is a wonderful experience. The elements of the photograph, the curves of the barrier wall and the viewing stand, the milkiness of the water and the perspective work to delight the eye and soothe the soul. The monochrome treatment highlights all the aspects of the composition to enhance the mood. Congratulations on a beautiful artwork!

17,224 Ratings

Entry 10680191
18th
68
Entry 10680379
28th
15
Entry 10680384
70th
71

Judge 6th

I knew this was a top ten image as soon as I saw it. While delicate with soft, muted pink tones, the wilted flowers are still incredibly detailed. The arrangement of the flowers in the glass along with the angle of the photograph combine to create a work of art. Congratulations on a job well done!

Meet the judge

Entry 10680382
48th
62