Inspired by... Vivian Maier

Maier took a number of pictures in galleries and museums as part of her own interest in becoming more cultured; perhaps the most well-known shows an affluent mother with her two daughters. Here we see a woman studying a sculpture, also with one child apparently more interested than the other, that is very much in tune with Maier's approach.

Sometimes pictures just have an aesthetic that draws you in. Here the simplicity of the two figures looking through the window, along with the tonality and use of light, really show a Maier'esque style. I am reminded of Maier's picture of a sailor reflected in the window of a NY ferry.

Maier took a number of pictures in galleries and museums as part of her own interest in becoming more cultured; perhaps the most well-known shows an affluent mother with her two daughters. Here we see a young woman studying a sculpture that is very much in tune with Maier's approach.

Reminiscent of Maier's picture of a man with pigeons in New York, this image shows the photographer has both researched Maier's style and considered subject matter and composition carefully in this portrayal. The use of B&W dominated Maier's early work and there is something about the subject's coat and hat that hark back to an earlier era. An excellent submission.

The use of colour and transport echo themes from Maier's work and the expression on this lady's face captures the half-glance typical of street photography. Although the subject matter differs the aesthetic and use of a low-key exposure to emphasise the colour red hints at Maier's newspaper seller (Chicago, October 1976). well done.

This picture is reminiscent of many of Maier's street shots taken in New York and Chicago. Maier would select apparently random moments that offer much more on closer inspection, as does this image. We are immediately drawn to the sitting woman dwarfed by the bodies and legs of passers-by. In the background an arrow points to her and the leg of the man behind her appears as if it is the arm/hand of the man in the foreground, placed on her shoulder. Her expression is serious and we are drawn to her upward glance. We do not know the circumstances, so like many of Maier's pictures we are left with unanswered questions. An excellent submission.

Working as a nanny, Maier clearly had an affinity with children and they appeared throughout her work. She would capture a range of emotions and having fun playing in the street were memorable subjects. This toned B&W picture evokes the spirit of Maier, which is strengthened by the NY location.

Maier took numerous self-portraits, typically using the reflection in shop windows. The scale and proportion varied and of course she was often using her twin-lens reflex camera. This theme was popular in the competition and for me, this image very much embodies the style and spirit of Maier's work.

Asleep on her husband's shoulder this is certainly an opportunity Maier would not have missed, having taken a picture of a woman sleeping on a bus with her husband acting as a pillow (April 7, 1960. Florida) amongst others. This picture shares the same warmth and affection; a couple still close after many years.

Much of Maier's life was spent in impoverished circumstances; at times she could not afford to develop/print in own work. Along with her role as a nanny and affinity with children this image brings together two subjects I feel would be close to Maier's photographic heart. Reminiscent of Maier's picture of a distressed child (1959, Grenoble, France) I think this image is very much a contemporary portrayal of her style.

This image has all the qualities of black and white film, which lends it a period-feel that fits the competition extremely well. The girl's wistful and pensive gaze are beautifully framed by the out of focus car mirror. I think the subject matter and presentation are very much in the style of Maier.

Maier took many street portraits, engaging with strangers and choosing direct, truthful portrayals; her shot of an older man with a cap and heavy overcoat springs to mind (May 1953. New York, NY). This image has many of the same qualities, beautifully lit with a full tonal range and well controlled contrast. Well done.

Maier was a very private person with few friends and it is a recurring and fascinating aspect of her work that she chose to take so many self-portraits. We are left to speculate why but it proved a popular theme for this competition. The aesthetic qualities of this picture struck me for the use of B&W and a double reflection; not to mention the camera! Very close to being in my Top 10 and I would have awarded Highly Commended, if the option had been available.

Maier was a very private person with few friends and it is a recurring and fascinating aspect of her work that she chose to take so many self-portraits. We are left to speculate why; was it a (sub)conscious record for posterity? Did Maier ever imagine her archive would gain such recognition and did she want to leave a portrait of the artist? This theme was picked up by many photographers, but the aesthetic qualities of this picture struck me for the use of B&W, the interest of the window and frame, but above all the presentation of the self.