Just One Object
Ian Gilmour

Just One Object

December 2021

When I look at this image, I think of art movements such as Dadaism or Pop Art. I love that such a rich, visually complex image could be created from a small object like a safety pin. The details of the metallic surface, the sharpness of the pointed pin and the soft shadows creating its own distinctive character on the rough white surface just make this image very beautiful. This image really accomplishes what the brief outlines, to focus on one object and present it in an unconventional way. Beautifully executed!

This image really stood out because it was very atmospheric. At first I didn't know what I was looking at, but regardless of what it was, I was drawn to the strange, organic and rhythmic shape. The movement in the sky and the stillness of the ship’s reflection on the surface also bring depth to this beautiful image. Gorgeous details of the over-grown moss and rusting nails are also captured brilliantly.

This image works really well because of the interesting details and the contrasting textures that exist naturally. It also reminds us that such an ordinary thing that we might not even notice can have such beauty. A successful photograph can come from anywhere but it's the eye of the photographer that makes it a great image.

At first glance, it is unclear what you are looking at but the beautiful hard light and striking shadows make this an irresistible still life image. The simple but rich colours and organic textures creates a complex image which can have many meanings.

So much detail can be seen in this image, from the long wispy blonde mane hairs to the delicate white eyelashes. And the clarity in the horse’s eye is almost disturbing. The choice to zoom in and crop the image also works very well, allowing the viewer to connect with the subject on an emotional level. I also really love the melancholic nature of this image., and when you can feel emotion from an image that's really a sign of a great photo. Well done!

The dynamic movement of the chess piece and spraying pink droplets make this a very successful image. I’m very impressed this was shot at 1/8 of a second. The image is not perfectly sharp, but in this case I think the subtle motion blur works very well. I love the concept of a bleeding chess piece flying through the air. It’s very surreal but also playful and creative.

This image deserves recognition because it really meets the brief which is photographing one object and presenting it in a unique way. The photographer has successfully created a very complex and layered image using only one object through the use of some lights We have the main subject, the two shadows on the wall and reflections of each shape clearly appears too. Just a beautiful and very cleverly executed image.

A lone shoe floating silently in a dark pool of water. Sinister shadows created by palm leaves creep into the frame from the left. This image is loaded with meaning, I can’t help but wonder who the shoe belonged to and what happened at the scene. So many scenarios could be imagined: the aftermath of a hurricane, a lost child or climate change in action? A complex image with many layers but also beautifully shot. Brilliant!

Expert
winner

This image is actually very hard to look at but is a very strong image and has been selected as the winner. All the details are captured perfectly from the thin membranes of the cracked egg to the dead embryo wrapped up tightly in a ball. It is an image that requires the viewer to really examine what is presented before them even if it is hard to do. The subject matter and simple execution of this image makes it very powerful. By taking the egg out of its natural environment and photographing it, the photographer has transformed nature into a work of art. Very well done!

6,888 Images entered

Brief

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Just one object. Whatever that object may be, put it centre-stage and shine a metaphorical (and maybe even an actual) spotlight on it. Shooting a single object is an interesting assignment for a photographer, as it offers the opportunity to explore different viewpoints, compositions, lighting setups or times of day. It allows one to appreciate that the subject itself is only one part of many that makes up a great image. Note that whilst more than one object might appear in the image, for example in the background, the clear main focus of the image should be one single object, and no other examples of that particular object should be visible in the frame.

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4,091 Photographers

Having been to the Turner Gallery in Margate, this image really stood out because what is presented is very different from what actually exists. The simplicity and atmospheric quality of this image really works too. A great example of interpreting a scene and creating something completely original.

This image belongs in the 1930’s world of MC Esher, where impossible things came true and mathematics governed the world. The contrasting textures of the ball and the bricks on the ground work very well, and the light is just magical. The spherical shadow that casts on the ground grounds the overall composition too, making all the elements work together. Upon further investigation, I wonder if this image was taken at night? Absolutely stunning results!

There were many submissions of cats but this was my favourite because it presented a very unique perspective of a cat. I like the selected focus too, where the whiskers of the cat is in-focus and the body slightly softer. The composition is also great, filling the frame with the cat's body completely.

The composition and colours of this image makes it a very interesting image. It’s also a very good use of a macro lens and many great details are captured. I also like the movement created by the leaves that are pointing out the the frame. A really great image!

This image stood out because it was humorous and original. Using a cheese grater as a lamp to create a pattern on the walls is very clever and creates a very interesting image. Perhaps the photographer is making fun of all the latest photographic gadgets available when all you really need is something out of your kitchen drawer to "shape" light and create a great image. Well done!

This image stood out because it was visually very beautiful but also executed very well. The light coming through the back of the image shines through the ice and lights up the tiny leaves and petals. It creates interesting shapes and shadows. Very well done!