Knots

The eye-catching colours and crisp focus make this a stunning shot and I also liked the somewhat factual title. The knot is more or less central but I feel that the result might have been better if the end of the rope had been captured as well. I was left studying the detail of the aging paint and woodwork of the boat a little more than the securing rope. It was heading for my top ten before I noticed the subtle inclusion of a credit in the top right corner, but still worthy of a commendation and comment.

By choosing to use selective colour, an otherwise ignorable chord has become the centrepiece of this composition. Instead, we have the ‘business-end’ of a rope of character performing some important duty. The rope is crisply captured in interesting detail and I am left studying the intricate path of its final fastening.

This shot stood out for its detail and complimentary colours. A mooring post is a mooring post but, here, the photographer has found some ropes with interesting colour and texture. They have also taken the trouble to get down to the level that captures the twists and turns in the fastenings. Such a subject might normally be ignored but this shot goes to show that even the mundane can be made to have interest.

What gorgeous colours! How could this fail to grab my attention and reach my Top Ten? (The substantial rope is also something to behold!) As for the photograph: it’s well exposed, well focused, and perfectly framed. I just cannot fault it. Well done!

I loved the sepia effect and the title of this entry. Together, they provoke whatever long-term memories the viewer may choose to dwell on. A loosely tied bow, just enough to keep everything together, yet waiting to release its contents for reading. This was an inspired choice for my “Knots” contest. Well done!

Thank you to everyone who helped to make this contest so enjoyable to judge. I hope you enjoy looking through the varied contributions. There is a wide range of knots and material of all description, including some creative images to digest.

Rope often has a plain, drab, or dirty appearance, which can be difficult to make interesting. This shot is of an unusual, almost fluorescent, knotted cord - and a reflection of it as well. Your originality has rewarded you. It would have been so easy to find something more common as a subject, so this was a most welcome interlude. Brilliant! Congratulations on rising to the top!

Sometimes, less can mean more! This shot of a laced shoe has been enhanced by judicious cropping. The choice of a blue lace on the white background emphasises the subject, simply described as “Knot”. Well done on producing a very well-composed shot and keeping focus on the brief.

If quantity counted, this shot would have a winning chance: there must be nearly 50 knots here. Quality-wise it’s also very good as the focus is crisp. “Net” would be a better caption than “Rope”, I think. Although that’s nit-picking, I mention it because it’s one of the places I try to add value. It’s not easy with a subject like this, but inspiration or a bit of humour could make all the difference (- how about “Network Connections”?-) It’s remarkable how good a smart phone camera can be. At least it’s one you can (nearly) always have to hand, ready to capture an unexpected opportunity. Well done!

A knot, centre of shot, leaves no doubt about the subject of this shot. The chance of primary colours helps this one to leap out and be noticed, whilst depth of field has been used to prevent the background from distracting attention. If prizes were to be awarded for complexity, this knot would score well. Instead, the picture drew me in to study the passage of the rope and consider the effectiveness of the fastening.

I think this photo is absolutely gorgeous! It was not what I had expected, so was a very pleasant surprise. Under normal circumstances, the shot would be taken from the opposite direction, to include the lady’s face, but that would not have captured the beauty of her elegant headwear. The hat and its bow are in perfect focus, with the unimportant background lost in a bokeh. We don’t know what the occasion was but can see clearly that it was a special one as the hat is pristine.

How could anyone doubt the subject of this photo? The rope is in clear focus, whilst nothing else interferes to confuse the subject matter. The colour tones are extremely pleasing, as is the overall composition: The knot is slap centre with a diagonal running corner to corner.

A delightful study in black and white. The rope is captured clearly enough for the viewer to start to ‘untangle’ it in their mind. Just where does each piece go? When the colours are unexciting, as they can be with ropes, and maybe the wooden block had little colour left in it, black and white can enhance the subtle textures for the eye to explore.

We did not need to know the difference between a ‘Reef’ and a ‘Granny’ for this contest and many of us may still (k)not (k)now (or even care). This one, of a ‘Bowline’, shows clearly how one should be tied. They are useful for creating a loop at the end of a rope. A Bowline is supposed to be easy to tie but its importance is in that it should be easy to untie because it does not tighten-up under tension. Photography can be used for many purposes, including education.

So simple, yet so complete. Even the title confirms this. The depth of field has been used to effect here, to avoid any distraction from the subject of choice. Perfectly framed and perfectly focussed. It’s a knot, and that’s exactly what I asked for. Well done!