I loved the energy and composition in this image. The instant connection you get with the person playing the xylophone, is great, and then your eye leads to the other figures, which balances the shot. The statue of Nelson Mandela isn't so obvious initially, but once you recognise it, you know the location.
My favourite image, the proximity of camera to monkey brings you right in to the expression of the animal, which almost has human eyes and facial features. The surroundings might have been darkened, but the exposure on the monkey's face is perfect. I also loved the way the monkey is curled up, which displays vulnerability. A fabulous photograph.
Brief
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The connection between photographer and subject is never stronger than when that subject is looking directly into the lens. The subject is seen by the photographer, and the photographer is seen by the subject. The response captured by the photographer is usually what defines that photograph, might give a glimpse into the relationship between the two, and around which the rest of the image sits. Subjects for this contest can be humans or animals, and should form the main focus of the image.
This image englufed me in sadness, more than all of the other images in this competition. The cat's expression shows a cat that's lived a long and perhaps hard life. A great portrait truly reflects it's sitter in every way, and I felt this image is beautifully framed, with it's focus just on the cat's face, but you get a sense of the back yard type surroundings. A great shot!
A lovely playful shot, which displays positivity, warm, fun, and joy. This is a moment caught by the photographer, which delights and allows the viewer into the boys world. With strong engagement with the subjects. With just enough in focus, and a slowish shutter speed, there is nice movement and energy.
Quite intense and comical, I really enjoyed encountering this image. There is a connection between the butcher and the butchered! The deep and dark bags under the butcher's eyes along with his vacant stare somehow gives a pig-like likeness. The old fashioned environment helps create mood too. Love it!
Another quite sad looking cat portrait, that looks to be sat quite comfortably on a roof somewhere. This image just sits really well with me. It might be the symmetry, the colours, the pose of the cat, the quite vacant look on it's face, or all of the above? It just works as a great portrait of a neighbour's cat! Nice work.
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Emotive portrait of an animal who knows they are trapped without escape. A great 3/4 profile shot, showing the contours of the gorilla's face with side lighting. Powerful connection between subject and photographer, also shows the quiet strength of the animal. The slow shutter speed is surprising as the image is sharp
1,547 Photographers
This image is somewhat intriguing to the viewer. A striking and arresting expression with just a single eye that can be seen, this person is showing despair and anxiety. The tight crop also adds greatly and the hand clasping his head. Lighting from a single source perhaps too. All in all, a great and powerful shot.
I'm not certain what attracts me to this image, apart from the gaze and peacefulness of the portrait. I liked the painted clouds on the subject's face and the tones and hues of the colours across the face, clothing and backdrop. With very slight lighting across the cheekbones and eyes, I think this image works perfectly.
