Love Locks

This bridge was a popular subject in my “Love Locks” contest. I have chosen to comment on it because it was one of the better ones. It is an excellent image of a bridge, which happens to be laden with love-locks. I guess it was taken a few years ago because other images show it to be even more fully loaded with locks. There are so many locks here, I wonder what happened to all the keys? Maybe that’s what’s creating all the bubbles on the surface of the water?

True love should last forever, and these Love-Locks seem to go on forever! I like the way the chaotic assembly of locks have been captured in detail in the foreground, leaving the remainder for everyone to imagine as they blur out into the distance. There is enough of the river scene to understand the setting without being distracted. This image addresses the brief well because it is about the locks more than the scene. Well done!

I found this image rather ominous. Partly due to the sombre tones but the rusty shackle combined with the date on the lock (it’s a good job you drew attention to that in the title) suggest that it may not end well. When taking a photo, it’s good to have in mind exactly what you wanted to convey. I may have jumped to the wrong conclusion, here, but that’s what it caused me to think. I’m not sure that the vertical format suits this image, it might be improved by cropping to a horizontal or square one. It is, however, an attractive shot. It caught my attention, anyway.

I love the composition of this image. The square format with the two intertwined locks has worked well. I feel that the focus is too much on the lock behind the front one, however, probably because of the lack of contrast between the lock and its engraving. I can see why you chose these two because their colours are most attractive - and there may not have been a better alternative.

Crisp and simple. The bright colour of the lock in this lovely image drew my attention to it. It’s a lonely lock, on a plain mesh, so there’s not much information to pick from this capture. No date, and only two initials to trigger any thoughts about who the two people were. But this is a good shot, demonstrating that images do not have to be busy. Quality over Quantity.

This is a remarkably colourful image in which the locks blend well with the landscape behind. The cropping to use the framework is perfect, allowing the viewer to understand the setting, without it becoming a distraction. This rectangle is just about full to capacity. I can imagine the space in between becoming filled with interlocked locks so that the view becomes fully obstructed. Well done for catching it whilst it still presents a more interesting picture.

This image stood out due to the disciplined way that only one lock had been placed on each vertical spar. That will change, of course, after all the available spaces have been taken. I also found the diagonal flow of the horizontals very pleasing.

I just adored this one from the first time I saw it. An immediate first choice, which was not to be toppled. The young couple are locked in love. Whether they have actually attached one to this bridge matters not. For the pedants who want to feast on love locks, they are here aplenty but, for me, it what this picture symbolises: True Love. May they enjoy each other for the rest of their lives. This is such a moving image. It is perfectly balanced. The background is not the subject, but sets the scene. I’d like to think that the prominent red lock in the centre is the one they have just added. Brilliant!

Love Locks. Plain and simple. What looked like two is actually just one rather elegant lock. The image is complete with a few ‘companions’ in the background which do not compete for attention. Instead, we can study the twists and turns of the ironwork that they are attached to. The focus is clearly on Elina and Paulis’s affection for each other. I wonder what they are doing are now?

This image stood out for its unusual appearance. The top lock is also interesting, because it tells me that it’s not just the newly-formed partnerships that are declared this way. I can wonder about the other locks: How long they have been there, and who locked them on. Then I wonder how such a remarkable image was created. It’s a shame that you did not explain, but thanks for letting me enjoy it anyway.

I like that this lock has been selected from so many. By doing so, it has managed to capture the exquisite engraving of two hands joined by their little fingers. A stronger title would have helped this strong image. Let’s hope that ‘K’ and ‘M’ are enjoying a strong relationship, also.

I love the combination of lively colours in this jumble of locks and the detail of the one in the centre. I am slightly distracted by the notion that it does not look to be a perfectly square format, which I feel would be an improvement. Most of all, however, I’d expect an exciting image like this to have provoked some kind of title. I may be unusual in thinking such things to be important but, having taken the trouble to capture something of beauty, I’d like to see it completed with the addition of a name. I feel that such little things can make a big difference.

What a lovely combination of locks. The latest addition looks to be very fresh and contrasts with the others from earlier years. The focus is clearly on just a few locks, which was the subject of my contest. A simple and uncomplicated image. Well done!

I like the way that this image focusses on just one of the many locks in this jumble, It’s better to know that they are there rather than be distracted by their detail. The vibrant colours draw attention and you can clearly read the inscription on the lock. It would’ve been priceless if it had been Edith (or Yvette) with René!

Generally, I was hoping for more close-ups of Love-Locks in this contest but here I have both. The locks in the foreground lead the eye back to enjoy the wonderful setting for this bridge. What a lot of locks (and love)! I wonder what happened to all their keys?

I love the colour tones and highlights of this image. There is enough to see of the background to suggest a bridge structure, somewhere, but the focus of attention is the fresh lock on a fresh wire barrier. This suggests a story of two people about to start a new journey in kife. Let’s hope it continues as well as it seems to have started…

I picked this image for its clarity. I can read the inscriptions on all three locks, which appear to be on top of some railings. What lies behind is a mystery but the curious thing that fascinated me was that the locks all look pristine yet the one with the oldest date is on top, rather than underneath. Full marks for the lighting. This could be an advert for Abus!