Measuring Devices

A very simple composition and subject, but very effectively and skillfully photographed. The use of a black background enables the subject to stand out, and the aperture selected has allowed all the subject to be in sharp focus. I am unsure whether the two-tone tape was deliberately chosen for its photogenic merit or just the one you had, but for me the contrasting tones on the tape makes the image a little different and more appealing to view. Great image, well done on your top ten placing.

A great low key black and white image, effectively showcasing the highlighted subject against the dark background. Lighting is good, with the right amount of the backgroung objects illuminated to give interest across the frame. The reflection of the watch in the polished surface works well; sometimes there can be a temptation to make the reflection too much of a feature, which can in my view, become rather cliched. Great work, well done on your top ten placing.

This image shows a slightly more unusual interpretation of the brief for this contest, and it works really well. Your choice of a wide aperture has allowed the subject to be in sharp focus, with the background falling nicely out of focus. Great lighting and tones give a nice mood to the shot. I especially like that you have captured the espresso mid-flow which adds a dynamic to the shot. Great work, well done on your top ten placing.

This is an image I like and appreciate the more I look at it. Technically showing great skill, the black and white conversion is especially good, as is the lighting and fairly shallow depth of field to isolate the subject. What I find particually impressive is the stunning level of detail in the many tiny pieces of the watch's workings, superbly well focused, but again making effective use of the light and the strong black and white conversion to show the subject at its best. Super image, congratulations on your third place finish.

A strong image in which you have done very well to capture the measuring device in use. Lovely lighting and excellent conversion to black and white, with great tones. For me composition and framing are spot on, as we are nice and close into the subject to see a lot of detail, but there is enough of the hands in the frame to avoid the fingers looking too tightly cropped. The tool being composed in a diagonal across the frame works well too. Great image, congratulations on your second place finish.

A great black and white still life image, demonstrating very effective use of a shallow depth of field using a very wide aperture, to show the subject in isolated focus against the background. The background is sufficiently out of focus so as not to be distracting, but the objects remain recognisable and related to the main subject of the old light meter. The conversion to black and white has been very well done, with a full range of tones from black to white, showing great contrasts. Lovely image, well done on your top ten placing.

As expected, there were quite a number of images entered in this contest of tape measures. Of all those images, for me this is one of the strongest. It is never easy to decide on the best compisition with subjects such as this, but I think you have done a great job there, as the three tapes make a pleasing shape. Focus is sharp and lighting good. The colours are bright and nicely contrasting, but you have kept the colours natural and avoided any temptation to over-saturate them. Great work, well done on your top ten placing.