Modes of transport

The mode of transport is intriguing and certainly designed for the job. This picture tells a heart-warming story as we see an elderly lady supported in her desire to paddle in the sea, despite what appears to be a cold dull day!

There is a quirkiness in this image that reminds me of pictures by Robert Doisneau, the great French street photographer. The transport at the centre of the image looks like great fun for the children and I enjoy the toned B&W processing.

This is a splendid documentary record of the simplicity of rural life. Whilst the mode of transport takes centre stage, the two men are engaged in conversation and provide a narrative for the composition. The B&W conversion suits the subject and has been processed skilfully to suit the subject.

This picture has a charming, classic 'street' feel and conveys a sense of a poor family going about their daily activities, against a very industrial background. The leg of the child sitting on the woman's lap tells us how different travel is for people in different countries.

What a brave and effective viewpoint! The low position allows you to look up with a wide-angle lens and capture a variety of transport modes. I love the way the camel shows apparent indifference to the photographer whilst everyone else stares into the camera.

A classic composition that we have seen many times before, but it is always worth repeating and this image is composed with great simplicity and balance. The B&W conversion works well and the shadow is the star of the show.

A beautiful piece of photography with a limited colour palette and terrific story-telling. I particularly enjoy the child staring back at us. The letter-box crop creates a sense of distance across the picture which naturally supports the story of their journey

This stood out due to its colours, soft lighting, diagonal composition, low viewpoint and shallow depth of field. All these factors combine to deliver an atmospheric image that shows us how boats are pulled onto the beach and into the sea.

Life is tough and getting around isn't always easy or straight forward. All that is captured in this image which effectively includes some movement, to emphasise the mode of transport. B&W is a good choice for eliminating the distraction of colour, so we study the content in more detail.

Of the small number I considered for the top spot, I kept returning to look at this picture. Simplicity is the key element throughout, with the everyday story of a man riding his bicycle. What stands out for me is the compositional viewpoint that leads us down to the archway with the tree framed perfectly within it. The colour palette is soft and the delicacy adds to the simplicity. I enjoy the plants growing along the top of the walls and the yellow cap which offers the single point of 'brightness'. A timeless shot.

Whilst such shots are heavily orchestrated, there is no denying the effectiveness of the final result. The B&W conversion is superb with a full range of tones. The two central figures dominate whilst the train driver plays a small but effective cameo role. Perhaps a bit nit-picky,but I would have preferred the man on the platform in the distance to have ducked out of the way for your shot.

A giddying view of your route across this dramatic landscape. The ruggedness of the Landrover is portrayed well against the sweep of the sand, which is rendered effectively in your B&W conversion. This picture really shows how a wide-angle lens can be used to maximum effect.

This is a bold and quirky composition that breaks many of the compositional 'rules'; he is moving right-to-left; close to the edge of the frame with no room to move into; travelling up-hill at speed...and I love it all! It's great to see someone thinking outside the box.

This is a compelling viewpoint and composition. The story of transport is portrayed to great effect when you consider the body of water this bridge crosses and then the simplicity of two people (apparently) on bicycles making their way across. The simple colours and shape of the water complete the design.

This is terrific and vied for the top spot; it is a thoughtful and different approach. The incongruity of these men in traditional clothing sitting on a bus, offers a delightful portrayal of transport and the modern world. I love their expressions.

This is a transport shot with a twist, in which the environment has been skilfully included. I love the imagination that has gone into this approach; juxtaposing the apple with the statue's expression - does it belong to Snow White?

That looks like a precarious mode of transport but I guess you can get some great shots, whilst remembering not to lean over too far! The composition shows us all we would expect to see with both bears and tourists engaged in the activity.

Tourists on elephants were a popular subject in this competition and this image stood out from the many examples. The composition is effectively balanced with elephants walking in opposite directions, whilst the tourists are well positioned (with conveniently illuminated sunshades).

Taxis and buses are the subject matter but the darkness plays a huge part in the impact this picture conveys of transport at night; I am certain it will evoke a sense of being-there for many people. The exposure and presentation lift this picture out from the crowd.

Juxtaposition is a fundamental element of composition, especially in street photography. Therefore the display on the fence was a picture waiting to happen. The moving element in the foreground is obviously our main point of contrast but I also enjoy the chained bicycle on the far-side of the road....as for the pedestrian, well the jury is still out on that one!

The ominous 'message' on the background poster, to 'jump' is rather chilling and perhaps brings another consideration to the subject of modes of transport. Not only do we get from A to B but our transport has wider environmental, social and health implications too.