New Joiners - People #384
Trevor Cole

New Joiners - People #384

September 2021

An interesting and intriguing image. The clever use of the subject's shadow on the fence adds interesting layers of meaning and 'nuance to the image. The shadows on the house add a playful echo to the subject's shadow and help add a sense of depth.

This is a dark and atmospheric image. There are no real highlights whatsoever, which has created a slightly sombre ambience. However, the darkness combined with the screen and poses of the subjects make for a dreamlike image loaded with mystery and intrigue.

Entry 10446866
40th
6

There is a lovely dynamic energy to this striking, bold and confident composition. The light spilling into the image from the top left and the energy of the subject's, pose and clothing all speak to the image's title - 'Freedom'.

A great image, packed with atmosphere. The dramatic lighting and sense of imminent danger from the storm really come across in the overall 'energy of the image, however, the expression of the main child appears to be more happy than fearful which is a little confusing to 'read'.

A heartwarming portrait which reveals a lovely connection between the horse and the woman. The expression on the woman's face has been well captured and reveals a sense of genuine affection between the two. The quite harsh contrast works well. Good work!

This wonderful image is packed with joy and energy. It is unconventional in its approach, however, it still works, especially as an expression of human happiness. I love the sense of genuine laughter and the eye that's just visible through the child's hand creates an artful focal point.

Sometimes the best images of people, especially children, can be when they're otherwise preoccupied (I know this from trying to photograph my own boy). Little quiet moments, such as reading a book can be priceless. and much more poignant than a grinning headshot with eye contact. I love the bold composition, creative use of negative space and shallow depth of field., likewise the mono conversion works a treat. Really nice work!

A nicely seen and captured image. Sometimes, events conspire in the photographer's favour and the elements come together in harmonious delight. Aside from the well captured decisive moment the colour and contrast are also nicely handled and the overall composition hangs together well.

Entry 10472474
10th
13
Expert
winner

A simple and queitly spoken portrait that has been beautifully lit and composed. There is a real sense of connection, understanding and empathy with the subject who is transitioning from childhood to manhood. The subtle use of the cuddly toy speaks to this transition eloquently.

Entry 10478324
22nd
4

The composition in this image is sublime. The stoic, penetrating expression of the subject's face has been artfully captured. The arrangements of the lines and shapes in the out-of-focus parts of the mage have also been well considered and really help hold the image together. Great work.

Entry 10485251
78th
1

One of the key 'ingredients' of an engaging portrait is in the expression of the subject. I don't think anyone could argue that this portrait is lacking in expression and what an expression - it is priceless and nicely captured.

Entry 10486110
15th
1
Entry 10495234
45th
4

Clever use of mixed lighting and presumably multiple exposure techniques to create a vibrant and colourful self-portrait. Taking a self-portrait can be tricky at the best of times, but adding these cool creative techniques into the mix makes this all the more challenging. good work, well done.

Crowd
winner

There's a lovely serenity and calmness to this fine portrait. Naturally, this calmness is suggested through the still and tranquil water with its gentle, natural hues and subtle ripples. The central position of the figure, shallow depth of field and creative use of negative space all add to the calm vibe.

Meet the expert judge

The framing of this image, presumably from a car window, helps create a lovely sense of 'journey' and travel. The car window has been used to good effect as a compositional device., while the back and white tones have been artfully handled revealing rich. sumptuous shadows and cool, crisp highlights.

100 Images entered

94 Photographers

8,538 Ratings

Brief

See more contest details

Welcome to Photocrowd’s ‘People’ contest for New Joiners! These contests are a chance for new members to introduce their photography to the community, and get a taste of how Photocrowd contests work. They can be entered by anyone within their first 28 days of joining Photocrowd. After 100 images have been submitted the contest closes and the Crowd will start rating the images. The Expert Judge will also be judging the images and writing reviews at the same time. All the winners, both Crowd and Expert, will be announced after 3 days of judging. Make sure you also check out our two other New Joiners contests - ‘Animals’ and ‘Landscapes’.

This is an interesting image that speaks eloquently to our times and our obsession with smartphones. The focal point, with the phone on the bottom right corner, is not immediately obvious, but I love the way it's slowly revealed from the chaos and as the only part of the image in focus. Clever.