New Joiners - People #471

This is a great candid capture of a moment in time and place. The use of a long lens has allowed the amazing clarity in the foreground against the out of focus trees in the background which have a circular quality similar to the bubbles in front of the very happy little child. The greys in the backdrop work so well against the bright jacket and that wonderful expression is pure wonder and happiness.. A fun photograph that has been captured to a very high standard by the photographer.

The tight crop, the subtle green hues against the strip lights that are then reflected in the bottom quarter of the frame really draws our attention onto the woman's face who is completely absorbed within her computer. The light on the face works so well and really gives the whole scene a Science fiction film quality to it. This photograph also talks about our obsession with not been seen alone in a public space. When was the last time you saw someone in a coffee shop not on a phone or a computer. This is a great example of modern life all within a stunning candid portrait. Well done.

A beautifully produced image. The composition between the two individuals in shot work well together and are perfectly balanced between leaving the frame and taking the main area of interest. The post production to lift the face behind the bars is a classic of the genre within the Sebastiao Salgado tradition of humane documentary photography and really lifts the image. The use of black and white again fits well with the genre and the whole image is stunningly constructed around the entire frame. Very sharp and the light and contrast are well balanced The photographer is clearly aware of how to make incredible images. This is not a candid image but a well seen and made image on the streets within village life. A classic of its type and a very worthy winner.

This photograph is all about the positioning of the photographer who has worked really hard to make what looks like a simple picture really stand out. The subtle color palate of the whole image works well so that the bold printed T-shirt does not overtake the entire frame but works well with the darker background. The tight crop and shallow depth of field means we the audience really look at the image of Jesus but our attention slowly goes to the background and we notice the wonderful formal framing of the person set between the two crosses so that we read the image as an alter set within the three main individuals always seen within a catholic church. A really stunning and well constructed candid portrait

If a face could tell us about a life lived. This is such a face. Full of drama and so expressive with the eyes and that wonderful billow of smoke from smoking. The skin tones work so well and are complemented by the wood panels behind him. The pops of color from the vest and details in the cap just lift the image from been monochromatic and the tight crop really brings us the viewer close to the details. It is not easy to win the trust of strangers to make such an image and the photographer should be applauded in their ability to do so. Great capture.

I can imagine the warm sunlight on the face. This is a well posed and constructed image. The exposure is perfect and well balanced between keeping details in the shadow areas around the eyes and the highlights on the hand which is not easy to do. Using and blurring the wheat in the foreground really breaks up the image and gives us an additional layer to look through which works very well as does the soft clouds in the sky which are pleasing but not over powering. A well made photograph that is lovely to look at. Well done.

This image has been made possible by the photographers elevated camera position. We get to see all these amazing expressions on the faces around the table and the complexities of so many people trying to clink glasses together. This image really does convey the sense of fun that they are having and that is not an easy thing to do in a picture. The use of flash or light from above really separates them from the background which works so well with the color shift between the two areas. A fantastic capture of friends together.

Inspiration can come at any time and this is a great example of that and then having a camera with you and having the ability to make a great image. This is a wonderful formal arrangement through the bottom of a glass with the face perfectly positioned within the frame. The expression is lovely with her eyes concentrated away from the camera. The exposure is well controlled and it just shows that inspiration can come even at the bottom of a glass. Well done.

This is a really well taken photograph and crafted beautifully in processing. The subtle colors of the headgear and flippers work well against the water and the pose of the snorkeler with arms by their side really give a serene and calm feel to the image. We cant see what they see and that only adds to the drama but we can imagine the wonderful fish and sights below. Great technique to capture this in total sharpness and the crop is fantastic. A lovely photograph of a subject that is not easy to capture. Well done.

This is such a fun family photograph which has been elevated by the photographer with great technique and timing to produce such a fantastic photograph. The use of a warm black and white filter works well with ideas around nostalgia and gives the image a timeless quality. The expressions on both faces shows just how much fun they are having. This is a picture to cherish and keep. I'm smiling thinking about my own childhood memories when I look at this picture. Lovely.

This is a great capture and shows what is possible within a few seconds if you have the skill both photographically and socially to see and then make such a powerful portrait. The tight crop really puts the attention onto both faces within the frame, The young boy and then the T-shirt he wears. The crumpling of the face on the T-shirt is a strong contrast between them both and the direct to camera stare really adds impact for the viewer. The use of black and white keeps any color distractions away so that we can concentrate on the subject. This is a hard hitting and very well produced photograph in a short space of time. Most editorial photographers struggle to make a great image with 15 mins so well done to the photographer who only had a split second to make this fantastic picture..

This is a powerful and great example of a documentary portrait. The use of black and white and added contrast works so well as does the shallow depth of field so that all the attention is on the person, the clarity and whiteness in the eyes is superb and the adidas hat gives the image a contemporary edge. The highlights on the meat clever the person holds are well placed for action against the darker background. This is a well constructed and technically controlled portrait in the classic documentary tradition. A great photograph.

This is a warm and touching candid portrait of a young girl completely unaware of the camera engrossed in whatever they are looking at. The elevated camera angle and positioning of the girl in the bottom right corner works so well against the garden backdrop which comes alive through the pop of red from the flowers behind.The blue of the dress is soft and well controlled as is the use of a shallow depth of field to place all the attention on the main subject. her pose and stare work so well and this is a great example of how to photograph children. Stunning.

We really do get a sense of the passion and drama of the tango in this steamy portrait of dancers. The use of black and white really takes us back to a golden age and the light on the faces really separates the wonderful intense expressions on the faces. Given the location with the chairs and coca cola sign in the foreground, maybe a bar. The ability of the photographer to elevate this into something that really does seem intense and of the moment just shows how good they are. Great technique and timing have made for a powerful image. Well done.