New Joiners - People #544

A really powerful group portrait set up very well by the photographer. The camera position looking straight at the boys is really engaging as are their stares back into camera. The tight crop really focuses the attention on the friends and the soft out of focus background means we place our attention onto them. The highly saturated colors work well especially the strong and vibrant colors in the ties and shorts they wear and this is further emphasized by the muted background colors. The power of the group and the bond between these children comes across and that is testament to the photographers skill. A great study in portraiture. Very well gone. A great shot.

I can hear the music and noise of the carnival when I look at this warm image. It's not easy to concentrate attention and isolate one person in such a vibrant and fast moving environment. The photographer has shown great skill and focus to narrow down a subject to photograph. The vibrant colors work well in this highly saturated image. The framing is very good as is the use of shallow depth of field so all the attention is on that smile. A great capture. Really well done.

The wonderful tight crop and shallow depth of field really elevates this picture and allows our eye to move around the frame. The enigmatic smile and bright eyes are enchanting as are the soulful eyes of the person softly blurred in the bottom of the frame which really adds to the magic of this image. The shallow depth of field and head wear adds drama to the image and this is held together with the pattern in the background which complements the main details of the image very well. Great capture.

This could be a film still or scene in a movie. It has a tension about it that draws us in. The tight crop on the person, there head turned away from shot could again have been directed. Our eye follows the yellow line only to notice they are alone. The technique is excellent. I would have preferred if the hat they are carrying was not in shot but that is a minor point on what is a real thriller of a photograph.

A wonderful example of a traditional family image that is treasured within all family albums. It is a warm keepsake for the family and us the casual viewer it tells a story of this group of people coming together for this image. It is warm and friendly and really endearing. Photographically it is elevated above the causal snap by the quality of the formal framing, a keen photographers eye, the well balanced composition and excellent exposure, not easy given the highlights in the ladies top to the left of frame which are very well held. The tight crop works well as we only look at the main people within the shot and that wonderful expression on the child who clearly does not share the other family members interest in having a picture taken. A great day in the life of moment. Very well done.

The photographer has been careful in composing this picture. The tight crop means that all the other areas of the frame are examined not just the person. The way the make up and hair coloring match the purples and pinks within the framed artwork and glass lanterns is very well considered. The strong stare back to camera exudes confidence which is what you need to allow the camera so close. A wonderful example of a collaborative portrait where all the elements from technique and lighting to framing are considered. Well done.

To make great sports or action pictures it is said that you need to understand the environment to be able to capture great pictures. This photographer must know this sport very well to be able to anticipate where the action will be in order to create such a powerful and unique angle and dynamic photograph. The tight crop and bland background works well as it allows us to focus our attention on the main area of the picture. The concentration on the mans face is well captured and focused. A great example of a sports shot. Very well done.

A powerful study that brings in several elements that together make for a unique representation of childhood. The text that accompanies this image sets the tone in how you could read and interpret the picture very well. Within the frame I'm drawn to the narrow depth of field that is split between the point of focus on the child set against the muted colors of the flower partially obscuring the face and the dramatic monochromatic background that frames the boys face very well. The tight crop and exposure are spot on. I would slightly disagree with the comments in the fact that for me the image could be interpreted as menacing rather than of innocence and that is why we love photography. It is subjective. Regardless. This is a great image. Very well done.

Lovely technique in capturing this scene at a busy environment. Subtle movement of the camera with a fast enough shutter speed has allowed for this expressive capture of the individual who notices the camera which only adds to the image. The white hair stands out from the crowd in what is a great capture which does say a lot about these places within cities. Well done.

A really atmospheric environmental portrait. The tight crop and strong light coming in from the side adds power and a sense of confrontation to the picture. The catch light in the eye really stands out and the highlights within the picture are really well controlled. The tight crop means we focus all our attention on the person and animal in what is a great capture. well done.

A lovely study of an individual caught in a natural decisive moment almost lost in thought and unaware of the cameras presence - A great skill on the photographers part to be so present within the scene and yet go unnoticed by everyone within the frame. The use of black and white and superb tonal range especially in the face which lightens up the entire photograph against the darker background works really well as does the cameras position so we the viewer can scan the entire room. A classic documentary environmental group portrait. Well done.

This image is about waiting and expectation. I know that we are looking at an American footballer but I'm not sure in what context? What happens next. Why are they alone. Are they the quarterback waiting for the ball or the kicker or standing on the side looking at the action. We don't know and that is what makes this image stand out. Great use of light and background and wonderful exposure and technique only add to the mystery. Not all photographs have to tell us everything. Well done.

A stunning photograph of a bushman. The natural warm colors come through very well and the use of the telephoto on the lens has thrown the background out of focus which allows all the attention on the individual. The tight crop really gets into the main area of interest and the quality of light hitting the side of the face is wonderful and really adds an extra dimension to the image. There is a real sense of dignity and respect from the photographer when making and presenting this image. Well done.

This was close to my top 10. I love the graphic qualities of the framing and architecture which using black and white really emphasizes the space and lines of the building. The individual walking through the space gives us a sense of scale and waiting for bright lights adds an extra dimension to the image and how light hits the building. I would have liked to see the image just tilted a little so that the pillar on the far right would not be in shot and that the four pillars would be straight. A minor point on what is a great shot.