New Joiners - People #573

We see plenty of “eyeball shots” in this category, but this is a particularly strong example. I like how the eye looks up and out of the frame rather than directly into the camera. That choice adds narrative tension. Kudos!

The mood and atmosphere in this thought-provoking portrait carry a reflective groove that works beautifully, achieved in part through the lighting and the posing of the protagonist. You mention in the caption that it’s black and white, yet I detect a muted hint of colour that subtly enhances the melancholy vibe and adds another intriguing layer to the image.

The beautifully observed use of dappled light works superbly in this portrait. Most photographers avoid it like the plague, yet your imaginative approach shows how striking results can be achieved. A skilful and sensitive image, handled with confidence. Kudos to you!

The handling of light is excellent in this engaging portrait. There is just enough detail in the shadows to hold interest without losing atmosphere or depth. The slightly low angle adds strength and dynamism, echoing the traditions of travel portraiture while keeping it fresh.

It’s lovely to see some analogue work in this round. The use of photographic film produces a black and white with beautifully muted, darker tones. Light streaming in from the top right adds atmosphere, while the figures in relief behind the protagonist enrich the story.

People at work often make compelling portraits, especially when framed within the tradition of travel photography. This cheerful-looking weaver is a wonderful subject, and the clever composition draws the viewer’s eye directly toward him via his craft. Kudos to you!

I love this. The “All my friends are toxic” slogan feels so out of place in a typical scene from Varanasi, which makes the image all the more engaging. The colour, the chaos and the composition all work well, but it’s the T-shirt message that seals it.

Excellent work. I applaud your creative use of grain, which adds depth and texture to the narrative of this conceptually intriguing piece. The poignant message highlighted in the caption speaks to a broader body of work that I’d be very interested to see develop further.

While the image may appear a little soft and slightly overexposed, as you note in the details, I feel this enhances it in a beautifully poetic way. The connection with the subject, carried through eye contact, gives the portrait a deep and compelling energy.

I love the tension in this composition, which at first glance feels awkward. On reflection, the figure walking out of the frame, the bold solid line of orange on the right and the contrasting blue sky combine to create an intriguing image full of energy.

The composition in this shot works a treat. The framing is held together through the clever use of colour, with the blues and aquas of sea and sky offset by the reds and yellows of seaweed sacks. The layered sticks and odd number of figures add further strength.

I love the bold and confident approach to this portrait. Cropping in so tightly takes nerve, yet it works beautifully, directing the viewer straight to the intensity of the subject. The result is striking and memorable, showing how risk-taking can pay off in portraiture.

A strong portrait with presence, but it’s important to note that referring to someone as a “bum” is disrespectful. When photographing vulnerable people, ethics matter as much as aesthetics. Dignity, respect and thoughtful language should always accompany the act of taking a picture.

It’s great to see the wider landscape used to tell the story. The image demonstrates that even when the subject is relatively small in the frame and not even looking at the camera, a compelling and memorable portrait can still be created.

The sense of energy here is palpable, with the power of the waves and the force of the ocean skillfully captured. The surfer’s balance and control are caught at just the right moment, resulting in a dynamic action shot. Good work!