New Joiners - People #577

This lovely image that takes me back to childhood and how we learn. I can imagine the father figure first showing his child how to do the headstand before they have a go themselves. The warm autumn colors work really well with the subject and the subtle vignetting to the edges keeps our attention on the two individuals. Great capture.

This direct and powerful portrait benefits from the use of soft black and white tones and the detailed pale skin that gently soften to the edges of the black background. The tight crop allows us to look directly into these soulful eyes and the vulnerability that is shown on the face is haunting. Really beautiful. Well done. It is lovely.

This contemporary portrait really talks about youth and the use of flash has created a dynamic portrait of a young woman. The warm orange glow in the background is echoed in the colors of the hair which works really well and the separation between subject and background from the flash means we really concentrate our attention on the subject and that wonderful smile and facial expression. Great capture.

Impactful and in your face. This vibrant and colorful portrait really sums up carnival. If you had never been to such an event, this image tells you everything you need to know. The detailing on the mans outfit is matched by his embrace of the camera and the photographer has worked really hard to get into position to make this photograph. The saturation and colors work so well and really elevate this picture to one of the best I've seen from the Carnival. Great capture.

The neon light, the colors and reflections within the car windows really set this image up. The woman in the front seat looking across in thought at the driver whilst the younger girl in the back maybe on her phone seems oblivious to the outside world. The tight crop and wonderful grain adds an old school feel to this cinematic image that reminds me of the opening scene in the film Lost in Translation. Great capture.

This stunning example of an environmental portrait really stood out from the other entries. The high camera angle allows us to see the entire space that is important to the formal elements within the frame whilst also allowing us the viewers to visibly see the dialogue between the modern and tradition working maybe not in tandem but side by side. The subtle colors are appropriate given the subject and the vivid green dress stands out against the brown soil. This is an image that the photographer has worked hard to get and whilst no picture can change politics, images like these at least keep asking the question about how we sustain ourselves on this planet. Congratulations, a superb image.

This beautifully composed classic portrait really fits into the traditions of the medium of the studio. The composition and framing work so well as does the movement of the birds which must have been very difficult to control. The soft dark tones are appropriate and work well. I would have liked to see the image a little sharper, even if only on one aspect within the frame. Difficult given the nature of the subject and really it is only a small thing in what is a stunning picture.

This visually stunning and unique capture really shows the energy and effort of human versus nature. The battle between the elements are seen within this formal photograph. The sky high camera position gives us a birds eye view which is formally well judged and the fish set within the circular storage works so well against the waves and sand bank below. Excellent. Well done.

The unmistakable silhouette of the cowboy is evident within this well seen and captured photograph. The light coming into the frame at the side, gives shape and detailing into the picture, whilst the metal bars and fragments of animals, take us back to the films of cattle barons in this lovely capture. Well done.

This technically superb image of a group of individuals is so well seen and then photographically captured. The main individuals look at and photograph something we the audience don't get to see but we can start to consider what it might be given the backdrop of large stone and intricate steps visible within the picture. This clever reverse angle image puts the spotlight on those looking, that is a great visual device which in the hands of this photographer has produced a stunning picture. Well done

This powerful and truly impactful portrait really grabs our attention. The tight crop works very well as the persons stare into camera becomes hypnotic. The saturated colors are well controlled and the blue head dress becomes even more striking against the jet black background which holds our full attention. Technically beyond reproach and if I zoom in I can see the photographer present within the eyes. It reminds me of the famous image Afghan Girl taken in 1984 by Steve McCurry. This picture is as good. Well done.

If I was commissioning a photographer to make an image that showcased the best of the British Pub. This would be the picture I would want. The subtle use of shallow depth of field and the crop allows us to focus on the person eating the burger whilst the background is still visible. The facial expression is perfect as are the positioning of the hands and burger, whilst the glass of beer looks so enticing. Stunning well done. So close to my top 10.

This visually clever and detailed environmental portrait works on the classic traditions of documentary photography in the style of Salgado and Cartier-Bresson. The composition and use of black and white really elevate this well controlled image. The gaps in the wall have created their own visual spaces that has allowed for this portrait to be taken in what is a very well balanced and composed photograph. Very well done.

This was so close to my top 10. The use of black and white works well with the framing and subject in this classic documentary image. The reflection of the individual smoking in the tile mirror is very well seen and captured and the overall composition is very good. I would have liked to see the whole picture lighter as it is a little dark but that is a small thing in what is a lovely capture. Well done

A lovely capture and the balance between the balloon seller and the individuals behind them is well placed within the framing of this photograph. The colors really jump out and elevate the image. The resolution when I zoom into the image is very low and something that can be corrected in post production. It's a very small thing but worth considering. A great capture regardless. Well done.