New Joiners - People #592

This great capture really does represent the times we live in. The message the young individual holds tells us immediately what they are peacefully marching against. The use of black and white makes the photograph timeless and the light hitting the person highlights them and the placard perfectly separating them from the others in the background. I could see this as part of a great set of protest images for our time. I never thought I would need to say that but what a superb capture. So relevant. Very well done.

It can be good to highlight the complexities of life and how people can find themselves in difficult positions. This image works well in raising the issue of homelessness not only in the quality of the picture itself but with the text that gives us a back story to the place it was taken and how we could assume people live in this 'paradise' It also asks questions - how can this happen in 2026. We know the answer sadly as those who could help don't. A great image that raises awareness. Congratulations.

This atmospheric image taken on film really showcases the strengths of analogue materials and also by design what digital can bring to a scene. The red mist and highlights on the tops of heads and hair create an incredible overview of what it must have been like to actually stand there in a field with others looking at a firework display that we the viewer of the photograph cant see. Film gives a quality especially on images like this that we have to bring ourselves and our own memories to the picture to get the most out of them. I can almost smell the gunpowder. Lovely. Well done and keep shooting on film.

This was so close to my top 10. The camera height and timing are perfect. The light illuminating the girls lifts them and their costumes against the background and the expressions on the faces are just wonderful. The exposure is beyond reproach and the only thing I would like to get rid of is the post to the left of the image. A lot to do in post production but a shame, though very little the photographer could do about. Great capture and full of vibrancy.

This image is beautifully composed allowing us to follow the individuals eye line as they wait for someone to hopefully come down the stairs and play table tennis with them. The muted colors work well in relation to the buildings present state and the wide angle lens frames the scene perfectly. The pops of color from the green table to the persons red top elevates them away from the background. It's a stunning contemporary documentary photograph that shows that spaces can come alive and be useful and function outside of their original use. Great capture. Very well done.

A strong image conveying a group coming together visually showing the camaraderie and at times tensions within such a meeting. The exposure is controlled very well especially in the shadow areas against the light coming in from the mountain range and bright sky above. I would have liked to see a little more information in the hands of the person sat in the front of the group but otherwise this is a great photograph. I wonder what they are discussing? Well done.

A very good example of seeing a potential photograph then acting on that and creating a great image. The colors of the mans suit and skin tones work and blend perfectly with the background of red brick and iron of the Victorian train station. The use of a film camera adds to the quality and keeps with the era of trains and stations before we all went digital and seems an appropriate choice for the scene. Well done.

A very well composed and constructed photograph. The above the heads camera position allows us to survey the scene perfectly and the light illuminating the young man walking towards the camera contrasts so well against the others walking away from shot in shadow. The exposure is spot on as is the timing to capture this image. It's very well produced, not easy to do in a split second. Well done to the photographer. Lovely.

This great example of an environmental portrait comes alive with the vibrant color palate and great technique to render the background out of focus so we place our attention on the individual looking out of the frame. The visible lines on his face work well with the patterns in the hat he wears. A lovely capture. Well done.

Peaceful protest was evident in the entries into this competition. This stunning example works so well on many levels. The tight crop takes us the audience to the action. It gets its message across which all great documentary images do. They tell the story for a viewer. The light across the banner and on the individual illuminates the picture and the persons powerful stare out of frame adds additional impact to the message they hold. Great capture. I'm sure you took many more across the day. Well done and these start to be part of a powerful contemporary record of events happening today.

A wonderfully composed and constructed image. The technique is flawless, with the light on the face really shaping the eyes and features. whilst still holding details in the hair and top they wear. The science fiction style backdrop is well illuminated and controlled very well in the exposure in what combines with the subject perfectly to create a photograph that starts to get me to think about something bigger than my own existence. The tight crop draws us in, in what is a stunning capture. Well done.

A wonderful capture showcasing great technique in exposure, which is not easy given the individuals both placed within the shadow areas and highlights within the frame. The composition works well especially the central placement of the man perched on a can. Quite the skill, with the other individuals surrounding and filling the frame. A great capture showcasing an aspect of everyday life. I would have liked to see if it would be possible to have turned a little to the left to avoid the pillar on the right of the image. Probably not and only a small thing in what is a lovely image.

The strength in this image apart from stunning technique and illumination of the central individuals in the frame is the fact that we the audience do not get to see what they are both looking at behind the photographers shoulder. The expressions on the faces depict a sense of entrancement and owe. It's a stunning example of observational photography at its very best. Well done.

This provocative image really is a stand out and unique image. I have never seen anything like this before. I'm just pleased it wasn't raining when the picture was taken. The use of color is bold and really elevates the image especially the light from the bulb which is held in the mans mouth and the light it then casts on the car alongside the lights reflected from the passing traffic. The close encounter and stare to camera works very well and acts as a way of permission for the photographer to make the picture. Stunning and would make for a great extended series. Well done.

This visually stunning and powerful black and white portrait is perfectly balanced between great technique using shallow depth of field to highlight the hands, whilst the placement of the figure works really well against the darker background they are in front of. It's a visually striking documentary image that really draws our attention to it. Well done.