New Joiners - People #601

This powerful expression of youth is both technically very accomplished and very well composed. The dark background isolates the individual holding the skateboard whilst the graffiti clad wall blends in well. The low camera angle gives power and control to the subject in this stylish and contemporary environmental portrait and the clenched fists is a nice final touch of aggression whilst playing up to the camera. A real celebration of independent spirit. Great capture. Well done.

This highly saturated color portrait works really well and the setting is perfect. Placing the model against a darker background makes the deep reds jump out of the screen and the light on the face and gesture and placement of the arm and hand is lovely. The expression and gaze into camera works well as does the tight crop in what is a well constructed classic portrait. This would work well in magazines like National Geographic. Well done.

This stunning contemporary portrait works on many levels form an environmental portrait to inner city fashion chic. The tight crop works really well as does the arm and hand placement as the model adjusts the black tie they are wearing. The head wear and goggles add that sense of mystery to the image and the setting of the football pitch they are located in suggests they play there on weekends perhaps. The light hitting the face elevates the facial expression perfectly. Well done.

This fun and very well executed image is very well captured allowing the different elements to come together perfectly. The pose of the model against the crashing waves could not be better timed and the soft shallow depth of field rendering the sky and clouds out of focus allows the audience to concentrate on the young girl and rocks. A really lovely image. Well done.

This stunning portrait pulls at the emotional heartstrings. The expression on the young child's face alongside the positioning of the arms really draws us in and we can only wonder what they are looking at and feeling. The close crop really brings our full attention to the facial expression and the positioning off center surrounding by trees is very well seen and placed. The exposure is spot on in what is a wonderful and expressive moment. Beautiful. A great capture.

This subtle close up works so well as the lady in the frame appears unaware of the cameras presence and the shallow depth of field allows us to focus and concentrate on her as she clasps her hands around the drink. The use of black and white places this image firmly within the street documentary context in what is a very well seen and captured photograph. Well done.

This beautiful personal portrait is made by the quality of light that hits the subject illuminating the face and body and the wonderful rim light across the hair and shoulder. The pose is elegant and the soft shallow depth of field as our eye is taken to the models gaze is lovely. The image has a wonderful analogue quality to it and the urban chic setting is perfect for such a photograph. Just lovely. Really well done.

The warm glow of the evening light is beautifully rendered with an analogue like quality to this wonderful capture. The straight horizon line works so well with the positioning of the two surfers both looking out onto the surf. and our eye is taken to the drama following the shallow purposefully blurred rocks in the foreground which really adds to the formal picture quality of the photograph. A stunning and evocative portrait. Well done.

This well conceived and photographed formal arrangement works really well with the three main elements within the shot all balancing out perfectly from the Nelson Mandela poster on the left to the central graffiti to the lovely couple walking out of shot on the left hand side. It is this balance that really brings the photograph to life. Lovely. Well done.

This fun and engaging close up of a family outing is perfectly captured and technically very well controlled. The soft highlights and details in the shadows work well together and the soft grey sky frames the four individuals perfectly. The little individual pointing to something whilst the others all perform to the camera adds intrigue to the scene. A lovely capture which will be cherished by the family for years. Really well done.

This emotive image shows the stark realities of healthcare within this region whilst still working within the traditions of humanist documentary photography. The vivid colors draw us into the image as we are taken straight to the heart of the scene. The dilated pupil is incredibly vivid and the arms create a wonderful visual across the frame. We get to see a line of people, no doubt queuing to see a specialist in the background which adds context to the image in what is a superb and technically brilliant and powerful image in the documentary genre. This could be seen in National Geographic, it's that good. Very well done.

This stunning Black and White image really does showcase the experience of just standing and looking in awe at something overwhelming. We get the birds eye view from the photographer who has positioned themselves perfectly to capture this scene. The child on the shoulders of an adult and the child taking a picture on the right adds to the formal picture quality of the framing and really draws us into the image. A well controlled and made photograph. Well done.

This cute and well exposed image of a very young baby asleep has a touch of the Jeff Koon's about it. The pink colors and the crown on the babies head work really well as does the whole set which is perfectly coordinated and well lit. A lovely reminder of a perfect time. Well done.

Our eye darts across the frame as we look at the wonderful interactions of the people in shot. Some are deep in thought, whilst others gaze out of the frame. The two people on the right work so well and the quality of the exposure and use of black and white really elevate this well timed and seen photograph. It reminds me of the classic Garry Winogrands image of a row of women in central park deep in conversation. Stunning capture. So close to my top 10

This powerful protest picture works on many levels from the lovely way the highlights and shadows are held in difficult bright light, to the tight crop which focuses our attention on the two people with megaphones. The subtle badge supporting the No Kings movement adds weight to the image and the message that they will be shouting out. A positive and impactful image and also an event important to document. Really well done.