Numbers

Multiple images arranged in a grid format do not work well for every contest subject, but with the theme of "numbers" I think this presentation of images has worked well. I think one of the keys to its success is that the numbers are all from trams, so there is a similar style and look to each individual image, which would not have been the case if the numbers were selected from random sources. Each mini image looks well exposed and focused, and they have been precisely collated into a tidy grid. If I were being picky, I would suggest adjusting the grid pattern on the centre of the bottom two rows, where the white grid appears a little narrower than elsewhere, but that is only a minor thing which does not distract from the overall effect. This type of image will not appeal to everyone, but here I think it is an interestingly different way to represent the theme. Congratulations on your second place finish.

This type of image has instant appeal for me - a little unusual, quite minimal and rather mundane in nature. However the image is well executed with regard to lighting, exposure, composition and focus. The red of the chair gives a splash of colour to an otherwise momochromatic scene, and there is enough texture detail in the wall to prevent the image becoming to harsh or looking like a digital creation. I am unsure what the writing is on the top right corner, whether naturally in the scene or an added watermark, but I think I would tend to remove that as it could be a distraction to the eye. Otherwise a great shot, congratulations on your winning image.

This is a simple but striking composition, both abstract and recognisable for what it is. I like the discordance created by the track markings running in different directions and it brings a tension and dynamic to an otherwise minimal shot. Great use of lighting and contrast with the white markings standing out well against the dark red track. Great image, congratulations on your third place finish.

This image was a late entry into my awarded images but once there it crept into the top ten then up the placings. The compreseed perspective and shallow depth of field created by the use of a long lens makes the figure stand out against the nicely out of focus background. I especially like the retro feel to the processing which suits the subject. Great image, well done on your top ten placing.

Although small in the frame, this image has been composed in a way that ensures the numder is a strong focal point, being positioned close to the left lower thid intersection. Strong opposing diagonals give the shot a graphic, abstract feel. The conversion to black and white has been done very well, with a good range of tones and contrasts. Well done on your top ten placing.

A simple composition, but a shot full of interest and plenty for the eye to expolre. The close crop holds everything together, and I like the three main rlements running in a diagonal across the frame. The processing style suits the subject and helps accentruate the details and textures of the varying surfaces. Tones and colours work well too, with nice contrast between the cooler and warmer shades. Great work, well done on your top ten placing.

A great image full of mood and atmosphere. Although the initial focal point is on the man leaning from the train, the number is close enough to this focal point to be an obvious feature of the image. I especially like the way you have captured the light reflecting from the surface of the metal, which has a gentle softness to it. The four figures in the top background section are a little distracting, but I imagine could be easily remedied by darkening that area of the image and lowering the contrast so they are not so visible, but once spotted I can't keep my eye rom wandering to the background. Still a great image however, well done on your top ten placing.

There were a large amount of entries in this contest where I was required to play a game of "hunt-the-number" to try to find where the number of the contest theme was hidden in the image. In this image however, despite the number being very small within the frame, the composition and narrow depth of field cause the back end of the car and licence plate to be an immediate focal point for the eye. Lovely tones and lighting and gentle muted colours across the image, I especially like the warm golden light reflecting off the road surface, contrasting with the cool blue of the car. Super image, well done on your top ten placing.

An obvious choice of subject for this contest, which has been well executed to produce a great abstract image. It can often be difficult to decide which is the optimum depth of field for a particular subject, and I think your decision to keep everything shallow has worked well, with just a thin slice of the subject in sharp focus, with the rest of the image falling gently out of focus. I like your composition and angle of view, and the little pop of red at the front adds some brightness, but is not a distracion. Well done on your top ten placing.