
There is an almost futuristic element to this shot. The high-key lighting, close-up framing, and composition all make this look like a still from a science fiction film, while the colour processing and detail work are superb. Overall, it's a greatly well-considered frame, which fits the round brief in an engaging way. Well done.
Great photo submission with a unique view on our competition theme. The soft lighting, which gets darker in the lower part of the picture, is cleverly done and not only reminds us of a painting but also artfully brings out the model's face. The man's hands are very well positioned and do not look unnatural - which is an art, because staging hands is anything but easy. We particularly like the fact that an element has been included in the photograph which alludes to the modern age and thus creates a contrast to the person portrayed in terms of content as well as appearance. The optical similarities between the wig and the ice scoop are unmistakable and a new, interesting level has been included in the photograph. On closer inspection, the ice cream appears to have been incorporated in post processing into the image, which is seen on the man's right middle finger. However, this is only a small aspect that does not affect the overall impression of the picture. Thank you for submitting this inspiring image - we are very excited about it.
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Brief
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Who doesn’t love a beautiful portrait shot? For this round use flash or natural light, indoors or out, to create subtle portraiture which tells a story.
The composition of the image is very good and also the light reflections in the eye are clearly visible. The sharpness and out-of-focus elements within the photo have been used skilfully to draw the viewer's attention to the main features. To optimise the overall result, a look could be taken at the glare of the blossoms in post-processing. These are very well done in the upper part, and the image would appear clearer if it were processed with more correction on the chin. Thank you for submitting this photograph with a fresh and creative take on our competition theme. Great job!
This picture captivates through colour, lighting and the pose of the model. Her gaze draws the viewer into the picture and captivates the observer. The posing of the hands is also well done and rounds off the impression of the picture. The soft effect in the left part of the image is prominent and would not have been necessary in our opinion, because the lighting already directs the viewer to significant elements of the woman. In paintings from earlier times the colour is a bit more inconspicuous as it fades with time. To take the photograph to the next level, you could consider lowering the saturation a little and making the nuances more subtle to make the picture more perfect for this competition.
Thank you for sending in this beautifully taken photo. Lighting, composition, the pose of the model and especially her facial expression make this image harmonious and very expressive. The image also benefits from the integration of the hat, which is skilfully arranged and fits perfectly into the photo. For our competition theme, this image is well suited, but a closer look at the eyes shows that the light reflex is caused by modern studio lights. To take the image to the next level in our competition, a simpler and lighter light reflection in the eyes would be beneficial. We also particularly like the light gradient in the background, which acts like a vignette and darkens the corners a little - this is how a balanced photo should look. The lighting skilfully brings out and rounds off optical features. This gives the picture depth and the portrayed person as well as the accessories do not appear flat and show contrasts. Well done.
There is a beautiful analogue aesthetic at play here. The extremely shallow depth-of-field is reminiscent of large-format photography, while the choice of monochrome is an inspired one. The central composition and direct eye contact really draw in the viewer's gaze, creating a striking frame, and demanding multiple views. Well done.
This is a stunning shot! The contrast, sharpness, and depth are biting, but the lighting also manages to bring out the softness of the model's skin. The end result is a shot that almost takes on the appearance of an engraving. The photographer demonstrates exceptional knowledge of exposure while great thought has gone into the makeup and tonal themes. Very well done.
The lighting work is exceptional here! Great attention to detail is displayed, both in the subject and the landscape beyond. The colour control is also spot-on, blending natural and artificial tones beautifully. The lighting is also lovely. We're not sure if this is a composite image but if so, it is expertly done.
The title "Light in the Darkness" fits this photo very well. We particularly like the fact that the focus is on the face and the eyes. Especially the soft reflection of light in the eyes rounds off the picture nicely. The transition between the background and the dark blue fabric enveloping the girl is artfully done. We find the fact that the structure of the fabric is still visible and does not disappear completely pleasing. The composition and lighting are very well done and the colours of the photo also allude to a painting.
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