Parliaments of the world

A very atmospheric picture of the Canadian parliament from an unusual angle. I love the effect of the snow on the camera lens together with the muted colours, an effect that blurs and makes even the modern buildings in the background seem historic.

Of the many pictures of the Hungarian parliament entered, this one stood out for me. The subdued colours matching the overcast sky work very well on this ornate building and give it something extra stately (if that is possible). The somewhat hazy reflection also adds to the slightly mysterious atmosphere.

I love the simplicity of this photo which really brings out the building of the Irish parliament. Black and white has been a good choice here. The still grey sky matching the still grey water adds to a stately feel.

I love the casualness of this picture of the Cuban parliament. The parliament building is clearly right at the heart of society and not a remote institution hidden behind fences and guards. The strolling man, damaged road surface and random crowds add to this impression. The lack of formality is strenghtened by the slightly tilted angle at which the Capitolio itself has been snapped.

This is not only a very fine capture of the Austrian parliament building in all its ornate detail, it is also a great street picture. The mix of statues and people is almost comic and brings history and present day together very nicely.

Making an original photograph of the Palace of Westminster, seat of the UK parliament, is a hugely challenging task. This picture nails it. It makes the most of the least and excels in understatement. The photographer has made clever use of only the limited light coming from the building itself and yet the palace is still instantly recognisable.

I love the colours in this picture with those in the sky matching very well with those in the buildings. It seems to give the buildings something magical. Perhaps typically for Denmark, the parliament building seems somewhat understated in comparison with the former seat of commerce but it doesn't take anything away from the picture.

This picture shows that politics can be serious business and so can reporting it, not least in present day Spain. This picture brilliantly captures one of the most common activities outside parliaments around the world and at the same time is a great portrait.

This picture very nicely captures the different levels of the modern building of the Welsh Assembly in a pleasing symetry. Although partly taken through glass, the reflection does not disturb the image. A nice picture despite the lack of parliamentary business.