Patterns in Nature

Drone photography is able to reveal yet more patterns and textures within the landscape - many of which are not immediately obvious from the land. The photographer has done superbly well too identify and capture this pattern. The breaking waves, virgin sand, and trees produce a really engaging result. Dedicating a third of the frame to each texture produces a very nicely balanced result.

What a fantastic, innovative image. Most of the patterns I've judged in this contest have been natural, rather than generated. However, this photographer has seen the potential of using a slow shutter speed to generate motion blue to create this eye-catching result. 1/20sec has proved to be just the right, producing an attractive level of motion, white retaining recognisable detail.

There were lots of photographs of leaves entered into this contest, and understandably so. Their veins are just extraordinary, particularly when backlit. I decided to include this shot in my top 10 as it is a little different. The conversion to black and white helps to highlight the leaf's intimate roadway of veins. The high contrast provides impact and a three dimensional feel.

I just love the tones in this shot - the cool blue shaded trunks and warm, sun-kissed autumnal foliage combine beautifully. The foreshortening effect of using a 200mm has rendered these trees as a gorgeous natural texture. The image is well composed, captured, and processed. A classy shot.

I just love the pattern and texture created by the Jack Frost on this greenhouse window. There is a great shot within this photo, but - in my opinion - it is a tighter crop than this. Currently, the reflections in the top third of the frame are ugly and distracting and should be excluded.

One of the keys to shooting detail, texture, and patterns is the ability to see the opportunity in the first place. Many patterns aren't obvious at first glance. In this instance, a telephoto has allowed the photographer to isolate a key area of interest - the long focal length compresses perspective too. The wintry, sunlit trees standout boldly against the shade behind. It is a beautiful, elegant image - the tones are gorgeous too.

The columns of basalt alone create a compelling and eye-catching pattern, but the tree growing out of the rock adds a valuable focal point - it provides a sense of scale too. The tree also successfully conveys nature's resilience. The side-light adds contrast and depth. A really engaging shot.

Judging this contest has been an impossible task - over 6000 images entered and the quality, innovation, and variety has been wonderful. This close-up of coral is another example of nature's amazing design. The photographer has filled the frame to maximise impact and interest. A fascinating and memorable shot.

I just love the contrast, flow, and pattern created by capturing this riverbed from above. The likes of Hans Strand have popularised landscapes of this type, and this is very well seen and captured abstract - I'd happily have this hanging on my wall.

I keep returning to this photo! It is such an elegant image and the unusual, unconventional perspective gives this photo plenty of impact. The crane's plumage is simply stunning and the 'S-shape' formed by the subject helps neatly direct the viewer's eye through the image space. A well seen and intriguing shot.

I saw lots of similar images to this photo, but in my opinion, this was the most striking of the bunch. Focusing and depth of field are spot on and the tone, detail, repetition, and contrast combine to create a really standout close-up. I can imagine this as a huge print in a gallery, restaurant, or apartment.

This is a beautifully simple close-up that highlights the leaves' shape and also the extraordinary pattern created by their veins. The black backdrop provides contrast and drama. Conversion to mono simplifies the shot further. The result has a fine-art look to it - very nicely done!