People at Work

This was a late addition to my top ten, but was an image I kept coming back to. I really like the composition and framing, as we are very close to the artist to be able to see both the detail of her work and the intensity of concentration and control of the tool she is using. Use of a fairly wide aperture has allowed good focus on her face and work-piece, but has not allowed the background to compete for attention, as it has become softly out of focus due to the shallow depth of field. Nice detail on the artist's clothing too, with the grime of the work and the folds of the rather over-sized garment. Great image, well done on your top ten placing.

This image was very close to the top spot. As with the winning image, demonstration of respect is the key to the success of this image for me. The subject must have been aware of your presence, but I imagine a relationship had developed which enabled him to feel comfortable in the presence of the camera, and not exploited. You have captured a wonderfully tender moment between man and beast, again capturing a level of respect between the two. I especially like the muted colours and the soft light, with added gentleness created by the dust rising into the air. An excellent documentary image, congratulations on your second place finish.

This image caught my attention as soon as I saw it. It is not often that a great image can be produced where the subject is looking out of the frame, but for me it really works here, and makes the shot. I like the sense of mystery, created by the mask/breathing aparatus which obscures much of the subject's face, but also the degree of background blur created by the use of a very wide aperture for a shallow depth of field, which gives little information about the work setting. You have retained sharp focus on the worker's eyes, with everything else falling rapidly out of focus. The added description does help give some context to the shot, which was good, so thanks for that. Super candid portrait shot, congratulations on your third place finish.

Capturing successful images of people at work is not an easy thing to do. There are many pitfalls beside the usual considerations relating to exposure, focus, composition etc. It is easier to take a shot from a distance using a long telephoto lens, but that can often result in feeling rather isolated from the action, and just looking-in. Other times the subject will pose for the shot, which often in an instant ruins the moment. There will be times when closer in to the subject, with a candid shot it can feel intrusive, or the subject makes it clear through hand or facial gesture that they are not happy having their photo taken, which for me leads to rather uncomfortable viewing. With this winning image however, you have produced an image which stands far above those, and the key to the success in my view is the likely engagement with the subjects and the respect shown to them. I love the composition of the shot, with the two nearest figures dividing the shot into thirds. Once we have studied these main characters, we can then move on to examine the individual scenes playing out in the mid and further distance in each separate third. There is so much detail and information to absorb in this shot, and I think the decision to present as a black and white image was appropriate, as we are avoided any distraction colour may bring. A fabulous image documenting the harsh life of these shipyard workers. Congratulations on your winning image.

Another image, presumably by the same photographer as the contest winner, which seems to show a good level of respect between subject and photographer. I like the composition, with the ships surrounding the workers, giving an indication that their hard work will never quite be finished. There is a natural perspective to the shot, and for me this gives the image greater strength, as it looks to have been shot from the same distance we are from the subjects, rather than shooting from a distance with a long telephoto lens, and in effect being more of a passive outside observer rather that an active participant in the scene as we have here. Great documentary work, well done on your top ten placing.

I really like the quality of light you have captured here, which gives a great feel to the shot. Judging by the colour of the sky, I imagine the source of light is from artificial floodlighting on the boat, so you have done very well to balance the exposure in the lighter and darker areas to reveal good detail throughout. Composition is strong, with the action taking place centrally at the front of the shot, but with added interest from the figure further back. I like that you have included some of the ropes and netting on the left of the shot, which helps give some context. Captured at just the right moment as the red buoy leaves the fisherman's hand. Great work, well done on your top ten finish.

There were a number of photos of tattooists in this contest, and one of two in the top ten. Framing of the shot is great, as we are nice and close to the "action", but can see just enough of the arm being tattooed to tell a story. Despite what is probably a very colourful scene, the black and white conversion has worked well, with an abundance of slightly darker tones which suits the scene. Great detail in the face and beard of the artist and his tattooing instrument, and good control of the exposure to avoid too much burn-out from the lamp in the background. Super environmental portrait image, well done on your top ten placing.

A strong portrait image of a tattooist at work, successful due to the close-in view and tight framing. Plenty of detail to explore, I cannot help but wince slightly when looking at this image! The focal point of the shot is nicely on the artist's face and his inking tool, and you have captured the intensity of concentration well. I like the limited colour palette too. Great work, well done on your top ten placing.

A great environmental portrait shot. Your composition and framing works really well, as we are close enough in to the subject to get a sense of his character, but there is enough of his surrounding workspace to show plenty of interesting objects for the eye to explore. I was unsure whether this was a posed or candid shot, but then noticed you had added that this is a self-portrait, so extra commendation for nailing the composition and focus, and in the set-up of the shot. A great capture, and very well lit. I also like the limited colour palette with predominantly browns and blues across the frame. Well done on your top ten placing.

I find this image quite captivating. It has been caught at just the right moment, with the posture and facial expression of the woman indicating weariness as she battles the elements to complete the essential work, which must continue in spite of the weather. The horse peering out of the stable door really adds to the shot, as we see the recipient of the food being delivered, and it balances the composition. A natural scene, well captured in some quite hideous-looking weather. The black and white conversion works well, and the relatively low contrast suits the subject and avoids any harsh blacks or whites dominating the scene. Great work, well done on your top ten placing.