People in Queues

The mixed muted colours of this image caught my eye, to then notice that this is not so much a series of parallel queues but one continuous one, zig-zagging its way to another check of some sort.. The advantageous position allows us to study the different passengers and their carry-on baggage in detail. It’s something that most of us have been subjected to and, hopefully, jog memories of more pleasant destinations.

This monochrome observation helps to document an ordinary occurrence that may not be captured in such detail very often. I like the next-in-line giving the person at the ATM some privacy by casting his gaze away from them. These are ordinary people performing an ordinary task but we are invited to consider what they might be carrying in their bags and why they need some cash in this digital age… A great thought-provoking image. Well done.

This is a delightful image of what I assume is a family event. The elder girls at the front are waiting attentively for some unknown purpose whilst the others remain in-line, behind. Could that be an adult toe-cap to the extreme right? Whatever, I’d not include it to prevent distraction from wondering about what interests the youngest pair at the rear. A wonderful un-posed and natural shot.

Well done for spotting the opportunity to capture a reflection here! It is unusual to be able to use one in this way, from above. Without it the queue would simply appear as a crowd but the overhead reflection provides an opportunity to observe and enjoy its form.

Why do we appear to love to queue? This image tells us exactly why, and the title confirms it. There is a reason for whatever we do and it’s the reward of an ice cream in this case. This queue is not a record-breaker but it tells a story. Interestingly, the dog seems more keen than some of the people. I wonder why?

I liked this image because it demonstrates that the obvious is not necessarily the only solution. I found this image of a single person waiting a perfectly acceptable submission for this contest. Thank you for trying something different and adding another dimension to the contest.

At first sight you assume that this is a crowd of people gathered around some fast food stall. But then you notice that this is no bun-fight; the crowd is organised into orderly queues and the people are all in their finery. It’s a race meeting and they are queuing to place bets. What a good job it wasn’t raining! Not only is this a well-focussed shot, it’s colourful and meets the brief head-on. Well done, you won a place in my Top Ten. (- I wonder if they won anything ?-)

The unusual crop happens to work rather well, here. It does not matter that we don’t see the faces of the owners of these legs but it’s clear to me that they are queuing up for something as they are all facing the same way. Such an image might be “dead” if it was not for one of them, in the centre, adjusting her shoe. I love the delicate focus and subtle colours. There is plenty to compare and contrast here: the dress colours, hem lengths, socks and shoes all vary. Each has a character of its own. Well done, it has danced into my top ten!

women have been here some time and expect to be even longer. Their colourful saris add to the charm of this image which is clearly part of a much larger queue. By focusing on just this element, though, I am able to study the faces of those within it and relate to their feelings. I’m so pleased that most are still smiling…

The unusual always adds interest to an image. After all, we become so familiar with routine occasions that we tend to swiftly cast them into the déjà vu category. This is a crisp and lovely picture, indeed I’m amazed that a mundane motorway can be presented in such an attractive way! Granted, you will have had plenty of time to compose this view and gain the benefit of someone sitting in the centre to provide a focal point. This is a remarkable illustration of the faithfulness of the public to expect someone to be doing something to get everything back to normal if they wait patiently enough. Thanks for sharing such a admirable memoir.

This is a remarkable scene. It’s so different from all the others submitted that it was easy to stand apart from them. It contains a far bigger queue than I had ever expected, but rewards are not given for the size or length of the queue that’s been captured. This one is a gorgeous composition, with leading lines to guide the eye all over it. I have studied it at length but didn’t dare to start counting…

I’d like to thank everyone who took part in this contest for their many and varied interpretations of what makes a queue. For me, it’s about enduring the wait whilst anticipating the benefit of its purpose. My first choice is of this line of children, the central one clutching what appears to be rather precious to him. This is a beautiful shot. As I study the faces of the four boys and see their quizzical looks, I feel that they’re wondering what on earth can possess someone to photograph something that is a regular routine for them. Well, now you have an answer: my admiration and first choice in this contest. Well done, indeed!

Most shots of this scene would be of just the art work and, once observed, soon passed over. Here I feel that the title draws attention to the moment that the photographer has persevered and waited for: someone to come along and add a special extra to the view. The lesson is to survey the scene for a good angle and opportunities, remaining patient to be finally rewarded.

This aerial view is fascinating, but you need to stop and look at it to discover its gems. The title advises what’s going on but it’s not until I had looked at the detail that I discovered that the blue pixels are those waiting to board and the others are those departing. Then I’m left to work out which way each queue is moving. Great stuff!

Children often make good subjects. Here we have half a dozen delightful little girls in school uniform. Although, if you look, you’ll notice that the uniform is not quite so ‘uniform’. They are clearly clothed in similar attire but I’m left wondering what the rules are being applied. A charming and thought-provoking capture!