Period Costumes

I have chosen this as my winning image because I liked it both as a photograph and as an illustration of period costume. The light is very even despite being directional as we can see from the shadows. The composition works because although there are only two human subjects, the metal machinery on the left acts to balance the image. From a period costume point of view you have provided a clear illustration of male and female dress in Britain in the 19th century CE. Not only can we see the colours of the garments but also something of the textures. Overall a very authentic creation of the period. Congratulations on your winning entry in this contest.

A very nice image showing the costumes of the baroque period. Although it doesn't look like there was much space in which to work you have nevertheless obtained a nice well lit image which shows off the costumes well. It is interesting to see male, female and childs costumes of this period. As we can see it was an age of opulence with beautifully coloured fabrics, extravagant embroidery and flowing lace; and that was just the men! It would have been nice to see a little more of the ladies dresses but I appreciate that might not have been possible. Congratulations on gaining third place in the contest.

I make no apologies for including another Ragged Victorians image in the top ten. They are clearly very thorough in their portrayal of their chosen period. I liked this image because it contains such a large group and we can therefore quite a range of costumes and styles worn by the working classes of the age. The black and white suits the era and has been very nicely processed. Another well lit image which avoids excessive shadows. We may not see the colours but we can see the patterns in the fabrics as well as other details which colour would have obscured. A very nice image and congratulations on gaining fourth place in this contest.

I have to admit to not knowing anything much about the mountain troops so it was interesting to see this image. Although clearly a bright and sunny day you have done well in controlling the light so that we can clearly see the costumes. In the image we get to see both male and female costumes which is always good from a period costume point of view. The ladies clearly carry the essential supplies in the barrels although I am intrigued to know what is in their little baskets. The soldiers look very smart in their blue jackets and red waistcoats. An interesting image and congratulations on gaining fifth place.

Elizabeth I of England is periodically portrayed but this appears to be one of the most accurate reenactments judging by the accounts I have read. This is a very nice image which shows the details of the period costume very well. Backgrounds are always potentially difficult for period costumes. I don't know whether this was your choice or someone else's but it is reasonably effective and a reminder of the turbulent periods in Elizabeth's reign. Congratulations on gaining sixth place in this contest.

A period quite often overlooked by many, this is a very nice authentic re-creation of the 1950's. It was an era when rationing ended and people had the chance to dress as they chose. I like this image because it not only shows the period dress (with rising hemline!) and hair styling but also some of the newly available gadgets. The black and white is nicely processed and the lighting is ideal. The jaunty look in the subjects face expresses something of the hope that grew up in this period. Congratulations on gaining eigth place in this contest.

A fine portrait of a young man in period costume, particularly given that he makes his own costumes as authentically as possible. As a photograph this is very well done with subtle lighting and a dark background that seems to recede and push the subject forward. Dark backgrounds have a tendency to suck the life out of colours but you have avoided that; the colours are vibrant but believable. The costume from the British regency period looks very dapper and smart. You have caught sufficient detail to show us something of the textures too. From a costume point of view it is a pity that we could not see the whole of his ensemble. That said it is an image totally deserving of seconf place in this contest.

A wonderful image of a period costume from an ancient culture. You are right to note that this does seem at first sight alien to people from a european perspective but once we take time to look we can appreciate the beauty and work that has gone into its creation. A very nice image as I would think this was quite tricky to photograph to show off all the different feathers, beads and colours. Thank you for sharing it and congratulations on gaining tenth place in this contest.

The roaring 20's is another period that seems relatively neglected when it comes to re-enactments and period costumes. It was therefore nice to see an image in which the model is wearing a genuine period dress. One can see why some would have been scandalised back then! A very nice image with effective lighting and a background that enhances the scene but does not dominate it. Congratulations on gaining ninth place in this contest.