Portraits

It would appear colour gels have been used to create this truly stunning studio portrait. The yellow, cyan and magenta lighting is evenly spaced across the subject and the bare shoulders help to ensure the light’s coverage is consistent. The impressive earrings provide additional interest by catching the light and the subject’s difficult to read expression only draws the viewer in further.

This studio portrait is sharp and beautifully lit, but we think it’s the narrative that makes it really stand out. Portraits of children are usually bright and joyful, but in this instance the viewer is left questioning the boy’s period dress and tearful eyes. A fantastic image!

This striking black and white portrait has a Cabaret vibe. The subject’s face is tack-sharp and the unusual top-down angle really makes it stand out. The wide f/2.5 aperture has created a shallow depth of field and the bold makeup is perfectly suited to the black and white palette.

We like this image’s contemporary fashion aesthetic. It would appear flash has been used to subtly pull the subject from the busy background, without jarring against the natural lighting. We particularly like the subject's unusual pose, and the sky and cornfield's muted colours. A great shot!

This image is proof that good portraits don’t have to be shot in a beautiful location or within studio conditions. The busy background is blurred to make the subject pop and the circular catchlights highlight the subject’s eyes and immediately draw the viewer’s gaze.

We are immediately drawn to the painterly style, the costume, muted colour palette and interesting pose, but it’s the composition that really makes this creative portrait shine. The use of negative space in the left portion of the frame contrasts the right portion’s classic painting aesthetic and we like how the cloak carves through the frame, pulling the viewer’s gaze towards the subject.

This is a superb portrait. Abusha’s striking eyes complement the subtle blue hues of the surrounding cloth, and the dark background and tight crop ensures there is nothing to detract from the compelling subject. Despite the wide aperture the image is perfectly in focus and tack-sharp throughout.

This is a fantastic example of an environmental portrait. A tripod was used to shoot several photos that were blended together to create a HDR image. The gentleman is the subject of the photos, but the eye naturally drifts to take in the many details dotted about the Victorian cottage. We were also impressed to see that the room’s verticals are all perfectly straight, something that’s a hallmark of a good interior photo.

This image is inspired by the Dutch masters and rather cleverly combines traditional and modern aesthetics. The bubble gum and headphones contrast with period clothing and classic portrait lighting, which immediately draws the viewer's attention. The odd angle of the foot only adds to the surreal nature of the image and its unusual narrative.

This fun portrait is proof you don’t always have to conform to the rules when capturing a photo. Portraits are usually shot with lenses that display minimal barrel distortion, but by using a fisheye lens and introducing loads of distortion the photographer has evidently chosen to flaunt the rules in pursuit of a charming and creative outcome.

This delightful portrait is all about the fantastic composition. The mother has been used to frame the child and guide the viewer’s eye towards the subject. Excellent natural lighting and a charming expression pushes this fantastic photo another step further. A fantastic image!

This is a cleverly conceived image that really makes the viewer ponder as to how it was done. We’re particularly impressed at how both subjects appear to be looking directly into each other’s eyes and how the hand presents something of an optical illusion since it could belong to either figure.

This entry is bursting with charm. The 45mm focal length provides plenty of context and frames leading lines to nudge the viewer’s eye towards the subject. An aperture of f/4.5 has blurred the background, while managing to render the whole subject sharply. Technical points aside, the little girl’s unposed expression is what makes this delightful portrait something special.

Studio portraits often have a reputation for being rather serious and posed, but this image is proof that doesn’t always have to be the case. This photograph hinges on a charming impromptu moment that’s simply bursting with character. Props to the photographer’s quick reactions. A fantastic image!