Portraits

This cinematic still has conjured up ample storytelling potential. The mage gazes past the viewer, directing her magic towards something beyond the frame. Golden light pulls the subject from the dark background and the viewer is drawn to her clearly defined and pin-sharp eyes. The fiery sparks and glow complement the overall warm tones. A magical portrait and a deserved winner!

This portrait was created to represent the baroque period and the subject is said to be a violinist. The dark shadows and soft highlights are hallmarks of classical paintings, while the flamboyant clothing and impassive expression reinforces the period aesthetic.

This is a difficult technique to get right, but the rim lighting perfectly traces the model's profile, creating a silhouette. We also like how the light is caught in the eye and subtly on the cheek to add a little definition to the sitter's features.

This would make a fantastic photographer's bio image. The ring light creates a beautiful catch light that draws the viewer in and the eye is perfectly sharp. The soft lighting highlights the face, without creating any unsightly or harsh shadows. A great shot!

It’s hard not to stare at this surreal image in contemplation. But move past the subject matter and you’ll find a masterclass in light and colour. Soft lighting complements the figure, while cool greens and cyans, and warm oranges and reds provide a colour palette that both complements and contrasts. Finally, the poured milk has been frozen perfectly, splashed neatly onto the tabletop.

This is a great candid travel image. The frame within a frame draws the viewer directly to the subject, while the muted colour palette really emphasises the striking red lipstick. The wide aperture also blurs the foreground sufficiently so only the subject is perfectly sharp.

Movement isn’t something you’d often associate with portraiture, but this example conveys it beautifully. Props to both model and photographer, because teamwork is essential when performing this technique. The model would have had to flip her hair up, before immediately resuming a relaxed position. All of that, while capturing a sharp eye, takes this technique to a challenging new level.

It’s not surprising that this image was inspired by horror. The awkward expression, pressed up against the glass contrasts against the striking blue iris and the dark shadows, while the limited colour palette only adds to the unsettling mood. The misted glass creates an irregular depth of field thanks to the pockets of sharpness and blur, reflecting the unwieldy vibe.

This might just be the cleanest portrait we’ve ever seen. It is razor sharp, gently lit, boasts a jaw dropping mono conversion and beautifully curved folds of fabric frame the subject’s face. A fantastic portrait that earns a well-deserved spot in our top 10.

This is a fantastic figure in a landscape image. The lighting on the photographer helps to pull him from the dark backdrop, and what a stunning backdrop it is – an incredible aurora set against a towering orange light house.

The top down angle amplifies the girl’s sullen expression, as if she’s looking up at an angry parent. Catch lights and the subject's tack sharp eyes help to really sell this narrative. A fantastic image that is bursting with character!

This image looks to have been photographed in a specialist studio’s rain room. A fast shutter speed was used to freeze the dancing model and splashes of water, while still adding a hint of movement to the falling rain drops. A flash was cleverly positioned behind the subject – away from the hazardous water – to create rim lighting and help the raindrops pop against the dark backdrop.

This cleverly conceived concept is a composite. A hexagonal box was made to fit the model and photographed using an identical lighting setup. Multiple frames were then captured of the model in different positions and five images were combined in post-production. The reflection is a nice touch and we like how, in two instances, the model appears to be looking over at another box. This helps to make the composite more seamless.

It might surprise you to know that this stunning wedding portrait was lit entirely by window light. The soft glow pulls the bride from her dark surroundings, while the frame within a frame channels the viewer’s gaze. The room was so dark ISO2000 was required – even with a wide-open aperture – but the black and white conversion hides the presence of any unsightly noise.