Puppets and dolls

The thing that really got me with this image is the lighting. It's just so hyper real and I'd like to say I can see this was something done mostly in camera (not photoshop). But the reason it's the winner for me is that you've used the combination of all the photographic tools, subject, lighting, composition and camera (specifically lens in this case), so well. It just shows a real understanding of the craft. I'd also like to mention the other images you entered were great too. But this was the one for me. Fantastic work, well done.

I just really loved the humour in this image, the smirk on her face makes it for me. I can't say if that's an edit or actually how she looks. This kind of subtle manipulation is often the most effective (if that's what it is). I think the lighting is great, the way it picks out or subject and the hard source makes the water look really great too. A great picture, well done.

I found this picture really innovative. The combination of super shallow depth of field, slightly hazy cast and black and white make this so interesting. I find it really dreamy. It draws me in and makes me wonder about the life of this little lady. The lighting is great too; coming from behind making it "realistic" and really makes the image pop. Overall a great pic, well done.

This is one of the most innovative and different photos I've seen in this competition. I like how you've gone all out in creating this Alice in Wonderland like world. It's one of the only images I've seen that has made a person look like a puppet (that or this is a terrifyingly realistic mannequin!). The makeup and/or editing is great and gives the viewer a really eerie feeling. Great work.

I found the subject really interesting in this image, one of the more unusual ones in this competition. I can see the lighting was considered and I like where it's going but I think it could be developed further. While the mixing of colours is interesting I find the orange a little too strong. And although I can appreciate the decision to use the shadows from the orange source I find them a little distracting and think the image would be more imposing without. Overall a nice photo and with just a few tweaks would be really great.