Religion

I wonder what the priest is thinking or looking at? we will never know but we can imagine given that the photographer has chosen to include many fine ornate carvings and stunning stone work from the vaulted ceilings. The technique is wonderful with great attention given to details in the shadows while the highlights on the priests face really lift him from the space. A great capture and would make for an interesting series on spaces and priests. Well done

I was really drawn to this image. The unspectacular setting talks about quiet devotion without all the spectacle of the alter. The camera position is very good, straight on, whilst the quality of light and exposure make this image. The photographer has resisted to over saturate and make the colors pop which is to there credit. A lovely well constructed photograph that really makes us think about ourselves within such a space. Lovely.

This image really stood out from the crowd, It has a quirky feel which really works because the lady on guard duty is looking and posed similar to the sculpture. The space works well and the techniques used to get the depth of field where they are both in focus is very well controlled. The square format works and condenses the space so our attention is kept firmly on the main subject. Well done. A unique take on the brief.

This unique take on the brief really stands out from the crowd. The technique required to make such an image is testimony to the photographers skills at handling such a lens and the control and positioning of the subjects could not be better. The colored blue hues work so well against the illumination of the moon behind the peaks and the church and cross are a wonderful reminder of human endeavour and the lengths people will go to for beliefs and passion. Its a unique image and one that really takes our breath away. Congratulations.

This visually stunning image really draws you in from the immaculate framing of the golden arches that act like a key lock taking us through doors to the stunning deep blues beyond and the elaborate patterns on both the golden sides and deep blue walls. The silhouetted figures walking out of shot are a stunning edition to this thoughtful and beautifully designed image. The techniques are just right and the scale and camera position cannot be bettered. Truly wonderful. Very well done.

Out of all the images of statues this one really stood out. Small details make the difference. The black and white works well with the grey stone, the shallow depth of field rendering the background out of focus means our attention is kept on the angel and the highlighted face angelic leaps out off the screen. Stunning.

This beautifully controlled light source directed onto the church in the valley shows the skills of the photographer. The high camera position makes this image and the use of B/W works well with the shards of light against the darker mountain range. Their is a sense of aura around such a photograph as we look down onto something beautiful. Well done.

This visually stunning detail of a thurible offers up so much emotion and you can almost smell the fragrant smoke. The symbolism is beautifully crafted in this powerful photograph. The technique and back lighting make the smoke illuminate as it raises from the frame against the dark background whilst the positioning of the thurible with the cross and chains by its side could not be bettered compositionally. It's beautifully controlled technically and the powerful and brave positioning make this a real stand out image. Very well done.

This stunning sea of devotees all walking together closely packed and highlighted perfectly is a wonderful image. The high level positioning of the camera allows us the viewer to take our eye through the image and the side lighting illuminating the veils works so well. We get a glimpse of color in the three individuals who's golden hair peaks though their garments in this otherwise monochromatic color photograph. It talks about religion and devotion without ever revealing and that is what makes this image so powerful. Well done.

This beautifully staged image of a young monk really stood out from many images of similar subjects due to its wonderful lighting, the dark background and framing of the doorway that then elevates the stunning and deeply saturated orange of the monks garments which stand out so well. The detailing on the inside of the rooms ceiling takes our eye beyond the monk and into the space which reveals some lovely ornate details. A stunning portrait with great technique and the light on the face and arm really lift this above the norm. Brilliant. Very well done.

Everything about religion is made up from words. We never get to read anything from this book central in the image, but the wonderful golden light hitting the cover and the warm browns along the pages edge suggests age and mystery. The tight crop and positioning of the book on the subdued modest wood structure work well against the illuminosity of the book, whilst the edge of white paper poking out from the side adds additional mystery to the book itself and its contents on certain pages that someone has found interesting to potentially highlight and discuss to a larger group. The exposure is beyond reproach in this lovely detail. My only issue and it is so minor but the top left corner with the sliver of white showing. A fraction of a crop would have eliminated that easily but this really is a great and well constructed image on topic. Very well done.

This behind the scenes almost sneak peak into the world of a priest offers a very different take to the splendor of the alter. Perched against a photo-copier Father Frank is presented casually but still regal even within modest settings. I can only imagine the routine of making copies of maybe the hymns that will be sung on a sheet of A4. The lighting which is even across the frame is very good as is the exposure especially in controlling the highlights in the garment. A lovely capture which would make for a great series on Father Frank. Well done.

This wonderful wide angle view offers up the sheer scale and pageantry of a mass. We are lucky to get this view as if we were there in the Cathedral with them. The symmetry within the image works really well as does the incredible spectacle of the Priests staged on the alter. The breathtaking background talks about something higher. We get a sense of power and history in this image and the technique is excellent, not easy in such an environment. Stunning. Well done.

This image really draws me in and gets me thinking about 'What if' I imagine religion as scenes in movies and in the giant spaces around the world of something that is other worldly, something bright and this image feeds my imagination of what I think holiness might look like. This stunning capture details the sheer beauty and scale of something bigger than us all, The placement of the window within the frame is perfect as are the illuminating rays of light coming into the space. The technique is beyond reproach and the sense of illumination really comes through on the screen. Great capture.

This quiet contemplative moment has been caught beautifully by the photographer, who has made a very dignified image that does justice to this human side of emotion. The tight crop works so well as we are taken to the hands holding the beads held to the bowed mans head. This wonderful positioning and lighting shows a deep sense of purpose the individual finds themselves in and the thoughts that they will never share. The single window light provides an almost divine feel and highlights the mans face and hands beautifully. It's not a showy image at all. It's very calm and we the viewers are allowed into this environment where we may gather our own thoughts. A deeply personal moment shared by the sailor and photographer which shows great trust and we are lucky to be able to view this stunning capture. Very well done.