Religion
Joana Kruse

Religion

May 2018

This is a very poignant image. I am struck by the juxtaposition of the woman's black veil and the ornate, vibrant patterns of her surroundings. This contrast truly conveys a sense of loss and mourning. I appreciate the photographer's attention to color and to the woman's subtle gesture.

Entry 1892147
135th
6
Entry 1892168
440th
4

I appreciate the feelings of presence and absence that this photograph evokes. Although the vicar himself is not physically present in the image, the objects on the countertop - the antiquated sink, the ceramic water pitchers - communicate a great deal about who he is.

Expert
winner
Entry 1897153
127th
231

This is a very striking photograph, and I'm especially drawn to its unconventional perspective. Viewing an iftar from above changes how I understand it; the sense of community this meal provides and nurtures is readily apparent. From this vantage point, I can appreciate the numerous subtle gestures of the men below, such as they way many of them are clasping their hands, or the way some are turning toward each other, perhaps to engage in conversation. Had this photo been taken at eye-level, I might not have noticed these meaningful details.

I appreciate the creative and playful perspective of this image, as well as its conceptual nature. We are accustomed to seeing crosses and crucifixes as solid objects; to see one that is hollowed out and that frames the world before it poses a number of provocative questions.

Entry 1924754
9th
118
Crowd
winner

566 Images entered

250 Photographers

Meet the expert judge

Entry 1938785
109th
82
Entry 1953109
18th
161
Entry 1980174
305th
104
Entry 1998097
452nd
13
Entry 2011894
188th
159

20,755 Ratings

Entry 2027515
19th
16
Entry 2027518
55th
26

This is a beautiful portrait that provides a graceful and humanizing look at the Ethiopian Orthodox tradition. I appreciate both the directness and intimacy of the priest's stoic gaze. Additionally, the lighting of the photograph is stunning and especially effective against such a dark backdrop.

This photograph captures a fascinating and surprising intersection of the religious and the secular. It is thought-provoking and invites viewers to reflect on the unexpected places that religion can be found and expressed. I also appreciate the photograph's neutral color palette and the expressions and stances of the two men.

Brief

See more contest details

***This contest is open to subscribers (members on the Challenger, Pro and Master subscription tiers). However if you're not a paying subscriber you can still purchase entries for £2 (GBP) per image.*** Religion is a subject that's both fiercely intimate and intensely communal. To understand religion is to understand the billions of people who practise some form of it worldwide. A huge and rewarding topic for photographers; witnessing worship and its many manifestations through a lens means giving a humbling perspective on the complexities of belief.

Entry 1889824
54th
74
Entry 1892267
285th
18

I appreciate this image and the concept behind it - the intersection of religion, leisure, and daily life. However, I find myself wanting to know more about who this man is, and I wish that I could see his face. This could make for a powerful portrait if the subject were faced toward the photographer and more directly engaged.

Entry 1938787
25th
54
Entry 2015574
45th
281
Entry 2016348
27th
270
Entry 2026996
48th
22