Repetition

This striking scene has a number of key attributes that make it a winning image. For starters, we have a highly photogenic subject that is even more appealing when illuminated at night. The visual spectacle is further enhanced by the compositional symmetry produced by the reflection, which fits the repetition theme of the contest to a tee. Bravo!

Given the inherent difficulty of capturing such close-ups especially with nature, I truly admire this particularly impressive result. The composition is lovely, naturally drawing the eye around the scene. The butterflies and flowers are all acceptably sharp with the pleasingly out of focus background also adding a hint of vibrancy to the overall scene. Well done indeed.

I was immediately taken by the portrayal of this wonderfully shiny vintage spoked wheel against a pure black background, a contrast that has a strong visual impact. Having a round subject framed in a square composition is also a lovely aesthetic. Full marks too for originality. Perhaps the only minor criticism is the photographer’s reflection in the hubcap.

Who would have thought concrete could be so captivating? I love how the leading lines of the brutalist architecture naturally guide the eye around the composition. The young lad serves as a pleasing focal point and adds a sense of scale. The black and white presentation perfectly complements this scene. Howay the lads!

This is a prime example of how an unusual viewpoint can instantly add visual impact to an image. I’m really intrigued about how this was created. Are they real cars or models? Whatever, it’s really very well done. I love the uniformity of the composition and how it just pops with the mix of colours.

I was thoroughly impressed by this brilliantly observed capture of such a mundane subject. The square composition and tight framing are very effective. However, what truly makes it work for me is the way the light delicately reveals all the detail of the tyre treads, especially as a black subject against a dark background.

This is a lovely example of a classic photographic subject with a well-balanced composition and leading lines. I particularly admire the gentle warm side lighting and the smoothness of the waves. The use of a strong ND filter really adds an ethereal quality to this seascape.

Of the many excellent straight-up shots, I particularly admire the tones and fine detail in this one. I love this ‘look up’ perspective. It’s an often under-utilised tool that not only can provide very interesting compositions, especially inside old buildings, but is also an effective way to cut out distractions, such as people.

This electrifying interpretation of a familiar yet perhaps unphotogenic subject is truly impressive. The photographer clearly had a vision for its portrayal and the unusual viewpoint perfectly highlights the structure’s symmetry. The square crop and striking black and white contrast create an abstract graphic quality.

Reflections are a valuable photographic compositional tool that add interest to any scene. As it’s typically done using still water or glass windows, I was particularly impressed with this interpretation using a car’s glossy paintwork. It’s not only well observed but, with the colour of the umbrellas, it's just a very striking image in its own right.

If the “look up” perspective is an underused way to gain interesting insights, why not try looking down? Take this splendidly abstract shot of something as ordinary as muddy footprints. It’s a great example of what can be captured if you keep your eyes open and on the lookout for the less obvious.

This beautifully evocative sunset photo is simply stunning. While the photographer states that it’s effectively a grab shot, the composition probably couldn’t have worked out much better. The wind-blown manes and tails of the horses and the desert sands add a real dynamic energy to the scene.

This moody composition masterfully exploits the symmetry of the architecture while maintaining an intriguing focal point. The lone figure subtly outlined in the single lit window brilliantly adds an eerie, almost disturbingly sinister vibe to the scene, which is what I guess the photographer set out to achieve, so very well done.

This woodland scene is simply wonderful and another excellent example of the photographic mantra “it’s all about the light”. The side lighting beautifully accentuates the tree line creating a mood and an air of mystery. I also admire the balance between the bright crepuscular rays and darker areas which really enhances the moody atmosphere.

This is a simple yet brilliantly executed idea. The ability to stack images for front-to-back sharpness is a semi-automatic function that many digital cameras now offer in their feature set, although theoretically it could be done manually. The clarity and amount of detail revealed are incredible. I’m inspired to try it out for myself!