Repetition and order in nature

There are always a handful of images in contests that jump out of the screen at me, no matter how many photographs are in the selection for judging. And I always have to be mindful not to get carried away with a technically brilliant shot that may not really fit the category brief. In this case, not only is the shot technically solid, but it perfectly aligns with what the category is looking for. On the face of it, this image is so simple, but so many would not have composed it so skillfully. Put the same camera in the hands of 10 different people and I wager that most would have composed the centre point of that gorgeous spiral in the middle of the frame. Instead, our photographer has chosen the perfect composition and demonstrated the use of the golden spiral to balance this shot with real precision. Note the balance of the outer coil as it frames the shot, the inner layer of legs providing a contrast that separates the coils into defined layers that eventually lead your eye to the millipede's head. Enjoy the orderly repetition of the patterns of this invertebrate's body and the delightful composition - it doesn't get much better than this.

You simply can't ignore that arrestingly bright and colourful background. Add in the smoothness of tone, complete lack of distraction and the difference in colour to the main subjects, and you have a very effective canvas. Turning to the butterflies, the two have been captured in an almost perfect mirrored pose, the obvious repitition of the shot. Look more closely at the patterns in their wings, and you will see more repetitions and order. Marbled Whites really are the most exquisite of butterflies and the perfect photographic subject for such colourful surroundings. The scabious flower on which they sit adds another pop of colour to the photograph, and the obvious point for your eye to start its journey around the frame.

Ferns were another of the popular entry choices in this competition, their repeating structure making them an obvious choice. Making sure the images that you enter competitions fit the brief is part of the skill of competition photography, and this photographer has made an excellent choice with this photograph. Technically, it's difficult to find fault; everything is in sharp focus, the lighting is soft and offers a delightful balance of light and shade, and the composition with the stem dividing the image perfectly along the central vertical plane adds symmetry and balance. What really makes it is the careful positioning of each of the branching fronds relative to the edges of the frame - critical if the intention is to show part of the fern only. This is a detail that many overlook, but attention to the small details makes a huge difference to the result. The post-processing also shows a skilled hand - the photographer has captured just the right mood.