Residential Architecture

This is a very neat and ordered composition, reflecting the order of the repetition in the architecture of these urban apartment blocks. The sky looks to have been digitally smoothed, but that is okay as it removes any distraction a more "busy" sky could create, and instead gives a simpler backdrop for the detailed architecture. You have captured these buildings in great light, which illuminates the facades and creates form and depth through the highlights and shadows. The limited colour palette of white, grey and brown works really well too, and contributes to this strong architectural shot. Well done on your top ten placing.

Although in complete contrast to the other top three entries, this is another image which captured my attention as soon as I saw it, and it was always near my top placings. There is something about the juxtaposition of the neat with the disordered within in this shot which really appeals to me. The architecture has a look of grim and harsh, but there are plenty of contradictions with the differing shaped windows, some opened, some closed, and different coloured patches of paintwork. The image has been very well composed and framed, as none of the windows are cropped into, and the square format suits the subject well. This is one of those images I find difficult to but into words quite why it appeals to me so much, but I just know I love it. Congratulations on your third place finish.

This image stood out as a likely winner from when I first saw it, and it was always the one to beat. You have positioned yourself perfectly to capture the shot, as we see the gable end of the house exactly face on, and the roof line seems to mirror the rocky mountain behind. The warm golden yellow of the house looks striking against the cold white snow, and the square crop suits the subject and adds to the impact. A simple but eye-catching capture, congratulations on your winning image.

I find the perspective of this image fascinating. One time I look the section on the right edge of the frame is closest to the camera, but when I look the next time it switches, with the left edge being closest. The pop of colour in the orange curtains prevents the image from becoming a little bland and gives us an initial focal point. Everything is clear and sharp, and there are plenty of details across the image to explore and hold the interest. Well done on your top ten finish.

I think I have judged this image before, but it has not lost any of its initial impact for me. Whilst recognisable for what it is, the series of brightly coloured blocks and shapes of the architecture give this image a more abstract feel, which I really like. The inclusion of the signs break up what would otherwise be a large expanse of plain wall, and I especially like how they are tilted and warped, which fits well with the randomness of the architecture captured. Lighting has been well controlled, as despite what looks to be very bright sunlight, any dark shadows have been avoided, keeping the colours bold and bright. Well done on your top ten placing.

Whilst the buildings are relatively small within the frame, the lovely lighting on the building shows us plenty of detail in the structures to enable this scenic landscape to still stand as a strong architectural image. It works well for the theme of this contest, as the slighter wider surrounding view gives some context to this beautiful residence. The colours are bright and bold, but are not over saturated, with the rich red contrasting nicely with the cool blues. A stunning scene, I almost feel as if I can breathe in the crisp fresh air. Wonderful image, congratulations on your second place finish.

I really like your simple composition of these three features, but for me that adds to the strength of the shot. You have included just enough wall and paving around the door and windows to prevent them looking hemmed in, and we get a chance to look over all the signs of wear and tear on the paint and plaster work to get a sense of the place. The contrast between the blue paint and orangy brown wooden door works well for the shot too. Great work, well done on your top ten placing.

There were several images in this contest showing the streets of Burano, but this one stood out for me. Your capture of the gorgeously rich colours has been really well done, as they are strong and bold, but you have avoided any garish over-saturation. The shadows look to have been lifted to allow us to see plenty of details, but you have managed to avoid the scene from becoming too flat. I love the mundanity of the scene, with the hanging laundry, the propped up mop, and the lady pottering past, which help illustrate the "residential" purpose of these buildings. A simple, natural scene, very well captured. Well done on your top ten placing.