Rim lighting

Although it is key to the impact, the use of rim-lighting is understated within the context of this soft and delicate image. I felt this picture had great charm and illustrated how working against the convention of deliberate under-exposure can deliver pleasing results.

The impact of this picture is achieved through the illumination of the leopard's tongue. Presumably back-lit by a vehicle's spot-light, the technique and exposure have been executed expertly. The profile is clear and the rim lighting has picked out the hairs on the cat to great effect, but that open mouth and red tongue are wonderful.

An image with very evocative and skilful lighting that has immediate impact. B&W suits the jazz-club portrayal and the rim lighting of the pianist gives a clear and distinct shape that works well with the wispy smoke. It all adds up - well done!

A very impressive picture and one of the best I have seen of this bird amongst the growing number recently circulated. It is perhaps a technical point that keeps the picture from greater success in this competition, in that I consider this to be mainly back-lit rather than rim-lit. Back lighting actually suits the subject better and I am sure this will go on to have success in other competitions.

A beautifully simple and elegant interpretation. The minimalist approach has been achieved through expert studio technique and whilst there is so little information in the image the subject is immediately recognisable. This one of a number of pictures that vied for a Top 10 place.

A classic rim lit image. Our subject is lost in a dark background whilst the light traces its way around his outline, picking out the colours of his jacket and shape of his face. A great example of where less is more.

A classic rim lit image. Our subject is lost in a dark background whilst the light traces its way around the easily recognised outline, picking out the details of whiskers and fur. A great example of exposure control and a composition where less is more.

A classic rim lit image. Our subject is lost in a dark background whilst the light traces its way around his outline, picking out the hairs on his arm and shape of his head. The backlighting on the beer glasses provide a strong focal point around which the composition hinges.

As with many photographs light can make or break the final impact and here it has worked extremely well. The simplicity of the background is a perfect foil for the rim lighting around our subject. A subtle and accomplished image that vied for a top 10 place.

Photography is about communication and this image says so much about childhood. The technique is perfect and the underexposure has added to the impact of the illuminated profile of this small child, sitting with her arms firmly wrapped around her legs. A timeless piece of photography.

A very creative approach that shows great appreciation of shape, design and balance in composition. The exposure has been handled extremely well, with under exposure delivering accurate detail in highlight areas whilst the negative space in the image is dramatically dark. The rim lighting on the cat is the crowning glory.

So many images vied for top 10 places it was especially hard to choose a first place. The simplicity and drama achieved in this classically rim lit shot stood out from the first time I saw it and sustained it through my deliberations. The exposure is perfect, the outline shape shows the bear's power and I just love the position and lighting on the raised paw. The paw is critical in the impact and a moment either side of this shot would just not have been the same. Well done!

This is a hugely enjoyable photograph with a great triangular composition that makes effective use of leading lines. Sadly it is also illustrative of many images that did not fulfil the brief, which stressed the importance of rim light. This picture is very effectively back lit (for shadows), but rim lighting requires that glowing edge, fully or partially depicting your subject. This can be strong or subtle light. I guess the old pre-exam advice of 'always read the question' is the lesson here! Nevertheless a good picture that will do well in other competitions, I'm sure.

Expertly lit with the rim lighting literally illuminating the rim of the mug. The lighting on the handle allows us to immediately see what the subject is despite such little information. The steam from the mug is very evocative and the spill of light onto the beans creates the picture's aroma.

On a personal note I do find the inclusion of copyright signs/signatures a little distracting and would always encourage their removal for competition entries.

A bold and creative image that makes good use of the flaring light, highlighting the subject's face, whilst the rest of him is beautifully rim lit. It is great to see photographers experimenting and playing with light; I am sure many would have seen this as 'failure' - I am glad you didn't and I hope it inspires others.

This is a very pleasing image. The soft warm light picks out the eye beautifully, but more importantly in the context of this competition is the way the mane and ears are highlighted by a rim of light that defines the zebra's shape.

This very low key image illustrates how good exposure technique (and use of under exposure) produces thin illuminating rims of light that define shape and reveal the subject to great effect. The final result has a very biblical feel to it.

An expertly executed studio shot that shows the photographer is in full control of the light. The shape defining rim of light on the bottle and glass provide an elegant composition that is enhanced by the literal splash of red.

A great picture, but sadly one that does not fully meet the brief. Whilst the two flanking dogs are beautifully rim-lit, the main central subject is lit from above, so unfortunately not a picture I could consider further given the stiff competition. I am sure it will succeed in other competitions!

For many I am sure this combination of cuteness and rim lighting would be a winning formula and it certainly is a very impressive entry. Technically sharp, detailed, well exposed and subtly toned; this picture has all the attributes required for a Top 10 place.

A classic portrayal expertly delivered. B&W is a superb choice and the silhouetted figure of the girl on her scooter is beautifully lit as she rides into the light; the slight tilt in her trajectory adding a clear sense of movement.

The intense colouration and prominent rim lighting make an immediate impact in this simple composition. Your shallow depth of field has isolated the foxes and smoothed both background and foreground to showcase their behaviour to full effect. It must have been a magical moment to experience and record this scene.

I love the idea and the way his hair is illuminated - a very eye-catching image. Had the image quality been a little better in his face (perhaps darker to reduce evidence of noise) and the background, I think this could have made it onto my Commended list.