Spots and Dots

I loved this image from when I first saw it, and it was very close to a top three placing. It is a super example of a portrait shot which does not need to show the face of the subjects to somehow be successful and create a story. The slightly retro finish works well with the subject. It is a fun, slightly quirky image, bang on brief for this contest, an all-round great image. Well done on your top ten placing.

This is a striking portrait image, subtly on theme for this contest through the forehead jewels, and especially appropriate for the current winter season. The off-centre composition works well, as we are initially drawn to the subject's eyes (which despite being closed are still the focal point) and can then wander to look at the chilly icy backdrop behind. Excellent use of only cool hues throughout the image, including the subject's skin, and the little sparkle on the lashes adds to the success of the shot. Well focused, wonderful control of whites and highlights, and good choice of crop/framing. Beautiful portrait image, expertly captured, congratulations on your winning image.

This location, of a major high street store in central Birmingham, is much photographed. It can however be surprisingly difficult to capture a decent image, and it can sometimes feel a little overwhelming wondering how to compose the image. Here I think you have been especially successful, by combining in the frame the curves and discs on the store facade, and contrasting them with the harsh lines and pointy tops of the lamps. Composition of the shot is great, with the lights especially well positioned. I think black and white had worked very well, maintaining the graphic nature of the image. Fabulous image, well done on your top ten placing.

I like the slight unease this image seems to convey. The composition, viewpoint and framing is unconventional, but it seems to work. A much photographed location has been shown in a quite different way. The addition of the figure is vital to the success of the image, and it is up to viewers to decide the story. Well exposed, for me retaining a subtle mood of menace. Well done on your top ten placing.

There were a high number of images entered into this contest showing varying butterflies and moths, but this was the stand out image for me. The background has been rendered soft enough to be undistracting, and the yellow/green contrasts nicely with the pinks, reds and blues of the main subject. You have successfully captured some lovely details in both the moth and the flower. Beautiful, natural image, great work.

This is a simple subject, but it has been very competently captured and presented. Exposure of the image is well controlled, as the lights are not over-exposed and we can see detail in the darker areas throughout. I love the contrast between the rich warm reds and yellows, and the cool blues. Where you have been especially successful is in keeping the subject completely level, with verticals, horizontals, and plane of view all accurate, which demonstrates skilled and thoughtful composition. Great work, well done on your top ten placing.

This is a carefully planned image of an iconic landmark structure, and your decision to adopt a more creative and unusual viewpoint has worked well. The night-time capture also offers a point of difference, and the exposure of the shot is spot on, with well balanced highlights and shadows and lovely colouring across the scene. I really like the inclusion of the small figures passing through the pool of light below, which adds some action to the shot, as well as giving context and a sense of scale. A very strong image, well deserving of a top ten placing.

This delightful portrait crept up the placings during the judging and ended in third spot. The image has been skillfully captured, making great use of the lighting to illuminate the child sufficiently, whilst keeping the surroundings dark. The pose and the facial expression you have captured give the child wonderful character. Focusing is spot on, with sharp focus throughout, including the eyes, and colouring is natural but rich. Gorgeous image, expertly captured. Congratulations on your third place finish.

I can't help be drawn to this image by the perspective given by the use of an extreme wide angle lens. Sometimes the use of a wide angle lens can be too distorting for the subject, but with this scene you have used it to your advantage, as the lines and perspective suck us into the shot. Being picky, I may have tried to level the shot a little (rotate anti-clockwise) so the platform was more horizontal than slanting. Also, it may have been worth attempting to clone out the graffiti at the front right of the shot to see if it could be successfully removed, as it is currently a little distracting and tends to draw the eye. Still a super image, well done on your top ten placing.