Spring

The tulips disappearing into the distance creates an almost hypnotic pattern, and the haze of the sky gives this shot a dream-like quality. The background details are akin to a fading memory, making this image into something more than a simple landscape shot. And this is obviously a long-considered shot by a photographer capable of adding a slightly mystical edge to his/her images. Technically impressive with something extra besides, this is a special image with plenty to applaud and admire.

Spring is indicative of so many things, but the theme of new life is the most significant. What better way to depict this than a child holding a recently opened flower at sunset? The framing and warm glow of the light shows a welcoming overall tone, and the presence of the camera is unobtrusive preserving a natural, street photography-style end result. The old adage of 'never work with children or animals' is disproved here, and the hands-off approach of the photographer results in a comfortable, natural subject.

Flowers are understandably a major component of Spring, but with the more typical daffodils and daisies taking up a large percentage of most gardens something unusual is all the more striking. The tones in this shot must have been extremely difficult to balance due to the similarity, but the photographer has shown a keen eye for a sharp, well exposed image and the ability to frame a difficult subject. All the more special is that a macro lens wasn't used, showing some highly polished skills.

Proof, in one shot bathed in beautiful golden light, that not all Spring shots need to be of lambs and flowers. A gate in a field might not sound light the most exciting subject, which shows the skill that went into composing this shot. From the use of light, through to the framing and surprising amount of skill required to make the cobwebs sharp, shows a photographer with a creative and unusual eye going away from traditional photographic techniques to find something different.

What a stunning image. This shy foal instantly melts your heart, and shows an accomplished photographer to get close enough to give us the intimacy necessary to make this shot a success. The fact that this was taken on a DX D-SLR, and with a kit lens, shows that you don't need pro-level kit to take such a fantastic shot. The rolling hills and balanced light in the background, as well as the muted tones, make this shot about far more than just the pair of subjects in the foreground.

An impressive mastery of composition and tone, offering some eye-catching elements, but keeping the shot as simple as possible. The background shows just a hint of purple disappearing into infinity, making the single yellow tulip all the more significant. The sharpness and water droplets further emphasise the subject, and the almost abstract quality to the composition shows an artistic eye alongside the obvious mastery of the technical necessary to execute such an impressive shot. A superb example of using a creative eye to make the most of a scene.

A very young, fragile-looking lamb seemingly exhausted by a day's leaping around makes for a superb subject, and an unusual take on the typical lamb Spring images. The dark tones and shallow depth of field show the technical mastery, where the framing and proximity to the subject display a more considered, creative side. The chaotic, obstructive nature of the grass in the foreground proves to set the scene rather than cause an issue, mirroring the slightly mucky and unkempt lamb.

A pair of lambs with a pleasantly inquisitive nature make this shot something of an iconic Spring

I love the dark tones in this image that keeps the colours rich without sacrificing sharpness. The mother and foal are positioned in a manner which emphasises their connection, and the level of detail is superb. As unusual as the tonal range is for such a shot, the framing keeps things conventional to the benefit of the end image, making for an eye-catching and visually striking shot that shows a healthy level of confidence from the photographer as well as an impressive mastery of light.

A wonderful combination of colour, tone, contrast and detail, this delicate image perfectly reflects the subject, and the just-passed storm. As a narrative subject it tells a wonderful tale of the most fragile life surviving in difficult conditions, while also foreshadowing brighter climates. An excellent example of a lighter touch on the capturing and editing front, as any temptation to increase the vibrancy of colour or play too much with the contrast has been avoided to the obvious benefit of this image.

Getting your timing right is such a large aspect of photography it can be easy to disregard all other techniques to try and hit the shutter release at the right time. This marvellous shot shows a photographer able to craft a sharp, well exposed shot that keeps the attention focussed on the subject, and utilises the shallow depth of field to avoid any possible background distractions. Working at such a long focal length and still getting such a well framed, accomplished shot must have taken the patience of a saint.