Steps and staircases

The low camera angle and shallow depth-of-field have intensified our subject. We are so close we can almost 'feel' the dampness. The change from focussed information in the fore- and midground is wonderfully complimented by the soft out-of-focus trees in the background. Collectively, this adds to the mood and accentuates the narrative.

What an unusual viewpoint – looking up and through a flight of stairs. Of course, these are no ordinary stairs. Made of translucent glass, they have been used to provide the opportunity for light to pass through to lower levels. The other result is this peculiar vantage of seeing humans from below (from a 'stairwell-view', so to speak). The dark silhouettes of their haphazard positioning provide a note of contrast against the hard-edged design of the glass stairs.

Congratulations. I love seeing photographers who demonstrate a keen sense of exploration. Their comment mentioning a reflective surface is telling: it means they have looked hard at the surroundings of this particular place in search of an interesting picture. Discovering a reflection of an otherwise ordinary scene has elevated the image to something special. We are now looking from above. The paneled surfaces create a shimmering effect that abstracts reality. Excellent

This is a wonderfully composed photograph of a set of stairs in Venice. There is no ambiguity as to the subject – the stairs are spread as if it were a beautiful ballgown. The width at their base is wide and inviting. Our eye drifts upwards to the tiny bridge centre/top of frame. Here is the brightest part of the photograph. Thus, the leading lines of the composition and warm brightness have coelesced to ensure that this is our visual destination – to which questions are raised: where does the bridge lead? What will I find? The darkened blue sky in the far distance also provokes similar questions. It is a wonderful photograph loaded with underlying mood and narrative inflection.

This has a seriously exaggerated quality to it. The fifteen shallow steps (that lead to... to... a concrete parapet) have been composed using an extreme wide-angle lens. The angle of view has created this rhythmic series of lines that rush into the far distance. Examining the information there (by zooming in on the image file) reveals some further details about the 'where' and 'what' of this place, but nothing conclusive. What appeals to me about this photograph is the structural components of the scene and the neutral monochromatic tones have merged to create a dynamic structure that sucks me in to the image and ignites dramatic storylines of dystopian realms.

This is an excellent photograph. A set of everyday new-ish steps in a city centre, have been captured at an opportune moment. The manner in which the light has fallen across these steps is fleeting. And, fortuitous. Our photographer has discovered this moment, framed a pefect composition and rendered the outcome in bold contrast tones of light and dark. I love the simplicity and the striking drama created from something so ordinary. Well done.

The monochrome rendition along with the longish focal length helps flatten the spatial depth of the subject, which leaves a series of shapes and tones (if one squints whilst examining the image we see this in this simplest form). I like the fact we can read 'big steps' when we examine the light toned section behind the cyclist, as well as the tiny individual steps themselves. The cyclist provides a note of humanity amidst the hard-edged architecture, and a sense of scale.

The steps, railings and pathway are almost invisible in this seriously icy scene. The photographer has cleverly positioned the legible subject matter (the steps) off to one side, thus providing plenty of space for the subtle tonal impression of the snowy landscape. The landscape's cool, blueish huw is balanced by an ever-so-subtle brownish tinge. The landscape looks so weird and surreal – both alluring and threatening. Yet, the snow covered steps provide an element of civility (comfort even?) – that this place does welcome visitors. Just, maybe not today.

image,Perfectly framed, these old stone steps lead up and out to an unknown place beyond the curve. I love the contrast of neutral stone steps with the moss-covered ones that flank either side. Looking closer into the shadows, we notice at top a frame of sharp edges (almost like teeth) that tell us we are in fact in a cave. Looking hard for further opportunities in a stimulating scene is the sign of a good photographer.

Several aspects of this photograph impress me. The minimal information provides a simple background for the principal subject (the stairs). Further to this is the inversion of tone: light on dark and dark on light. One could have removed the remnant barbed wire and fence line at the bottom-right of the frame; However, it also provides some subtle secondary information to add to the overall narrative of the photograph. What particularly impresses me is reading in the photographer's notes that they had examined this scene several times previously. Only on this occasion did the component parts fall in place and align with the light. The take-away from this is that a great photograph is often the result of a dedication to practice as opposed to a single 'click' and walk away.

This is a wonderfully composed photograph of a set of stairs in Venice. There is no ambiguity as to the subject – the stairs are spread as if it were a beautiful ballgown. The width at their base is wide and inviting. Our eye drifts upwards to the tiny bridge center/top of the frame. Here is the brightest part of the photograph. Thus, the leading lines of the composition and warm brightness have merged to ensure that this is our visual destination – to which questions are raised: where does the bridge lead? What will I find? The darkened blue sky in the far distance also provokes similar questions. It is a wonderful photograph loaded with underlying mood and narrative inflection.

This is a well-composed and structured photograph balancing the shifting colours of an ancient interior stairwell. Though the true nature of the building is unknown, the composition and colour shift provide enough information to keep a narrative interpretation open in several directions. To some, it could be a scene from a film: a medieval drama, for example. To others, a present-day billionaire's lair (we are in the wine cellar looking up the stairs to the grand ballroom above). Whatever the reading, the photograph is decidedly fit for purpose.

I had to include this photograph. A casual glance (which I must admit I gave) suggests a contemporary set of stairs as viewed from directly overhead. Tick. Wrong! The photographer provides unambiguous information: "Paper - 20 Sheets A4..." A series of layers of paper sheets?! Does this constitute 'stairs' or 'steps'? The answer is not perfectly clear. Which leaves us with the image itself. It certainly looks like a set of steps. What I really appreciate is that the photographer has created an image out of sheets of paper that looks for all intents and purposes like a flight of steps. Wonderful.

A simple detailed frame of an exterior stair to a silo or cylindrical structure of some dimension. The image metadata provides some clue: a petroleum port at Le Havre, France. Such structures are common throughout the world. Yet, the manner of this composition adds a note of mystery. I like photographs that do this. We read the basic information, yet somehow there is more to consider, simply because there is space (both in the frame, but more importantly, in our imagination) to consider more.

This amazing place is perfect for our competition. It is as if steps go no where and every where all at the same time. The composition is perfect to convey this notion, comprising a balance of near and distant information. The eye runs around following the lines of the steps. The tighter crop contains our gaze.

Another tight, graphic composition of a curving set of steps. In this instance, in a public library. The contemporary design helps accentuate the latent amiguity of the image. The snippet of information top right and left of frrame help add some clue, whilst also adding to the oddness.

I found this photograph intriguing. A double-spiral staircase made from stone in the 16th century. I like the manner in which the photographer has composed this complexity. The few steps bottom of frame (and closest to camera) provide a stable reference point to begin the visual journey upwards and into the double-spiral. Complex yet balanced.