Steps and Stairs

A strong image of steps and stairs, but one that also tells a story, with the elderly gent displaying body language that indicates a feeling of dispair at the steps looming ahead. The under-saturated slightly grungy processing suits the subject, and the image looks to be carefully composed, with a head-on viewpoint, and all verticals being true. Well done on your top ten placing.

Generally an image works best if there is some order and the composition is uncluttered. Here however, it is the chaos formed by the steps, railings and associated shadows which appeals to me, and I enjoy the visual puzzle of trying to work out the subject and perspectives. The brighter orange down the stairwell still offers an initial focal point, and lighting has been well balanced. A difficult subject to capture successfully, but you have done a great job here with the composition. Well done on your top ten placing.

The unusual composition of this image could be rather rather jarring, with the result being more or less two scenes in one, but it is the strong composition which initially drew me to the image. There are two main subject areas, the figure on the steps and the ones on the platform below, divided by the diagonals formed by the steps and the rail tracks. The high contrast black and white works really well and the brighter areas tend to draw the eye down from the top of the steps, then along to the end of the platform where it disappears into the tunnel. Full of detail and a fabulous image to view. Congratulations on your winning image.

Creative post-processing has turned a simple urban scene into one which is full of dramatic effect. The bold contrasts have been effectively used, and the use of a heavy vignette takes the eye directly to the figure descending the steps and then to the details of the architecture on the brighter parts of the cathedral behind. I do not know whether the sky is natural or a substitute, but either way the clouds form a great frame around the top of the cathedral to add further impact. Importantly, despite several areas of the image which appear very dark, there are still details to be seen within the blacker areas, avoiding any featureless parts of the shot. Congratulation on your second place finish.

The rich colours are an obvious draw to this image, and despite the bold hues, they are not gaudy or over-saturated. I like also that plenty of texture has been revealed in the plasterwork, which contrasts nicely with the more delicate foliage and flowers. The composition is superb, with the steps running through the frame on a diagonal, and by taking a very slightly angled viewpoint, there is some depth to the image from the inclusion of shadows, rather than appearing as a flat painted surface. A well-seen and very well executed image, well done on your top ten placing.

This rather different take on the theme of steps and stairs caught my eye for its simplicity. The shadows add a different dimension, from the dark shadows by the step ladder, to the gentler dapples of shade which look to be cast from nearby vegetation. Composition is simple but effective, and everything is well focused. Great image, well done on your top ten placing.

This type of architectural image will not appeal to all, but the rather brutalist architecture on display here has been very well captured. I like the contrast between the generally drab and dreary weather and blocky concrete, with the pops of colour on the edge of the steps and the lights. The highlights created on the wet paving also lift the image to prevent it looking too depressing. Great image, well done on your top ten placing.

The architecture captured here shows clean lines and smooth curves, but there is plenty for the eye to explore. The figure on the curving stairs are an initial focal point, but the eye can then wander to the distant parts of the building to get more of a sense of the space. The black and white conversion has been done well and suits the subject by retaining a rather minimalist feel of the image, reflecting the simple lines of the architecture.. Great work, well done on your top ten placing.

A super high-key abstract image which is simple but effective and quite fascinating to view. Light shadows have been retained which helps reveal form and depth, but the eye is drawn to the darker treads and the bold yellow handrail. The walls have been kept crisply white without being over-exposed, and the diagonal composition is spot-on. Congratulations on your third place finish.