Street Scenes with Graffiti

This contest was not about seeing who can find the most amazing artwork created by someone else and take a snapshot of it; it was more about incorporating graffiti in all its forms into a street scene composition to create an interesting image. Although this will unlikely turn out to be a crowd-pleaser, it is a great example of what I was looking to see. The fact that the graffiti and its simple message is so understated, makes it all the more special. The clear view through the missing pane, with the couple in the distance (maybe Martin and friend?!), contrasting with the more obscured views really strengthens the shot. Well seen and well captured. Congratulations on your winning image.

What I like about this image is the frame being virtually divided in two, with the corner of the street marking the divide. I do not mind that there is no obvious focal point, as the eye can switch from side to side from the face on the wall to the figure lurking down the street. The conversion to black and white has been well done, with the face on the artwork standing out well through its brighter tones. Well done on your top ten placing.

This is an image I kept coming back to for my final top ten selection. I like the simplicity of the scene, and the balance between the graffiti artwork and the wider suburban scene. There is a lovely clarity to the shot, and good quality to the light. Colours are rich but not overdone. Great work, well done on your top ten placing.

Slowing the shutter speed slightly to create some blurring of the movement was a wise decision, as it adds a real dynamic to the image. It also means the passing gent is a strong feature of the composition, but does not dominate. You may feel a little unlucky that he was not carrying his briefcase in the other hand (or his tie flying ouf in front of him!), but had it been so, the scene may have looked staged which could possibly have taken something away. Great image, well done on your top ten placing.

Although relatively small in the frame, the young cyclist is the clear subject of the photo, and although physicslly overshadowed by the mural, there is good balance between the two elements in the composition. Colouring throughout is harmonious, and the positioning of the cyclist is spot-on. Great work, well done on your top ten placing.

This shot is about so much more than a straightforward shot of someone walking past a piece of artwork. What really creates the impact is the dramatic use of colour, with the touch of bright red on the scarf perfectly complementing the blues covering the wall. I don't know if the shot was staged, a happy accident or the result of patience waiting for the "right" person to come along, but either way it shows evidence of a strong photographic eye. The square crop works well in keeping everything neat and contained. Congratulations on your second place finish.

I love the quality of the light in this night-time scene. The main light source looks to be coming from behind the subject, but there is sufficient light falling on his face to ensure it is adequately lit. Colours are rich throughout, and what I especially like is that the graffiti is evident, but certainly does not dominate; just what I was looking to see. Well done on your top ten placing.

I have judged this image before and it has not lost any of its impact for me. The young boy, although relatively small in the frame, really draws the eye as he confidently strides around the corner and into your shot. The boy in sportswear and the elegant woman in the artwork should be at odds, but the way the exposure has been handled and the image processed, the brightness and vivid colours really bring everything together. Love it, well done on your top ten placing.

It is quite a brave decision to convert such a colourful scene into black and white, but the image has been processed in such a way that it really does work, and the image somehow still seems colourful despite the lack of colour, due to a full range of tones from black through to white. Great composition and framing, the silhouetted cyclist is a focal point for the eye, with the surrounding lines all leading the eye into the frame and to the figure at the end of this iconic graffiti tunnel. Congratulations on your third place finish.

I love the way the people passing by mimic the artwork on the wall, and the shot has great balance between the two. I like the sense of movement from the slightly blurred figures, which give a sense of hustle and bustle on a busy city street. Well done on your top ten placing.