The brief for this contest was broad and out of all the entries this image stood out as not only original but full of absolute intrigue.
The more obvious 'S' is visible through the shape in the land, deepened through the shadows to the right. Looking towards the top of the image we have a less than 'perfect' sky only partially viewable through the greying clouds, I have spent much time thinking about the natural moment of this image, where the photographer could've been inclined to wait a while for a clearer sky but would've sacrificed the pair of adventurers making their way downwards creating an accent to the curve.
1st place, congratulations and well deserved!
It's not until you zoom in that you are able to see the level of detail that this photographer captured.
The power of nature, carving a path of striking blue through the landscape is artful. The background layers stretching in to a widened frame at the front of the image force the viewers focus to remain on the beautiful colours of the water.
With its strong lines, this rebellious interpretation of the theme comes a well deserved second place.
Where convention looked to beautiful curves, this photographer brought a bounty of wonderful squares framing the sky, echoed in windows.
The sharpness of the lines, the brickwork patterns opposing the regimented square grid of the glass and the point of view add a delightful abstraction to a well framed image.
Congratulations!
The blue/purple tones in this image build complexities in to a simple scene. The rippled trail of the boat allows the viewer to drift towards the hilly and mountainous horizon as it melts into the sky, almost becoming the wisps of clouds above.
I think a tighter framing to miss the white breaks of the water in the bottom right of the image would enhance the serenity and peacefulness the mist and soft light brings.
The snaking river leading to an architectural fairytale on the horizon, blanketed with wisps of clouds and beautiful tones of sunlight. A simply beautiful third place.
This is an image where the light differences combine to collect a moment in time, one that the viewer can continue for a few minutes longer. The movement of the cloud brings an added element of time passing, this scene will not stand still for anyone.
The soft colours of the feathers and white background allows the eye and beak to lead the viewer into the curves of the neck. The use of negative space blending into the muted colours hints at the softness of feathers and finishes with wisps of midtones.
Zooming in on this image suggests an extensive crop or increased exposure in post-processing resulting in less natural detailing. If this was worked on, this image should be printed huge and hung on a wall (in a white frame) where it deserves to be.
791 Images entered
615 Photographers
51,154 Ratings
Brief
See more contest details
This is a contest that needs little introduction. Your brief for this one is to send in photos of yours of (or related to) the letter 'S'. This could be the actual 'S' shape, or simply a picture of something that begins with the letter 'S. Whether you decide to go down the literal or the conceptual route, Send us Something Suberb... and you could win!
Meet the expert judge
The deep shadows pull you into the stairwell with the curve of the stairs leading your eyes towards the light at the top. The framing really is captivating and this works very well in black and white.
From the ISO settings and the softness of some of the lines, I am led to think that this was perhaps a handheld shot in difficult lighting conditions or extensive noise reduction was undertaken in post-processing. I would recommend using a tripod to allow the camera settings to be adjusted to ensure a sharper and more detailed image.
This image brings a sense of calmness, the polar bear is walking away which has reduced any immediate danger and allows the viewer to enjoy the sparseness of the land. The clever framing hints at the terrain with the slight diagonal lines and the curves in the chosen path of the bear.
The conversion to black and white suits very well and could be further enhanced in post-processing to bring out the whites and deepen the darker greys.
I love the luscious greens showing how dominant nature is in this scene, with the foreground forcing the viewer's eye into the valley. The roof tiles of the properties below are a perfect contrast to the surrounding leaves.
I think that reframing this image, using the trees to completely fill the scene and parting only for the buildings to be exposed, cropping out the sky, would strengthen this overall.
The curves of the young elephant's trunk are accentuated by the lines and creases in the skin which is almost bark-like in appearance. This image is rich in texture and detail, viewing it larger and you can see the fine eyelashes of the calf.
I think that the closer image is perfect to capture all the wonderful details. Perhaps including more to the left of the scene to bring in the full ear and moving the trunk into the upper right of the image would further strengthen the framing.
The strong contrast and depth of field in this image pull your eyes to the rim of the glass which identifies the source of light beautifully, complimenting the curves of the half strawberry resting on the edge.
I would have liked the framing to include the end of the straw, enticing the viewer to taste the milkshake and completing the journey from fruit to drink.
