Things of desire

I love this image. It's exceptionally well captured, with really soft lighting allowing the seemingly chaotic overall scene to be the focus of attention. The colours and placement of the objects in this image reminded me of a Jasper Johns' painting, False Start – it's one I'd certainly be happy to hang on a spare wall as a very large print.

I think this beautifully curated and arranged set of fossils sits really well on the black background. Fleur has taken the idea of the collection and interpreted it with elegance, and in doing so expresses what looks like a personal interest in the subject – to me this looks like the work of a true enthusiast. The only thing that lowered the image's potential ranking is that the cut-outs are a little crude – but otherwise a really good attempt.

I can easily imagine this image printed at large scale on a gallery wall. The graphic treatment and eye-pleasing symmetry of the elements on the black background give each of the individual elements their own role in creating this fantastic image. The butterfly outside of the closed circle of the collection really adds something: a single, freewheeling element that's escaped or has yet to be caught. I was really impressed by this visually dynamic interpretation of the brief and am very happy to award it my winner's rosette.

Friendly, caught and not constructed, strange and yet comforting – for me, it works.

A pleasingly graphic execution of the brief; I particularly like the attention to detail and getting the verticals exactly right on both ends of the image. I am of an age when a vinyl collection is a sign of somebody that probably appreciates not only the analogue sound of this format but also the tactile pleasure of heavy slices of paper-sleeved vinyl sliding out of memorable covers. A simple, graphic, and emotively effective image.

The 'cityscape' perspective used for this Victorian bottle collection really works, and is optimised by the monotone treatment. I think, though, that the crop is a bit too tight, and that makes the shot a bit too cramped.

It's a great image, although it doesn't hit the brief down the middle – could also do with more clarity or contrast.

The good composition and timing of the shot express a real sense of summer: a trip to the fairground, soft-top down. But I would have liked a little reflected light, just to stand the car out from the environment a bit more.

The motif of repeat objects has been a common theme in 'Things of desire'. Shot in a studio-type environment this is an excellent example that has been very well styled, is technically very accurate and also properly fits the brief. Well done the photographer for the care taken over the details as they really make this image stand out.

I like the angle of attack on this image – an interesting reflective texture that's created by the daylight is allowed to add to the atmosphere of the picture. Even if they're tarnished, metallic surfaces are hard to shoot, so generally, the softer the light the better.

This photographer has quite a different visual take on the drive to collect. The dolls have been placed in quite a cinematic way, injecting a sense of narrative by keeping the framing and focus centred on one doll. I like the slightly darker view of this collection; the image creates an atmosphere that's in keeping with many people's reaction to the inanimate faces of these classic Victorian toys.

A collection of old marbles: a common drawer-filler. Despite the slight cliché, I like the perspective, and although the image is sharp, the low depth of field adds a lovely wistful feel to the top section of the image. If executed correctly this kind of treatment is really effective for images featuring small points of light like those in the reflection in the marbles, or in something like fairy lights.

Maybe this person knows I'm a sucker for model objects, but that takes nothing away from a picture that has been executed with real elegance. The cool treatment – drop focus, simply framed and moody blue tones – nicely befits the '60s style of the cars. It's a very alluring image that proves things don't have to be complicated to be successful.

A nice idea that works: all the images a photographer takes form part of a collection. Showing transparencies on a lightbox and the 'eye' of the viewing loupe, this is an image that's full of nostalgia for me now.