Trees in Black and White

This image was a late entry to my top ten, but once there it rose up the placings, as the more I look, the more I like. I think what initially attracted me was the imprefection of the scene, with several trees partially or fully fallen, which creates some diversity of lines and angles. I like the overall mood of the image, and the clear way through the trees on the right invites exploration. The conversion to black and white has been done well, as there is a good range of tones and good textural detail, even in the darker areas. Well done on your top ten placing.

An unusual but creative image showing the effect of smoke and sunlight through the trees. The streaks of light add a real dynamic to the shot, and the rather quirky angle adds to the abstract of the image. The processing effect works well, and the very bright areas are in keeping with this more creative shot. Well done on your top ten placing.

A fascinating image showing some bare trees with corresponding shadows, starkly black against the white snowy ground. A simple subject, but full of interest. I like the fairly abstract feel to the image, and importantly the long shadows are contained within the frame and not cropped off. I also like the tiny detail of the bird in flight amongst the trees, maybe a crow in Crow Wood?! The inclusion of the footprint lines across the snow add a sense of reality to the scene and prevent it looking like a cut-out. Congratulations on your second place finish.

There were unsurprisingly a number of entries in this contest of sunlight streaming through the trees, but this one way my favourite. The sun rays do not overwhelm the scene, just nicely compliment the overall wooded landscape. The conversion to black and white has been done especially well, and whilst leaning towards the darker tones, there is still a good range of tones. Great textural details in the areas picked out by the sunlight, and the softer look of the trees in the background works well. Beautiful image, well done on your top ten placing.

This is a beautiful image, well deserving of the top spot in this contest. Although obviously not as the eye would see it due to being in black and white, there is a refreshing naturalness to the scene, with no over-processing or gimicky effects - just great honest photography. Composition and framing is superb, with the trees close enough to be the main feature, but distant enough to be shown within the wider landscape. The line of trees draws the eye down the slope, and then on to the mountains in the far distance. The sky is fantastic and helps create a wonderful atmosphere to the image, showing the beauty of nature despite the stormy outlook. Congratulations on your winning image.

A well captured winter landscape of a photogenic tree in the snow. Framing works well, as we are in fairly close to the subject, but there is enough clear space surrounding to prevent the tree looking hemmed in. Great point of view, with the fence line running on a diagonal through the frame, acting as a strong leading line. The inclusion of the more distant tree on the right adds interest and prevents too much white space. Well controlled exposure and contrasts too. Great image, well done on your top ten placing.

This lovely image has been titled 'impression of trees' and it certainly has a creative impressionistic feel. Although there is no obvious focal point, there is plenty of details across the image for the eye to explore. The square crop works well, and I may even have been tempted to place the dividing line between the upper and lower parts of the shot completely centrally to further add to the abstract and creative look of the image. Great work, well done on your top ten placing.

The composition of this image is very strong, with the two dominant trees initially drawing the attention, before the eye is lead around the image up the slope behind the trees to the distant trees, then down the hillside to the building. Even the slight bend of the trees draws the focus into the image. A scene that works perfectly in black and white, it would be facsinating to see tbe same scene photographed in colour in high summer - I imagine this version has most impact. The conversion to black and white has been done very well, with some strong contrasts, but the white areas have avoided becoming over-bright. Congratulations on your third place finish.

This unusual image is at first glance rather a puzzle to work out the subject, and I love the abstract feel to the image. In black and white, the image works especially well, as it emphasises the contrast between the white snow and the thin trees, each with their own melted circles around their bases. There is no focal point, but for me that does not matter with an image such as this, because wherever the eye falls, it can then wander and explore the differences and similarities throughout the frame-filling image. Great abstract shot, well done on your top ten placing.