Umbrellas

This image is so visually powerful, and yet at the same time exudes calm and serenity. It's a feel-good-shot - I could stare at it all day. Opting to capture this shot wide, as opposed to a closeup of the subjects, has definitely paid off. The wide crop, in fact, allows the beautiful location, and specifically the tree canopies, to make it into the shot. The large trees beautifully frame the subjects, adding interest and context to the image that wouldn't have been the same without them. The back light, beautifully golden, creates a simply heavenly atmosphere that elevates this already successful capture. A fantastic shot, thoroughly deserving of first place. Well done!

This is a very well-executed portrait, one of the very few in the competition. I love the pearly, soft light. It works very well with the subject's skin tone and the pastel tones running throughout the shot. The styling is lovely and well coordinated, with the orange/yellow tones in the umbrella matching with the dress and the subject's makeup. The pose is graceful and natural and the connection eye to camera is powerful, full of charm and mystery, drawing the viewer in. A fantastic portrait, well done!

In this image, the photographer found a truly creative way to capture the real essence of a rainy day. Just by looking at it, I can smell the rain and feel the humidity on my hair and clothes. Technically speaking, I like that the image isn't entirely made of reflection on water, but that the puddle ends on the right side of the frame. This helps frame the subject and add context to the shot, enhancing even more that concept of 'rain' through the visible wet ground and soggy leaves. The perfect final touch is that we're still able to see the colours of the umbrella reflected into the water. Its bright shades are a nice accent to the otherwise necessarily muted tones of the shot. A great capture, well done!