Urban Architecture in Black and White

A striking abstract architectural image, the subject suiting perfectly a conversion to black and white and the relatively high contrast processing. The composition and framing of the shapes and pattern on the building have the effect of a slight optical illusion, as when looking at the shot at different times it develops a different perspective. Filling the frame entirely with the subject, with no distracting elements, add impact, as does placing the contrasting dark and light shapes on a diagonal across the frame. Great work, well done on your top ten placing.

I was initially undecided about this image, but the more I looked the more I liked it. I was at first unsure about the balance and slight disharmony of the shot, with the eye being directed to flit between the brighter area of the buildings and sky in the distance on the right, and the small area at the top of the frame on the upper balcony. However, I decided that this element of discord strengthens the shot, as it encourages exploration of the entire scene and adds to the sense of depth. Naturally processed with no gimicky effects, the true verticals help emphasise the strength of the building and adds to the success of the image. Great work, well done on your top ten placing.

I love this type of image, where the frame is filled with details which are at the same time both very similar and very different. Some may find such images rather dull, but I find there is so much for the eye to explore and hold the attention. One of the keys to the success of a shot like this, and what you have achieved here, is a well aligned shot with all verticals and horizontals being true, and the viewpoint being directly head-on. Great image, well done on your top ten placing.

What I really love about this image is the strength of the black and white. Although the image has a predominance of mid-tones, there is a full range of tones from black through to white, which reveals plenty of detail in the shapes and lines of the architecture. Framing is good, as there is enough contained in the shot to be full of interest, but everything is close enough to see and the scene is not over-busy. There is so much for the eye to explore, and if this is your daily view I hope you never tire of it. Everything is in sharp focus, but there is a gentle softness to the image which creates a lovely mood. Congratulations on your third place finish.

There was a good number of entries in this contest of a high standard, both in terms of the photographic skill of the capture and the quality of the black and white conversion, but this image of a quiet street in Riga was my eventual choice for the top spot. What I especially like is the mood of the shot, conveyed in parts by the composition, lighting and processing style. The overall tones are fairly dark, but there are no areas which are too dark as to show no detail, and the brightest area of the image draws the eye into the scene and the viewer is left to imagine what lies beyond the curve. I really like the considered composition in capturing the ornate street lamp, which has been framed by the lighter background and adds a nice touch of detail. Nothing is overdone or overstated, just a great image of the architecture of the city. Congratulations on your winning image.

Typical of so many Spanish hillside towns, this image has caught tbe essence of the place, with the tightly packed whitewashed buildings filling up every available space on the slopes. The composition and framing is just right for me, as we are wide enough out to see a range of shapes and patterns and get a sense of the place, but close enough in to see plenty of details to hold the eye. It is often not easy to photograph such towns, with a predominance of white, often very bright in the sunlight with correspondingly deep shadows, but here you have managed to get a good balance of the light, with sufficient variation to avoid the image becoming flat, but nothing too harsh. Great work, well done on your top ten placing.

An intriguing image taken atop this museum in Lisbon, giving a good impression of the modern architectural design and from this viewpoint giveing a lofty, other-worldly feel. The dominant dark tones add a sense of mystery to the shot, and you have made good use of the light picking out the details of the railings and overhang. The silhouetted figures are well placed, with good separation between the nearest figures, and the curve of the railings sweeping round to draw the eye into the image. The sky, (although likely manipulated with some signs of repeating cloned elements) works well with the subject and adds mood to the shot, adding drama to contrast with the softness of the gentle curves of the architecture. Congratulations on your second place finish.

I really like the painterly impression this image gives, making a very attractive picture rather than just a record shot of the mosques. The composition works well, with the tight perspective on the near domes and side wall, and just a glimpse of the Blue Mosque beyond. The conversion to black and white has been done well with retention of a good range of tones, which helps reveal plenty of detail and texture in the architecture. The longer I look at the image the more there is to appreciate. Great image, well done on your top ten placing.

I am not entirely sure what I am looking at here, presumably a roofline and chimneys, but that does not matter. I can instead use my imagination to decide the relationship between what is visible here and the possible structure overall. Capture of the light is great, with highlights emphasising the shapes and lines of the architecture. The sky, whether added or as captured, adds to the impact of the shot, and the darker lower portion of the sky allows the architecture to stand out and not be lost amongst the clouds. Great work, well done on your top ten placing.