Tips & Tricks
Monthly theme Street winners
1x Blog-Tips & Tricks' .
With so many fine entries for the street theme this month, in addition to the 3 winners there are a few images which I felt deserved a special mention. These being:
Shogun's "Door n ° 20"
The winners of Monthly theme Street are here. Guest judge Lara Kantardjian has selected the top three winners, while the rest have been chosen through public voting. Lara has also picked out a few special photos that didn't make the top three, but still are well worth a look.
The top three winners receive the following prizes:
The 1st Prize: 100 System V5Filter Holder + 100 System ND1000 (10 stops) Filter + 100 System Soft GND8 (0.9) + 100 System Square Filter Box + 1 Filter Cleaning Cloth.
Total Value US$ 539
The 2nd Prize: 100 System V5 Filter Holder + 100 System ND1000 + 100 System Square Filter Box + 1 Filer Cleaning Cloth.
Total value US$ 369
The 3rd Prize: 100 System ND1000 (10 stops) filter + 100 System Square Filter Box.
Total value US$ 187
To read more about NiSi and their products, click here.
1st place
"Tu m'as promis", by Bogdan Bousca.
Judge's comments
A beautiful atmospheric photo which not only captures a private moment shared by two, within a public space but does so in such an extraordinary way. I like how the figures are in silhouette - their outline being enough to tell the story, which, in this case is that of a promise. Even without the title, the story speaks for itself. For me, the photographer draws you into the frame and to the heart of the story taking place between this man and woman in the same way as a film director does. In this respect, it has a very cinematic feel and one that has an emotional impact.
The composition and shadow-light play is absolutely masterful and works on so many levels. Not only does it lead the viewer to the main subject and then beyond that to infinity - giving you the sense of the urban surrounding but it does so without imposing itself or overpowering the main subject. The city fading into a mist of a majestic light makes the entire frame and all the wonderful elements come together like visual poetry.
The composition and shadow-light play is absolutely masterful and works on so many levels. Not only does it lead the viewer to the main subject and then beyond that to infinity - giving you the sense of the urban surrounding but it does so without imposing itself or overpowering the main subject. The city fading into a mist of a majestic light makes the entire frame and all the wonderful elements come together like visual poetry.
2nd place
By Soyer Bayraktar.
Judge's comments
This is such a unique and outstanding photo which really makes you feel and connect with the scene. At least, it does to me. The POV, light and composition are perfect and part of what makes this photo so special.
On the one hand, this is a beautifully presented image that evokes childhood innocents and memories that we can relate to in one way or another, depicted by the simple act of playing games together on the street. On the other hand, the scene evokes a sense of longing and nostalgia. The sole figure of the man standing alone in his shadow, in contrast to the connected group of children who form a perfect unity and whose shadows are linked together opens up so many different interpretations. For me it is one that is emotionally charged and touches on the passing of time and memory itself. Also, the fact that the man and only two of the children are looking up pushes this image even further to another level. I cannot express how beautiful and touching this photo is to me. As for the intention of the photographer, perhaps this is a photo of a group of children playing in a school yard or similar environment with the teacher guarding over them. We each have our own personal view points and readings. This is just mine.
On the one hand, this is a beautifully presented image that evokes childhood innocents and memories that we can relate to in one way or another, depicted by the simple act of playing games together on the street. On the other hand, the scene evokes a sense of longing and nostalgia. The sole figure of the man standing alone in his shadow, in contrast to the connected group of children who form a perfect unity and whose shadows are linked together opens up so many different interpretations. For me it is one that is emotionally charged and touches on the passing of time and memory itself. Also, the fact that the man and only two of the children are looking up pushes this image even further to another level. I cannot express how beautiful and touching this photo is to me. As for the intention of the photographer, perhaps this is a photo of a group of children playing in a school yard or similar environment with the teacher guarding over them. We each have our own personal view points and readings. This is just mine.
3rd place
"Parade" by Paulo Rocha Monteiro.
Judge's comments
A well seen and intriguing photo perfectly timed and executed that leaves the viewer curious to want to know more about the story and what is taking place.
First we see the identical masked faces looking up to the viewer. In some way, they have a shocking and surprising effect. The masks are anonymous, just as the figures themselves are anonymous but even with their identity hidden we notice that their individuality comes across in their stance and demeanour. Overall, the perspective, placement of the figures against the shadows and geometrical ‘zebra’ lines, their body language along with the power to lock the viewer inside to decode the image makes this a powerful street photo.
First we see the identical masked faces looking up to the viewer. In some way, they have a shocking and surprising effect. The masks are anonymous, just as the figures themselves are anonymous but even with their identity hidden we notice that their individuality comes across in their stance and demeanour. Overall, the perspective, placement of the figures against the shadows and geometrical ‘zebra’ lines, their body language along with the power to lock the viewer inside to decode the image makes this a powerful street photo.
Special mentions
With so many fine entries for the street theme this month, in addition to the 3 winners there are a few images which I felt deserved a special mention. These being:
The interesting characters and special interaction by madras91's "Gossip".
The great compositions and wonderful mood in "Broad street", submitted by Roger Bucher.
Shogun's "Door n ° 20"
and Monika Schmitt's "An ordinary day in autumn".
. '
