Picture 11 Steep This is a great shot probably due to the way you have seen the final image when it was shot and then cropped it during post production to match your vision. Its almost abstract and holds your attention as you have teased us and we are constantly trying to work out what the building looks like in its entirety. Great lighting has created the ever important three dimensional appearance and has also added to this images appeal. I still return to the image to attempt to work out what the machines are that we can see through the windows, that little bit of confusion/mystery also adds an extra level to this image. A very worthy entry fitting of its final position.
Picture 12 Petemc not only did I recognise the location instantly, I also recognised your work with it being IR and shot in your style. Although there is nothing wrong with this shot technically (in fact the whole process of shooting IR is very demanding and requires considerable skill) it unfortunately contains no wow factor or visual catch. I can only add that on this occasion this image has been overshadowed by some stunning submissions from other members.
Picture 13 Gregeff Fourth position and another interesting, almost abstract image. Bright, vibrant and shot using an interesting angle, this shot once more uses the less is more approach and make the viewer want to know what the rest of this structure looks like. The lines in this remind me of sails on a ship, something that is far removed from the usual architecture structures we expect as subjects in submitted photos, and that also add to the originality appeal. Again worthy of its final position and after seeing the other shots that you posted of this building, you definitely chose and submitted the correct shot.
Picture 14 Gary Bagshawe On the surface this is a great shot. It is gritty, unusual, original and very striking. The problem that I have with this is that its a composite of two different images that have been joined together quite roughly. The sky is obviously taken from a different photograph and has been edited into the frame probably to make up for a bland or cluttered original background? Although a nice idea that is to be commended, the final image has been let down by the editing. I wonder if it would have taken first spot from Mr feeson if more time had been spent during the post production process.
Picture 15 Kenco This image instantly stood out for me, the texture and colours for an old building seem so alive. You have done reasonably well by framing the steps to run through the image but it is still a little un-involving as an image. I dont know the location personally so it is difficult for me to recommend a different approach to framing this shot, however as both sides of the staircase are intact, by placing yourself between them quite low down would have added lead in lines from the sides and extra depth with the stairs being in the foreground. Obviously the background would be much more prominent so I am guessing that may not be as pleasing as needed, and the main reason why this photograph has been framed as it is? It still did well and many people figured it in their votes.
Picture 16 Paul B Unfortunately you have fallen into a common trap and shot the building from straight on. As I have said higher up in the thread, we aim to make a 3 dimensional picture on a 2 dimensional medium and this angle (or lack of it) will never do that. This shot is further let down by the two trees blocking some of the building, again they add nothing and in the main distract from the final image. Its a noble attempt that suffers from some common photography mistakes that have been highlighted by others and myself here. Hopefully this critique will help you avoid them in the future.
Picture 17 dlh This is a very brave and original entry. I consistently struggle with photographing abstracts myself so have the utmost respect for others that attempt and sometimes produce stunning results from this genre. Very obviously a section of a normal wall, enhanced by the lighting emphasising the texture, whilst not a show stopping photograph, for me it still does far better than some of the full building entries that have been submitted. I cant say that I am surprised at its final placing amongst the entries, but I feel that the position is not a true reflection of how good this photograph really is. I enjoyed it anyway and think that as a large print it really would take on a life of its own.
Picture 18 Digital SPG Ahh the London eye. Considering how slowly this rotates, you picture must have been a substantial time exposure which makes this all the better as you have done well to keep the highlights from being over exposed. Your framing has kept the image fresh but I feel the orange sky from the light pollution in London distracts. By using the grey picker from within the curves option in Photoshop, then selecting a neutral point (maybe on the tall building behind the Eye) you could have balanced the whole picture to reflect a more natural scene and remove the semi sci-fi appearance.
Picture 19 Feeson This instantly stood out from all the other submissions. Again an interesting view point of a building from an unusual angle has added real depth and also a sense of scale. The many textures from the materials used in the construction of the building and the not boring but not to busy sky complete the whole image giving it a balanced feel. Curves, straight lines, layers and shapes all add to this shot. I was not surprised by the popularity of this image and believe it to be a worthy winner in my opinion.
Picture 20 EosD I can be brutal here as I know Matty well enough by now
compared to some of the photography that you have been doing recently this is much more closely related to your earlier stuff. I am sure that this was a last minute attempt to find and capture something just to be part of the competition and if I am being honest, its shows. The building is uninteresting, seems very flat, has converging verticals at the sides and the conversion to B&W doesnt add anything either. I am sure you wont take any offence if I say its a bold attempt at a poor subject shot with noble intentions?
