WINNER
Durdle Door, Dorset – Carmia Spies, South Africa.
WHY IT WORKS
Thinking outside the box when shooting a landscape shot can be difficult. Carmia has given us a great example of how to bring humour and a spot of quirkiness to an image. Having the backdrop out of focus brings our line of vision to the heart-shaped hands. But by choosing for them to be slightly darker than the rest of the image, our eye is again drawn to the landscape beyond, bringing a great balance to this sweet, playful shot.
RUNNER-UP
The Sasualties live at The Fleece, Bristol – Hamish Mcmillan, New Zealand.
WHY IT WORKS
Photography is not just about the correct exposure and getting everything in focus; sometimes it’s about feeling. Remember, it’s a creative art form where rules can be bent for something a bit offbeat.
HOT TIPS: Shooting Dark
Shooting moving objects in low lighting could bring feelings of dread, but it doesn’t have to be such a hassle: think positively and set yourself a challenge. Showing movement in low-light situations will create some blur, and some aspect of the image will become out of focus. This is primarily a good thing; it will make for a more atmospheric shot. The colour will naturally be alerted to the artificial tungsten lighting that may be the only light source. This will produce that beautiful warming yellow/reddish tinge. A high iso and a low aperture are key to achieving your goal. Don’t try to freeze the frame, as this will make it static and sterile.
WIN: A three-day tour of Scotland and a photography course
Upload your travel pictures here.
First prize is a three-day tour of Scotland for two worth £218 from Haggis Adventures (haggisadventures.com). Must be taken within three months of receiving prize letter. The runner-up wins a £60 photography course voucher from Nigel Wilson Photography (photographycourses.org.uk).