This image has a big impact. It works not only by looking close up but also at a distance. The pink, bluey hues add to the dreamy effect and on closer inspection, you see what it is for real. It is an image you could meditate to and with that brings silence as nature does its profound thing!
Congratulations Kristina.
We all know that feeling of dipping our ears in the water and hearing the sounds underwater and being cocooned in the warmth of the bath, surrounded by bubbles. This image brings us right back to our childhood (or even our adulthood for some!) The connection with the child in the water and the photographer, the curls in the hair, with the bubbles and curve of the bath and pots. This image is full of curves and is full of intimacy. Beautiful.
Mike’s image is immediately eye-catching and mysterious. The still water offers a feeling of calm and reflection but the decision of taking at this particular stance suggests the winding path to discovery. There is a duality of emotions that make it so interesting and this is created by Mike’s choices.
Congratulations Mike!
Valentina Aru
This super image of Valentina’s is composed wonderfully. She has considered the placement of Mr. Hung in relation to his tools. The emphasis is not on him but more so the environment indicating the lost trade rather than a portrait. The similar colour palette in the image along with the firelight and light bulb brings together a wonderful ambiance and emotion to the image along with him working away while not being distracted by the photographer.
This is a great example of using daylight to compliment a wonderful moment. There are many opposites to this image. It feels like many silent conversations and layers happening from the relationship of the three children, the relationship of the bird to the boy and the relationship to the space. There is an overall comfort but the details show an uncomfortableness being expressed. The colours are strong and subtle. The window frames the scene while Charlotte uses the armchair arm to lead into the image and create a circular movement and connection between the three children. Beautiful.
Congratulations Charlotte. A £150 voucher will be sent to you to use on a LIoP course*
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This is a wonderful juxtaposition of ‘Nanna’s’ hands holding her forgotten photograph. It is such an emotive image using the textures, light and focus for us all to reflect on our time (taking it the image from the position of Nanna). The importance of photography, holding memories and stopping time. The rich colour used in her hands with the blue overtone gives that feeling of nostalgia.
Congratulations Gulja!
The Winner for the February 2018 Challenge “Shadows” is Alina Maria Bota
LIoP Comment:
We love this still life using Shadows to create an emotive image. It is such a unique choice of subject and looking at composition and light creates a surrealistic undertone that reminds us of the classics like Man Ray. Choosing to keep it in black and white creates a super contrast and pattern. The upside down mirror and the off-centered lines add to the tension in the image as gives it a human element rather than being styled.
Congratulations Alina- A £150 voucher to spend on one of LIoP courses is coming your way.
he winner for the January 2018 Challenge “Naked Night Photography” is Daniel Pacurici.
LIoP Comment:
The light and composition are both so striking in this image. The light in the centre of the image brings your attention to the ship in the middle of the sea. The central horizon lines gives calamity while the soft light echoes this. The strong diagonal line in the sand is a wonderful compositional cue and draws our eye to the boat in the foreground which is in focus. The perspective between the boats is super. All the characteristics of a good image. This image is one to hang on the wall.
Congratulations Daniel – A £150 voucher to spend on one of LIoP courses is coming your way.
This amount of Out of Focus is really spot on. It gives a romantic, poetic feel to the image. The colours embraced by soft black shadows gives contrast to the dapples of light on the road leading to the spotlights and buildings in the background. The strong contrast of colour also compliments this image along with lines leading us in, then softer lights and buildings closing the image on the right allowing our eyes to settle and to meditate on the lights and the potential life in the city or home!
Congratulations Sokari.
The colours is what immediately catches your eye. Then the layer of rain that makes an intriguing separation from the two faces and the viewer. The framing of the faces is well balanced as we can see that it is two people sitting, looking forward. The image is divided up very well. Almost the pink and blue background is split in half. The head scarf blends in with the blue background rather than being opposite or a different colour. This keeps the image quite meditative rather than pointing to a particular character. It is very cinematography like image and leaves us asking questions.
This image is very striking. The colour is saturated and the red is bold and suggests urgency. The framing of the two portraits reflected is strong. The lady on the left walking into the frame in white, swinging her arms while the gentleman is in black holding his head suggests a certain emotion. The strong line in the middle dividing their lives, although they are walking towards each other and we never see the meeting. The layers of thought, composition and colour make this fantastic! Congratulations Geri.
From the moment we saw this image, we liked it. It has humour, and a great decisive moment shot. Stephen standing above his subjects is able to graphically pull us into the image and share what we interpret as, looking at the bottom!
Even better that person is President Steinmeier. Clever photo. Great movement in the image. We are led in a circular motion around the photo starting at the left being led in by the bottom and following the eyes and hands ending on the bottom!
Well done Stephen.
This image is super. It cleverly explores the personal relationship with the cultural landscape. Although, there is a lot going on in the image- cars, buildings, signs, balconies, air conditioning boxes and a portrait; it is very clean and clear. The eye is drawn down to the face and you stay on it. Very emotive. Black and white works really well here and the image has a balanced contrast.
Congratulations Kayee.
This is a super Portrait. There is an obvious collaboration between sitter and photographer. Will gained Mickael’s trust very quickly to feel comfortable to remove his make-up and have this very relaxed, strong and equally sensitive portrait. The angle of Mickael’s face, the use of light and the choice of closed eyes emphasises his skin condition and Perfection in the Imperfection. Fantastic.
This is a fantastic image as we really feel we are in the movement, listening to the music and lost in the shapes.
Technically well done and the tonal quality of the black and white is very good. Diana used a wide angle which also shows of the people sitting and watching, this leaves you with intrigue and questions: Who are the dancers? Is it a dance class? Or a championship?
It is great that we can see the lady’s face in front right.
“This is an amazing image which allows us to feel a part of the action. The camera angle, colour and the moment that is caught, all give an emotional response. Beautiful moment.”
“This well captured image has drama and has a cinematic quality to it. The colour of the image is meditative and quite surreal and one that you could look at for a long time. The balance of the image is strong leading you down the street and the silhouette of the person gives it life.”
“This is a super portrait. It would be difficult to respond quickly without missing the moment. The composition is strong giving space for us to know what you want to tell us. The gaze from the lion is perfectly lined up with the man, giving us a great story and humour.”
“It is not an easy task to describe someone’s personality without showing one’s face and this image achieves this in an amazing way. We felt we learned so much about this person through the unique pattern and pose, it is beautiful and intimate at the same time.”
“This image has all it takes to be a winner, it captures the moment perfectly and the colourful bubbles against the dramatic London sky make for a superb contrast. We like the yellow hose and cropped girl in the foreground as they add a touch of realism and imperfection.”
“I chose to photograph this tutu because I thought it would be interesting to look at the contrast – both physical and mental – between being a little girl dreaming of being a grown-up ballerina and the reality of being an adult woman who is most definitely not a ballerina. It also seemed absurd to me that I could ever have been so tiny.”
“This is a picture of my friend and her husband at a 50th birthday party which took place on Saturday 29th October. I met her in 2015 and she has given me so much support and encouragement with my photograph. At the party, she asked me to take a picture of her and her husband but when I looked through my view finder, they looked like soldiers. So I said to her… give him a kiss..!”
Comment: The long lens and structured background are the perfect stage for this fantastic moment. The cinematic backlight is the icing on the cake and reminded us of a still shot from a movie.
“This is a photo taken from the entrance of our home. I live in a warehouse and have walked down this street many times. Still, tonight, it transformed into a place I’ve never been. Steven Spielberg shot a movie here and there were massive floodlights on a crane. The moon never did shine brighter than that night.”
The LIoP Challenge has a single aim: to make every member of our community a great photographer.
Sign up now View Winners GalleryWe’ve set up the monthly LIoP Challenge to make every member of our community a great photographer.
Our group of experienced trainers decide on a challenge every month to stimulate your creativity, expand your technical expertise and help push your boundaries.
Each Challenge comes with useful tips and inspiration to encourage you to practice and refine your photography month by month.
By following the Challenge, you’ll learn more about your camera, improve your storytelling and train your eye to see the world differently.
The winner of each Challenge will receive a £150 voucher towards a course of your choice.
