We're happy to announce the winner of October's competition, “Abstract Realities.”
For those who don't know, the Light Stalking Monthly Photography Competition carries a $100 People's Choice Award and a $100 Overall Winner Award. The People's Choice Winner is selected by a vote of the community, whereas our guest judge selects the overall winner.
The “Abstract Realities” Photo Contest
Abstract photography is a very intriguing genre and it is a skill learning to see in abstract. Abstractness if found all around us in nature and in manmade things and as photographers, we need to observe or look closely and also learn to see things differently. Colours, patterns, textures, lines, light and shadows and many other factors contribute to abstract nature in photographs.
Some of the ways in which abstract photos can be captured are, using abstract compositions by focusing on the details and textures of natural subjects, using focus and blur creatively, exploring urban environments to capture geometric patterns and abstract forms, using the interplay of light and shadow to create abstract images that emphasize form and contrast or utilising reflections and distortions to create abstract images.
For October's contest, participants came up with their creative interpretation of the theme where a lot of natural subjects were photographed in an abstract way, while some members also used camera techniques or unusual perspectives to capture abstract photos. Each photo was unique and stood out in its own way, portraying interesting abstract realities.
When choosing the winning photos, we wanted to make sure that the decision process was based on a good interpretation of the theme, followed by other factors like light, composition, story, details, creative vision, etc. The results are entirely subjective and there are no losers in any competition as we all know.
Here are October's Winners:
First Place: “Autumn Leaves” by Jean T
Autumn season is a time for colours and some very interesting photography opportunities and one that many photographers miss capturing is the abstract nature of the season. Jean T has wonderfully captured the beauty of the Autumn leaves over the tree's roots. This adds interesting depth and intrigue to the photo bringing attention to what was in a particular spot, ignoring everything else around.
The combination of textures of the leaves, tree roots and the gravel underneath add interest and beauty to the photo. The light is soft and just right to add depth, reveal colours and the textures in the photo. The composition also seems to lead the eye through the frame with the help of the elegantly curved and intertwined tree roots.
Congratulations Jean T on the win and for capturing this stunning photo!
Second Place: “One step more” by Patrick
Black and white is always a very compelling way to bring attention to the abstract nature of patterns and textures in an image. It can also add a layer of drama to the image and make it look interesting and visually appealing. In this photo Patrick has made use of light and shadow to capture a very interesting photo that is also story telling.
The composition in this photo is very powerful with the horizontal line leading to the subject or point of interest, while also the subject's shadow is framed by the bright illuminated area in the frame making two compositional guidelines work together powerfully. The vertical lines and the textures on the road add interest to the entire image boosting its visual appeal.
Congratulations Patrick on this stunning capture – the textures, light and composition are all perfect.
Third Place: “Kestrel” by Wendy P
This photo of a kestrel is quite interesting to look at. It is one that can leave the viewers wondering as to how this image was captured or if something was done during post-processing. Either way, this work by Wendy stands out for its unique presentation.
The image almost seems monochrome with a touch of another colour on the bird. Breaking the rule of thirds and placing the subject towards the center of the frame has worked well for this image. Besides the movements in the frame, the subject and other elements are quite recognisable with enough details.
Congratulations Wendy on this beautiful submission!
People's Choice Award Winner
Our monthly photo contests also come with a People's Choice Award. The winner of this part of the contest receives $100 worth of store credit on Light Stalking which they can spend as they please on our blueprints, drills, courses or Presets.
The most popular photo for October, voted by the contestants was “The World of “Upside Down”” by Pat Garrett, which has won the people's choice award. This photo works quite effectively in terms of its abstract nature, the vibrant colours, the distortion produced by the water and the beautiful Sun along with the halo. The frame also indirectly depicts the end of fall and the start of a colder season. This interesting frame makes the viewer scan and enjoy all the minute details. Congratulations on the win Pat.
We are a bit more than two weeks into this month's photo contest and still have a few days left to submit photos to our November's monthly contest. This month, our theme is, “The Power of Scale.”
If you would like to join and enter some images into our monthly contest then take a look at your options here.
