Love Story

This competition has now closed.

Winners

1st
From The Ground
Erik Svec
2nd
Friendship
Seshadri Moitra
3rd
The Lovebirds
Djojo & Versteeg

Commended

“All You Need is Love”, “The Power of Love”, “How Deep is your Love?” and “Love is All Around” – just a few examples of popular songs about love. So, love is an important part of our lives – but how can we capture an emotion in an image? Most emotions are shown through a physical response, and love is no different, whether it is making someone a cup of tea, sitting and listening, holding hands, the putting of others’ needs before one’s own, the ways in which “love” can be communicated are numerous. The ability to show love is also not limited to humans; animals communicate their affection for one another and for us in their own, inimitable ways. You may, of course, interpret the theme for this competition in any way you choose and we look forward to receiving your entries.

Competition Judge

Paul Chapman

Paul is a keen amateur photographer and sees the creative aspects of photography as a welcome break from his day job as an Engineering Consultant in the Oil Industry.

He always enjoyed photography growing up, and recalls many evenings spent viewing family holiday slides and prints. The advent of digital photography coincided with the birth of his daughter, Vicky, and since then Paul has moved from point-and-shoot cameras, through bridge cameras to now a full frame DSLR. His love of photography has also rubbed off on Vicky as she has just started a degree course in media production at Winchester University.

A regular contributor to The Photographic Angle, some of Paul’s photographs are currently touring with the No Briton Is An Island, Splash of Colour and Four Elements exhibitions.

He enjoys photographing a wide range of subjects but his location in Surrey lends itself in particular to nature and wildlife. In addition Paul enjoys architectural photography and he contributed a set of photos taken at a Photographic Angle exhibition which were used in one of our blog articles. Creative and abstract shots also form a part of his portfolio.

Paul is an active member on Flickr, adding new pictures regularly as well as acting as admin for two groups, and he curates PhotoSnapshots, an on-line magazine on Flipboard that has over 2 million page flips to date.

View Archive

From The Ground

Erik Svec

First Prize

One of the most original shots submitted, I really liked the circular framing which works well. The two people are nicely centred, in focus and with great natural expressions. The blue sky contrasts nicely with the green grass and the red T-shirt giving a good colour balance. This image really conveys the sense of young love, enjoying life on a summer's day.

Friendship

Seshadri Moitra

Second Prize

Many entries showed off the love between friends and siblings but this was the best. Focused nicely on the eyes of the two girls - an important element in portrait photography - and capturing their wonderful expressions. The depth of field is just right, allowing enough of the scene to be understood without being distracting. And of course the colours are wonderfully vibrant.

The Lovebirds

Djojo & Versteeg

Third Prize

Of the few studio shots, this was the stand-out image. Beautifully lit, with the two people framed nicely by the foliage. The muted colours of the surround allow you to focus solely on the subjects. The facial expressions of the two sitters are wonderful and enigmatic, leaving the viewer to wonder about the story. It really feels like we've stumbled upon a very personal moment in two people's lives.

Cozy Moments

Deba Prasad Roy

Commended

Good use of leading lines with the colours of the boats directing you to the subjects who are captured nicely in an intimate moment. The dark framing to the left and above helps direct you back to the main body of the image.

Our Leap

Akvilina Morkunaite

Commended

I love the humour in this shot and the literal interpretation of 'taking the plunge'. The gaze of the couple is spot on, seemingly looking down at the cold water below.

Connection

Anna Tea

Commended

This was a striking conceptual image that I kept returning to. The processing and black and white treatment give this a classic artistic feel and an image that asks many questions.

Life Together on the Ledge

Ian Cook

Commended

Of all the animal-based shots, this one stood out for the super sharp focus in a difficult location. The 'pose' of the two birds is great and the background tells you precisely how high up you are without distracting from the subject.