With 34 entries into our Travel Image of the Month, it was interesting to see the variety of shots that were being submitted by our colleagues. This month, almost more than any other, there were shots which really challenged the RPS travel criteria of 'a sense of place', and by definition, that led to a great diversity amongst the images that were posted on the September competition site.

Anyone looking at the gallery for this month will have personal favourites, and I was particularly struck with Andy Farrington's - Rush Hour, as well as the wonderful simplicity of Jeremy Richard's - End of the Day in Trujillo. 

But thankfully it's down to our judges to make the decisive decision as to which of these shots goes forward to out image of the year. Judged without knowing the authors, for this month that honour fell to committee member Richard Lewis ARPS, who commented that the winner was, 

"This cameo could only be Venice. - albeit a quiet backwater away from the main canals. A very compact image that captures the essence of the city, and the light confirms it is indeed dusk. Intricate details such as the wall light and the ironwork on the bridge stand out and add to the composition with other cues adding to the strength of the image."

"This image does what it says on the tin – pictures a Berber and his sheep, with others in the background. I love that the sheep is there in the corner, looking directly at the camera in a confident yet curious way, as does the Berber alongside."

Devotion, Sri Lanka - Steve Day

"This image is well suited to its square format and monochrome presentation. It is nicely balanced, exuding sense of place with the devotee facing the Buddha in prayer, and with the crumbling brickwork beyond."

Ladakh - Andrew Gasson
"This image also exudes sense of place. The monastery perched on the mountainside, alone among the snows, with nothing but the breathtaking mountain range and peaks beyond. Really captures a sense of isolation and desolation."

Notable mentions : "I also liked 'Zaanse Schaans' (Jeremy Fraser Mitchell) and the 'Mist at Dorney' (Gareth Hughes) as contenders for Commended."