A cracking start to the New Year with December's adjudication results in my Inbox before I even got up. Mind you, Victor Wong is currently nine hours ahead of GMT. Here is his adjudication. Many thanks Victor!

Wishing you all the best for the New Year! I hope your holidays were refreshing and rejuvenating . In December, we received a total of 25 entries for the Travel Group Competition. There was a stunning array of photographs from around the globe as we wrapped up the year. As always, we look for images that convey a strong sense of place, feature outstanding composition, and demonstrate the photographer's unique perspective and engagement with their surroundings. I’m excited to share the results of this round, which includes one winner and three highly commended entries.

Winner

Fun On The Banks Of The River Irrawaddy, Mandalay, Myanmar by Jane Tearle

The joy and energy of children at play capture a moment of pure, carefree exuberance, making this photograph a standout travel image. The dynamic composition, with kids caught mid-air, conveys a thrilling sense of movement and excitement. Vibrant colors pop against the clear blue sky, enhancing the lively atmosphere. The diverse expressions reveal individual personalities, adding richness to the scene. Moreover, the sandy surroundings and lush greenery in the background evoke a sense of rural charm and the simplicity of life. With its essence of happiness and spontaneity, this image truly deserves to be the image of the month.

Highly Commendeds

Boat Children, Tonlé Sap, Cambodia by Lachlan French

I like this eye-catching shot of a lively moment on the water, showcasing children navigating their colourful environment. The dynamic composition and movement create a sense of adventure and freedom. The shooting at eye level adds connections with the subjects. The contrast between the rustic boats and the vibrant buildings in the background adds visual interest. The expressions of joy among the children invite viewers to connect with their experience, making it a heartwarming depiction of life along the water.

Ahu Tongariki, Rapa Nui by Thomas Andy Branson

This  photo beautifully captures the iconic Moai statues of Easter Island against a dramatic sunset backdrop. The silhouette effect emphasizes the statues' striking forms, leading one to contemplate reproducibility within a primitive time. The gradient of colors in the sky— from deep blues to warm oranges— adds depth and enhances the mood of the scene. The composition is well-balanced, with the row of statues leading the viewer's gaze across the frame. However, incorporating more sky and less of the  dark foreground could enhance the composition, evoking a greater sense of mystery and the historical significance of these figures in the vast universe.

Various Forms Of Transport, Cuba by George Pearson

This photo captures the essence of Cuba's unique blend of past and present, as evidenced by the juxtaposition of the horse riders and the vintage steam train. The composition is strong, with the subjects leading the viewer's eye towards a vanishing point on the far left. The moody sky adds depth and drama, enriching the overall atmosphere. This might be enhanced further if there is clearer separation between the two horses allowing each to stand out distinctly.