Many thanks to Victor Wong FRPS for reviewing this month's entries.
Names of the winners will be added when they are available.
Winner:
Mum, who are those strange people? Bundi, Rajasthan, India
Congratulations to Elizabeth Roberts
A charming street view of India. A cozy narrow alley which I can almost smell
the faint sting of the old building walls. My eye is drawn to the cow at the
centre. Lots of details and stories to explore in here. While my attention rests
on the right subject, l notice a child peeking from a left doorway, adding
interest and anchoring the composition to balance the frame. The subjects’
gazes meet the lens, creating an intimate connection. The blue walls on both
sides frame the scene against the distant yellow buildings, with a woman in
red standing out as a focal point. It is a compelling, place-rich moment full of
imagination. Well done.
Highly commended:
Funeral Rites, Varanasi, India
The image depicts a funeral rite at the Ganges riverbank in Varanasi, with
mourners gathered closely for the ceremonial washing and prayers. The
vibrant saris and robes contrast with the stone steps and murky water. Despite
a busy and cluttered background, the diagonal arrangement of participants
leads the eye towards the central figures, conveying collective mourning and
communal support. The water’s ripples add motion, while the scene remains
intimate and sensational. Though funerals can be uneasy, the photograph
documents diverse expressions of last respects and presence. The image
could be improved further if the photographer waits for the lady with blue bag
(a bit distracting) to move out of the frame.
Marrakesh Tanneries
This picture shows the tough life of Marrakesh tannery workers in simple
working environment where the job is difficult and demanding. Workers toil
under the glare of the sun, standing over unpleasant pools of chemical treated
vat, with a palpable sense of heat that I can almost feel. The harsh light might
not be favourable, yet it emphasizes texture and contrast of the weathered
walls especially with black and white rendition. The composition centres the
tannery worker, with a second man in observation, reinforcing themes of
resilience amid harsh conditions. A moment of interaction between the two figures would make this image more powerful.
