The aim of the competition for me was to look at the photos, to immediately think that I would like that photo in my portfolio, but to then think: How am I going to do it ?!
First, and in no particular order, the honourable mentions
Thanks Jojie for showing me this scene. It had me immediately thinking "Is it one of Yannick's amazing creations, or is it real?"
I googled the place, and found other photos confirming it really does look like this.
I have seen a lot of places in the world, but this one is really beautiful.
Paradise defined... the secrecy, the clear water, the abyssal feel makes this an excellent photo, and the man jumping in puts it in perspective. Without knowing where this photo was taken, I would really struggle to replicate it. Even knowing, I'm gonna struggle. ; - >
Lots of things combine to make this an excellent photo... the sky, the light on the ice, the large chunks of ice (where did they come from?!) the man standing on the top.. Composition is spot on with the cloud above the man's head. I'd love to have been there taking this photo. Can I replicate it ? Not easily at all.
How embarrassing... the ship has crashed in front of a light house !! It's like attempting to burgle a police station.
I'd love to have seen this scene for real, and I have no chance of replicating it.
Clearly a lot of effort has gone into this pic which makes it difficult to replicate. If I could have seen the fish a bit more clearly, this would have definitely been in the top 3 - I can't really see his eyes or mouth. A great pic nevertheless.
Yannick, I am not a huge fan of massively photoshopped photos, but your creations deserve a special mention. They really are amazing.. such imagination, and each one unique. For me - unreplicable as I am nowhere near as good at PS.
The butterfly and the bee... This was the kind of thing I was looking for. You've got a good scene with the butterfly, but the bee makes it that much better.
and now the winners...
in joint 3rd place:
I've put these photos in joint 3rd because they actually look a bit similar with the dark background + animal + water
This is the kind of shot that takes good skill, luck, and a lot of time to get... I could not replicate this one easily at all.
Similar for this shot.. I like the reflection that the bat's wings make with the water thus creating a cross. Timing is perfect with the bat just scooping water at the right time. Focus and definition are perfect. I'd love to know more about how you'd go about taking this. Amazing shot.
in second place:
This shot made me laugh immediately. I've tried taking photos of fish like this, and it's not easy. This one is pin sharp, both fish eyes are in the shot, it looks almost human and seems to be shouting something, and the fish next to it looks like his side kick in a comedy act. There are no reflections from the water surface which makes the shot even better.
And the winner is... (drum roll)
Well, for me, this photo has everything. It immediately draws you in... what is that in the background ? Nuclear explosion.. Sand storm ? Is the guy going to die ? Does he really think an umbrella is going to stop that ?! Why's he so relaxed with his legs crossed.. has he not seen what's behind him ?
Composition, light, focus and mystery-factor are all spot on.
Without knowing that it's a hydro-plant, I'd definitely have no way of replicating this shot.
Well done Jean-Louis... Over to you.
Thanks all for entering.
Nick
