Weekly #649 – Toys and Games Competition

Many thanks to all of you that entered. A small number of entries but I do not think that was unexpected given that Christmas day was in the middle of the week and certainly keeps my work-load down .

Go fly a kite – Perspicador
As usual Rodney is in first with a nicely composed shot of a very large kite. I suspect that this kite is actually pulling something along, possibly kite surfacing. So I think even with a broad interpretation is it may be pushing the boundaries for toys & games but it was good see such an early entry.

Do toys play games? – Aitch53
I have shot pictures using Lego figures so I was really pleased to see this image. It perhaps looks a little bit noisy, using ISO 400, but otherwise it is an excellent well thought out, prepared and executed shot which I think it is a lot of fun.

Heavy plant – davidwozhere
I really like this image. I think it has been well thought out and contains good story telling reinforced but the attached comment. The composition works well and for a close-up image the depth of field is excellent. A great well managed shot.

The Robin that played Pictionary – Noelcmn
I have always found trying to photograph birds close up a challenge so I think you have done well here. I think the composition works well and the execution is obviously good. I think though it looks just a little washed-out and I would have tinkered a little in post with the contrast, tone-curves and saturation levels to darken the box and lift the colours of the bird. However it remains a fantastic opportunistic shot.

On The Rocks – JAK
I think this is a nicely composed image and the contrast between the subject and its surroundings works very well. As with any close-up subject the depth of field is a challenge and here perhaps the front of the car is a little soft. However the lighting, exposure and reflections have been really well managed.

Results
All five entries have excellent attributes so my judging becomes more my personal taste. So after some careful consideration this is it:

1st – davidwozhere for “Heavy plant” – Because it is a nice planned still-life shot. It was really well crafted and I loved it.

2nd – Aitch53 for “Do toys play games?” – For the thought and preparation that I know from experience is needed to create this great fun shot.

3rd – JAK for “On The Rocks” – Because I liked the wonderful combination of the subject and its surroundings.

Highly Commended to: everyone else.

I think this completes my responsibilities here and hand over to David for the next round.

Glyn

Great winning shot, congrats David, heartily concur with our judge's choice and comments. Congrats extended to Aitch53 and JAK. Thanks to Glyn for a lovley timely challenge, pity so few entries.

Thank you Glyn and well done to ALL the other competitors for entering during this busy festive week. I do find myself wondering if I would get into a car driven by John, however, or go into Aitch's school yard unaccompanied ! Super pictures from you two.

This week's theme is "The Seaside."