Weekly #787 - Phobias Competition

Arachnoscopophobia by drofmit – A great macro shot and it is easy to see why someone might be afraid of this alien looking entity- we don’t usually get so up close and personal with these creatures which is probably a good thing. Composition, focus and exposure are all spot on and it certainly fits the brief.

I don't suffer from catoptrophobia by Noelcmn – great interpretation of the theme and an excellent image. I like the use of frames within frames coupled with the repeated sue of motifs within the image. The human subject is extremely well placed and reflects the title. A very well constructed image.

Basophobia - Fear of Heights by MikeIndevon -a vertigo inducing outlook indeed. The composition enhances the jeopardy – falling into that sea would be decidedly unpleasant. Great colours and the power of the sea is well captured

Glaciphobia by Vic Cross – now that’s a phobia I hadn’t come across before – maybe we won’t need to worry about it for much longer once all the glaciers have melted!! The image conveys both the strength and the fragility of the subject - quite thought provoking. I like the strong diagonal and the ratio of dark to light seems spot on to me. Good capture.

Up the mast by retsoor – another image with strong use of diagonals – a real dynamic feel enhanced by the position of the figure. Although the figure is relatively small in the overall scheme of things it absolutely makes the image – it conveys the story that the author was trying to get across. Also, a perfect sky for this shot.
Homophobia by NigelK – another thought provoking image ; tackling perhaps a different types of phobia from what I originally had in mind but a very valid interpretation and a strong image. There is an underlying feeling of tenderness here and I like the way the two people on the bench are mirrored by the two people in the boat.

It’s enormous by Davidwozhere – a classic phobia well captured. The spotlight effect on the spider both illuminates and exaggerates the nature of the beast and the slightly fuzzy shadow seems to enhance the feeling of dread. A simple but very effective iamge of a much maligned creature.
Aerophobia by RayW – WOW! some people are afraid of flying inside an aeroplane – being strapped to the outside of one is a step too far even for me. A great action shot with the two planes mirroring each other’s actions and the smoke trails adding a dynamic thrust to the image. I would have liked a tad more space on the left of the picture so that the left-hand plane had a bit of space to fly into. (Nit-picking, I know)

Claustrophobia by Perspicador – a very timely image in light of recent events and another one that gave me pause for thought. I think the treatment works extremely well at conveying the feeling of claustrophobia. We can’t exactly see the subject in detail but we know exactly who it is – hemmed in in a glass and metal box and kept away from the real world as was so often the case. The window being slightly open says so much – a great story picture.

So to the winner – luckily I don’t suffer from decidophobia but it was a tough decision with every image interpreting the theme well. But for my winner I chose drofmits excellent macro study – Arachnoscopophobia, with Noelcmn in second place and RayW third.

1. Arachnoscopophobia by drofmit
2. I don't suffer from catoptrophobia by Noelcmn
3. Aerophobia by RayW

Many congratulations to the winners, I'm not surprised that Spider won, what a shot, and thoses eyes ....

Best regards
MIke

Thank you Gareth for the competition and the top spot, I'll post a new competition by this evening.
Currently stacking timber to keep us warm over winter.
Congratulations to Noel and Ray... but all the pictures seemed very good again this week... especially Liz in her limo.... I've always felt that she seemed to enjoy mingling with people at outdoor events.... so being trapped like that can't have been enjoyable....
The little Jumping Spider isn't too little.... it is one of the largest in Europe... that said, her maximum size is around a centimetre. She is the Fencepost Jumping Spider [Marpissa mucosa]... South East UK, scarce.

Thanks Gareth, a great competition with some interesting and very good entries. Well done to drofmit for a stunning photo and to Noel and RayW for theirs.

Excellent winning shot, sure to give sufferers a nightmare or two Congrats drofmit! And extended to my fellow podia placed Rayw, Thank you for my coveted 2nd spot, appreciate that! And thanks for the challenge, the judging and C&C exercise. As always much appreciated.