Weekly 802# - Open and/or Shut Competition

You Choose! by Francisbd – An intriguing image – clearly the door is shut but is the lock open or shut? Nice leading lines and the colours harmonise together well. Depending how you look at it we’re either emerging into the light or receding into the darkness. Good textures as well but I think the image might benefit from a touch more contrast – would give it a “grungier” feel (if that’s a word?)

Nutkin by Perspicador – at first glance I wasn’t sure that this one fitted the theme. However the more I looked at it the more I realised that it does. Nutkin’s eye is wide open whereas his mouth is firmly shut; one paw is open and being used for balance whereas the other one seems to be tightly shut – probably clenching a morsel of food. It is a nice study of the animal sharp in all the right places with a catchlight in the eye. Nice background – allows Nutkin to sit well within the frame.

Through the green gate by Markm – this is exactly the sort of image I expected to see when I chose this theme. Moreover it is a fine example of this type of image – exposure is handled very well in fore , middle and background. The archway is very inviting and gets you wondering what’s on the other side. Colours are lovely and harmonious and nice contrast between the various textures.

Are you closed?? By MHOL190246 – this one made me smile – the peacock looks quite affronted by the closed door. The colours of the bird are really well rendered and are echoed by the garden scene beyond. The white windows and walls set the scene and help frame the image – although the white on the far wall is slightly blown out – not such an issue though in an image like this one. Well seen.

Shut the box by Takuman – another intriguing image . It clearly fits the brief but asks lots of questions – not a game I know so I would love to know how it is played. The positioning of the dice is good and a double 6 is always auspicious. I probably would have cropped in a bit tighter – I don’t think the surrounding background is adding anything to the image.

Two Open One Closed by sueriley – this is a really well-thought out interpretation of the brief. Things are always better in threes (photographically speaking) and the combination of open and shut eyes , hands and mouths fits the theme perfectly. The setting is good and the figures are well posed and well exposed – makes for a good story.

Half Open, Half Closed by Noelcmn – another more literal interpretation of the brief – a great pattern picture with lots of vertical and horizontal lines and a lovely recession to the altar at the back (front) of the church. Excellent perspective and the browns , blues and yellows work very well together.

Not quite open, not quite closed by retsoor – another strong nature study playing on the half open/half shut idea. The butterfly is nicely positioned in the frame and the directional lighting helps to define its form and shape. Looks like it’s about to launch into flight – and enough space has been left for it to do so. Nice background – a good bit of macro work all round.

Posting beermats in Brugges by Drofmit – another cute image that really made me smile. The young chap clearly found a way to have some innocent fun while Dad (or Mum) was at the bar . This is a really well observed grab shot and although it is not technically perfect it is a strong and appealing picture.

And so to the winner – for its unique interpretation of the theme I’m going “Two Open One Closed” by Sue Riley with Markm and Noelcmn tying for second place with their more literal interpretations.

1. Two Open One Closed by sueriley
=2. Through the green gate by Markm
=2. Half Open, Half Closed by Noelcmn

Thanks for the competition and congratulations to Sue and the other podia.
Yes, a grab shot [ish].... and poorly exposed for me.... and sorry, not eligible either.
I just looked at the Exif.... FinePix4900ZOOM my first digital camera....
there wasn't much control over your picture with that one!!
Love the peacock shot.... perfect caption!

Thank you Gareth some nice photos here and well done to Markm and Noelcmm.

Thanks Gareth, nice competition and judging. Some good interpretations this week. Well done to Sue, Mark and Noel.

Congrats Sueriley, an inspired interpretation that well deserved the top spot. Quite like this! And extended to my fellow podia placed Markm, this ones greens and DOF is wonderful, feel-good-I-want-to-see-it-for-myself kinda shot! Thanks for my 2nd placing too, garethmorgan. That is in fact not a n altar, but a statue at the end of the passage. Not sure what this section of the church is for, it is at the back of the church, perpendicular to the main chapel, and probably used by parents with children. Thanks for the challenge, the C&C's and judging exrecise, as always much appreciated.