Each month, PhoozL picks a single submitted image we feel represents the qualities of memorable photography. The only rules are that (1) the image cannot be part of a live contest or challenge, and (2) it has not already been selected as a Winner or Honorable Mention in prior contests. We want to show something that may have flown under the radar but is worthy of recognition. Like our selections so far?
NOTE: Images below are CROPPED. Click into the images to see them larger and in their full-frame aspect ratio.
-
April, 2013
"Hydro-web" by tobias
PHOTOG’S DESCRIPTION: Early morning fog.
PHOOZL COMMENT: Submitted to the ‘The Elements: Earth’ contest in April, this image captivated us immediately. It may be an obvious subject, and cleverly titled to describe the foggy dew drops captured in a spider’s web, but there is so much more implied and something magical about this photo. We see everything from the structure of molecules to planets in a galaxy. In fact, it seems like all of life is contained in this single image. And the variable depth-of-field and out-of-focus background perfectly focuses the eye on the center water orbs, which add to their 3D planet-like appearances because they reflect the dark-to-light background. It’s sublime.
Original Photo Detail Page -
March, 2013
"Zen Garden" by Julien Labrosse
PHOOZL COMMENT: Submitted to the ‘Spring Fever’ contest in March. Although the subject and title of this photo may not match the classic, minimalist Japanese-style Zen garden that uses rock and sand, the image is wonderful. The composition emphasizes the sharp-focused statue, which is gently embraced by the tree that gradually blurs into the background. The background itself is beautifully blurred and arranged in such a way as to lead the viewer up the steps and around the corner to a hopeful place of peace and meditation. The colors are subdued although the shadows at right and the highlights at left add to the overall eye flow from right to left. Gazing at this image, we are at peace.
Original Photo Detail Page -
February, 2013
"Wild Ducks" by highevolutionary
PHOTOG’S DESCRIPTION: Dreaming softly within the clouds.
PHOOZL COMMENT: Submitted to ‘The Rural Life’ contest in early February, here you have a dramatic view that combines several natural and manmade elements, and in a very surprising way. First, consider the golden light of the sunset, which illuminates not only the sky but also the house and the field (and with a lovely lightness in the center). The emptiness of the house is emphasized by it’s small size and center location. But the real fun starts when you start to perceive the different diagonal lines formed by the clouds, the roof lines, the framing trees, and even the line of ducks. It’s a great image that can be studied at length.
Original Photo Detail Page -
January, 2013
"Atmosphere" by Malapris
PHOTOG’S DESCRIPTION: Dreaming softly within the clouds.
PHOOZL COMMENT: Atmosphere is right! This constructed image (we hope!) was entered in the ‘Dream’ contest in January, and it just grabbed us and wouldn’t let go. It has that instant “what am I looking at?” impact combined with excellent color sense and some fine digital production work. Notice how the different (not many) colors complement each other and form a pleasing combination. Then look at the main elements – only four. First, the subject is at a diagonal angle that supports the feeling of flying. And the shadow, while not perfectly positioned to match the main light direction, does a great job of making the image fantastically alive and real. This is the way to dream!
Original Photo Detail Page -
December, 2012
"Rasa" by Daumantas
PHOTOGRAPHER’S DESCRIPTION: Summer portrait
PHOOZL COMMENT: Entered in 'The Portrait’ contest in December, this passed the "memorable" standard and stood out to us for several reasons. First, we like the combination of landscape/nature and portrait. One could called it an Environmental Portrait, but only if she's connected to that environment. And that's the question: What is she doing there? Is she in trouble? Distraught? We're left wondering about the oddness of her so still and the sea rushing at us. Although there are minor issues with the post-production (selective blurring, sharpening), we love the play of golden backlight on her and the water. And we don't even mind the tilted horizon as it seems to add to the tension of the moment captured.
Original Photo Detail Page -
November, 2012
"Nely" by Filipa Scarpa
PHOTOGRAPHER’S DESCRIPTION: Made in studio.
PHOOZL COMMENT: Submitted to the ‘Headshot’ contest at the very end of October, this fashion-styled photo has great stopping power. The tones are nicely divided into Shadow, Midtone, and Highlight represented by the hair, face and eyelids/lips (respectively), but there’s much more going on. The gradations on the face, neck, and shoulder are wonderfully smooth, yet in total contrast to the super grainy effect applied uniformly to the image, which moves it even more into abstraction. The photo is serene yet strong at the same time, and the square-on head is nicely linked to the tilted shoulders and hint of a garment that mirrors the hair. Good stuff!
Original Photo Detail Page -
October, 2012
"Go and Come" by Viet Van
PHOTOGRAPHER’S DESCRIPTION: Two KhMer young monks at Hang Pagoda at Tra Vinh, Viet Nam.
PHOOZL COMMENT: A complex photo full of meanings and juxtapositions... one monk moving, the other still; one monk facing the camera, the other walking away; one robe more saffron, one more orangy. Then the color balance. Blue is the complement of orange, which makes this image really "jump" because of the blue parts of the wall against the orange robes. Then there is the timelessness as communicated by the ancient walls plus the monks themselves, who are basically unchanged over centuries. Except for that modern umbrella, which jolts the viewer with this seeming anachronism. This is a great photo that deserves contemplation.
Original Photo Detail Page -
September, 2012
"Into the Mountains" by Ulrik Hasemann
PHOTOGRAPHER’S DESCRIPTION: Two climbers on Arete du Midi after three days of heavy snowfall. Chamonix, France.
PHOOZL COMMENT: A spectacular B&W image with texture, tonal range and scale (the tiny climbers) that is literally breathtaking. The eye starts on the right side with the light snow area, picks up the two climbers, then follows the curved leading line almost like a ski jump to explore the rocks, peaks, and clouds at left. Mountain photography at its best.
Original Photo Detail Page -
August, 2012
"Curious" by Mike Landwehr
PHOTOGRAPHER’S DESCRIPTION: An adult burrowing owl shares a perch with a curious juvenile near their burrow on Marco Island, Florida.
PHOOZL COMMENT: This great long-lens photo has instant appeal -- and humor! The focus is right on, and there's even a little back light to really make the photo snap. This is a perfect example of “Keep It Simple” with a clever title that amplifies the story.
Original Photo Detail Page -
July, 2012
"Fishing Boat" by Michal Baran
PHOTOGRAPHER’S DESCRIPTION: Taken somewhere during weekend trip to Co. Donegal, Ireland.
PHOOZL COMMENT: This is a fabulous shot with great colors, light, and complexity. The dry-docked red boat is the hero but the other boats and harbor items provide the context. Notice how that sinuous rope from the red boat's deck leads you to the box, the boat ramp, and then to the other elements and finally up to that gorgeous sky. Tremendous image.
Original Photo Detail Page -
June, 2012
"The Man in White Hat" by Mikhail Palinchak
PHOTOGRAPHER’S DESCRIPTION: 2011, Kiev, Ukraine
PHOOZL COMMENT: A fascinating interplay of light and shadow, this street-photo image captures the anonymous fast-paced movement of people in the city. The man in the hat is perfectly captured as he contrasts with the shadows but is at the same time part of their up-and-down movement. And we instinctively know that everything changed completely one second later. Talk about a Decisive Moment!
Original Photo Detail Page
