Ian Linton

Defrosting Shetland Ponies
This is a cropped version which has some bright sky removed

Why We Chose It:
This is a very tranquil shot - with beautiful lighting. There is a wide contrast range within the shot but the exposure is spot-on. The composition does not conform to the 'rule of thirds' the ponies are placed reasonably centrally within the frame, but we felt that this worked well. This gives the image a strong focal point and there is perhaps little else that could be done, given that the ponies are facing different directions.

Ewan Stevenson

Reeds
These reeds were just to the right of where I took the main shot of Loch Achray. The previous evening when I was planning the shoot the centre reed was slightly higher out of the water and made a lovely sideways heart shape with its reflection.

Why We Chose It:
The comments in the gallery have summarized the key point as to why we chose this shot - 'so simple, but with high impact'. The photograph was 'well seen' by Ewan - picking these details out of a broad sweep of the landscape is the critical creative input. The execution of the shot is also strong - with an exposure setting that ensures the reeds are silhouettes and focus that ensures they are sharp. The composition is also strong - the central placement emphasizes the symmetry of the reflections - although perhaps giving a little more space on the right hand side and less on the left would have strengthened the shot still further.

Colin Sturges

Rock in a storm
Blowing a hooley on Penllech beach, Gwynedd, Wales.
Nikon F601 28-85 zoom.

Why We Chose It:
Judging by the title of this image, I am sure the 'juxtaposition' of the rock within the stormy environment was more apparent to Colin than it is to the viewer, but this is nevertheless a strong photograph. There are four things that I look for in an image: exposure, sharpness, composition and aesthetic quality and this shot score highly on all four. Exposure could not have been easy, but Colin has got it spot on here, retaining detail in the shadowed side of the rock, but not buring out any of the highlights. The placement of the rock within the frame and within the setting makes for a strong composition. Often I would look to avoid the main subject 'breaking' the horizon - but in this shot, given that the horizon is little more than a thin line dividing sea and sky, it does not detract from the overall effect at all.