A black-and-white photo of a thistle against a plain white background has won australianphotography.com's May 'Still Life' competition. The image, by photographer Valeria Donnellan, was selected by this month's guest judge, acclaimed still life photographer Chuck Bradley.
"It is always interesting to judge still life photography, which has been my passion for ever," said Bradley. "Still life to me is the one discipline in photography – in my mind – that uses the most aspects of our craft. Interesting subject matter, arrangement, composition, lighting, focal planes, styling, story telling and feeling. In essence you start with a blank canvas in front of you and build a narrative. You need to know when enough is enough. You can move a single object around with in a shot for an hour until it feels right."
In explaining his choice of winner, Bradley praised Donnellan's approach to composition and lighting.
"The winning image is striking in its simplicity. Beautiful light, composed just right with the perfect amount of negative space. Black and white is still a beautiful feel and not nearly seen enough in the digital age."
Bradley also selected two 'highly commended' images: 'Figs' by Heather Soo for its "composition and beautiful warm light and texture" and Tony Kearney's 'Pegged' "for it's nostalgic subject matter and use of depth of field to draw us in."
Donnellan has won a $250 voucher for a Deluxe Photobook from leading Australian photo book maker Momento.
All the shortlisted images from the May 'Still Life' competition are published below.
The theme for the June competition is 'Self Portrait'. Images must be submitted by midnight, 30 June 2013. Click here to enter.
Chuck Bradley's new series of still life work, 'Nostalgica', drew inspiration from an eclectic array of beach-related objects and is currently being exhibited at the Manly Art Gallery. Bradley was recently the Museum's artist-in-residence during the month of March. www.chuckbradley.com.au
WINNER: 'Thistle,' by Valeria Donnellan.
HIGHLY COMMENDED: 'Pegged,' by Tony Kearney.
HIGHLY COMMENDED: 'Figs,' by Heather Soo. 
'Whipped,' by Jessica Sue.
'The Simple Things,' by Jed Lemmon.
'The Feast,' by Narelle Robinson.
'The Australian Man,' by Crystal Carol Patterson.
'Spot the Spoon,' by Louise Smith.
'Smile In My Soup,' by Susan Shanta.
'Red Pegs Three,' by Susan Shanta. 
'Nautical Exploration,' by Leanne Alessi.
'A Pair of Shoes,' by Cindy Bosveld.
'Leaves In Line,' by Richard Norman.
'Hanging On,' by Jayant.
'Hammers,' by Hank Kordas.
'Freedom,' by Ryan Ammon.
'Flip Flops,' by Penne Webster.
'Empty,' by Rachel Kneubuhler.
'A Touch of Orange,' by Dianne Galbraith.