The winner of the the australianphotography.com October 'Light' photo competition is Susan Shanta, who has won a Canon Academy course valued at $395. Shanta took the top prize with her image, 'Light and Shadows' a simple and beautifully lit still life.
The October competition was judged by renowned Australian landscape photographer and educator Peter Solness, who praised Shanta's image for its clever use of light and shade:
"Susan's image addresses the topic of ‘light’ in a most direct and sublime way. This image reminds me of a famous photograph ‘Tea Cup Ballet 1935’ by Australian modernist photographer Olive Cotton. It shows how the creative use of light can convert an inanimate subject into something more special.
"In photography there are many different ways to create strong compositions, such as through lens selection, zone focusing, point of view etc. but the other great compositional tool for photographers – and one which I use a lot myself – is in the application of light to the subject.
"This image not only shows the sculptural effect of light on these eating utensils but it also celebrates the mystery and abstract qualities of shadow. In a sense it encapsulates the interplay between light and shadow and reminds us that each defines the other. To understand the interplay between light and shade is to understand the basic building blocks of all photographic images.
"The direction and quality of light is critical to the final success of this image. If the light was softer or coming from a less acute direction, the composition of this image would collapse."
Twenty-five images, pictured below, were shortlisted for judging. The brief for the December 2012 competition is 'Architecture' with the prize being a $250 voucher from Momento for a handcrafted Deluxe Photobook. To enter an image click here.
Peter Solness has been an assignment photographer for more than 20 years, working primarily for magazine, corporate and commercial clients. Recently he has turned his attention to fine-art photography, in particular the ‘Illuminated Landscape’ essays, which explore the visual wonder of the Australian bush at night, by using a blend of simple hand-torches and available moonlight, to illuminate scenes. His images have been described as having a dream-like, nocturnal beauty to them. Click here to see his Illuminated Landscape images.
