BBC Staff Photography Competition 2007

WINNER: Chairs by Derrick Evans

A picture which is suggestive of a story and the more one studies these static objects, the more life comes to them. Van Gogh’s “Chair” is often said to represent a person and in a similar way these chairs could represent two people posing for the camera who appear to hold an intriguing relationship between each other. A picture full of subtlety and at the same time a joy to look at; it may be black and white but the many tones exceed what one might get even in a colour image which goes to demonstrate a brilliant control of light by the photographer. It was a testament to this image that as we spoke about it we became increasingly enchanted by it. The image slowly but inexorably moved up the initial order into first place and by the end of the judging session there was a unanimous agreement that it was the clear winner.



ALSO WINNER: Simple

RUNNER-UP: Monks have better cameras by Rebecca Foster

The setting for this shot provides an almost monochrome, almost megalithic, solid foundation - an ancient and reflective place. The orange clad monks leap right out from this sombre and weighty environment, popping up just where they please, standing in for statues, observing and being observed. Classic rules of composition are not immediately apparent, which adds to the quirky, fun aspect of the image - however, the strength of the single (orange) colour allows the monks to exert a force in the picture that pulls the composition back together; a unifying force arising from the energy that each of the monks represents. A tremendously fun image that says something about keeping the bigger picture in perspective.

ALSO COMMENDATION: Our World

COMMENDATION (OVERALL): Chocks Away 2 by Tom Nelson

A picture full of contrasts: Firstly, between the fragile diagonal created by the plane's streamers and the angular structure of the skyline. And secondly, between the modernity of London and the simplicity of the plane. The composition, the tones and the tint were loved in this image. The play of the light on the streamers, the buildings and the clouds are excellent as is the superb composition, tonal range and use of tinting.

ALSO WINNER: Open Mind

WINNER: Bid me discourse, I will enchant thine ear by Gareth Ford Williams

It was all about the narrative in the end. Perhaps not the most technically brilliant, but the human story wins through. Blackpool, that traditional summer resort… how many times has this couple been coming here, dancing the same dance? The rhythm of the dance, the rhythm of their lives, returning here time after time. In particular, the treatment, the monochrome, enhances its timeless quality. The title, taken from the proscenium arch inscription resonates. Perhaps he's just whispered in her ear. It gave it an intriguing, poetic quality. But it's the story that makes this one the winner.

RUNNER-UP: Old Neppy by Derrick Evans

It was a difficult choice for runner-up, but this had huge impact from first viewing. A stunning landscape shot that’s used monochrome to capture the contrast in the clouds, the texture in the beach. A graphic aspect, the stark triangles, definition and clarity all give it a punch; it's what black & white delivers. And there's such a sense of scale, of man versus nature, captured in the distance of the building. Very dramatic. It's how you feel by the sea on a windy day.

COMMENDATION: Fountain + Foot = SPLASH! by Lisa Hack

We love the crispness of the water and the uniqueness of the shot. It showed somebody being creative, but probably only just down the road from where they might live in London. Seeing things differently, being creative in a perspective. A good idea, well executed. A lot of fun. And that, after all, is what the holiday month of August is about

WINNER: Romantic traffic by Stephen Calcott

An exciting photograph, with human interest. We love the composition, the intimacy of the couple in the corner, facing a sea of movement. They're unmoving, while all around them is excitement, change, bright lights. The colour and light of this image are such digital characteristics. It all fits together. The lines keep bringing you back to the couple, they are the stars of the shot and the lights are on them. Yes, it's a mess out there. Yes, the digital world is a pretty complex, fast, frightening place. But this says you can deal with it. So don't be scared; enjoy.

RUNNER-UP: Head First by Simon Kisner

This is about spontaneity. It's clearly a feel good shot. The sort of photograph everyone's tried to take, but it's the angle, the risk factor that makes this stand apart. There's an edginess about it that's captured the best of digital. Everything slightly angular and rakish. And she is very close; her fingers are nearly touching the lens. A narrow dividing line between joy and terror on her face. A strong composition, beautiful colours, bright and engaging.

COMMENDATION: Stroll by Gareth Ford Williams

We loved this photograph. It's a high quality photograph. It could almost have been taken on an SLR. There's an air of mystery, a beautiful clarity of line. Shapes, shadows, they all work brilliantly. An intense moment, yet you can tell nothing of the central figure. The movement is minimal, odd, but it's the essence of the picture. It's been captured in the angles of the body, slightly turning away from the camera. A wonderfully engaging photograph.

WINNER: Chairs by Derrick Evans

It fulfils the brief perfectly. Stark simplicity. Love the tranquil, calming air of it. The positioning of the chair in the background and the gentle light, make a simple subject look interesting. The one we unanimously agreed on and the clear winner.

RUNNER-UP: Opera House by Mike Hill

The runner-up was hotly debated. This one radiates heat. Simple shapes and curves give it a minimalist feel. Less is more, yet when you do start looking at it closely, the level of detail comes alive. It's like bird feathers, highlighted by the way it is abstracted. A unique view of an iconic landmark that must have been photographed a million times.

COMMENDATION: Columns Mark Iddon

Stark geometry. Beautifully framed. A rhythm flowing around the image, like Escher. The multiple triangles within it might seem the simplest of geometric shapes, but it's that patch of blue sky that provides a focal point and draws your eye.

WINNER: Chocks Away 2 by Tom Nelson

Passionate debate for this category, and we're passionate about this image. A well composed photograph that really captures the feeling of openness. The kite attracts the eye magnificently, silhoutted against that sky, whilst iconic buildings in the background, the BT Tower, the London Eye, embody communication, society, all going on around you. This is lovely.

RUNNER-UP: Long day's journey by Charlotte Colman

Great contrast between the dowdy bus interior and the openness of the sea and the horizon beyond the window. There's a sense of returning to childhood holidays, in your mind's eye. The passenger looks relaxed, anticipating the journey ahead, enjoying the world as it goes by. Nicely composed.

COMMENDATION: London Bridge Monster (171203aquarium 196) by Lee Pearce

An open mouthed monster captured against a very familiar London landmark with a very different take. Batman meets Tim Burton meets Ghostbusters. An opportunistic picture, a quick snap, but they've seen it and it makes you smile.

WINNER: This is our World by Hazem Abuwatfa

Who hasn't felt like this at some point? That's what it shouts to me. Wherever you are in the world, branding is slapped everywhere; it's everything. It says everything about information overload and over communication, but it's the one that needs the least said about it. It just jumped out at us from the start.

RUNNER-UP: New Arrivals by Stephen Calcott

What grabbed me about this was the mystery. There are more passengers than carriages. It's so calm; a moment of stillness. A narrative that pulls me in. I'd like to know more. It's the world I'd like to be in. That is not people's experience of travel by train. That's your ultimate travel experience.

COMMENDATION: Monks have better cameras by Rebecca Foster

It's the 360 connection. Who's watching who? A never ending picture. A classic mix of ancient and modern. Old building, old ritual, new technology. It could happen anywhere in the world, at any time, but it's captured here and now.

COMMENDATION: Brian Haw by Tom Forbes

We fought long and hard for this. A split audience and the most debated image. The story behind this photograph is a world issue. But if you don't know who it is, it's still a great picture. Overlay this with his cause, it's the one image that demonstrates a world story. It makes you think.