Guardian readers October 2, 2009

Been there photo competition September 2009

The theme of last month's photo competition, the Four Elements, really tickled the imagination of our entrants. Here is a pick of the best air, earth, water and fire entries

Barnet, Greater London — Richard Quarterman: 'Barnet, Greeater London. Sunday 14 September 2009. This was taken at a friend's wedding reception, releasing (probably illegally) Chinese Lanterns into the twilight. It was a magical moment...' Photograph: Richard Quarterman/guardian.co.uk

Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia — Claire Ranyard: 'The photo was taken in November last year at around 6am at the hot springs in the Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia. The pools were the perfect antidote to three days of driving through the dusty high altitude desert with baking sun during the day and freezing temperatures at night. ' Photograph: Claire Ranyard/guardian.co.uk

Paris, France — Philip Cardiff: 'Paris, France. This was taken at a small fair in Paris just as the sun was setting.' Photograph: Philip Cardiff/guardian.co.uk

Samos, Greece — Alek Lindus: 'Samos, Greece. It was the colour of the aftermath of fire I was after here. There has been so much destruction of the island by it and yet it has a type of beauty too.' Photograph: Alek Lindus/guardian.co.uk

Atlantis Hotel, Dubai — Julie Tese: 'I took this recently at the water park at the Atlantis Hotel on the Palm, Dubai. I think it's really watery with the floating man, water and fish all round and even the angle of his arms with a fish by one of his hands. It was a lucky grab shot.' Photograph: Julie Tese/guardian.co.uk

Huacachina, Peru — George Hotham: 'Huacachina, Peru. This mesmerising image of the sand dunes of Huacachina leaves viewers transfixed by the beautiful and hypnotic patterns which are formed by the air.' Photograph: George Hotham/guardian.co.uk

Aberdovey beach, Wales — Emily Henderson: 'This was taken on a simple and idyllic holiday in Wales on Aberdovey beach. The wind was gusty and Jimbo leapt in the air as the kite soared.' Photograph: Emily Henderson/guardian.co.uk

Bruges, Belgium — James Buchanan: 'This was taken near Bruges, Belgium, when I was backpacking through Europe. We were travelling through the countryside on our way to the war cemeteries and Ypres. I couldn't resist the lines and the reflections...' Photograph: James Buchanan/guardian.co.uk

Oslofjord, Norway — Marie Peyre: 'A wild swan in the quiet waters of the Oslofjord, Norway, sheltered by the Hvaler islands.' Photograph: Marie Peyre/guardian.co.uk

Cairo, Egypt — Julia Kramer: 'This was taken in a cafe in Cairo, Egypt. I love the way the smoke mixes with the light shafts coming through the grill...' Photograph: Julia Kramer/guardian.co.uk

Upsala Glacier, Argentina — Katherine Shier: 'Iceberg, dead ahead! On a boat on the way to the Upsala Glacier, Argentina.' Photograph: Katherine Shier/guardian.co.uk

Namibia — Rori Mullinos: 'This is my son Alexander in Namibia about three years ago. I think he felt like he'd become one with nature as the magic setting made him run like a child down the yellow dune.' Photograph: Rori Mullinos/guardian.co.uk

Udaipur, India — Jason Tierney: 'A fire entertainer, lost in the middle of the crowd in Udaipur, India.' Photograph: Jason Tierney/guardian.co.uk

Las Grutas beaches, Argentina — Jorge E Suarez: 'Las Grutas beaches, Las Grutas city, Rio Negro province, Argentina. My son, Federico, catching a sea wave. February 11, 2009.' Photograph: Jorge E. Suarez/guardian.co.uk

Chitwan, National Park, Nepal — Shelda Alcock: 'Chitwan, National Park, Nepal. After an elephant back safari, we were delighted to be treated to a fire dance by the local Tharu people.' Photograph: Shelda Alcock/guardian.co.uk

Lake Paringa, South Island, New Zealand — Clive Ellston: 'This was taken at Lake Paringa, South Island, New Zealand. We arrived at the campsite in the dark and parked our camper van on the shores of the lake. As dawn broke we saw this amazing sunrise.' Photograph: Clive Ellston/guardian.co.uk

Cappadocia, Turkey — Jo-anna Kalinowska: 'This was taken early in the morning in Cappadocia, Turkey. Air balloons are a popular and amazing way to see the beautiful surroundings.' Photograph: Jo-anna Kalinowska/guardian.co.uk

Ibu Oka restaurant in Bali — Benjamin Arthur: 'The whole roast suckling pig at Ibu Oka restaurant in Bali is legendary. What the tourists don't see is the process of slaughtering the pigs - which starts around 5am - followed by their roasting over an open charcoal fire. I came upon the roast quite by chance having wandered off down a back alley close to the restaurant. This picture fits into the fire and air categories quite nicely I hope.' Photograph: Benjamin Arthur/guardian.co.uk

Inle Lake, Burma — Laure McAndrew: 'I took this picture of a local fisherman on a trip to Inle Lake, Burma. Transportation on the lake by small boats remains the norm and so does the leg rowing style. Life is centered around the water in many ways: from rice cultivation to floating gardens and, of course, fishing and transportation with itinerant markets around the lake area.' Photograph: Laure McAndrew/guardian.co.uk

Tenno, Japan — Marie Wintzer: 'Tenno, Japan. Fireworks (hanabi) are a highlight of the Japanese summer. Kids and adults enjoy lighting up hand-held fireworks in their garden.' Photograph: Marie Wintzer/guardian.co.uk

Wrington, near Bristol — Robin Sheridan: 'Wrington, near Bristol. The photo was taken near the village where I grew up. Near the stream in the photo is a farm road that we used to call the 'yellow brick road' where I used to take walks with my Dad. I have since moved away from home, but looking at this photo reminds me how life ebbs and flows, and of those walks with my Dad.' Photograph: Robin Sheridan/guardian.co.uk

Gunnedah, NSW, Australia — Emily Gionis: 'Gunnedah, NSW, Australia. This winter sunrise was so incredible, the sky could almost be on fire, just stunningly beautiful!' Photograph: Emily Gionis/guardian.co.uk

Virginia Water in Surrey — Winning photo by Steve Mundy: 'I took this image of The Cascades waterfall at Virginia Water, Surrey, in early February this year, just after the snow earlier that week. I went hoping for more snow or even a hard frost, but alas there was nothing, although the waterfall was running at full force... and it was incredibly cold. I deliberately used a tripod and a slow shutter speed to blur the water but keep the rest of the photo very sharp to try conveying the crispness of the morning.'

Judge Natalie Mayer says: 'I have chosen this long exposure waterfall scene as the winner, because of its excellent technical execution - perfect exposure, sharp where it needs to be, and spot on composition - no bits of the scene chopped off where they shouldn't be. The colours are lovely and muted, too, giving it a nice, icy fairytale feel.' Photograph: Steve Mundy/guardian.co.uk

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