Natalie Mayer, judge: There were lots of commendable entries this month but this one really stood out to me as being a great image of a very challenging subject, caught at just the right moment. The shot is technically spot on – focus in the right place, a lovely composition, and perfect exposure. The tiger at the rear really adds to the shot, but it would have been great if he had positioned himself so that he didn't mar the silhouette of the tiger at the front (seeing the shape of the ear would have added impact), but we all know animals just aren't co-operative in that way and overall this is a super image that the photographer should be proud of. Photograph: Doug Nicholls
Natalie Mayer, judge: I think this is a really beautiful image, well realised in black and white. It would have benefited from just a little subtle vignette around the edges to draw the focus in even more, but still, the image has lovely life and atmosphere and is a well-captured moment in time. Photograph: Emma Tullet
Natalie Mayer, judge: There are some really stunning entries this month. I love this one for its simplicity and atmosphere. I can feel the crunch of the snow under her feet and I bet that dog is having a lovely time with the fresh, cold snow on his nose. The image has a lovely visual balance and is a very deserving winner. Photograph: Alisdair Jones
Natalie Mayer, judge: This is a really classic photograph, and the composition is spot-on. If that lady had been any further forward or back it just wouldn't have worked, and because of the combination of thought and intuition that has gone into that, I've chosen this as the winner. Lovely atmosphere and feeling: I can almost hear the rain pattering down on to the road. Photograph: William McCracken
Natalie Mayer, judge: It's a classic travel picture which I've seen before but the composition here is the interesting thing. It's layered really well - the guy in the front has been posed brilliantly. He is both peaceful and questioning. The two women laughing in the background are also used well: if either of them had had their heads turned away it would have changed the tone. And it certainly hits the colour theme. A great shot. Photograph: Dominic Burdon
Natalie Mayer, judge: This is a fantastic image, the reds and oranges give a lovely sense of the desert. Only showing part of the balloon gives a wonderful sense of perspective, as do the inclusion of the children on the ground. It is nit-picking, but I just wish the two figures were slightly further to the right as this would have helped balance the composition a bit more. Obviously this is not a posed image, but sometimes shooting a few more frames and moving sideways can render the perfect composition. Still, this is a really great shot that will look fantastic on your wall! Photograph: Andrew Kerr
Natalie Mayer, judge: Unlike the more 'abstract' themes we run some months, landscape photography is a photographic genre all on its own. I chose this image as the winner as it's a real classic of the genre, a technically spot-on image of a gorgeous subject, photographed in beautiful light. I don't suppose the photographer just happened to be here at this moment, I imagine he thought it through in advance and placed himself there just in time for the light, tripod in hand. Lovely job. Photograph: Andrew MacDougall
Natalie Meyer, judge: What fantastic full contrasting colours captured here! I love the simplicity and the large figure makes such a great impact. Capturing the moment the girl glimpses up in amazement as she's whisked by – great timing and great interpretation of this week's theme. Remember to straighten the horizon next time. Photograph: Donald Bane
Natalie Mayer, judge: I really like this image. The composition is lively yet extremely well balanced. The exposure has just the right mix of silhouette and detail. And the man is sharply in focus while the net isn't, which leads our eye immediately to the subject. The lovely pink sky fits the theme perfectly. Gorgeous image – you should be proud of this one.
Photograph: Gavin Burnett Photograph: unknown/Gavin Burnett
Natalie Mayer, judge: Lovely expression, beautifully captured. The subject looks really relaxed and unaware of the camera, and the depth of field is perfect for this kind of portraiture, blurring out all distractions in the background. And although many of us might find the black teeth a bit yucky, there is no denying it captures the theme of ritual. Lovely shot! Photograph: Kerry Grainger
Laura Cook, November winner – solitude: Solitude can be found in a crowd. When visiting an adult literacy group in Kamakwie, Sierra Leone, I came across a room where most learners had formed pairs or small groups to work but one young lady had chosen to separate herself in order to concentrate.
Natalie Mayer, judge: The overall winner was a really hard one to pick. So many strong and fantastic entries. I've chosen this one because it shows a really good understanding of light and composition. The subject matter is out of the ordinary (I don't suppose there were any other photographers there) and so the photographer has displayed some original thought and keenness for finding an original scene. I think it shows really good photographic potential and I'd love to see more work from this photographer. I hope the safari provides some wonderful opportunities. Good luck and well done! Photograph: Laura Cook
