Guardian readers September 3, 2012

Readers’ travel photograph competition: August – culture

Last month's theme of culture produced a strong and eclectic collection of images from around the world. Click through the gallery to find out who judge Natalie Mayer selected as the winner

august photo competition: Sphinx and the Pyramids of Giza, Egypt — Mohammed Bhula: The breathtaking Sphinx and the Pyramids of Giza, Egypt. (I’d recommend going in the winter months when it is quieter, as the crowds detract from the spectacle) Photograph: Mohammed Bhula

august photo competition: carnival parade in Dili inTimor-Leste — Bjoern Eser: A participant during a carnival parade in Dili in Timor-Leste. While everyone else was enjoying him/themselves, this young man seemed reserved, distant, almost lost – and thus made a much more fascinating subject Photograph: Bjoern Eser

august photo competition: Cycling in Amsterdam — Doug Nicholls: There are a few claims of what constitutes culture in Amsterdam, but in a country with as many bikes as people you won't get far without seeing someone cycling. Whether you cycle to the opera or elsewhere is up to you Photograph: Doug Nicholls

august photo competition: Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, Nepal — Keith Hallagan: A snapshot of the women who come to live at the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, Nepal. They have accepted that their time has come and it is believed that to die and to be cremated here, one of the most important Hindu temples in Nepal, will release one from the cycle of rebirth in this world Photograph: Keith Hallagan

august photo competition: Taroudant, Morocco — Anthony Hollander: The picture was taken from a moving carriage in Taroudant, Morocco, forcing me to wait for a pause in the horses' movement before taking the shot. My eye was drawn to the splash of colour of the traditional clothing set against the cream backdrop of the ancient ramparts. I was immediately struck by the gentle pace and simplicity of the scene, that seemed as old as the walls themselves Photograph: Anthony Hollander

august photo competition: Camel trek in northern Kenya — Dale Morris: I was on a camel trek in northern Kenya, where the Maasai were our guides and bodyguards – and after being on the trip for a week, hopefully our friends too Photograph: Dale Morris

august photo competition: old town in Budapest — Jack Ferris: This was taken in the old town in Budapest. The building in the background shows signs of wear and distress, like it has suffered in past years – to me it represents past atrocities, such as the siege of Budapest and post-war communist rule. The young boy represents a new fighting spirit of the Hungarian people, and a defiance to ever be led again by oppressive dictators Photograph: Jack Ferris

august photo competition: Woman in Rajasthan — Goncalo Diniz, runner-up: Taken in Rajasthan during a visit to villages surrounding Jaisalmer. I love the light and expression of the woman.

Natalie Mayer, judge: Lovely classic composition, and a nice relaxed expression. The depth of field works well and brings out the subject beautifully. A little lightening and a tiny dodge to bring out the whites of the eyes would really bring this image to life Photograph: Goncalo Diniz

august photo competition: Priest at the monasteries at Lake Tana, Ethiopia — Dennis Cohen, runner-up: This priest at the monasteries at Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile in Ethiopia, was happy to show us illustrated Amharic bibles. Each is hand drawn and written. His fingernails tell you about the life he leads.

Natalie Mayer, judge: This is an eye-catchingly composed image, with more than one point of interest. Interesting to contemplate the creation of such an elaborate book, and the dirty fingernails of the owner – it invokes a sense of interest about the book's holder Photograph: Dennis Cohen

august photo competition: Pub in Penzance, Cornwall — Jacob Cockle, winner: This was taken in a small pub in Penzance, Cornwall. I feel it sums up a lot of the weekend culture of the booze Britain generation.

Natalie Mayer, judge: This one is a clear winner for me. Awesome image! I love everything that it so unselfconsciously captures. There are so many fun and interesting things going on. Love the spilling pint glass, the nonchalant photographer, the blow up shark fight, the cute girl, the cheeky mate … loads of fun, and really a good capture of a culture lots of us have felt part of at some time or other Photograph: Jacob Cockle

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