EHarmony has announced the winners of its second Love Captured photography contest in partnership with Anthony Nolan. People submitted photos that captured the word 'love'- this could be the love we share for our partners, parents, pets, animals or grandparents.
Dr Linda Papadopolous teamed up with Ben Hawkins (editor of Practical Photography and Romain Bertrant (managing director of eHarmony) to choose the top ten. They were judged by three parameters- 'creativity', 'quality' and 'charm.'
Romain Bertrand, UK Managing Director of eHarmony.co.uk, said: "We're very proud to continue the competition for a second year and make a tradition of asking the nation to show us what love means to them. We may be experts in bringing our users the perfect match, but it's great that many of these photos go beyond romance, showing the beauty of love in all its forms."
1st place
Title: 'Waiting For Grandpa'
Photographer: Sebastian Czubachowski
Region: Liverpool
Age: 31
Background: The photo was taken in January this year, when my brother came with his family to visit their grandparents. In this photo is Sebastian's nephew (Kajetan) with Grandpa's dog (Foxi). In the left window you can see the shape of the building where 'Grandpa' works.
Quote: " When I found out I'd won I couldn't believe it, it really did make my day. I feel the photo's appeal lies in the suspense - it makes you think about the story behind the image. It also helps that it's such a cute scene, the pair waiting for grandfather to arrive."
2nd place
Title: 'Dance Me to the End of Love'
Photographer: Marcel Grabowski
Region: Brighton
Age: 33
Background: This photo was taken at the wedding of one of Marcel's clients. This was during the first dance when the married couple invited guests to dance with them, and this gorgeous couple joined in. This 'magical moment' took place when the sun was setting and amazing light rays were filling the room.
Quote: "The picture is a real expression of love and I'm glad with how well it came across to the judges. I was thrilled to be so close to winning the photo competition and I'll be back next year to hopefully go one better!"
3rd place
Title: 'Mother and Daughter'
Photographer: Hannah Merrett
Region: Abergavenny
Age: 31
Background: This image is of Hannah's friend Julie and her daughter Carys. Hannah says Julie is "one of the most gentle, warm-hearted people" she knows. This photo aimed to sum-up the amazingly close bond she has with her daughter, who is now 8 years old.
Quote: "I am so excited to be in the final 10. This is a beautiful moment between my friend Julie and her daughter Carys and I feel the photo sums up the amazingly close bond she has with her daughter. I really feel it encapsulates love in its purest form."
4th place
Title: 'Timeless Love'
Photographer: Rosie Hunt
Region: Stafford
Age: Unknown
Background: Rosie was at a wedding and saw this smartly dressed older couple sat with one another, evidently having a great time and thought it made a lovely photograph.
Quote: "I'm absolutely delighted that I made it into the top 10 against such stiff competition. I think the fact that the photo was chosen is testament to the fact that the enduring love it shows is something that almost all of us aspire to have - and I couldn't wish that happiness on a better couple."
5th place
Title: 'Nicki and Daryl's Big Day'
Photographer: Steven Bailey
Region: Manchester
Age: Unknown
Background: The image shows a newlywed couple silhouetted against a rainy backdrop, the bride holding an umbrella.
Quote: "I can't believe it, to be honest! I do think it's a lovely picture though all the same and I think the umbrella makes it - showing that even when life throws down a touch of adversity like rain on your big day, true love finds a way."
6th place
Title: 'H2'
Photographer: Vivek Kumar
Region: Glasgow
Age: 52
Background: The couple met on a Date at the Dunreath Castel and as soon as they saw each other, they fell in love at first sight, according to photographer Vivek. A year later Hardeep proposed to Meena and they decided to have their wedding at the place they met. This image was taken on their wedding day.
Quote: "I think the heightened contrast in the photo puts across to the viewer the magic felt in that situation. It's a different approach to those four letters, making it a little more literal but it's no less striking for it, I hope!"
7th place
Title: 'The Warmth"
Photographer: Sanket Khuntale
Region: Willesden
Age: 24
Background: This image was shot in Waangni, Badlapur near Mumbai during one cold winter evening.
Quote: "It's an unusual subject but it still means love to me. I found the sight of the tiny chicks resting under their mother's wings to gain warmth delightful, and apparently so did the judges. I'm really honoured to be among the top 10."
8th place
Title: 'Love is the journey'
Photographer: Ella Penn
Region: Worthing
Age: 27
Background:
Ella and her partner were out enjoying a walk on a Sunday morning, heading back from a long walk on the Sussex downs. They noticed an elderly couple walking along the higher part of the hill and, thinking how sweet they looked together, took a snap.
Quote: "It's really wonderful to have made it into the top 10. I often take photos when enjoying a Sunday morning walk with my partner and this one really hit home - I found myself hoping that could be us in years to come, walking the very same hills together when we are older."
9th place
Title: 'Love Locks Forever'
Photographer: Paul Twibell
Region: Sheffield
Age: Unknown
Background: These are 'love locks' on a bridge just outside the Vatican City
Quote: "It's a powerful symbol, leaving a permanent mark like this behind. I think the slightly unusual approach to love that I captured must have resonated with the judges, which is really great. I was certainly thrilled to be so highly commended!
10th place
Title: 'The Kiss'
Photographer: Kirstie Taylor
Region: Yorkshire
Age: Unknown
Background: Kirstie's aim was to capture a kiss from a slightly unusual angle.
Quote: "I'm honestly just so happy people liked it - it means a lot. It's a simple photo really but the focus on the feet is a little unusual, which probably worked in its favour - the photo shows that love comes in all shapes and sizes!"