July 2026 Photo Contest Theme: Bridges of the World

Hi Isabelle,

Photo number 1:

I went for the simplicity of black and white. Of course, I love technically and aesthetically successful color photos, but what I particularly enjoy is a photo that tells a story. Here, the unique violence of the monsoon that summer. Black and white seemed more fitting to evoke the tragedy of this brand-new pedestrian and cyclist bridge, in the little-known backwaters of Payyanur—at least at that time—in Kerala, South India, swept away and destroyed in a single day/night. As if Nature had decided to reclaim its rights and take revenge for the devastating human construction in the entire region.

Hi there,

I definitely wasn’t going to forget India for my Photo No. 3!

There aren’t many bridges in India—people prefer crossing rivers in a coracle.

And when they *do* decide to build one, it pretty much goes wrong every time. In fact, it’s actually forbidden to photograph a bridge in India 🤪—maybe to avoid tempting bad luck 😕

This one was supposed to connect the stunning and historic site of Hampi (Karnataka), crossing the Tungabhadra River, to Anegundi on the north bank.

I don’t think it was ever officially opened because, on top of angering heritage conservationists, it tragically collapsed in January 2009. I’d photographed it a year earlier.



A bridge collapses on the World Heritage site of Hampi...

Photo 3 - Siem Reap (Cambodia)

A small bridge reflecting in the river that leads to the city, the gateway to Angkor.

Photo No. 2

The significance of the Montoir bridge is that it symbolically plays the role of a border, a barrier between captivity in the dark port and the regained Freedom as you surge forward—crossing it this time from underneath—toward the unknown of the Atlantic Ocean, toward Adventure! Every new crossing is an adventure because you never know what twists of fate await.

This bridge plays a fortunate or unfortunate role in both cases. Whether entering or leaving the port, you must pass beneath it. It’s like a barrier that opens for cargo ships and every vessel that crosses it.

But this photo also tells the personal story of the photographer, who witnesses the mystery of departure before a long two-week journey between the vastness of the Ocean and the expanse of the celestial vault.

Photo number 3 is far from being my favorite among my bridge photos. But I chose it because it also tells a double story.

First, the harsh condition of women in India, especially in the countryside. We’re in Orchha, in the state of Madhya Pradesh. The day is ending, it’s sunset. These women are hurrying to get home. They need to light the fire, prepare the meal, take care of the children... While the husbands, brothers, sons, and cousins are still laughing and having a good time with friends at the end of January 1st. For them, no January 1st—at least not at this hour, not in this photo. You can feel the urgency in their steps as they rush to get home as quickly as possible...

This photo also reminds me of that period of exceptional cold, just as exceptional as the heat we’re experiencing this summer. The temperature dropped below -10°, -12° every night. Across Rajasthan, people were picking up the dead—from the cold—every morning in the streets.

Photo 2: Pamban Bridge (Tamil Nadu, India) View of the Pamban road bridge from the window of a moving train on the parallel railway bridge. The Pamban bridges connect Rameshwaram Island to the Indian peninsula. Photo taken in the summer of 2018.

Photo 3: Dadhichi Rushi Bridge (Ahmedabad, India)

Photo of the urban Dadhichi Rushi Bridge in Ahmedabad, crossing the Sabarmati River, which is very dry during the scorching summer season, forcing washermen to work in the middle of its bed. The photo was taken from the Mahatma Gandhi Ashram this April 2026.

Thanks to everyone for your photos—it’s gonna be tough to choose, but it’s time to vote now! 😊

So many bridge images for this theme... tough to choose! But I need the people who cross them. So here’s my pick:

Photo 3 by Marien 33 – 3 points The golden light on the bridge illuminating these Indian women is stunning. The story behind the photo honors these women, burdened with daily labor—a role shared by many rural women across countries.

Photo 2 by Ragaffutin – 2 points A Japanese vine bridge in Tokushima. Local tourists struggle to cross it joyfully despite the rain and likely the wind.

Photo 1 by Envallis – 1 point A rustic Balinese bridge... the woman calmly crossing this narrow, wobbly bamboo bridge in the rice fields is a local—used to the place.

I walked one like this 52 years ago when Bali was just beginning to wake up to tourism... nostalgia, nostalgia...

With this theme and the bridges featured, I’ve taken a trip around the world... thanks to everyone! Carassou

As a nature lover, I rule out anything that leans toward gigantism and is just concrete and steel. I prefer traditional structures and local materials like stone and wood that blend into the landscape. I also eliminate photos where the bridge is barely visible or only a small part is shown.

Even with what’s left, the choice is still tough—I lean more toward stone bridges than simple wooden or vine bridges, which require less work and ingenuity to build and are sometimes just there to entertain tourists.

Photo 1 Attila: Mes Bridge, Albania. 3 points Photo 1 Tylassin: Bridge in Asnières-sur-Vègre. 2 points Photo 1 Valmichel86: Pont Valentré, Cahors. 1 point.

I also really liked: Muriel18 1: Bridge in Bruges Marien33 3: Bridge in India Lulumaé 3: Scaliger Bridge in Verona And Kate 3—her photo, though taken in Spain (Rosas), reminded me of a Fellini film! !😏

Ragamuffin 1 🙂🙂🙂 Envallis 3 🙂🙂 Bluequark 3 🙂 even though the bridge isn’t really the star of the show

Good evening, my votes:

3 points for Gaura – photo 1: Pont Alexandre III, Paris The water level draws the eye to the bridge (and to its function); the sunlight also draws the eye to the bridge (almost miraculously).

2 points for Kate – photo 3: Footbridge in Roses, Spain Bright backlighting; it’s the simplicity that stands out.

1 point for Attila – photo 3: Bridge over a crevasse, Norway A rudimentary bridge; an almost abstract photo that motivates my vote.

Kate photo 1: 3 points

It’s not really my favorite photo among all the beautiful ones we have here, but I love the creativity and the work done both on location and in post-processing. Does it look like a flying saucer? Well, yes, but that’s the magical side of this bridge appearing in the middle of the night. You could lose control of your vehicle seeing it (the bridge) / it (the flying saucer) suddenly emerge in the headlights… And isn’t a flying saucer just a bridge between worlds?

Pagaljavab photo 1: 2 points

Even if it’s not perfect. I would’ve worked on it a bit more in post-processing. I would’ve tweaked the contrast and levels and "dramatized" the sky. In black and white, it would be even more impressive. But I really like this photo because it immediately made me want to rush to Andorra and dash across that bridge, even though I’m extremely afraid of heights. But I love the adrenaline rush.

Muriel18 photo 1: 1 point

I really love the bucolic and relaxing feel of this photo, its summery, sunny, vacation vibe—even though we’re in Belgium, a country I’ll most likely never visit…

I loved Gaura’s photos, especially number 1, which reminds me of Nicolas de Staël’s paintings. As well as Valmichel86’s photo 2, which brought to mind the famous bridge in Calcutta, and also Bluequark’s amazing shot in Kraków (photo 3). And finally, a special mention for Pagal’s photo 3, which I also really like for that beautiful foreground space, though I would’ve removed the poles on the right side of the photo.

Hi,

Here’s my vote: 🙂🙂🙂 Gaura, photo 1 (Paris) 🙂🙂 Bluequark, photo 3 (Kraków) 🙂 Tylassin, photo 2 (Takamatsu)

Hello

My favorites this month: 🙂🙂🙂 Lulumae 1 Porto. A magnificent structure, a magical moment with the crowd watching the sunset you can just sense. 🙂🙂 Fabhyene 2 San Francisco. Not the most original bridge, but it’s so majestic—I loved the framing of the photo. 🙂 Gaura 3 Florence. The contrast between a (nearly) luminous Ponte Vecchio and the threatening clouds.

And as a bonus, Attila’s photo from Norway. I didn’t vote for it because of a scale issue: is it 3 planks up close or a bridge from far away? 😕

Hi, Here’s how I’m allocating my points:

3 points for LuluMae’s photo 1 2 points for Noirenvoyage’s photo 2 1 point for Marien33’s photo 2

Hello As for me: 3 points - Mariel33-2 (call of the wild) 2 points - Attila-3 (Norway) 1 point - Bluequark-3 (Poland) See you soon

Hello,

Gaura photo 1: 3 points Ragamuffin photo 1: 2 points Lulumae photo 3: 1 point

Here’s my vote: Gaura photo #1 (Paris): 🙂🙂🙂 Kate photo #3 (Spain): 🙂🙂 Attila photo #3 (Norway): 🙂

As always, it was a tough choice. I also really liked Tylassin 3, Fabhyène 2, Valmichel 3, Bluequark 3, Raga 1 and 3, Noirenvoyage 2, Lulumae 1, and Marien 1... that’s a lot! 😉

Lucky for us Rouquine33’s photos aren’t in the running—otherwise I’d be voting for three of hers! My votes: Attila photo 1 🙂 🙂 🙂 That well-photographed Albanian bridge makes me want to visit the country Ragamuffin photo 1🙂 🙂 Great framing of an intriguing bridge—how do you even pass under those massive stones? The Wikipedia link gave me the answer. Tylassin photo 2 🙂 I don’t think I’d dare cross that one

I also loved Lulumae’s Verona bridge (I need to see it in person), Marien33’s Indian bridge—though too much artificial vignetting for my taste—and Envalis’s Balinese bridge with those women carrying evening offerings... I can almost hear the gamelan music 😉.

Here’s my vote:

Valmichel86 photo 1 – 3 points Bluequark photo 2 – 2 points Noirenvoyage photo 3 – 1 point

Hello,

Montagnard 1 - Sydney: 3 points Ragamuffin 2 - Shikoku: 2 points LuluMae 1 - Porto: 1 point

Hi Isabelle

Here’s my vote, along with a few explanations 😛

Gaura, photo 1, 3 points I hesitated a bit because the bridge isn’t the main subject. But it’s highlighted by a spectacular light that gives the whole scene a dramatic yet fascinating atmosphere. It feels like a fleeting moment captured at just the right time... (I would’ve edited out those black poles sticking out of the water )

Valmichel86, photo 1, 2 points I really love the composition of the image and the balance with the reflections. The photo is super sharp and highlights the texture of the stone. The reflections are beautiful, but it’s too bad they’re disrupted by the black and red buoys.

Attila, photo 3, 1 point The most original image in the contest—the brown and blue colors are harmonious and draw the eye, and the wood/ice textures complement each other. A different framing or a more pronounced depth of field would’ve clarified the subject even more. On the other hand, the graphic effect alone works well.

I also liked Gaura’s photo 2 (lovely sky), Ragamuffin’s photo 1 (so exotic), Bluequark’s photo 1 (I thought it was of real people ), Marien’s photo 3 (without the vignetting that closes the image too much), and... all four of Rouquine’s! I would’ve voted for the Millau Viaduct despite living in a region where that kind of shot is everywhere 😉

Thanks for organizing this, and kudos for your patience! Sometimes, silence is the best option.

My vote for this month:

3 points : Attila – Photo 3 – Bridge Over Crevasse (Norway) My favorite. I love the clean, graphic style. The bridge cutting the crevasse in two is amazing.

2 points : Ragamuffin – Photo 1 – Anping Bridge A beautiful showcase of this bridge. The person in the foreground really adds to the image—I personally would’ve removed the one in the distance. The chosen format is, in my opinion, the most suitable; it helps hide the city in the background as much as possible.

1 point - Kate – Photo 1 – The Blue Bridge in Agde I really like the minimalist feel—just the lit bridge and the light trails of cars passing underneath. As mentioned in the discussion, I would’ve gone for a 16:9 ratio to reduce the black space around it.

Hi there!

My votes:

3 points for photo No. 2 by Tylasin: a rope bridge on Shikoku Island (Japan).

It’s not the same bridge as the one I suggested in my second photo. There must be other bridges like this on the island and maybe elsewhere in Japan.

2 points for the Ponte Vecchio in Florence (Tuscany, Italy) in photo No. 2 by Gaura. What a beautiful bridge—such charm! Compared to Bath’s (England) Pulteney Bridge, it’s not even worth a farthing (local humor for those who know the place).

1 point for photo No. 2 by Pagaljavab and "the Pamban Bridges" in Rameswaram (Tamil Nadu, India). How many bridges are there now—2 or 3? The old railway line Pagaljavab traveled with his camera in 2018 has since given way to a brand-new structure on its right as of April 2025. But this is India, where things never go quite as planned... See Pamban Bridge.

Happy voting, everyone!

Hello, Not a no-brainer this month!

3 bridges: Raga_1 (China). A nearly thousand-year-old roadway that must have stories to tell. 2 bridges: Attila_3 (Norway). Boldness, not just in design. 1 bridge: Envallis_1 (Bali). Bucolic and luminous. A photo that evokes emotion. 😉

But also:

3 spans, even though it has only one arch, for LuluMae_1’s double Portuguese bridge. 2 piers for Kate_3’s Spanish footbridge—though, if I couldn’t edit the photo, I’d have trimmed the bush on the left before shooting. And is the sky dramatic enough? 😇 1 pylon for Noirenvoyage_2 (Vietnam). Spectacular!

More to come, but I’m running out of words.

And a thousand cables to Isabelle for building bridges in the discussion. 🙂

Sorry, don’t really have time to elaborate on my vote since I’m traveling in La Gomera (trying to write a travel journal almost live), but here it is:

Attila 3, Norway: my favorite from the start! Kate 3, Spain: stunning scene, very cinematic! Marien 2, Montoir bridge: dramatic black and white!

There’d be lots of special mentions, but I’ll highlight Bluequark 1—still love their photographic style so much!

Hi everyone,

Here are the results of July’s contest.

Out of 53 photos posted this month, 26 received at least one point, which shows a great diversity. But it also shows that voters can have very different—and all valid—criteria for their choices.

The results were really close:

1st place: Gaura - photo 1 - Alexandre III Bridge in Paris – 15 points



2nd place: Attila – Photo 3 – Bridge over a crevasse in Norway – 13 points



3rd place: Ragamuffin – Photo 1 – Anping Bridge – 12 points



Congratulations to the three of you.

Noëlle, it’s your turn to organize August’s photo contest.

Thanks to everyone for participating.

Now that the results are out, I’ve taken the time to comment on a few of the submitted photos (there were too many to give feedback on all of them). Of course, this is just my subjective opinion, so don’t take my comments too much to heart.

Montagnard74 – Photo 1 – Harbour Bridge (Sydney): It’s all there, I really like it. The boat in front is a bit too prominent, but if it had been behind, the Opera House would have been hidden. I would’ve straightened the horizon line a bit, removed the white poles on the left, and boosted the contrast in the sky—it’s amazing.

Attila – Photo 1 – Ottoman Bridge (Albania): Great composition—the bridge cuts diagonally across the photo, and the cherry on top is the person on it. Too bad there’s a human presence in the background that slightly ruins the shot.

Attila – Photo 2 – Footbridge at Mont Saint-Michel: Top-notch composition—the footbridge leads the eye to the Mont, there’s a person on it, and the 16:9 format works perfectly here.

Kate – Photo 3 – Footbridge in Roses: I love this minimalist style. I would’ve gone even further by removing the people on the footbridge and the tree on the left, leaving just the bike. The panoramic framing works really well, and the black-and-blue bichromatic tones are fantastic.

Valmichel86 – Photo 1 – Pont Valentré in Cahors: Nice composition—it would’ve deserved a slightly wider frame to capture the full reflection. Like Kate, I would’ve removed the buoys.

Gaura – Photo 1 – Pont Alexandre in Paris: Beautiful photo—a moody sky like I love, with light illuminating the buildings. For this month’s theme, the bridge isn’t highlighted enough because it’s overshadowed by the buildings behind and hidden by the barges in front. I would’ve tried to remove the lamppost in the foreground—it bothers me a bit.

Gaura – Photo 2 – Ponte Vecchio in Florence: I love it—just like the first photo, a moody sky, the bridge lit up, and the stone railing leading the eye toward it.

Xrctn – Photo 3 – Under Pemberton Bridge (Australia): Very graphic, I really like it. Too bad the sun creates a white spot in the top-right corner. I think the trees add something to the photo’s readability.

Bluequark – Photo 3 – Kraków: Very graphic photo. Since I don’t know this bridge, I’m not sure if there’s a better angle to minimize the buildings in the background. I love the sky—I would’ve boosted the contrast a bit more.

Noirenvoyage – Photo 2 – Dragon Bridge in Da Nang: The blue and yellow always work so well together. The bridge is well highlighted despite the buildings in the background. I would’ve framed it in 16:9 to crop out the sky and water, which don’t add much.

LuluMae – Photo 3 – Scaliger Bridge in Verona: The stormy sky really makes the bridge stand out. Since the eye reads left to right, I might’ve tried shooting from the other side—if possible, of course.

Marien33 – Photo 1 – Footbridge in Payyanur: Yes, black and white works really well here, especially with such a busy background. But I would’ve increased the contrast to make the footbridge stand out even more. Personally, I would’ve chosen a 4:3 format and placed the footbridge pylon on a power line.

Marien33 – Photo 3 – Bridge in Orchha (India): Stunning photo of these women carrying wood. Beautiful lighting on the bridge. I also think the vignetting is too strong. The fact that there are four people on the bridge bothers me a bit—the last one is out of sync with the other three. I would’ve tried to take the shot with just the three or waited until the last one was alone… but maybe you have those photos? Generally, when there are people or animals, an odd number works best (1, 3, max 5). Of course, not when you’re photographing a couple or when the subjects *are* the people.

Congrats to Noëlle for this win, and see you all soon for next month’s contest!

Thanks Isabelle. Photo critiques are a great way to improve.

Well done Gaura! I gave my 3 points to this photo. Now we need to find a theme. Preferably one that hasn’t been suggested before 😏

Yes, finding a new theme would be great, but a lot have already been suggested since 2010. The main thing is to have a theme that can bring together as many photos as possible 😊.

I'm so flattered and surprised to have won the contest with a photo of the Pont Alexandre III almost swallowed by the Seine, recognizable mainly by its four columns and their gilded statues highlighted by a beautiful late-winter afternoon light. I'm really at a loss for choosing a theme, especially since my house is full of kids and grandkids who don’t leave me any time to dig through my photos to illustrate said theme6+36+36+36+36+36+36+36+3. Oh, and I also have a kitten among my boarders—he just walked across the numeric keyboard!😉 Thanks, Kate, for posting the old themes—I’ll pick one from there!😛

Yes, finding a new theme would be great, but many have already been suggested since 2010. The main thing is to have a theme that can bring together as many photos as possible 😊.

Anyway, it was a success with the bridges 😁

A podium that deserves flowers: can you spot the gaura in the chaos of my exhausted Breton garden? Okay, the background is messy, but if I (re)touch the Virginia creeper, I’m dead. 😇

6+36+36+36+36+36+36+36+3. I also have a kitten among my lodgers—he just walked across the numeric keypad🤪😉

And of course, he wandered off before finding the solution... 😮

To wrap up the discussion, I had hesitated between the winning photo of Pont Alexandre III and this one, closer to the bridge, with equally exceptional lighting.

To wrap up the discussion, I had hesitated between the photo of Pont Alexandre III that won and this one, closer to the bridge, with equally exceptional lighting.



Oh yes, I much prefer this one—the bridge is really well highlighted! 👍

Thanks Isabelle for your feedback, and congrats to Gaura. Sorry I couldn’t vote—I’ve been offline for a month.