"I have seen the future, and it works."

Lincoln Steffens (1866 - 1936)

January's image provides an apt introduction to the year ahead, focusing on the energy and potential of the human mind. The chosen quotation suggests a lifetime of experiences and stored philosophies to be given to mankind as a guide to future knkowledge.

"Thank heavens, the sun has gone in, and I don't have to go out and enjoy it."

Logan Pearsall Smith (1865 - 1946)

February's image demonstrates the brooding potential of a nocturnal predator, the Eagle Owl. The focal point for the shot is the creature's large, luminescent eye, glowing with calculated self-assurance. The intricacies of the predator's plumage reflect the marvel of a creature whose beauty is wasted on the night, but which must await sunset to fulfil its natural function.

"The road is hard to climb, but glory gives me strength."

Sextus Aurelius, Propertius (fl. 50 B.C.)

The third image illustrates the energy and determination of a floor gymnast forcing herself through a body-punishing fitness routine on the hard road to competition success. The final pose places emphasis on the graceful poetry of human endeavour.

"They are all gone into the world of light! And I alone sit lingering here."

Henry Vaughan (1622 - 1695)

April's message is the loneliness of survival in the wild. On a sheer cliff edge a ragged bird's nest clings to the rock with a tenuous grasp. contained within its embrace are three eggs, two of which have hatched, their shells discarded. The third remains unhatched and exposed to the vicious coastal elements now that it's companions have flown - into the light.

"Sun - treader, life and light be thine forever!."

Robert Browning (1812 - 1889)

Human determination and courage feature powerfully in the image for May. Our "Sun-treader" is a feminine but muscular girl clinging fly-like to the dizzying heights of a sheer rock wall. This airborne athlete approaches her vocation with fashionable elegance, defying the insidious clutches of gravity's overwhelming force.

"The light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not."

John

June expresses a contrast between the opposing forces of light and darkness. Both exist side by side but are in immortal conflict with each other. The image depicts the enormity of darkness, but the ultimate power of light to prevail.

"I mean by a picture a beautiful, romantic dream of something that never was, never will be - in a light better than any lights that ever shone."

Sir Edward Burne-Jones (1833 - 1898)

With the onset of summer, July's image emphasises feelings of joy with bright colours and oure light, to create a dream of utopia; something practically unobtainable but constantly striven for. The dove is the universal symbol of peace and hope, two things which every civilised person craves.

"My strength is as the strength of ten, because my heart is pure."

Lord Alfred Tennyson (1809 - 1892)

The eighth month epitomises potential energy and strength by combining a masculine figure with machinery of immense capability. But although muscular and powerful, the man's expression hints at an inner peace, contrasting with his external appearance.

"Nature and Nuture's laws lay hid in night: God said, Let Newton be! and all was light."

Alexander Pope (1688 - 1744)
Epitaph for Sir Isaac Newton

September's image illustrates the force of gravity and the effects that it has. Witnessed by all but understood by none, until Isaac Newton rationalised the phenomenon, the finished shot captures the energy released by gravity at the precise moment of impact.

"No Spring, nor Summer Beauty hath such grace, as I have seen in one Autumnal face."

John Donne (c.1571 - 1631)

October's image personifies Autumn in human form, as though mother nature were showing herself. The depth of colour at this time of year is expressed through the glowing, radiant face of a girl amidst a carpet of leaves, reflecting the beauty and grace of nature.

"Turn up the lights, I don't want to go home in the dark."

Henry, O. (1862 - 1910)

As the year draws to a close, the light begins to fade, leaving artificial light sources to make their impression. November's subject therefore, expresses the perception of nightfall through the eyes of an innocent child. The darkness, noise and flashing lights all interact to heighten her anxiety, but the secure confines of her parent's car and the comfort of her threadbare companion provide peace of mind against the encroaching night.

"At length the man perceives it die away, and fade into the light of common day."

William Wordsworth (1770 - 1850)

The year is at an end, but December is also the gateway to the year ahead. Similarly, the picture portrays the end of a life - a solitary plant has survived in a desperate environment, extracting all the moisture it can from the earth, but it's existence is threatened by the severity of it's surroundings. New life, and a new year await over the horizon.

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