³ÉÈËÂÛ̳

Five photographers from Birmingham and the Black Country are among the eight finalists in the Big Picture competition. Their photos are in contention to be chosen to be constructed as the world's biggest photo mosaic.

Find out more about the finalists and their photos...

Camera Phone by Stephen O’Loughlin

Stephen O’Loughlin, 23, from Tyseley submitted an image from his photography portfolio. The photo was taken on Stephen’s new SLR (Single Lens Reflex) camera to demonstrate depth of field for his colleg. Stephen works as a Grants Officer for the Big Lottery Fund and has also been getting professional photography experience working with the Birmingham Mail Newspaper e project.

Commenting on the photo, Stephen said:

“I asked my friends George and Vic who work with me at the Big Lottery fund if they would mind if I practised using my new SLR camera on them at lunch one day so I could get some shots for college. I managed to get a few people to pop out in the end, and although, we got a few strange looks we had a laugh taking the pictures.

Boxer by Lucy Moore

Boxer - Lucy Moore

Lucy Moore, 17 from Tipton submitted a portrait of her grandfather to the Big Picture. The photo was taken in 1926 and is a portrait of Arthur James Bunce at the age of 17, when he was an amateur boxer. Arthur, who had fourteen children, died in 1987 at the age of 78, but the photo has continued to be an inspiration to Lucy and her family.

Lucy said:

"I didn’t get to meet my Granddad, but the picture is cherished by all of us and my brother, Michael, even has it tattooed across his back.

"My grandparents were very much at the centre of our family. Since my Nan died a couple of year’s ago it’s caused the family to drift apart as some of us have moved further away. I hope that if the photo does become the face of The Big Picture it will help to bring us closer together again."

Markets by Liz Combellack

Markets by Liz Combellack

Liz Combellack took her photo on a recent trip to Birmingham’s famous markets. Liz, who lives in Erdington has just finished a course at Sutton Coldfield College in ‘Digital Photography and Photo Manipulation’ and works as a welfare support office for the University of Birmingham, in Edgbaston.

Liz said:

"My partner and I visit the markets at least once a week to buy all our fruit and vegetables, and like to have a good root around the clothes and material stalls. ‘My life in Birmingham – Born and Bred’ was the topic for my final portfolio at college, it covered a wide range of shots which were representative of areas in my life. I feel Birmingham is a city full of culture and history and this shot is a representation of the diversity we see today."

Japanese Lover by April Boyd

Japanese Lover by April Boyd

April Boyd, originally from Whidby Island near Seattle sent in this Japanese inspired photo. Now living in Sutton Coldfield, the photo is of April in her garden pictured in her favourite kimono with her Japanese Shiba Inu dog; Cassey.

Commenting on the photo, April said:

"I have had a lifelong passion for all things Japanese, I think it is quite unusual for Western women to be seen wearing a kimono but I love them. This one is very special to me as it was sent to me by a friend in London. Although, my husband, doesn’t share my love for Japanese culture we both love our dog Cassey very much!"

Neighbours by Lydia

Neighbours by Lydia

Lydia, 19, from Moseley has the chromosomal disorder; Down’s syndrome. Her mother, Annie, submitted this photo of their neighbours Willy and Ethel Turner on Lydia’s behalf to the Big Picture.

Lydia is very snappy happy and has her own digital camera which allows her to take hundreds of pictures of anything of interest to her, particularly her surroundings.

Commenting on the photo, Lydia’s Mum, Annie said:

"Lydia’s favourite topics of photography include; her bedroom, the garden, family members, and the neighbours of course! Anything that is familiar or important to her."

The mosaic will be constructed throughout the region in August and then unveiledÌý on Saturday 23 August outside Thinktank in Birmingham. For more information go to www.inthebigpicture.co.uk