I was on the beach early in the morning and a powerful southerly wind began to blow – lifting the sand high into the air and buffeting the palm trees. These trees are carefully tended and manicured, and even though they are on the beach, they have their own water supply. They can withstand the harsh sand, the harsh sun, the arid conditions and the powerful winds. They towered over a couple of walkers, battling to progress in the windstorm. The photo was converted to black and white in Corel Painter.

Highly Commended - Black & White