April winner: Peter Carney from Cowbridge, South Wales. Peter used a Nikon D70s camera.

"Taken in Seoul, Mokdong just near my apartment from a balcony overlooking a little courtyard. It was taken on April 1. Even in Korea we get April showers."

Peter wins a Canon camera and a place on a photography course (see www.wordsandpix.co.uk).

Doug McKinlay says: this picture grabbed me instantly. It's a simple image but very powerful - a great example of less is more. The photographer has been very imaginative in his quest to catch the essence of spring. Good, clean graphic lines combined with the overhead viewpoint are what give this image it's strength. And there isn't a flowering tulip or daffodil in sight. Good work Peter.

Highly commended: view another of Peter's photographs and six highly commended entries with commentary by Doug McKinlay

Find out how to enter May's city-themed competition

March winners

February winners

In addition to the competition, if you would like to be considered for publication in Amateur corner, please send 10-12 images (maximum 200kb each) of one country or destination to travelpictures@timesonline.co.uk.