The first competition of the year took place on 17th October. The judge was Richard Sharman ARPS, from Steyning Camera Club. One of Richard’s specialities is wildlife. He started off with an explanation of what he was looking for in a good image – something different which makes him ‘feel’ the image or creates an atmosphere.
Richard chose his favourite images and then a number of Highly Commended and Commended images. He was particularly impressed by the variety and quality of the entries.
Judge’s favourite images of the evening:
The judge’s favourites were:
- Prints: “Summer Dawn” by Alex Swyer, showing sunrise over a field of wheat, gently moving with the wind. The judge enjoyed the simplicity, the soft tones and the track leading the eye into the distance.
- PDI: “Both in Love with Him” by Janet Brown – a very well composed image of a young couple, in which the characters of both come across strongly – he projects a feeling of arrogance and she, almost, desperation.
A further 2 prints were Highly Commended and 3 Commended and 4 PDIs were Highly Commended were 5 Commended.
Printed Images:
- Highly Commended: “Old Harry Rocks” by Alex Swyer – a beautifully crafted landscape image, showing the texture of the rocks and, using a long exposure, the smooth surface of the sea.
- Highly Commended: “Greenwich Village Girl” by Chris West – a very accomplished piece of storytelling, street photography, with a lovely colour balance between the foreground, background and subject.
- Commended: “Azaleas” by Daisy Kane – which the judge said jumped out at him; the background being very sympathetic to the foreground. The photographer carefully considered the composition.
- Commended: “Tranquility” by Liz Barber – the judge loved the very tranquil feel, the simplicity and the simple colour pallet – beautiful.
- Commended: “Taransay from Seilebost” by Martin Tomes – a very beautiful and skilfully taken landscape image, which the judge liked very much.
In total there were 14 prints, too many to comment on all in detail but the judge was complimentary about all of them, especially the quality of the printing.
Projected Images (PDIs)
- Highly Commended: “Midnight visitor – wild Tawny Owl” by Nigel Cherry – a stunning image an owl in flight, at night, with prey, showing great animal behaviour.
- Highly Commended: “Going for walk” by Alex Swyer – clearly tells the story of a lonely walk along a beach, with a threatening sky and wind blowing through the sand dunes.
- Highly Commended: “Neglected and abandoned” by Liz Barber – a B&W image with lots of atmosphere and showing an abandoned boat on the shore. Well seen and well taken.
- Highly Commended: “Such Sorrowful Eyes” by Nicky Hall – a very expressive image of a young lady having a coffee in a pavement café.
- Commended: “Corfe Castle before the storm” by David Seddon – a moody image showing an approaching stormy sky but with the sun still shining on Corfe castle, highlighting the detailed construction.
- Commended: “Sunset, Lake Buttermere” by David Seddon – a nice sunset shining on the hillside with beautiful reflections in the lake and lovely trees along the bank.
- Commended: “Oh! Heck!” by George Reekie - interesting expressions on the faces of ladies playing rugby – one looking terrified as a charging opponent approaches.
- Commended: “Gravel Trap Experience” by George Reekie – an action shot, showing a motor cycle racer in mid-air after being thrown off his motor cycle.
- Commended: “Splashdown imminent” by Martin Tomes – an action shot, showing a surfer about to tumble into the water.
In total there were 28 projected images; too many to describe them all in detail. The judge was complimentary about all of them and mentioned the large variety of genres and styles.
With the judge’s tasks completed, Chris West gave a vote of thanks, bringing an enjoyable evening to a conclusion.