Our fifth competition of the 2022-23 season took place on 13 April 2023 and was judged by Paul Graber ARPS, from Guildford Photographic Society. Paul was a welcome visitor who has judged for us before.
This was a set subject competition: ‘Abstract or Experimental’ for prints and ‘People’ for projected images. Paul explained what he would be looking for in these set subjects.
Abstract / Experimental: is there an air of mystery and do I have to think hard about what the image is?
People: do the people in the picture tell a story, can I see something of their character? I will be looking for something other than just a good portrait.
Throughout, Paul gave copious feedback which was helpful to all and made for a very enjoyable evening. He was particularly impressed by the quality of the printing.
Judge’s favourite images of the evening
As always at Storrington, the standard was high. The judge’s favourites were:
- Prints: “Homeward bound” by Liz Barber – this image could easily be a painting. The colours are lovely and the formation of birds making their way home works well. It appears to be several images very skilfully blended together.
- PDI: “The argument!” by Nigel Cherry – showing four people involved in an argument, all showing personality, character and emotion. A good story line with lots to capture the viewer’s interest.
Highly Commended
A further 9 images were Highly Commended; 4 prints and 5 PDIs.
Printed Images
- “Botanical” by Alex Swyer – showing lots of mystery, lots to enjoy, with lovely colours and not a hint as to how it has been achieved.
- “Recession” by Dean Sephton – taken with a pinhole camera, there is nothing to indicate what it is, although the sweeping curves, limited tonal range and textured paper make for an interesting image.
- “Tulips” by Sean Sephton – clearly a lot of effort has gone into this image. The abstract nature, the colour palette and the paper all work well together.
- “Phantom Tangmere chocolate sprinkle dive bomber” – clearly a well carried out experimental image, with lots of atmosphere, deep blacks and swirling clouds.
In total there were 16 printed images; too many to describe them all in detail. The judge was complimentary about all entries.
Projected Images (PDIs)
“Grannies fun day out!” by Nigel Cherry – Captures the atmosphere well, though the grannies don’t look to be having much fun! An excellent grab shot – the faces tell a good story.
- “No you don’t” by George Reekie – A B&W image of a rugby game. The faces of the people are very expressive and tell a good story.
- “Being watched” by George Reekie – A lovely picture of a lady walking past a piece of street art – together they tell a good story and the colours are very attractive.
- “The only way is up” by Dean Sephton – A very well composed image showing a busker outside ‘Poundland’ – the character of the busker shows through despite her sunglasses.
- “Styling it out” by Chris West – A workman and photographer who have clearly dressed down – the expression on their faces tells a story. Well spotted and composed.
In total there were 32 projected images; too many to describe all in detail. The judge was complimentary about all entries.
With the judge’s tasks completed, Janet Brown gave a vote of thanks, bringing an enjoyable evening to a conclusion.