Chairman for the evening Paul Hayward, welcomed Paul O’Toole fromWorthing on a return visit as our judge for the evening. Paul presented as a judge with an easy going manner, humour and discernment with comments from which we could all learn and enjoy our photography. He was appreciative of those photographers who had gone out on a limb to try new ideas and techniques. Paul commented that the marks that he gave would reward such efforts. He was very free with his tips on digital improvements.
Twenty four prints were entered from 12 members and the marks reflected the high standard of work and print that was on offer, notably 14 of the 24 entries obtained 18-20, well done.
Two prints obtained top marks of twenty, “Worm’s head sunset” by Martin Tomes received much praise, given the subject was so often exhibited and seen as easy, but this print was outstanding with its technical quality and wonderful palette of colours, well done Martin.
The second twenty “Regal Lines” by Anne Nagle, quite different, but just as impressive with the power of observation and technical ability quite outstanding. The colour range was limited, with ripples and reflection so well handled, all aspects were pin sharp. A challenge for any judge, but after much deliberation Paul nominated this the top print of the night, congratulations to Anne amid really stiff competition.
Five 19s were awarded, three of which were wildlife subjects, Kevin Hayward “Sushi for breakfast”, an impressive photo of osprey and catch, technically difficult but well handled, Di Walker “Hummingbird moth”, again a difficult subject handled with skill. “Small blue butterflies mating” by Derek Grieve, the amazing quality that we have come to expect. The judge commented that it was well seen and taken and the inclusion of the surrounding foliage was important to set the scene. Congratulations to all three photographers, who Paul said in another competition could have all been twenties. The final two19s were very different, well observed and well taken. Janet’s “Matador” was first up and immediately held back, a good start to the evening. The judge pondered the wisdom of centrally placing the subject, enjoyed the good separation from the back ground and the good detail, Peter Pictall’s “Stairs and rails” impressed with a good observation of the setting and juxtaposition of the objects with good light.
Congratulations to all 5 photographers for making the judge’s task so challenging.
A total of seven 18s were given, all of whom were seen as a high standard, Liz Barber and Norman Kirby both were awarded 18 for both of their entries, they pleased the judge for the effort to try new ideas and approach to subjects.
After refreshments and the opportunity to observe the prints close up, the evening continued with the 30 projected images from 14 members of which 15 entries gained 18-20 scores.
Three twenties were awarded, firstly to Kevin Harwood “On a mission” a very good study of an otter, face on to the camera, which impressed with its clarity and well chosen depth of field, well done Kevin good to see you challenging at the top.
The next two twenties were awarded to Liz Barber for a beautifully executed and presented “Pink Tulip”, showing a cut through of the tulip with fine detail, the judge felt the white border was too wide for the subject, but nevertheless appreciated the skill of the photographer.
Then Liz beat her own “Pink tulip” to produce the “Projected image of the night” with “Into the abyss” a very well executed image of a landscape in subtle colours and pleasing because of the well chosen use of negative space. The whole picture was simple and minimalistic, whilst stirring the imagination, a well deserved round of applause for Liz.
5 photographs were awarded very well deserved 19, Peter Pictall with “Strelitzia”, well photographed with good contrast, David Seddon “Man in the red hat”, drew very positive comments about the selection chosen and the use of the hat to frame the face, Martin Tomes with “We do not approve” a challenging statue, where the light and aperture had been well handled, Janet Brown “Going underground”, the judge appreciated the skill needed for this photograph and the shadowy figure which made the scene, last but not least Kevin Harwood “The breakfast chase”, a lovely image with well exposed soft light. Well done to you all for your stunning entries.
A further 7 photographers scored 18, projectionist Alex Swyer for “A good Perch”, a handsome bird making good use of a wheelbarrow, Chris West gaining 18 for both his images, “Someone to watch over me” engendering discussion about identifying the chosen background and waiting for someone to walk into it, the judge enjoyed the lay out and pose, then “Stork among the wildflowers” was a striking image, a good environment and good planning, but perhaps too many wildflowers in the foreground. David Sneddon’s “Fashion in Soho” was well seen and well taken leading to some speculation about the setting. Peter Picthall’s “Door knobs” brought back good memories for the judge, who commented that this was a good pattern shot. Two wildlife shots were given 18, Anne Nagle’s “White butterfly” a good shot with a need for some attention to light in the image and Derek Grieve’s “Mating broad-bodied chasers” well focussed with a good angle and excellent and lovely said the judge. Congratulations to all these members who continued the high standard for the evening which raises the bar for future competitions.