Chairman for the evening Paul Hayward warmly welcomed Rob deRuiter our judge with an open competition for prints and set subject of “Speed” for projected images. After saying how pleased he was to return to Storrington and some early banter, Bob described us as a “lively bunch”, who would want to argue with that I wonder?
Prints were first out with 28 in total, of which 6 reached the top range of marks earned by just 4 exhibitors, so quite an achievement, well done to Anne Nagle, Di Walker, Chris West and Ray Foxlee.
Anne’s “Kestrel Calling” was awarded 20 and nominated print of the night, amid stiff competition. Initially referring to this as ”a bird on a stick”, Rob went on to commend the photographer for choosing monochrome, which beautifully complimented the bird’s detailed feathering with the grain on a tree trunk where it had landed, set off well by the square format chosen. Close inspection showed the spectacular clarity of the picture.
Di’s “Worker honey bee” was given a well earned 20 and closely challenged for print of the night. Rob heaped much praise with regard to super sharpness, choice of depth of field, the diagonal setting and nicely blurred background, to quote “a wonderful capture”.
Chris entered “Stavross” meriting another 20, quite different but well praised for its observation of this man in a local Greek setting. The contrast with an interesting background and sharpness throughout was commended. The hand holding a cigarette was seen by Rob as an important point of interest. All round an interesting enjoyable picture.
Chris was still in the frame with “Godrevy Lighthouse”, which Rob awarded 19, with much praise with regards to creation of atmosphere through excellent use of tonal range, especially for the sky with the lighthouse well placed on the thirds.
Rob did not enjoy the use of a wide dark border.
Ray Foxlee came into his own with 19 for “Waiting for the 9:24”. Rob commented on the degree of observation and the simplicity of this picture well suited to black and white, which was well composed and framed with a good tonal range. Well done Ray for “breaking into the pack!”.
Di Walker’s “Dandelion” was given 18, Rob commenting that this was a popular subject giving many opportunities and challenges. He enjoyed the square format chosen, the excellent clarity and beauty of the shot, enhanced by the inclusion of a stem.
Moving on to PI’s with the set subject “Speed”, Rob explained his thinking with regards to judging this subject, remarking that there needed to be a sense of movement and progress. After some 20 slides, Microsoft took charge when Windows Update decided that it was time for a 40 minute restart, so the remaining slides would be sent to Rob who would mark and return them, judging alongside those held back so far.
Wheelie by Janet Brown, Rob commented that the sense of movement had obviously been achieved using special effects and manipulation and that this was acceptable given the competition. The result was interesting and effective.
Heavy Right foot Chris West,Rob liked the choice of monochrome, the blurring of the wheels and the background of the racetrack.
Racing to the finish Daisy Kane,Rob was enthusiastic about the obvious degree of movement felt by the horse power, a real feel of speed with nothing in focus, yet good colour and space for the horses.
Three 18s were awarded out of the 20 shown.
Mad dash Ray Foxlee,Quite abstract and the double images due to speed were good. An unusual picture taken from the view of the driver, which gave a real sense of speed and movement.
Pedal faster Alex Swyer, This gave a sense of speed because of the blurring in the bicycle wheels and the obvious contrast between fast cars and a sedate old fashioned pedal cycle.
Loneliness of a long distance runner David Seddon,Rob felt that this runner gave a sense of “motoring” as fast as he could and the blurring of the background enhanced that sense.