We had a strong entry of 70 photographs for our first PDI competition of our brand new season.Judge Nick Berentzen CPAGB, BPE3* gave us a well balanced critique that will help us to improve our photography. It was good to see some members who don’t normally enter submit some work.
Club stallard, Wallace Baxter took the honours in the General section with his well timed shot of a gymnast on the beam called ‘Concentrating’. The title was certain apt and Nick loved the lady’s expression and supporting background. Stephen Coyne had a good night, scoring 2, 19s for his composite ‘Ferns’ and a cultured portrait called ‘Cow Girl’. Two very different images showing Stephen’s variety of skills. Stephen also scored 18 for his artic landscape ‘Icy Evening’. Keith Mulliner also scored 18 for his studio photograph of a dancing ballerina, and Peter Robinson was awarded 18 for his action lady football photo ‘Challenge for the ball’.
In the Mono section Paul Hill was rewarded for facing a crowd of protesters with 20 marks for his captivating ‘Protester’. Nick enjoyed the strong eye contact and determined expression of the lady protester. Nick added the image had a narrative and impact. Wallace Baxter came second for his exciting sport photo ‘It’s a dirty game’ of muddy lady rugby players. It showed their characters and has good action. Stephen Coyne scored 19 for his portrait ‘On the lookout’ of a pirate re-enactor with a serious expression. Ian Whiston entered a rare portrait called ‘Becky’, and it gained him 18 marks. Nick thought it was well taken and spotted. Paul Hill’s artist ‘The Missing Rail’ was awarded 18. The slow shutter speed blurred the crashing waves against the static railings. A well spotted photograph that may would have missed. Stephen was in the top scores again with 18 marks for his ‘Zebras’. Nick liked the symmetry and close framing of the strong mono photograph.
In the Nature section, Ian Whiston carried on where he finished last season by winning the competition. Nick thought his’ Cheetah Walking with Tommie Catch’ was a beautiful images with tasteful lighting and was well framed. The blurred backdrop helped the lead character stand out. Paul Hill took the second spot with his panned photo of a ‘Eurasian Marsh Harrier’ in flight. It not an easy photo to take and Paul got it spot on. Keith Mulliner was also awarded 19 for his delightful image of a ‘Little Owl in log’. Nick liked the way that the log framed the owl and found it artistic. Another of Ian’s Africa’s offerings scored 18 for his ‘Spotted Hyena Offering Food’. Nick thought the low viewpoint made the beast more impressive and stand out from the background. Ray Hill was also awarded 18 marks for his detailed study of ‘Courting Grebes’. Nick enjoyed its natural light and colour pallet.
All the results can be seen in our Results page.