Darrell Oakden DPAGB EFIAP BPE5*, the judge for our second Print Competition started by telling us we should just enjoy our photography and if a judge likes it, it’s just a bonus. He isn’t fussy about titles and thinks judges are blind in one eye and can’t see out of the other!
There were 15 prints in the Colour General section. Darrell took his time to examine them and, in the end, he chose Keith Mulliner’s professional studio portrait as the winner. He thought the skilful lighting made the picture giving it texture and creating an atmosphere. He also enjoyed the lady’s pose and colour pallet. Another portrait, by Ray Hill came equal second. Ray coaxed a growl out of ‘Mr Nasty’ to give him the picture he wanted and it had character and impact. Peter Robinson’s panned ‘Top Speed’ motor biker also scored 19. Peter’s equestrian horse jumper ‘Focused Rider’ scored 18 and Darrell thought it was well timed with the horse in the right position. Wallace Baxter’s canoeist ‘Struggling Sadie Sterry’ also scored 18. Darrel liked the action, water and thought it was well cropped.
The Mono section Peter Robinson filled the first three spots. His ‘Victorian Printer’ took top spot when Darrel thought the environmental portrait had atmosphere and told a story. Peter’s ‘Muddy Rugby’ of four lady rugby players competing for the ball, scored 19. While his ‘Young Girl Singer’ scored 18 due to its plain background and strong expression. Another of Keith Mulliner’s portraits, ‘Miss Evalana James’ scored 18 and Darrell liked the hair detail and the lady’s pose.
There were 15 prints in the high-quality Nature section. Ray Hill’s study of a rare ‘Water Rail Foraging’ scored 20. Darrel enjoyed the fine detail and colourful tones of the bird as it searched the ground. Keith Mulliner’s ‘Gannet landing with Nesting Material’ scored 19. Darrell thought Keith had done well to capture the bird in flight showing it to its best. It had a good shape and was carrying the material. Wallace Baxter’s Red Grouse’ also scored 19. Darrell liked the background, colours and thought the raindrops gave the images some atmosphere. Kath Hill’s ‘Courting Grebes’ scored 18. It captured the moment, was symmetrical and the birds eyes were a focal point. Keith Mulliner’s ‘Little Egret’ also scored 18. Taken in low light meant the highlight detail was retained.
All of those images can be seen in the slideshow above. All the results can be seen in our Results page.