East Sutherland photographers put to the test with curves challenge
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East Sutherland Camera Club’s November competition had curves as its subject, writes club secretary Andy Kirby.
This time the judge was Owen Cochrane, president of Inverness Camera Club and a Scottish Photographic Federation appointed judge.
His opening remarks were very pertinent to any themed competition. He said the focus of the image should be the set subject. The viewer’s eye should be drawn to the subject and not confused by other objects that are distracting.
Sound advice for any photographer – think about what the intent of your photograph is before pressing the shutter button.
Owen’s appraisal of the more than 60 images submitted by club members was detailed, informative and thorough. Members were left with many things to think about when composing and processing their own images as well as with their competition submissions.
New member Willie Skinner from Dornoch came first in the colour section with his elevated shot of Cromer Pier. The judge commented on the excellent composition and use of symmetry as well as the separation of the pier from the horizon and nice cloud detail.
Second was Martin Ross, Golspie, with Wine Glasses. The overall colour, soft lighting and compositional balance was commended.
Third-placed was another new member, Jayne Gutteridge from Golspie, with her striking image of a shell. The black reflective surface and background worked well and the whites and yellows of the shell were complemented by focus which softened with distance.
In fourth place was Tangle by Martin Ross. This demonstrated good placement in the frame, good exposure and an interesting design with strong colours. Martin explained that he had used a silver shower hose and applied the colours in Photoshop afterwards!
Turning to the monochrome section after a well earned tea break, Owen explained that in assessing monochrome images he always posed the question: why has the image been produced as a mono? Is it to emphasise lines and structure; remove distracting colours; or just because you needed a mono image?
He had no doubt, in awarding first place to Louise Mackay, Brora, for her image On Gossamer Wing, that it worked superbly well as a monochrome image. The butterfly was well placed with great soft focus behind. Arguably it would also have worked to have cropped in closer but seeing the insect in its surroundings was good.
David Baker from Migdale came second with Slinky – Remember me? What better image to reflect the subject of curves! The image had good lighting throughout showing a good tonal range against a black background.
Third-placed was club secretary Andy Kirby with more curves than could be counted in Kings Cross. Owen commented that the conversion to black and white was excellent and the image suited such a conversion.
In fourth place was Blowing in the Wind by Martin Ross. He had selected a wonderful line in the sand with a shutter speed that caught the blowing sand. This contrasted well with the curves of the dark grass.
For more details about the club see www.eastsutherlandcc.org.uk and where the winning competition images can be seen.
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