As with previous competitions I have judged for the club, I make a slight apology for my approach, which might seem a little harsh to some! I have a firm belief that a direct approach provides the best incentive for improvement, so I deliver my opinions with a firm but fair attitude. After all, there’s no point in telling someone that their picture is better than it is, as this might remove the desire to make it as ‘better’ as it could be.
So, the comments I have applied to this competition follow the above principle and no-one should take offence at them – none is ever intended!
Regarding the theme of ‘All Alone’ – I felt that a lot of the images on display may well have been archive shots contrived to fit the theme by cropping, etc., rather than being designed for the theme at the point of taking. I hope that entrants will look upon my comments in this matter with some purpose: does a picture of a single person doing something in a close-cropped frame really imply loneliness? I would argue not. Therefore, the winners here are those which demonstrate a high degree of loneliness, having composed their shots to expose individuals (humans, animals and insects) to the magnitude of their surroundings, which emphasises their fragility and loneliness. I would entreat all photographers faced with a themed competition to inspect their efforts carefully and ask the questions of themselves “does this picture fit the theme?” “can there be any doubt as to what I am portraying? And answer honestly!
I have enjoyed judging this set of work and I look forward to our next contact.
1st - Martyn Duggan - Lone Sailor
2nd - Sue Griffin - Just The One
3rd - Lin Wyles - The Long Trek
HC - Peter Wyles- Alone in Thought
C - Peter Wyles - Desert Walker