Club Meeting, 1st Open Pdi Competition - Tuesday 8th October 2024.
Morpeth Camera Club hold a series of competitions for members to enter their photographic images and receive
feedback and constructive critique from a recognised judge. On Tuesday 8th October 2024, Alan Wilson ARPS,
AFIAP, a member of Whickham Photographic Club, accepted the challenge to judge their first Open Competition
of the season.
Among the images entered were well-composed triptychs of trains and of flowers, moody monochrome landscapes
and abandoned farmsteads. Slow shutter speed images of waterfalls and streams, sunsets and moonrises, creative
flips and abstract impressions. Detailed close-up shots of flowers, playful pets, colourful wildfowl, and imposing art
works.
Commenting on each entry, Alan advised when appropriate, on composition, saturation, front-to-back sharpness
and depth of field. Local scenes reminded us that we do not have to travel far to find good images and that looking
for a different viewpoint can yield unexpected results.
Alan stated that while he enjoyed open competitions and the thrill of reviewing club members' submissions, the
diverse range of subjects among the sixty-three images posed a considerable challenge. This forced him to make
some tough decisions in selecting the award winners, emphasizing that his choices were solely based on his own
opinions at the time.
Four images were selected as Highly Commended, Tenacity by Dave Birch, a study of a drainpipe, wall and weed,
simplistic but balanced with complimentary colours. Sculpted by the Tide by Davy Bolam, an image that drew you
in with its feel, shapes and texture, leaving no clue to its scale. Rust on Blue by Peter Downs, a very minimalist
composition with good use of colour. Sunlit Blossom by Paul Appleby, a well-crafted and executed artistic impression.
Alan then announced his Top Five images in reverse order, in Fifth place was Dragonfly in Flight by Glyn Trueman,
a stunning capture of a moving insect with no distractions. Fourth place went to Last Light from the Scar by Brian
Morris, a timeless landscape with great depth leading you through the image. In Third place, Destination Unknown
by Dave Birch, an atmospheric seascape image with good use of space. Second place was Joules Britannia by Paul
Kidd, a studio image of a female figure that was well captured yet surrounded by movement. In First place was
Juvenile Stonechat Darting at Insect by Paul Appleby, a unique natural history moment that captured a bird in
flight looking for food.
1st. Juvenile Stonechat Darting at... 2nd. Joules Britannia. 3rd. Destination Unknown.
Club Chairman Peter Downs then expressed gratitude to Alan for his insightful critique of all the entries. He also
acknowledged Alan's ability to uncover the hidden stories behind some of the images through his interactions with
the audience throughout the evening.
Davy.
feedback and constructive critique from a recognised judge. On Tuesday 8th October 2024, Alan Wilson ARPS,
AFIAP, a member of Whickham Photographic Club, accepted the challenge to judge their first Open Competition
of the season.
Among the images entered were well-composed triptychs of trains and of flowers, moody monochrome landscapes
and abandoned farmsteads. Slow shutter speed images of waterfalls and streams, sunsets and moonrises, creative
flips and abstract impressions. Detailed close-up shots of flowers, playful pets, colourful wildfowl, and imposing art
works.
Commenting on each entry, Alan advised when appropriate, on composition, saturation, front-to-back sharpness
and depth of field. Local scenes reminded us that we do not have to travel far to find good images and that looking
for a different viewpoint can yield unexpected results.
Alan stated that while he enjoyed open competitions and the thrill of reviewing club members' submissions, the
diverse range of subjects among the sixty-three images posed a considerable challenge. This forced him to make
some tough decisions in selecting the award winners, emphasizing that his choices were solely based on his own
opinions at the time.
Four images were selected as Highly Commended, Tenacity by Dave Birch, a study of a drainpipe, wall and weed,
simplistic but balanced with complimentary colours. Sculpted by the Tide by Davy Bolam, an image that drew you
in with its feel, shapes and texture, leaving no clue to its scale. Rust on Blue by Peter Downs, a very minimalist
composition with good use of colour. Sunlit Blossom by Paul Appleby, a well-crafted and executed artistic impression.
Alan then announced his Top Five images in reverse order, in Fifth place was Dragonfly in Flight by Glyn Trueman,
a stunning capture of a moving insect with no distractions. Fourth place went to Last Light from the Scar by Brian
Morris, a timeless landscape with great depth leading you through the image. In Third place, Destination Unknown
by Dave Birch, an atmospheric seascape image with good use of space. Second place was Joules Britannia by Paul
Kidd, a studio image of a female figure that was well captured yet surrounded by movement. In First place was
Juvenile Stonechat Darting at Insect by Paul Appleby, a unique natural history moment that captured a bird in
flight looking for food.
1st. Juvenile Stonechat Darting at... 2nd. Joules Britannia. 3rd. Destination Unknown.
Club Chairman Peter Downs then expressed gratitude to Alan for his insightful critique of all the entries. He also
acknowledged Alan's ability to uncover the hidden stories behind some of the images through his interactions with
the audience throughout the evening.
Davy.