Virtual Meeting, 1st Open Pdi Competition - Tuesday 3rd November 2020.

                
          1st. Coronavirus Bridesmaid.           2nd. Not Safe to go any Further.             3rd. The Sage at Night.

On Tuesday 3rd November 2020, Morpeth Camera Club held a virtual meeting to find out the results of images entered
into the clubs’ 1st Open Projected Digital Image (PDI) Competition, which was judged by Keith Suddaby FRPS, MPAGB,
EFIAP, FBPE. Keith, who lives in Morpeth, is an Honorary Member of Southport Camera club and for many years he has
been a much respected photographer and a well-known judge in the photography world.

Members were invited to enter up to three images on any subject, and looked forward to hearing Keith’s comments. An
open competition gives club members freedom from the restraints of a set subject and the chance to showcase their own
individual styles.

Fifty seven images were submitted, with a wide variety of subject matter which included line patterned, abstract modern
architecture which contrasted with Victorian Cragside in its wooded grounds, wild and calm seascapes, a dreamy soft floral
still life contrasting with a sharp image of water droplets on a leaf. An impressionist version of the Morpeth Clock tower, an
abstract impactful walkway with shadows, a spiral staircase leading up to a circular dome, and diagonal rusted iron railings
were among the graphic and artistic entries. An old donkey, a steam engine with driver, windblown skeletal trees, an ancient
stone bridge, a dune cottage, a vibrant sunflower, a triptych of protestors and moorland sheep reflected the diversity of the
entries.

Occasionally Keith pointed out the need to avoid background distractions and offered advice on cropping and saturation.
‘Simple is strong’ he said, adding that above all, ‘be yourselves in photography’.

Keith then went on to announce his Highly Commended images; Young Jay, by Karin Jackson, of a delightful fluffy bird
which the judge said was a good interpretation; Noctilucent Comet by Steve McDonald, a view from Bamburgh fog horn
lighthouse with the comet in the night sky, which ‘had an uncanny attraction; Spot the Ball by Stephanie Robson, two dogs
racing for a ball which was behind them, for its humour and Flower by Glyn Trueman, a flower with multi coloured petals,
unusual Keith said, but it works.

Fifth place was awarded to John Barnes with City Life; a monochrome night-time scene looking into a brightly lit restaurant
which Keith described as great street photography. In fourth place was Sue Dawson with Toffee Factory; vibrantly coloured
and textured, the judge said that an ordinary shot had been transformed into a work of art. John Barnes was also awarded
third place in the competition for The Sage at Night; a sharp night image of the Sage in moonlight, which was admired for
its careful cropping. In second place was Pat Wood with Not Safe to go any Further, a simple image, Keith said, of an old
wooden staircase, leading to an eerie light source, He said it conveyed danger adding that he felt tempted to climb the
stairs himself.

Keith then announced the winner of the 1st Open Projected Digital Image competition to be Glyn Truman with Coronavirus
Bridesmaid. An image of a lovely little masked bridesmaid and in the back ground wedding guests also wearing masks; he
said that it had been well treated with great depth of field and perfectly captured the unusual 2020; A ‘Now’ image which
says a million things. Sue Dawson, Joint Vice-Chair, thanked Keith for his comments and advice, pointing out aspects of
images which could be focussed upon.

Steph.