Virtual Meeting, Set Subject Pdi Competition - Tuesday 9th February 2021.

        
             1st. Hydrant in the Rain.                       2nd. Molten.                  3rd. Chrome Bottles & Mirrors.

On Tuesday 9th February 2021, Morpeth Camera Club met virtually to welcome Stephen Fowler, a photographic
judge from Ryton and District Camera Club, who commented upon and announced the results of the Colour Set
Subject PDI competition on the theme of 'Metal'. Stephen opened the evening by saying that his criteria for this
competition was that Metal should shout out from the image and also added that he was hoping that the authors
had been able to go out to take photographs with the subject in mind rather than sorting through their archives
to find something to fit the brief.

Amongst the fifty three entries were images of oxidised metal, rusted boiler plates, studies in multi- coloured
corrosion, brass pistons, sprockets, cogs, old chains, cables grills and pipe work. Welded fabrications of The
Great War soldier Tommy, the Knife Angel and Emily Davison, followed by The Kelpies and Robin of Pegswood
were among the statuary submitted. Gleaming motor bike and car engines, pristine steam engine detail, a still
life study of metal leaves, medals, spare change, keys, Victorian village pumps, and a chain chandelier followed.
Scenes of modern architecture in reflected steel and glass contrasted with the depiction of a more grubby side
of industry and engineering. The judge went on to announce his highly commended choices; A Glint of Chrome by
Paul Appleby for its pictorial detail, La Pepa Bridge, Cadiz by Stephanie Robson which had captured the symmetry
and shape of the structure, and Homage to Stevedores also by Paul Appleby for its depiction of strength and power.

Then to his top five images, he gave fifth place to Peter Hetherington with Shiny Alloys; pristine alloys placed to
create a pattern picture of light and shadow which the judge liked for its simple, almost monochrome quality. In
fourth place was Davy Bolam with Washing Machine Interior; an abstract which the judge said was creative with
wonderful pattern symmetry which was very cleverly executed. In third place was John Willmore with Chrome
Bottles and Mirrors; repeated reflections which created an illusion. The judge said that it was creative and cleverly
done and provided a different take on the subject of metal. Second place was awarded to Brian Morris for Molten;
the judge said it was a lovely depiction of an artisan pouring molten liquid into a mould. He said that the lighting
was perfect, it had lovely textures of pouring metal and the lighting on the face gave the image an extra dimension.

The judge went on to announce the winner of the Set Subject Colour competition to be John Willmore with Hydrant
in the Rain. This image was his favourite from the start adding that it was a super rendition of reflections and water
on chrome, its detail and lighting together with a dramatic black background, made this a powerful image of a chunk
of metal. In conclusion Stephen said that he loved the creativity quality in many of the entries, a creativity which had
made them stand out. He was also very impressed by the abstract technique of the entries; images which relied upon
the imagination of the viewer, he said, which made one question the origins of the subject. Club Chairman thanked
him for his considered and constructive comments.

Steph.