Annual photo competition

THE Annual Competition between members of Sileby Photographic Society took place on Monday, January 6, when visiting judge, David Gibbins, ARPS, APAGB, had his work cut out when deciding the winning entries submitted for each of the competition categories.

David provided constructive and comprehensive comments for each of the exhibits in the various categories, monochrome and colour prints and digital images and, with such a wide and diverse range of subjects together with a high volume of entries, judging was no easy task.

In the Monochrome Print section, Mandy Sherrington swept aside all opposition when she was awarded first, second and third places with “Fish for Sale”, “Guggenheim Bilbao”, and ”Boulders at Moeraki” respectively.

John Hoogerwerf’s entries of “2 Pints of Lager” and “Steam Tractor” each received the accolade of highly commended, with Bob Andrews’ entries “Clouds Above the Farm” and “Vestrahorn” both achieving a commended award.

On to the Colour Print section, the honours this time fell to Gianpiero Ferrari who achieved first and third places with “Marsh Fritillary on Forget-Me-Not” and “Escalaphius Libelloides” respectively. Kevin Blood split the difference with his entry of “Little Egret Wading” being awarded second place.

Also in the Colour Print section, highly commended classifications were awarded to Richard Storier, Mandy Sherrington and Kevin Blood for their entries “Drangair Sea Stacks”, “First Light Wanaka” and “Male Kingfisher Preening” respectively. Richard Storier, Mandy Sherrington, Kevin Blood and Bob Andrews each received a commended award for “Streymoy”, “Remembering the Dead of World War One”, “Female Sparrowhawk Stretching” and “Ready for the Battle” respectively.

In the Digital Image category, Gianpiero Ferrari once again came up trumps being awarded first and second places with “Green Hairstreak Pair” and “Goldcrest Singing”. He also achieved a commended for “Green-winged Orchid and Cowslip” and “Begging at the Temple”.

Still in the Digital Image category, Mike Belson was awarded third place with “Jay – Punk Style”. Kevin Blood’s entries were well recognised when three of his entries “Twilight Express”, “Quartet of Whooper Swans” and “Little Egret in a Downpour” achieved a highly commended. His entry of “Juvenile Male Sparrowhawk” received a commended award.

All in all, this had been an excellent evening, showcasing the photographic expertise within the Society and David was thanked by Colin Machin for his constructive comments and diligence in fulfilling his judging duties in such an exemplary way.

The next meeting will be held on Monday, January 20, when visiting lecturer, Sue Hutton, LRPS, will entertain with digital images under the title “A Hong Kong Journey”.

Visitors and prospective new members are always welcome to attend the meetings which commence at 7.45pm for 8pm and are held at Sileby Community Centre. Further information about the Society’s activities can be obtained from its website, www.silebyps.org. uk