Photographic competition

THE annual digital image knockout competition took place at the meeting of Sileby Photographic Society held on Monday, February 3.

Eight members took part in the challenge and they brought along with them their entries for scrutiny under the critical eye of this year’s guest judge, Vin Scothern, DPAGB, AFIAP, EFIAP/b, BPE5*, an experienced photographer in his own right.

Entrants provided three images of their choice for each round and were either eliminated or progressed to the next round according to the marks awarded to a maximum of 20 points per image.

Vin provided in-depth and constructive comments supporting his awarded points. A variety of subjects were selected for display, with particular emphasis on natural history and wildlife, as well as stunning landscapes, and were presented in either monochrome or colour. As such, judging was by no means a walk in the park.

Colin Machin, Mike Belson, Alun Williams, Richard Storier, Gianpiero Ferrari, Bob Andrews, Pete Smith and Kevin Blood contested the first round, and lots were drawn as to who would play whom. On that basis, each selected three images which they hoped would over-trump their competing partner’s choice.

Whilst points awarded were relatively close, Mike, Kevin, Richard and Gianpiero progressed to the next round, effectively the semi-final, with each selecting a further three images from their portfolios.

Kevin’s score of 56 and Gianpiero’s 59, out of a possible 60, were sufficient to enable progression to the final and, with both being award-winning natural history and wildlife photographers, competition between the two was always going to be tough.

Saving their best until last, each of their images was superb and stunning to view, thus presenting Vin with an almost impossible task of declaring a winner.

With that being his remit, however, he eventually awarded Gianpiero perfect scores for each of his three projected images and, whilst Kevin only dropped one point overall for his selection, this meant that, by a whisker, Gianpiero was declared this year’s winner of the competition.

In summing up, John Hoogerwerf, vice president, acknowledged that the competition had thrown up a feast of excellent images which had resulted in a very enjoyable evening for all.

He thanked Vin for a job well done, and for applying considerable thought and constructive comments for each image. Thanks were also given to Colin Machin and Mandy Sherrington for their hard work in co-ordinating the competition which, in itself, was easier said than done.

The next meeting will be held on Monday, February 17, when visiting lecturer, Dave Fieldhouse, will present digital images under the title “From Fell to Footpath”.

As usual, visitors and prospective new members are always welcome to attend the meetings which commence at 7.45pm for 8pm and are held at the Sileby Community Centre.

Further information about the Society’s activities is available from its website, www.slebyps.org.uk