Photographic competition

ROUND one of the annual quarterly competition took place at the meeting of Sileby Photographic Society held on Monday, February 24.

As the title suggests, the competition takes place over four rounds throughout the year, and covers all categories, monochrome and colour prints, and projected images.

The rules of the competition allow for a maximum of three exhibits in each category per entrant and, in view of the large number of entries on the evening, visiting judge, Jim Hartje, ARPS, EFIAP, APAGB, DPAGB, BPE5* needed to keep his eye on the ball and focus when fulfilling his duties. Each individual exhibit was judged on its own merits and marks awarded accordingly to a maximum of 20 points.

With the subject matter of each being that of the entrant’s own choice, and presented in either monochrome or colour, it followed that a wide range of topics was entered; therefore Jim had to draw on his own photographic expertise to undertake his task.

After a full and interesting evening, and with presentation completed, Jim’s awarded marks for each enabled the winners in each category to be identified as follows, with first place being awarded the maximum 20 points.

Judging of the monochrome print section resulted in Mandy Sherrington’s “Storm Approaching Clevedon Pier” being awarded 20 points, and thus first place.

Joint second place with 19 points went to Patrick Crowhurst and John Hoogerwerf for their entries, “Krieg & Kunst” and “Happiness is a Pint and a Steam Engine” respectively.

Three entries in the colour print section were each awarded the perfect score of 20. Pete Smith, Kevin Blood and Colin Machin took the honours with “Pair of Pyramidal Orchids”, “Common Buzzard Calling” and “Wanaka Tree” respectively.

Not far behind on 19 points were two entries by Richard Storier, “Valgar Island” and “Funningur”, and Kevin Blood’s entry, “Female Sparrowhawk Displaying”.

A similar format followed for the digital image category. Gianpiero Ferrari’s entries “Somali Bee Eater” and “Leopard Resting on Tree” achieved the maximum 20 points, as did Kevin Blood’s entry “Northern Long Tailed Tit”. Chasing on their heels, Patrick Crowhurst and Kevin achieved a creditable 19 points for “Olympic Preparation” and “Common Buzzard on Straw Bale” respectively.

The marks achieved in round one will subsequently be added to those awarded in round two which will be held at a later date.

Thanks were given by John Hoogerwerf for Jim’s excellent judging which had offered constructive and thoughtful comments resulting in an entertaining and interesting evening.

The next meeting will be held on Monday, March 9, when members will help themselves to an evening away from photography and pit their throwing skills against each other in a game of skittles held at a local hostelry.

The usual Monday evening meeting takes place the week after that at Sileby Community Centre, and visitors and prospective new members are always welcome to attend the meetings which commence at 7.45pm for 8pm.

Further information can be obtained from the society’s website, www.silebyps.org. uk