This competition allowed members the freedom to express their creative side, and that they did! The society had advised that the 3 images would be critiqued as a whole, but how the images are mounted is not part of the critique. This was done with a view of not being too restrictive in the methods to be used to display the images.
What a smashing evening for our new Competition, the ‘Set of Three’ Award, a Single Round Competition for Printed Images, submitted in the form of a ‘Panel or Set’ with the competition open to all members for a new trophy kindly donated to the Society by a former founding member and past President John Moore.
On what appeared to be one of our biggest attendances of the year so far, there were 24 ‘Sets’ of images for our guest Judge, Anne Ruffell APRS, DPAGB, to assess and pass comment on, with the experience gained during many competitions she has entered over the years.
Our judge was very complimentary of the standard of our entries and said that, in her opinion, the way that the images were presented was important and that the “members had excelled themselves in their presentation ideas”. She went on to say “that she preferred the less regimental side of this, rather than some of the competitions she had entered.” (Those would usually be in 3 off, 50 x 40cm mounts).
Overall, I think the evening was a great success for the society, and the feedback from our members has been very positive. But as with all competitions, congratulations must go to the winning set by Helen Otton LRPS, for her dreamy scene titled ‘Impression of Marloes’, and to all the other photographers who had images placed or commended.
One image set that did leave Anne a little speechless was a set titled Morning, Noon & Night by Michael White. An image vastly different to all the other entries with its very painterly effect.
Please follow the link to our competition page and scroll to the bottom for a full display of the winning images. Competition Winners 2023 – Bishop’s Waltham Photographic Society (bishopswalthamphotosociety.co.uk)
Personally, I would like to congratulate all the members for submitting their work, which produced outstanding sets of images for our competition.
But I want to share part of an email we have received.
“I just wanted to say that I thought last night’s comp. was very successful and enjoyable and a worthy effort for this inaugural trophy. I think it will become one of the most popular society events.
I felt there was a different atmosphere in the room, than with our usual comps, as it was far more relaxed and with much more chatter. I got the impression that everyone there, irrespective of how their images were placed, also enjoyed it.
It was a great idea to be less restrictive with the presentation, and perhaps that is what created the buzz in the room, as we were all so interested to see and discuss members’ interpretations. I am still in awe at Pete’s intricate mount, but Helen’s stunning entry was the stand-out winner.
Anne was an excellent judge and, despite her nerves (I would never have guessed), did an excellent job. I think her relaxed, yet measured appraisals added to the atmosphere.
As always, many thanks to the Committee for the hard work and congratulations on such a successful night.
Kind regards,
Mary G.
Thank you Mary for your comments.
Kev Melsome
Competition Secretary & Vice Chair