These days folk rarely take the time to print their photographs. In a world of Facebook, Instagram and Twitter the digital image is king. Sharing our photographs is so quick and easy, not to mention cheap! However, there is still an enormous amount of pleasure to be had from reproducing a great photograph on good old-fashioned paper.
There is an art and a certain amount of science to getting a picture physically reproduced and mounted. That was the challenge Irvine Camera Club set to its members this month’s competitions… Monochrome Prints and Colour Prints.
The club had an excellent response from old and new members alike, which is remarkable because it does indeed take a fair amount of time, effort and money to put together a competition entry of up to 3 Mono and 3 Colour prints.
Our judge for the evening was award winning photographer Mary Gibson. Mary is renowned for her superb nature images as well as for her love of horses and motorbikes! She is also one of the most analytical judges on the circuit, with a forensic eye for photographic detail. It’s not all pixel peeping with Mary though, oh no, she also has an unerring ability to get to the heart of an image and to understand the emotional aspects. This coupled with her warm and friendly approach to critiquing made for a very special competition evening.
In the Monochrome section Clive Watkins was given 3rd place for his New York City candid image “Walking the Dog” which Mary applauded for being amusing and also telling a story. In second place Ian Mortimer’s “It’s a Hard Game” was praised for its great lighting and texture; truly a face that tells a thousand stories. Ian romped home in the mono print section with 1st place for his dynamic “Highland Ponies in Snow” which Mary particularly liked for the detail and movement in the flowing manes. One she would happily have on her wall.
After the light and shade of the monochrome prints Mary moved onto the colour print section. Clive Watkins again took 3rd place with his bright and colourful hot air balloon image, “Magic”. Mary really enjoyed the primary colours and the simplicity of the shapes as well as the burner being caught in full flame. In second place was Agnes Dalziel with her atmospheric photograph “Reuben” which was praised for its natural approach and excellent composition. The winner in the colour section was club stalwart, Alan Kempster with his moody photograph “Hafen City”. Mary enjoyed the painterly feel of the photograph caused by the reflection in the water. The time of day has been just right and every time you look at the image you find something new but your eye is always drawn back to the central building and the steps leading up from the water. A worthy winner indeed.
Many other fine prints were commended by Mary on the night showing that members of Irvine Camera Club are constantly improving and successfully challenging themselves and their photography.
As usual Irvine Camera Club extend a warm welcome to anyone with an interest in photography. If you would like to be a part of friendly and vibrant club then please come along to our annual Christmas party (BYOB!) on Wednesday 19th December at Townend Community Centre, Dreghorn. We then have a break of a couple of weeks over the festive period before starting in earnest again in the New Year. Merry Christmas everyone!
