Success for Jeremy in Morpeth Camera Club competition

Dave, who is a member of Saltburn Photographic Society, opened the evening by saying how much he had enjoyed going through the images.

Crown green bowlers, pink brambles and soft focused bluebells, autumnal scenes, characters at a classic car event, sand patterns, a stylised tall ship prow, pastel seascapes, birds of prey, monochrome portraits, harbour sunsets, castle ruins and still life poppies were included in the entries.

The judge offered advice along the way; from choosing the appropriate points of view and the positioning of the subject in the frame to suggestions on cropping. He recommended that abstract images should be impactful and images presented in monochrome should have a nice range of tones.

Also included were images of Herdwick sheep grazing, reflections in chrome, pattern pictures of modern architecture, a vibrant multi-layered fairground scene at night and stunning wildlife.

As with all open competitions, a wide variety of subject matter was entered – not only to give the photographers freedom from set subject restraints, but also to have the opportunity to demonstrate one’s own particular style of photography.

There were so many good images in the competition that the judge said he wished that he could choose more to receive a Highly Commended award, but narrowed it down to four as requested.

His Highly Commended images followed with Flying Heron by Glyn Trueman for its plumage, eye detail and great depth of field.

A triptych entitled Just Rust by Davy Bolam was chosen for its vibrant colours which, he said, ‘punched one between the eyes’.

Of Old Wrecks by Mark Harrison, the judge said it had great composition and sharp lead-in lines. Also by Mark, Thortergill Force, a waterfall in monochrome, the judge said that he had used a long exposure to great effect.

In fifth place was John Barnes with The Fire Eater, chosen for its detail and flames which made it impactful. Fourth place was awarded to Paul Appleby with White Ibis for its feather detail, soft light and sense of animation.

Davy Bolam was awarded third place with Ebb and Flow of the Tide, which the judge admired for its successful use of intentional camera movement and its stunning pastel shades, creating light and mood.

Second place was given to Graham Sorrie with Grey Breasted Mountain Toucan. He said that Graham had selected an excellent depth of field setting, caught the catch light in the eye and the vignetting invited the viewer to concentrate on the bird itself.

The judge then went on to announce that the winner of the first Open Pdi was Gloucester Cloister Triptych by Jeremy Cooper. An image depicting different aspects of the Cloister, which the judge said was impactful – the author had captured stunning light, intricate ceiling patterns and had placed the images to create a continuation of the theme.

Club chairman Peter Downs thanked the judge for his constructive comments, after which refreshments were served.