June 14th meeting – Annual Exhibition Judging

We were privileged to welcome along Erica Oram CPAGB AFIAP BPE2 as our judge for this year’s annual exhibition judging.   She came with along pedigree of judging and lecturing at national level so well qualified to give constructive critique to the images on display.   After the usual notices, Ian Stanyon introduced Erica to the members present, a decent turn out, after which Erica launched into offering advice and support to each and every image on display.   The standard of photography at Castleton and Hope Valley PS is definitely on the up and this could be seen by the positive comments being passed by Erica.

The first half of the evening was devoted to the General category, in which 34 images were presented.   The standard of image taking in the general section is of a high standard and this could be seen by the number of awards being given within the class.   There was an eclectic mix of subjects and styles with the winning image ‘A Ray of Light’ coming from Wayne Hallam. Second and third placed images came from Roger Moore and Ian Ord with a further 5 commendations.

 

Following the usual tea and biscuits, and thanks need to go to the hard working kitchen team for feeding and watering us ready for the second half of the evening.   We were treated to a range o photographs in the themed category ‘Song title’; again there was a rare mix of styles and many interpretations of the subject.   The standard of image taking again was high and it is very encouraging to see as many entries in this class as in the general category.   After her deliberations, Erica announced the winner of the Song Title category as Ian Stanyon with his self portrait image ‘I’d rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy’.   Second and third place images came from Janis Ibbotson and Ian Stanyon in addition to a further 5 commendations.

With such a high standard of photography on display Erica had to also decide on the best monochrome photograph and best colour photograph.   The proud winner of the Denis Thorpe trophy went to Ian Stanyon for his ‘….Frontal lobotomy‘ black and white photo and the Catherine Cup was awarded to Wayne Hallam for his ‘You’ve lost that loving feeling’ colour image.

Congratulations should go to all the award winning members and also to every member who submitted an image with the standard of photography continuing to get better each year.   We now look forward to next year’s challenge which will be announced soon.

 

Not only thanks should go to Erica for her thoughtful insight but also to Ann Smith and Alan Darlington for their help assisting Erica handling images and recording results, Ray Fowler and Alan Hinchcliffe for taking photos and to Wayne Hallam for his review of the proceedings at the end of the evening.

 

Just as a reminder, the photographs from the exhibition will be on display at Hope Church between Saturdays 23rd to 30th June.   We are looking for volunteer hosts to show members of the public around.   If you have a space couple of hours please let Ann Smith know; if not please do support the exhibition by bring along your friends and family to see the very best of CHVPS members photographs.