Photonews - Spring 2020: The Founders Cup Special

Photonews Celebrating the Postal Photographic Club and its Members

Spring 2020 - Founders Cup Results Special

Spring 2020 - FC Results Special 3. FROM THE (ENGLISH) RIVIERA Some words of welcome from your General Secretary

3. EDITORIAL Some opening words from your Editor

4. PRINT RESULTS The full Print section results for the 2020 Founders Cup Competition together with the winners from the Large Print category.

21. PDI RESULTS All the results from the PDI Competition,from the 2020 Founders Cup Competition.

Ellis Martin Cup for the Best Performing Circle in the Print Competition DP CP1 C1 C19 CP2

76 points 38 35 24 17

The Best Performing Circle in the PDI Competition

IC7 IC4 IC11 IC5 IC8 DSO IC1

49 points 45 41 38 24 14 14

ON THE COVER: Catkins by Alan Phillips. A teaser for 20 Questions featuring Alan Phillips in the Summer edition.

Spring 2020: The FC Special From the (English) Riviera

From the Editorial (Hot) Seat

Mission Control, Torquay Welcome to a very special edition of Photonews in which we celebrate the best of the best from our monthly folios over the past twelve months or so - The Founders Cup.

Hello to all from the English Riviera, where, as I write, the rain is (again) coming in horizontally, the Bay is (again) shrouded in mist as a squall passes through and (yet again) the wind is howling around the chimney pots! All of which is, of course, small beer compared to some parts of the country.

But first, Geoff Leah got in contact recently to ask me to give a shout out to ANALOGUE WONDERLAND an online Aladdin’s Cave for those seeking food for their film cameras. I’ve used them myself (six times in the last twelve months it appears) and to quote Geoff “for film users it's a goldmine!“.

Here is what AW themselves have to say: “We are a small family business and we LOVE film photography! Our passion for analogue adventures and the film community is why we started Analogue Wonderland in May 2018, and we aim to: Help make film photography fun and accessible for everyone and support the small film suppliers and projects that are working hard for the future of the industry. We'd like photographers to enjoy browsing our 200+ films, we'd love them to learn from the collective experience of the community, and we want to help the industry become self-sufficient and sustainable. By purchasing your film from us you are helping make all that happen. Thank you and... Happy Shooting!”

So, what better to lift the spirits on another damp and dreary day than the Founder’s Cup Results edition of Photonews? With awarded and commended images selected from those already deemed by their circle worthy of a “sticker”, it has clearly been no easy task for the judges, as their comments suggest, and the quality of work on display is, once again, truly inspiring!

You can find them at https://analoguewonderland.co.uk

Congratulations are due, also, to the members of Circle DP for their huge tally of 76 points to secure the Ellis Martin Cup for the top scoring circle in the Competition.

Thanks to Geoff for getting in touch. If you would like a shout out for your favourite photographic retailer, especially an independent company then please just let me know.

Finally, may I say a big thank you to Simon Rhodes and Graham Harvey for their efficient handling of the administration of this year’s Founder’s Cup Competition and to Dave Whenham for putting together another super edition of Photonews.

Before we get into the main event, a quick look at what is to come in the Summer edition - we’ve Alan Phillips in the 20 Questions hot seat, Bill Stace puts pen to paper for a nostalgic look backwards, we have a surreal encounter in a supermarket, some more gear reviews from David Ridley and of course the ever-present Geoff Leah will be here as he has for every issue I’ve produced.

Roger Roger Edwardes General Secretary PPC

Of course, there’s still room for a few more articles!!

3

Dave

The PRINT Competition Judged by: Steve Dormer CPAGB

A love of art and photography has been a life long passion for Steve. Now retired and living in South Yorkshire he has now the opportunities to practice his craft. A member of Doncaster Camera Club and a judge on the local photographic circuit.

A quick look at his website reveals that he has always admired photography in relation to works of art, travel and the poetic tales that have inspired artists throughout the ages to create beautiful works of art.

“I enjoy story telling in my work using retouching and composite techniques to achieve this in my photography.

Photography and travel are an inspiration to me, and I enjoy sharing those experiences with others through my work. I also spend many hours admiring the work and experiences of other travelers and photographers.” www.photosbystevedormer.co.uk

It is always an honour to be asked to judge photographic competitions, and your ‘Founders Cup Competitions’ was no exception. There was an excellent variety of images in both the technical and artistic nature. From a technical viewpoint the top images were very difficult to separate between them so my final decisions were based on visual impact and artistic merit. I would like to express my thanks to all the authors who made my choices difficult but rewarding.

Steve Dormer CPAGB

4

Vicars’ Close: Rose Atkinson

Founders Cup for the Best Print Certificate for Best Colour Print

JUDGE’S COMMENTS:

The colour genre presented me with the most variety in subject matter. The quality of images was very good and made life for me very difficult in deciding a winner. However, my winning image displayed individuality, a purpose of thought and technical awareness.

I mentioned in my opening comments that the standard of images presented to me was high, so I had to look elsewhere within the images to set one above all the rest. I wanted an image to show inspiration by its story telling features. It had to be different and brave in its execution. I believe my winning image demonstrates all of those qualities.

So, a huge thanks to Rose for her image Vicars’ Close.

5

It’s Only a Game: Roger Edwardes

Certificate for Best Mono Print

JUDGE’S COMMENTS:

I enjoy monochrome images for the basic fact that you are presented with nothing but the image with no colour distractions. My best monochrome image has all the basic requirements. Technically it shows a full range of tones, it has three main elements, and a suitable depth of field. But this is where, not always, the story behind the image comes to the forefront. The looks of determination on the boy’s faces are magical and an example of determination to get where you want to go.

Super well-done Roger

6

Morning is Breaking: Dave Whenham

The Floyd Landscape Trophy

In today’s world of digital imaging I feel the genre of landscape photography to be very challenging. The reason being, and I fall into this category regularly, images are often taken on an inspiration of the scene presented to you at the time. The best landscapes are those that are planned and executed to create atmosphere. This image

by Dave does exactly that. The interpretation of the time of day, the light beam, and the framing all come together in creating a super atmospheric image. The power of light demonstrated perfectly.

JUDGE’S COMMENTS:

Well done Dave

7

Watchimg & Waiting: Ken Ainscow

The Norman Richards Portrait Cup

JUDGE’S COMMENTS:

This image captured my imagination of a seafarer looking out to sea and deep in thought of past adventures. The image is well composed, delightful subtle tones and processing. The choice of the print media suits the image well.

Well done Ken

8

Giant Stick Insect: Roy Maddison

Certificate for Best Natural History Print

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: Fifty years ago, the modern-day image would stand a very good chance of winning a major competition. So, what do we now look for in an image to make it stand out in this world of highquality image? We need to feel a connection with the subject, it has to be - in most cases - incredibly sharp, well composed, no distractions in the background, and every element should be part of the image. This image I feel has all those elements and a worthy winner of the Natural History section.

Well done Roy

9

The Print Competition Certificates of Merit

Market Trader, Hoi An: Jon Allanson

Final Approach: Richard Walliker

Old Timer: Graham Harvey

Posts at Dawn: Dave Whenham 10

Steam Power: Cliff Ferguson

Sunbeams: Pete Toogood

11

RBS Atrium: Reg Haslam

Walls Have Ears, Ceilings Have Eyes: Dale Russell 12

The Hand Off: Richard Bown

Male Bullfinch: Mark Jeffery

13

Flower Flash: Chris Woodcock

Female Sparrowhawk with Kill: Barry Willcock 14

Lifeboats: David James

Arches Panorama: John Kay

15

Hard Attack: Len Downes

Pink Dahlia: Pat Couder 16

Name and Number: Ken Ainscow

Cheryl: Rose Atkinson

17

Magnolia Seed Pod: Ken Ainscow

Red and Yellow Tulip: Pat Couder

Congratulations to all the Award Winners and of course the Certificate of Merit winners too.

18

The LARGE PRINT Competition Judged by: Steve Dormer CPAGB

We Are Watching You: John Kay

Certificate for the Best Large Print

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: After many reviews of all the images, my selection of the top three themselves left me with a difficult choice to make. But we have to have a top place. Congratulations to John with his image ‘We Are Watching You’.

The image immediately connects the viewer to the scene. The scene achieves this by strong leading lines and the placing of the subjects within the framing of the walls. The tones are reminiscent of this part of the world.

Moreover, it captures beliefs and a relationship between the three figures, possibly across generations and stories of the Spanish Revolution that could be passed down to younger generations.

19

The LARGE PRINT Competition Runners-up (Certificates of Merit)

Learning About Water: Jeff Waters

Congratulations to John, Jeff and John.

Boury Abbey: John Histed

20

The PDI Competition Judged by: Keith R. Barber F.I.Sc.T. C.P.A.G.B. L.R.P.S.

I acquired my first camera aged 18 but have been seriously interested in photography since my early twenties, when I was employed in a technical capacity at the University of Salford and had to photograph the research work and resultant specimens and test work I was required to carry out. This taught me the basics and fundamentals of good photography, thus allowing me to apply those same principles as a keen amateur photographer to date. I enjoy my photography with a passion and am never without a camera of some description. I also, enjoy immensely seeing photographs and images by others, whatever the genre. I find this a great source of inspiration.

I have been a member of Swinton and District P.S. for 29 years and have held all committee positions at some point, including President on 4 occasions. Holding such positions, and of course, becoming an L.&C.P.U. accredited judge, enables me I believe, to give something back to photography which has continued to give me so much personal enjoyment and pleasure to date. The moments I treasure dearly have been photographic trips to Africa, The Highlands and Isles of Scotland, Italy i.e.

Venice, the Italian Lakes, Tuscany and Umbria, Andalusia and Switzerland to name a few places that are so special to me.

And of course, other areas of our very own countryside in the U.K. I believe we improve our photography by entering competitions and listening and taking on board, comments made by others about our work. Gaining my LRPS and CPAGB gave me a great deal of pleasure and some assurance that my work is at least of a reasonable standard.

21

The PDI Competition Judged by: Keith R. Barber F.I.Sc.T. C.P.A.G.B. L.R.P.S.

Since becoming a judge, one of the first to be accredited by the L&CPU, I have worked hard to be as good a judge as I can, and I endeavour at all times to give as much constructive critique and positive feedback as possible within time constraints pertaining. I enjoy judging very much indeed and especially, as is often the case, I'm invited to return to clubs and be of service to them again.

I was delighted to be asked to judge the entries (253) for this year’s PDI Founder’s Cup 2020, and many were of an extremely high standard indeed. All of which meant the task was a little difficult, but it was nevertheless, all the more very enjoyable despite that.

I was especially impressed with the excellent high quality of the entries in the Natural History section in particular.

Around 63 in total which accounted for about quarter of all entries if my calculations are correct. There were several in this section that would in my opinion grace any reference book on the depicted species concerned, be they birds’ insects or other. All extremely well captured, detailed, composed and barring one or two exceptions, all shown in good natural looking tonal ranges, the latter of which in my view, is so very important in such genre.

Equally, other category entries also demonstrated great technique, artistry and creativity. Many of the entries conveyed great initial impact on first viewing them. This is a factor I also firmly believe to be a distinct quality, requirement and advantage if an image is to do well in competitions such as this. The Portrait and Landscape sections were equally impressive in their quality with some outstanding Images.

Charged with the responsibility of deciding what were the best images, then obviously by necessity, some entrants will be disappointed their images may not have fared as well as they thought they might have, other’s though will be delighted of course that theirs have done.

My deliberations have been given honestly and in good faith though, but as I said earlier, the standard was excellent and I have enjoyed seeing the images and giving my judgement accordingly.

For that I am truly grateful, thank you.

22

Harvest of the Skies: Harry Wentworth

Certificate for the Best Colour Image Salver for the Best Image Overall

JUDGE’S COMMENTS:

A great idea and very well created amusing image indeed, superbly delivered The total symmetrical lines of the sides of the image leading the eye into the images main content is very good. In addition, so is the attention given to making sure the floor and its chequered pattern is equally geometric throughout an adding to the overall content and dynamic of the image.

The suspended balls hanging as they do from the clouds, with a single ball dropping into the hand of the somewhat bemused bowler hatted gentleman, with his well captured expression, shows great imagination from the worker. It’s technically so well achieved and completed by the addition of the muted motion trail of the ball as it does so. The added shadow behind the gentleman helps well also to add a touch of reality.

Overall a dynamic and very creative image which leaves the viewer equally amused as is intended. All finished off with good composition, exposure, great detail and tonal range to make it my winning choice in the colour

23

Amy: Ann Millen

Certificate for the Best Mono Image

An excellent Monochrome image with good monochrome tones showing intense blacks and equally bright clear whites, which importantly, given the plain light toned background used, that the whites are not burnt out. Indeed, the model’s blonde hair is clearly still visible and does not merge into the background as can sometimes occur with some such images. As Intense as the blacks are though, there is, very importantly, still detail visible in them, so the exposure used is good too.

JUDGE’S COMMENTS:

Overall a compact square format portrait, containing a nice pose with no extraneous distracting background to conflict with the viewer’s focus. The model displays a slightly muted smile and connection in doing so with the photographer, and more importantly, the viewer too. Skin tones and texture are also very good throughout and the eyes, for me so important, are clear and include a little catchlight completing that connection with the viewer. A very good portrait and monochrome image all round and a worthy winner in this category.

24

Foraging Red Ant: Stephen Yates

Best Natural History Image

JUDGE’S COMMENTS:

If one considers effectively the miniscule size of the Red Ant captured in this image, and the overall impact this image has, then it can only be described as superb in my humble opinion.

In my view this is macro photography at its very best given the resultant detail so clearly visible and accurately captured. For this to be achieved then technically everything has to be done absolutely right, including of course focusing, exposure and shutter speed etc.

As a result, the sharpness of the detail we see in the Ant is such that the hairs of its body and legs are very clearly captured in great detail, as are the cells in its eye. So too are the tiny highlighted areas on the red coloured body, head and legs etc. of the insect. The tonal range is good and not only aids to the detail in the Ant but also that of the rock or stone it’s on. The fact that the Ant is foraging or feeding on the crustacean also adds greatly to the image’s overall impact and dynamic all of this combine to make it a worthy winner for me.

25

Marie Antoinette: Harry Wentworth

Salver for the Best Portrait

JUDGE’S COMMENTS:

A very good portrait study of the model dressed in the period costume associated with the historically named and famed lady of the image title. The pose and posture are great, recreating the impression and suggesting an air if indifference one might well expect from someone of the aristocracy concerned during that period. The square format of the image also aids very well to the composition with the model sat bolt upright to the right of the image but her arms unobtrusively leading down to the left of it.

Again, the model’s make up so typical of the period but not overdone for me, is just right and it too adds greatly to the impression wished for and successfully achieved. The detail in the face and the “bouffant” hairstyle, supposedly a wig is again so typical of the period is very good too.

26

Salver for the Best Landscape Image

Sunrise from Fleetwith Pike: Charlie Gott

JUDGE’S COMMENTS:

Full marks to the worker for the effort they must have gone to in capturing this very dramatic and atmospheric sunrise from such a high vantage point in the Lake District.

Given the time of day, and that the lighting in some parts is a little subdued, as is only to be expected. That said, there is still detail emerging from the resultant dark areas, whilst at the same time, the highly lit areas from the sun as it rises in the distance they also importantly retain detail, thus the exposure is well handled.

The viewpoint and perspective the image is taken from is also to be commended, with the so called “letter box” mode used to good effect, along with not too much sky and the diagonal mountain-sides left and right, leading nicely one’s eye to the central focal point of the Lake or Tarn just peeping through as it does from the left hand mountainside to the bottom middle of the image. The shafts of sunlight diagonally leading from the sky above, down to the same spot, combined with the mist which is yet to clear from the valleys given the time of the day, all adds to the overall impact and atmosphere of the image.

Difficult natural lighting, technically very well handled, added to good composition containing natural tones have all been well delivered to make a very good resultant Landscape image. The difficult lighting conditions so well handled and the composition used make this the best Landscape for me.

27

The PDI Competition Certificates of Merit

Windermere Mist: Charlie Gott

Wipeout: Charlie Gott 28

Wet Street Scene: Alan Phillips

The Violin: Harry Wentworth

Southport Pier at Sunset: Peter Jarvis 29

Purple Haired: Pat Couder

Orange Tip Butterfly: Stephen Yates

30

Lanyon Quoit: Maxwell Law

Hilltop Pasture: Pat Couder

31

It’s Only a Game: Roger Edwardes

Just Missed: Rodney Marsh

32

Goldfinch: Mike Atkinson

Getting Ready: Pat Couder

Going Shopping: Peter Jarvis 33

Gossip at Twilight: Bill Stace

Goggle Eyed: Roger Edwardes

Gannet Hanging on the Wind: Mike Atkinson 34

Alpine Chapel: Gordon Hendry

Fairy Glen: Kieran Metcalfe

Avocet: John Hughes 35

Brahminy Kite: Maxwell Law

European Bee Eater (above): Peter Bagnall European Roller with Beetle (left): Peter Bagnall

36

Dancer in Blue: Pat Couder

Congratulations to all the Award Winners and of course the Certificate of Merit winners too.

37

Ashness Jetty: Charlie Gott

To view more of our images, learn about the club and for membership information, please visit postalphotoclub.org.uk

Photonews Celebrating the Postal Photographic Club and its Members

Photonews is published four times per year.

All rights reserved. All materials copyright The Postal Photographic Club and/or their respective authors. Any opinion or statement expressed by the author of any article published in this magazine does not necessarily reflect the views of The Postal Photographic Club, the editor or its members.