Photography Competition

Competition 18: People

1^st Winner - Through the Window by David Lazar (AUSTRALIA)

David Lazar has produced a quality image for this month’s competition. Beautifully
lit and composed with subjects obviously at ease with their surroundings. Novices
would do well to take note of how this image was constructed.

2^nd Winner - joan by Julie Garran (AUSTRALIA)

Julie Garra has produced a wonderfully whimsical portrait of her great aunt, nicely
juxtaposed with a more serious depiction of her self looking over her shoulder.

3^rd Winner - Inquisitive.. by Francesco Calabria (AUSTRALIA)

Francesco Calabria’s image of a somewhat reluctant and yet queries. Balinese child
is well portrayed. All the elements for a successful image are here. Light direction,
composition and an interesting subject matter, all shot in an instance as the vehicle
drove past. Well done.

Competition 17: My Favourite Subject

1^st Winner - Muay Thai in Thailand by Tim Bowman (HONG KONG)

Muay Thai in Thailand. Tim Bowman has provided us with a very gritty, emotionally
charged and beautifully crafted image. Creative lighting and strong subject matter
make this the outstanding image of the month.

2^nd Winner - untitled. by Filip Konikowski (AUSTRALIA)

Not hard to understand why Filip Konikowski might consider this his
“Favourite Subject”. Never the less, good composition, lighting and subject
placement, makes this a winning entry.

3^rd Winner - Study and Leisure by Abhirama Ashwin Kharidehal (AUSTRALIA)

Abhirama Ashwin Kharidehal’s image is graphically simple yet well thought out
and pleasing to the eye, a good entry all-round.

Competition 16: Up Close

1^st Winner - dandelion joy by Brent Rutherford (AUSTRALIA)

Brent Rutherford’s dandelion joy is this months winning entry. An iconic image of
childhood wonder. Brent, try shooting this image into a very early morning or
late afternoon sun, and with a darker background. This will help show up the
delicate nature of the dandelion and add extra dimension into your image.

2^nd Winner - Survivor by Jacqueline Hancock (AUSTRALIA)

Living in a sea side town, this image is commonplace. Jacqueline Hancock has done
a good job getting this close. However, arming yourself with a few hot chips (fries)
will have these scavengers posing for some very interesting and at times unexpected
photographs.

3^rd Winner - That's close enough.... by Anne-Marie Bokslag (NETHERLANDS)

Well lit and composed, however a little more depth of field (shutting down the aperture)
would add a touch extra detail in the foreground, while still isolating the subject from
its background. Overall, well done!

Competition 15: Passion, Love, Joy

1^st Winner - Love is a many splendored things by Leif Holmberg (FINLAND)

Leif Holmberg has provided us with a simple yet effective reminder that traditional
concepts need not be perpetuated. A nice variation on the biblical Lion and the Lamb,
kinda gives you hope for the future considering our own sorry state of affairs.

2^nd Winner - Motherly love by Karen monaco (AUSTRALIA)

Karen Monaco has also conjured up a universal theme. Seems that in the animal kingdom
teenagers also eat you out of house and home.

3^rd Winner - Passion for Tea Pots by Lina Brewin (AUSTRALIA)

Passion or obsession only Lina Brewin knows for sure. I wonder if any of these tea
pots have ever been used for what they were originally designed for, or simply for
trapping unsuspecting dust.

Competition 14: Travel

1^st Winner - Dawn at Varanasi by Sugato Mukherjee (INDIA)

Sugato Mukherjee’s image of a young woman at the bank of the river Ganges, is
handled with much grace and respect. All elements are in a delicate yet
striking balance.

2^nd Winner - Trichy Temple by David Lazar (AUSTRALIA)

David Lazar has transported us to a magical ancient land. By choosing a
dramatic vantage point and the patience to wait for the “right” lighting
conditions, David has transformed what might have been just another holiday
snap into a work of art.

3^rd Winner - Balancing Rock by Dianne Willingham (AUSTRALIA)

Balancing precariously on a hill top, Dianne Willingham’s rocks have graphically
demonstrated yet again the majesty and power of nature juxtaposed with the frailty
of humanity.

Competition 13: Funny Photos

1^st Winner - This Might Hurt by Leif Holmberg (FINLAND)

Aristotle once observed that the secret to humour is surprise. So with that
in mind I set out in search of the most “humorous” images. Leif Holmberg’s
image makes me smile, mainly because I’m kinda glad it’s not me in that photo.

2^nd Winner - What A @#$%$@ Night by Anne-Marie Bokslag (NETHERLANDS)

The day after the night before. I think a few of us might have felt and even
looked like our feathered friend, at some stage. Well done Anne-Marie Bokslag.

3^rd Winner - One more round by bob garas (UNITED STATES)

Bob Garas is a highly creative photographer, his website will attest to that.
And even though all the elements in this image are fully controlled, there is
still a good measure of humour for us to enjoy.

Competition 12: Nature

1^st Winner - flying saucer by diane bowers (UNITED KINGDOM)

Diane Bowers has captured one of those rare and amazing moments in nature. This
could have easily have been a poster for a 1950’s SF movie. Strong side light and a
bleak landscape add to the drama. A lot to be said about being in the right place,
at the right time with a camera at hand, and a presence of mind to take advantage
of a fleeting moment. Well done!

2^nd Winner - Catching the sun by Karen Brown (AUSTRALIA)

Karen Brown has again demonstrated the knack of being in the right place at the
right moment. Just like this month's winner, Karen has had the presence of mind
to quickly process and leap upon a visual opportunity. Any hesitation and the
moment is gone, perhaps forever. Karen's image seems to suggest a celestial hand,
in the guise of a cloud caressing and soothing a petulant and relentless burning
orb.

3^rd Winner - Deep Forest by David Lazar (AUSTRALIA)

Great to see that we can still find these natural wonders, beautifully captured
well done

Competition 11: Action

1^st Winner - Forces of nature by Beata Czyzowska Young (AUSTRALIA)

Mathematician Jacob Bronowski once observed that “Man masters nature not by
force but by understanding” and Beata Czyzowska Young has appeared to have
created a visual metaphor of this. Young’s image denotes a feeling of commandment
juxtaposed in fragility; an achievement that captures nature as if held on a leash
by its master.

2^nd Winner - Rodeo 2 by annette Blattman (AUSTRALIA)

Annette Blattman has rewarded the viewer with a box seat to this superbly executed
action photograph. However, a little more attention to cropping would have resulted
in a far more dynamic image. I’m sure that in time this important skill will be
added to Annette’s photographic arsenal.

3^rd Winner - Punch by Tim Bowman (HONG KONG)

Tim Bowman tells us that “Boxing is a rewarding but challenging sport to shoot.”
Knowing where to position one self and timing, as Tim has done here, are just
as important a talent as the obvious technical skill level that he possesses.
A brutal sport in all it’s glory. Well done.

Competition 10: Macros

1^st Winner - Bug Chatter by Linda Finger (AUSTRALIA)

Lynda Finger has transported us into what could well be some bizarre alien safari,
exotic creatures tracking to some unknown destination.

2^nd Winner - Brickbubble by Joanne Cooper (AUSTRALIA)

A brick wall’s reflections appear to form a shell around this all too fragile bubble.
Transforming it into what could be some implausible shelled prehistoric life form.
Well done Joanne Cooper!

3^rd Winner - Fritillary by Pawel Bieniewski (POLAND)

Pawel Bieniewski is truly a wizard in the wonderful world of macro. His offerings
this month do not disappoint. His elegantly structured imagery transports us into
a magical realm that few are able to duplicate.

Competition 9: Street Scenes

1^st Winner - hanoi street by Julie Garran (AUSTRALIA)

Is a well thought out and executed image. She has utilized all the photographic tools at
her disposal. A clever use of aperture and shutter, good compositional elements and
strong lighting have elevated this image to first place.

2^nd Winner - Rollin by Ben Knight (AUSTRALIA)

Ben Knight has used simple lighting and compositional elements to great effect.
By placing his main and secondary subjects at the centre of his canvas, he has conveyed
to this viewer a sombre sense of solitude and tranquillity in our inner suburbs.

3^rd Winner - The long road home by Patrick Kenny (AUSTRALIA)

Patrick Kenny's use of a long lens to isolated the lone figure from her surroundings,
together with strong composition and unusual lighting have transformed an otherwise
mundane subject matter into an eye catching and dynamic image. Well done!

Competition 8: A Different Perspective

1^st Winner - Monsoon Magic by Sudipto Das (INDIA)

Sudipto Das for his entry Monsoon Magic. Sudipto has created a rich canvas of colour
and movement, a difficult subject to control to be sure; however Sudipto has endured the
weather to capture this charming and typically sub-continent image.

2^nd Winner - The last DC3 by Patrick Kenny (AUSTRALIA)

Patrick Kenny's the Last DC3 is a great example of a different perspective. It brings
back memories of my one and only flight in a DC3 back in the early 70s. All I kept
thinking was "How noisy is this plane!" Patrick's image however depicts grace, style
and tranquillity. Note too the sharpness of image from tail to nose. Well done!

3^rd Winner - 110kph Reflection by Steve Cselka (AUSTRALIA)

The things we do to get that special pic! Steve Cselka I hope that all the care in the
world was taken while shooting this photo. Great idea well executed. Did anyone get
a shot of you taking this image?

Competition 7: Black and White

1^st Winner - Traditional Conveyance by Partha Pal (INDIA)

Partha Pal’s winning entry into this month’s competition is a striking example of how
light, composition and tonal range can be used to such great effect; a truly breathtaking
glimpse into his native land.

Few appear to understand that black and white photography is not simply the removal of
colour; they would do well to search out the works of such masters as Ansel Adams,
Minor White, Edward Weston and others.

2^nd Winner - Byron Bay by Jacob Jozwiak (AUSTRALIA)

Jacob Jozwiak’s striking image once again reinforces the power of light, composition,
tonal range, a strong understanding of the photographic process, combined with the
artistic ability to bring all these elements together successfully.

3^rd Winner - Children from Mahakam river by Harjono Djoyobisono (INDONESIA)

Harjono Djoyobisono has used a range of photographic skills in creating this engaging
image. One can not underestimate the need to complement camera skills with those of
the darkroom. The end result is a fine example of Black & White photography.

Competition 6: Emotion

1^st Winner - Mixed feeling by Paul Boyle (IRELAND)

Raw, confronting, unapologetic and unedited, Paul Boyle's portrayal of life on the
fringes is compelling.

2^nd Winner - HOPE by Partha Pal (INDIA)

Partha Pal has shown us that the spark of childhood wonder need never die.
Beautifully composed and lit.

3^rd Winner - Laughing or Crying by Julie Garran (AUSTRALIA)

Julie Garran reminds us of the joy of children. We are privileged to witness numerous
instances of wonder and discovery. And if we are truly blessed, it becomes contagious.

Competition 5: Kids

1^st Winner - Look, A Baby Pigeon! by Reuel Santos (AUSTRALIA)

In his image "Look, A Baby Pigeon" Reuel Santos has provided us with a private viewing
into the wondrous world of childhood discovery. Strong compositional elements and
unpretentious lighting has elevated this entry into first place.

2^nd Winner - The Big One by Alison Webb (AUSTRALIA)

The early boy catches the fish. Alison Webb has been rewarded for being up at the crack
of dawn. Composition, subject matter and lighting are interwoven cleverly to
produce this private moment.

Competition 4: Animals

1^st Winner - Australian Pelican in Flight by Michelle Newnan (AUSTRALIA)

Rarely is any creature captured in such a graceful pose. Michele Newnan has done so
by utilised great technical skill in providing us with a glimpse and a bird's eye
view into its world.

2^nd Winner - Gentoo Penguins Coming Home by Graham Morgan (AUSTRALIA)

Graeme Morgan has transported us to a world few of us a privileged to visit.
In this photograph, he has managed to create a feel of space and solitude rarely
experienced.

3^rd Winner - twist by Pawel Bieniewski (POLAND)

Technically striking. Pawel Bieniewski has taken this mostly unseen realm and
turned it into a work of art.

Competition 3: People

1^st Winner - Childhood by annette Blattman (AUSTRALIA)

A powerfully nostalgic and idyllic image of childhood. The Annette Blattman
image should forever be etched into the hearts of their parents.

2^nd Winner - Wet by Bill Atherton (AUSTRALIA)

Bill Atherton has provided us with a striking glimpse into the everyday.
Climate change might make this subject matter an oddity in the not so distant
future. Enjoy while you can.

3^rd Winner - Film Noir by Sylvia Niderla (AUSTRALIA)

Here's looking at you kid (Sylvia Niderla). A well crafted, if somewhat worn style.
All budding photographers should view movies from the 30ies & 40ies, if for no
other reason but for a lesson in lighting.

Competition 2: Landscape

1^st Winner - Bar Beach Rock Platform by Mark Snelson (AUSTRALIA)

Mark Snelson has created an eerie almost prehistoric scene, the use of a
sepia tone reinforces this almost alien landscape. A sense of forbidding at
what might leap out of this primeval soup to devour the view. Well done
evoking such emotion.

2^nd Winner - morning by Zeljko Mrasic (AUSTRALIA)

Much magic can be found by those willing to venture out at day break,
and Zeljko Mrasic surely has. A wonderful eye and feel for light.
Well done.

3^rd Winner - Solitude of Evening Tide by Denis Glennon (AUSTRALIA)

An intriguing image by Denis Glennon, the lack of perspective enables
the viewer to choose between standing at the waters edge or that of flying
over sand dunes at a great height.

Competition 1: Favourite Subject

1^st Winner - good bye father by ARUP GHOSH (INDIA)

Arup Ghosh uses the Classic golden rule of composition (2/3 sky to 1/3 land) to
invoke intense emotion. The lone figure of a child against a dramatic and
imposing sky. The child is farewelling family as they head out to what appears
to the child as an overwhelming quest against the elements.

2^nd Winner - Fishing by Khaing Myat Tun (MYANMAR)

A meticulously composed image, Khaing Myat obviously spent some time and
thought creating this almost graphic style image.

3^rd Winner - Maori Cliffs by Don Featherstone (AUSTRALIA)

Don Featherstone uses his photographic pallet to great effect. The soft light,
the richness of colour convey the majesty of these timeless cliffs.

About the judge

SSL

Competition Rules

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