Congratulations to Lynn Fothergill who is the winner of this first round of Canon Online for 2022. Thanks to everyone who entered some fabulous images. There were 147 entries in this round.
Lynn winning image was taken at the start of a chukka in Polocrosse – a kind of lacrosse/polo hybrid sport.
‘My first love in photography has always been people in any context really, but especially travel, candid child portraits and action/sport/event – situations when people are just ‘being themselves’.
The judge for this round was Paul Byrne. Paul is former police officer and retired restauranteur. He is a Fellow of the New Zealand Photographic Society and holds Associateships with The Royal Photographic Society and the Federation Internationale de l’Art Photographique. He is a member of the PSNZ Judge Accreditation Panel and PSNZ Honours Board. He recently published a book called “Evaluating Photographs – A Guide for Image Assessment”. He is a member of the Tauranga Photographic Society.
Paul Byrne’s Judge’s comments
I am honoured to have been awarded the judging role for the first round of the 2022 Canon On Line competition. It proved to be an exceedingly difficult task due to the exceptional quality of the entries received. There are so many images which could have crossed the line into the final ten but for one reason or another they just missed out. I was looking for images which were technically well managed, illustrated a good story, and demonstrated craft skills in the art of photography.
First Hit and Miss Lynn Fothergill LPSNZ
I found this to be a stimulating image which held my attention for a considerable time. I have frequently returned to it due to the enjoyment it provided and the questions it posed for me. I am unaware of the title of this game which seems to be a combination of Lacrosse and Polo. The action has been expertly captured. The details and expressions of the riders and their horses demands attention. The composition indicates the battle to obtain the ball [or chuck?] and being centrally placed, creates a triangular shape with the riders and their sticks. Exposure is well controlled to stop the action mid flow and allow viewers to decide what happened next. Congratulations
Second Wild and Free Barbara Lee APSNZ
I find that creative photography can be very hit or miss. The success of such images seems to depend on whether the photographer has executed his or her idea well and without overplaying ‘gimmicks’ for the sake of being different. In this image the idea of being “free as a bird” has been very well executed. The background is fitting with subtle motion blur and a delicate colour palette. To me, the fragmentation of the wings provides a sense of being free to choose between using energy or to glide and soar on the breeze. Retaining sharpness to the head of the bird provides a very effective focal point. I found that I started there and finished there every time I viewed this peaceful image.
Third Kingfisher with Catch Dawn Kirk LPSNZ AFIAP
The composition of this image drew me in. I love the left to right flow. And although the kingfisher almost fills the frame, two important elements are evident. Firstly, the starting ‘block’ – the fact that the viewer is able to see the launch pad increases the enjoyment of the action. Secondly, there is just sufficient negative space ahead of the bird for it to move into. Another important element is the soft shell crab which it seems to have caught for lunch. A painterly effect may have been applied to the bird’s plumage. If this is true then it would preclude the image from Nature competitions, however it is more than acceptable in this open competition, and I feel it has earned its place in the top ten.
Fourth Ruataniwha Night Sky Sue Weterings ASPNZ
I was drawn to this image because to me it is a little different to a standard night sky scene. I very much enjoyed the way the photographer has chosen a semi cloudy night which has permitted the stars to appear within the streaky clouds. A break in the clouds has allowed the Milky Way to become something of a central focal point. There is sufficient interest below the horizon line to retain viewer attention without over-powering the night sky, which is the star of the image. [No pun intended]
Fifth Me and my mate Gaynor Hurst
This image made me smile and eventually laugh. Yes, there is an element of ‘another person’s art’ but this photographer has acknowledged that and made the image his own by adding a human boy to the cartoon caricature. He or she has made the effort to dress the child in near identical clothing and, by placing the characters back to back, has created an amusing juxtaposition which cannot be denied.
Sixth Eye Spy Deborah Martin LPSNZ
My first impression was that this is a striking pose and my immediate reaction was to be drawn to the bird’s eye. From there I circled outward as I took in the beautiful detail of the plumage; all of which is pin sharp. The background is unobtrusive whilst the rocky perch adds to the story. A simple image which, for me, has great impact.
Seventh Jetski 188 Alan Goldby LPSNZ EFIAP
For me, this is an impressive sports image and the author has added impact to the scene by the use of excellent post production adjustments. Whilst subtle, they do lift this image by providing grunt to the overall story. So often these days, helmets and visors block the view of the rider’s eyes. In this case they are clearly visible and sharp. They seem to set the mood of grit and determination required to win this race. The composition is good and suggests the jet-ski has just made an acute left turn, as indicated by the direction of spray and water droplets left in its wake.
Eighth Rainhat Judith Swan
In the back of my mind I have a feeling that there is such a thing as a Rainhat fungi. However, I can’t say if this is such a fungi or if the author is simply alluding to the water droplets attached to the cap of this particular specimen. Either way, the image has been well captured and presented and is a little different from ‘the norm’. The highlights have been well controlled and there is sufficient background detail to provide information about the habitat of this subject.
Ninth Lean On Me Roger Ball
To me a casual walk in the rain is surely a sign of sheer stupidity, young romance or the strong bond of friendship? The image reminded me of my youth and times gone by. I suspect most viewers will recall a moment when they have done something which goes against accepted normality. This couple seem lost in each other’s company regardless of the weather. And I think that is what the photographer intended to reveal in this story. I enjoyed the wet board walk, the reflections and receding lines of the pier with its lamp posts fading into the distance. In my opinion, the darkened sky is a poetic license used to good effect in this instance, as it adds to the feeling of a grey day whilst helping the viewer to concentrate on the main subjects.
Tenth Miao Old Man Jiongxin Peng AFIAP
I really enjoyed seeing this portrait which is presented in a documentary style. The monochrome treatment has been used with great effect. The full tonal range is evident and the exposure has allowed light to fall in just the correct amount to bring drama to a peaceful moment in the old man’s day. It sparked memories of past trips abroad.