The Winner!

Congratulations to Karen Moffatt-Mcleod, the winner of the Canon Online round 7 for 2024.  There were 91 entries in this round.

A bit of history about Karen:

I'm a creative portrait photographer based in Whitianga. My passion is portrait and in particular creative portraits.  I am also drawn more to monochrome and darker, moodier images, but do play around with colour too. I like my images to tell a story so viewers are engaged with the image.

About the winning image:

I think Geoff hit the nail on the head with his interpretation of my image. Fitting in is about the pressure on young people particularly young women to 'fit in' when they should be encouraged to be uniquely themselves. the negative space on the right depicts the space left vacant by this girl trying to comply with how she thinks she should be.  the hands are society and her peers trying to mould her into something else.

The mono choice is a preference of mine for portraits as it shows the subject by removing the distraction of colour.  Big thanks you to my models and her mother for making this possible.

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The judge for this round was Geoff Beals.  

An introduction to Geoff:

:  I’ve had a life-long passion for photography, which grew from the challenge the medium presented to successfully compress real life onto a 35mm frame.  How to capture panoramic landscapes and moving birds were the key things which excited and challenged me in my 20’s, and I’ve continued to pursue those goals ever since.  I particularly enjoy creative, landscape, nature photography.

I’ve been an accredited member of the PSNZ Judging Panel since 1995 for open photography, and since 2007 for nature.

My strong interest in bird photography led me to volunteer on Tiritiri Matangi Island, where I occasionally still guide and assist with k?kako monitoring.  Regularly observing some of our rarest birds through the lens has rewarded me with many opportunities to witness behaviours new to me and has enhanced my understanding and appreciation for our endemic birds.

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Judge’s Comments

It has been a pleasure to view and assess the 91 images submitted for Canon Online #7.  I enjoyed the great variety of images offered for consideration, and as you might expect, selecting my favourites was challenging.  This should be heartening for those not in the top 10 as there were a good number close to making my cut.  It’s always an honour and a privilege to see what other people are doing with their imagination and imagery, and I thank you for the invitation and opportunity to view and assess your work.

1st Fitting In - Karen Moffatt-Mcleod APSNZ, BPSA

I think we can all relate to the uncertainty of youth and the desire to fit in.  In this image that sense of not being sure how to blend in, or which face to wear is strikingly portrayed.  The monochrome presentation and facial deconstruction lends this image a very piccaso-esque feel which I really enjoy.

2nd The Wanderings of Indecision - Julia Rae APSNZ

This many layered “Alice in Wonderland” composite image tells a strong story about indecision.  I see the chequer-board pattern as implying decisions about which direction to go and the destination of White Rabbit’s pocket watch suggesting the difficulties in prioritising one’s choices using available time.  It is all styled with the use of a character very reminiscent of Alice meandering through the Queen’s rose garden and is very cleverly thought out and well composed.

3rd Somewhat Camouflaged - Robert Beckett LPSNZ

It takes a moment to hone in on the young person camouflaged in this image by the well-chosen monochrome treatment which enhances the blending of their clothing with the graffiti.  This sense of camouflage is enhanced by the eye being initially drawn to the bold white “Masa” graffiti and away from the doorway.  This strongly graphic image is instantly captivating and then also holds my interest as I explore it more deeply.

4th Dawn Flinders Ranges - Bob Pullein

The still and calm of this image provides a strong sense of a new beginning. Its beautiful transition from purple to orange has a duotone effect and the stark simplicity of the tree skeletons adds to the minimalism of this image which provides an overall impression of breathtaking simplicity.

5th Seven Chairs - Nicole Tai LPSNZ

This image has been beautifully constructed and focusses on the contrast of light and shadow.  The dynamic placement of the sculpted line of chairs in the frame draws me through to the pool of light on the floor which in turn transfers my attention to the repetition of the shadows and completes the cycle.  My view is tightly contained by the negative space of the shadows around this simple subject

6th Jump Start - Paul Donegan

The casual way these three are hitching an uphill ride on the back of the truck with one of them even taking a one-handed phone call is a startling commentary about the risks to life taken so lightly.  The monochrome treatment really suits this PJ subject and speaks loudly of the struggle to live and the precarious normality of life in this culture.

7th Mixing it up to settle the baby - Jo Curtis APSNZ

The graphic nature of this triptych stands in stark contrast to the human story at the heart of this image.  The black, white and wood tones of the image and the clever structuring of the three elements with all lines interfacing and connecting beautifully anchor the scene.  The routine parental walk to sooth and calm the baby ties it all together.

8th Ara Windows - Dave Hart

The monochrome treatment combined with acute and strong cross lighting both contribute to enhancing the textures in this image.  The symmetry of vertical and horizontal lines contrast particularly well with the dynamic lines of the shadows.  We can just see enough through the windows to give a subtle hint of what’s beyond.  I’m impressed by the strong significance of the small element in the top right casting a major diagonal shadow which strongly unifies the composition.

9th Mt Taranaki at Sunrise - Janice Chen APSNZ

The serenity of this image combined with its symmetry gives it a strong sense of calmness and peace.  The simple palate of oranges and blues makes for a very harmonious and pleasing landscape.

10th Orangemen - Simon Bradbury

The smiles on the faces of these three along with their common uniforms tell me that they know each other and are sharing stories during a relaxed work break.  The contrast provided by the unexpected grandness of a hewn wood lovers-style chaise longue makes this image all the more special. There’s a real sense of shared camaraderie here in a perfectly captured PJ moment and I smile with them as I wonder what they’re sharing.