The Winner!

Congratulations to Heather Fronek, the winner of the Canon Online round 8 for 2024.  There were 111 entries in this round.

A bit of history about Heather:

I’m a wildlife and landscape photographer based in New Zealand, passionate about capturing the intricate beauty of the natural world. While much of my work focuses on vibrant scenes and wildlife, I’ve recently started experimenting with monochrome photography to explore new creative dimensions. I’m drawn to the interplay of light and shadow, finding inspiration in both grand landscapes and intimate details.

About the winning image:

Contours in Contrast features a calla lily leaf with its gently turned edges, shadowed underside, and highlighted top. This monochrome image was an exploration of light, texture, and form. I deeply appreciate Michele’s interpretation of the image, as her comments perfectly captured the artistic intention behind this piece.

 

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The judge for this round was Michele Usher LPSNZ

An introduction to Michele:

Michele Usher is a New Zealand based photographer.  Her love of photography started at an early age within the darkroom and has progressed to a combination of both analogue and digital techniques.  She has a love of travel and landscape photography, but this has grown to include documentary and social aspects and a growing awareness of the use of photography and the arts to help and support communities through difficulties such as mental health to help drive change and increase awareness.  She has taken part in several joint exhibitions and is an accredited Photography Society of New Zealand judge.  In 2023 she completed a BA with Honours in Photography through the Open College of the Arts and is now currently studying for an MA in Documentary Photography through the University of South Wales.

Michele's website is: http://mcuphotography.co.nz

 

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Judge’s Comments

Thank you for letting me be a part of this year’s Canon on-line competition.  There were some amazing images, and you didn’t make my job easy at all.  Following an initial review, I was able to down select to approximately twenty images and from there it was a very difficult decision on which made the top ten.  The level of skill within New Zealand is amazing and I hope you all continue to make such fantastic images.

1st Contours in Contrast - Heather Fronek

This image beautifully captures the delicate interplay of light and shadow on organic forms. The soft, flowing contours evoke a sense of elegance and mystery, while the monochromatic tones enhance its dramatic depth. It was chosen for its artistic abstraction and the way it invites viewers to interpret its shapes and textures, sparking imagination. The use of light to highlight edges and curves is particularly striking, creating a captivating visual harmony.

2nd Waiting by the Pacific - Judith Swan LPSNZ

This image exudes a serene and minimalist charm. The composition centres on the bold, clean lines of the navigational marker, its vivid yellow and blue contrasting beautifully with the soft, muted tones of the sky and sea. The decision to place the marker slightly off-centre adds a subtle dynamic to the peaceful scene. It was chosen for its ability to evoke a sense of calm and introspection while showcasing the simplicity and elegance of coastal landscapes. The clarity and balance in the image make it visually striking and memorable.

3rd Frantic Work - Michael Byrne LPSNZ

This captures a powerful moment of action and urgency as helicopters coordinate to combat a fire. The dramatic backdrop of smoke-filled skies emphasizes the intensity of the situation, while the dynamic positioning of the aircraft and their suspended water buckets showcases the skill and precision involved. It was chosen for its ability to convey both the chaos and heroism of firefighting efforts. The vivid contrast between the helicopters and the smoky atmosphere adds visual impact, making it an arresting and emotionally charged scene.

4th Dogs - Brent Higham

This poignant black-and-white image captures the vulnerability and resilience of dogs caught in a downpour. It was chosen for its emotional impact and ability to evoke empathy. The rain enhances the atmosphere, creating a dramatic and heartfelt scene. The composition draws attention to the dogs' expressions, emphasizing their shared struggle and companionship, making it a powerful and touching photograph.

5th Casting about - Johannes Brienesse

This image captures the intense and dynamic process of metal casting in an industrial setting. The glowing molten metal, dramatic sparks, and reflective protective gear of the workers create a visually striking and powerful composition. It was chosen for its ability to highlight the precision and teamwork involved in this labour-intensive craft. The lighting emphasizes the contrast between the fiery metal and the dark, rugged surroundings, showcasing both the artistry and the raw energy of manufacturing processes.

6th Alone on the beach - Brian Eastwood

This serene image captures the simplicity and tranquillity of a solitary walk along the beach with a dog. The soft, muted tones and the hazy atmosphere create a dreamlike quality, evoking peace and reflection. It was chosen for its ability to convey solitude, connection with nature, and the companionship between human and dog. The composition, with the lone figure and dog positioned against the vast expanse of sand and sky, emphasizes the quiet beauty of the moment.

7th Smoko - Paul Donegan

This striking black-and-white image captures a moment of quiet introspection. The subject's textured, voluminous hair contrasts beautifully with the dark background, while the contemplative expression and cigarette create a raw, intimate atmosphere. The choice of lighting enhances the textures and emotion, making this a compelling portrait. It may have been selected for its artistic depth and ability to evoke a narrative or a sense of connection.

8th My Geriatric Cat - Susie Hare LPSNZ

This is a captivating portrait of a black cat, beautifully highlighted against a dark background. The cat's luminous yellow-green eyes draw the viewer in, providing a striking contrast to its sleek, dark fur. The lighting emphasizes the texture of the fur and the cat's whiskers, showcasing its natural elegance. This image may have been selected for its emotional resonance and artistic simplicity, evoking admiration for the cat's dignified presence and character.

9th Pied Stilt - Sue Henley LPSNZ

This is a stunning photograph of a pied stilt, perfectly captured in its natural habitat. The reflection in the calm water creates a symmetrical and visually captivating composition, drawing attention to the bird's elegant form and delicate pink legs. The soft green background adds a peaceful, serene tone, allowing the subject to stand out beautifully. This image was likely chosen for its technical precision, artistic balance, and ability to highlight the grace of wildlife in a tranquil moment.

10th The Kaimanawas - Lynda Leng LPSNZ

This striking black-and-white image captures a dynamic moment between two horses in a grassy field, showcasing their energy and movement. The dramatic contrast and texture highlight the wild beauty and freedom of the horses, making it a compelling choice for its raw emotional power and artistic quality.