From Sally Phillips, our Canon Online Co-ordinator:
Thank you to everyone who entered Round 3. Our Judge for this round is A. John V. Hart is from Dunedin. Thank you so much John for giving your time and interesting comments It is much appreciated by all.
Congratulations go to the top 10 Authors and especially to Dianna Hambleton LPSNZ who is From Nelson and who is a member of Nelson Camera Club – with her super Image ‘Killing Time’ well done Dianna.
Canon On Line Round 3 June 2017 – Top Ten Comments – A. John V. Hart
General Comment
The selected top ten images produced some very thought provoking works which have the potential to challenge viewers, both emotionally and intellectually. They also gave excellent examples of strong conceptualisation and technical competence in execution.
The 75 entries, as a whole, reminded me of how much pleasure our members are getting from their clever digital cameras and enhancement software. However, there was evidence that some photographers are placing too much emphasis on their magical creative tools. Enhancement filters, for example, often produce high impact and exciting transformations from what has been seen out in the field, but this stage often needs to be followed by down- playing the effect, and perhaps introducing other “added value” inputs.
Likewise, the popular HDR mode results need to be critically appraised. Extra shadow detail may be gained, but mid tones often still need to be lowered in value, for best effect.
1st Killing Time by Dianna Hambleton LPSNZ
This is an image which invites different levels of study. We easily access the two foreground men. The right hand one is the more dominant one because of his warmer hues and his open eyes which are slyly looking towards the other. From there we explore the recessive background diffused by the reflections and lower tones. There we see two others who are also killing time. It is with that setting, we can then develop our own interpretations. An underlying theme could be how in this cyber age, some people are lessening their social interaction with others, some become alienated, and some just lock themselves into their own space with their digital device. Maybe the two prominent window partitions are symbolic of that division. It is a most interesting image.
2nd Bailey by Shona Kebble APSNZ
This is a very strong and confronting portrait which also invites us to go on a journey of interpretation. The freckles, red hair, cap, and penetrating blue eyes are all superbly rendered. But who is Bailey? What is his personal environment? Is he capable of looking happy? Does the black and heavy wrought iron fence behind imply any relevant information or symbolism? Indeed, another work of substance.
3rd The Lone Spectator by Liz Hardley FPSNZ, LRPS, EFIAP/b
Another strong human interest image, but this time the bleakness is derived from the weather. The falling snow, the umbrella’s droplets, and wet grass all provide textural delights. The tonal range is superb with the recessive, partly obscured runner providing mystery. Is this just a casual but hardy Saturday morning jogger, or is this a setting for a poorly attended event? Again an image inviting repeated viewing.
4th Geometric by Neil Gordon APSNZ
This abstract carries very well at both thumbnail and full screen size. The composition is very well balanced, while the diagonal thrust provides a dynamic energy which complements the minimalist high contrast aspects. Yet we do see some detail, and ponder over the light source of the shapes entering from the right hand edge. Very satisfying.
5th Ardea Alba Modesta by Anne Lambe
There were several bird studies and this was the best in terms of sharpness, lighting, and the information included. The photographer’s ability to control the highlight tones and textures has rendered one of the best plumage studies I have seen. Add to that the excellent capture of the behaviour and structure of the heron in landing mode. The minimal base is just enough to show the water droplets which suggest some skimming, or a short flight.
6th Audience by Daniel Wong APSNZ
A good title as the scene is represents an auditorium, just waiting for the first alpine sound or meteorological intervention. In this context, the full exposure of the secondary mountains slows our pace, whilst navigating the circular composition, before we return to the foreground rocks to rest. While Mt Cook remains the main accent, its partly shrouded top plus the moon inclusion ensure that the icon’s dominance is moderated. This is a well conceptualised wide angle landscape, dramatic in physical content, yet quiet in mood.
7th Night of the Museums by Jo McCarthy
A curious title but perhaps it related to a club field trip. This is almost a tryptic if you add the underlying, continuous image to the duo. The entire work offers a range of treats, including minimalistic compositions, excellent tonal range, fascinating floor detail, subtle wall variations, and an opportunity to explore the respective motivations and relationships involving both boy and adult.
8th Defiant by Emily Morgan
This, yet another confronting work, is true to its title. The monochrome treatment makes for a stark and gritty portrayal of this woman. Like a classic Agatha Christie novel,
there are a number of details or clues which may, or may not, lead us down the correct track of understanding. Very powerfully arranged within the frame, do the arms suggest a barrier or act of submission? A wound under the lip and various other blemishes suggest force has been involved. Does the small aeroplane symbolize possible escape from all this.
Is the subject a victim or contestant? You are the jury – you decide!
9th Walking on a Cloud by Sue Weterings APSNZ
All the entries in this competition could sit somewhere on a continuum between stark reality and pure fantasy with the winner likely to come from anywhere if it is good enough.
This image would fall in the middle range since it mixes both elements as it follows the conceptualisation indicated by the title. The procession of people is real and is interesting. The back ground and foreground show manipulation to varying degree. How it did resonate with me is that it did echo the fleeting transience of a misty alpine environment, where solid rock reality can suddenly disappear into a quite different, shrouded world.
10th Dance by Prashant Joshi
This image provides a happy and uncomplicated finish to the TopTen. The animated faces and outstretched arms convey a joyful vitality at this moment of capture. The chosen exposure settings have resulted in both excellent foreground sharpness and some blurring of the background with the help of restricted depth of field. This has resulted in a crucial separation of the dancers.
Entries for Round 4 are now open.