Photography News issue 18

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Round 5: Trees It seems only five minutes ago that we launched our first Camera Club of the Year contest, but here we are announcing the final round and we want your best tree images

Everyone, whether you live in the city centre or in the woolly wilds, has access to this round’s subject, trees. The challenge is how you can produce something creative and eye-catchingly different that will score well with the judges. You may decide to get in close and explore the patterns of tree bark, perhaps side-lit for strong texture effects. At this time of year, when buds are just starting to appear, perhaps it is this aspect of a tree that appeals to your macro lens. Getting in close and looking for detail can pay dividends, but the challenge will be looking for visually arresting images that are original and brilliantly observed. Getting in close to the trunk and looking straight up with a wide-angle lens can create a striking and very effective image, but it will have to be a special shot to earn high marks because it’s not a novel approach. That is not to say you should rule out tried-and-tested ideas, but seek out fresh, unusual views, something that will make the judges sit up.

RIGHT The sky’s the limit with this theme. This shot was taken with a 15mmwide-angle from head height – this approach needs colour or drama in the sky. offers opportunities for intriguing close- ups, and don’t be afraid to try turning the image sepia in your image editor. BELOWRIGHT Interesting bark

well, while front-lighting is probably best avoided unless you’ve got an interesting sky or unusual weather. And speaking of weather, you don’t need bright sun for effective pictures. Mist, fog and even rain can all make for powerful pictures packed with mood. If it’s raining, watch for a rainbow because that can add a dash of magic to your picture and elevate it above the opposition’s efforts. As it is the final round, that little bit of extra effort could pay dividends. And of course, if your club is going to enter all five rounds in one go, remember to get it all done before the ultimate closing date, Tuesday 5 May 2015.

You might prefer to take a few steps back and consider a tree in its entirety, showing it in its environment. This could be a tree dwarfed by shiny tall office buildings or against a background of dereliction and urban decay. Both ideas could work well but make sure composition works and that the right aperture is chosen for the most effective depth-of-field to suit your picture. If you are in doubt, shoot at a variety of apertures and decide later during editing. Whether you go for a singleton, a copse or a forest, good light is essential. A low sun either side- or back-lighting the subject can work really

IMAGEOFTHEMONTH

Wayne Churchill Derby City Photographic Club Round 3, close-ups, attracted a feast of stunning imagery, from portraits and natural history to abstract and a great many water droplet images. “Now if I had a penny for every water droplet image I’ve been presented with, I’d be lying on some tropical island supping cocktails,” says PN’ s editor Will Cheung. “The thing is they are fun to shoot and technically challenging and the results, when everything falls into place, can be marvellous to behold. Like this shot from Wayne Churchill from Derby City Photographic Club – this is the best water-droplet shot I have seen for absolutely ages so it is my Image of the Month. Simply, I think it is beautiful, so well done Wayne.” Other shots that made it to the final shortlist and deserve a shout out this month include: Agave by Ruth Wiseman, Halstead & District PS; Horse raspberry by Martin Smart, Wisbech & District CC; and New life by Bill Ryder, Ayr PS.

Issue 18 | Photography News