Photography News Issue 50

Photography News | Issue 50 | photographynews.co.uk

17

CameraClubof theYear

in associationwith

Our last theme was scenic, a very open theme. Theme 2 is portraits, which is almost as broad so there’s massive scope for different interpretations and creative approaches. Portraits can be in the studio or on location, full face or full length, glamorous or gritty, soft- focus or no holds barredwrinkled and haggard – the only stipulation is that the subject(s) must be human beings. To be absolutely crystal clear, this means no insects, plants or animals as themain subject. Of course, if they happen to be in frame, that’s fine. A fisherman with their catch, a dog owner with their pooch, zoo keeper feeding lions, all are acceptable examples as long as the human is the main focus. A common aim of portrait photography is to reveal something of your subject’s character. You might do this with a revealing, strongly side-litfull-faceshot,butyoucouldalsotakethe approach of using your subject’s surroundings to add context and narrative. Or you could go for a flattering portrait with great lighting, making the subject look beautiful. This might not be as emotive as a strong character portrait, but it is equally valid and still has the potential of scoring highly in this contest. Whatever the approach you take, just make sure the lighting, lens and aperture choice, point of focus, viewpoint and composition are beyond reproach. And don’t be scared of breaking any so-called portraits rules. If you want to use your ultra-wide instead of the more traditional telephoto lens, then try it. This applies to when you edit your images. Some traditionalists will say never crop off Theme 2: portraits

Images Your portraits can be any style you like – the only criterion is that themain subject is human. Also, the five images fromeach camera club are judged individually, not as a portfolio.

Score

Eastbourne Photographic Society

90

Ayr Photographic Society

89

the top of the subject’s head, for example, but this can work brilliantly. Make the most of the situation, and if that’s a severe crop, using a cross-processing effect or shooting a silhouette, then go for it. The judgeswill recognise creative endeavour, provided it’s done in the right context to achieve a powerful effect.

To get your club’s members thinking ahead for next month, Theme 3 is capturing the decisivemoment

Leighton Buzzard Photographic Club

89

Midlothian Camera Club

89

Eastwood Photographic Society

88

Frome Wessex Camera Club

88

Brentwood & District Photographic Club

87

Great Notley Photography Club

87

Closing date 7 January 2018

Peterborough Photographic Society

87

Synergy

87

Windsor Photographic Society

87

Thewinner: Theme 1: scenic

Leicester Forest Photographic Society

85

Park Camera Club

85

Maidenhead Camera Club

84

New City Photographic Society

84

Steyning Camera Club

84

Congratulations to Eastbourne Photographic Society for qualifying for our shoot-out with five awesome scenic images.

Dorchester Camera Club

83

Harpenden Photographic Society

83

Tonbridge Camera Club

83

Wokingham and East Berkshire Camera Club

83

Beckenham Photographic Society

82

Exeter Camera Club

82

Norwich & District Photographic Society

82

Seaford Photographic Society

82

Caister Photography Club

81

City Photo Club

81

Harlow Photographic Society

81

PICO

81

Trostre Camera Club

81

Wisbech & District Camera Club

81

Bedford Camera Club

80

Blandford Forum Camera Club 80 City of London & Cripplegate Photographic Society 80 Halstead & District Photographic Society 80 Wilmslow Guild Photographic Society 80 Axholme Camera Club 79 WWPS 79 Preston Photographic Society 79 Grantham and District 78 Medway DSLR Camera Club 78 Dronfield Camera Club 77 Dunholme Camera Club 77

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