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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