Christmas at Kew 2016

CCC: Season 3 - Colour Competition 3

A Little Rough: Taken on an workshop.  I have moaned a little of late about members who only enter images that have been taken on workshops under controlled situations/conditions - where perhaps lights, costumes and direction are taken from an expert.  And although this was taken during a workshop - the conditions were not controlled - and I had actually moved away from the main group to do my own thing at this point - I have entered it as its an image because I really like.  I don't really expect any more than a 7 because it's technically not a great image but it's completely different to other images I have taken and entered this season.  Tidy up sensor marks, shadows and highlights and perhaps a small crop.

Final Version: It really does surprise what you can achieve from a raw file - I love the details I managed to save in the wall. Not so happy with the waves but considering the raw file - I'm pleased with it.  My particular like of this image is the two red lifebuoys/rings on the wall. Printed on Permajet Oyster (271g).

Judges Comments: Not the best image being presented but for me (him) very evocative memories of childhood. Not as good as other images. Score: 8.5


Cathedral of Mirrors - My Way: Winter Lights in the posh part of London.  I loved playing with the lights on this outing.  Going with three friends - I have seen one set of outstanding images - completely different to anything I took. I've always said the most interesting things I enjoy about my hobbies (quilting, crochet and now photography) is when the same pattern/scene is on offer how very differently each person sees/interprets whats in front of them.  So for this image, clarity, contrast shadow highlights and a good swipe to the right on saturation and vibrancy is needed.

Final Version: Very happy with this but expect nothing more than an 8 as it's not what at the level of the advance section. Printed on Permajet Oyster (271g).

Judges Comments: An image I would class as judges bate.... just not sure what to do with it. No idea how it has been produced/achieved, What it is of. Would work much better as a PDI. Perhaps not going to give credit to a good image because of this. Score: 8.5

Note: Some of the comments made by judges frustrate me SO much!!!  To use the wording 'Not the best image being presented' is, I think, completely unnecessary.....I am three seasons in and competing against members who have been photographing for 40/50 years. The images I present in the advanced group, I suggest, will never be as good as theirs. I have no problem with my scores tonight - both did better than I had expected and a good steady progress is being made!!  BUT I enter my images into competitions so I can be guided on how to improve that image - at no point during the comments of the first image was anything constructive said.