1st Geoff Smith: Optimism
How to take an abstract photograph was the challenge for Ilkley Camera Club members in the first of two competitions held on 23 October. The answers, in this unusual category, came back many and various. First place went to Skipton’s Geoff Smith with a cheering image for our challenging times entitled Optimism. Visiting judge Nigel Plant commented, “I think this may have started out as a beach scene but it has been beautifully handled with moody colours and just a hint of something to look forward to at the horizon.”
Second prize went to Tim Sawyer from Bramhope with a multiple reflection image creating a fascinating pattern. Third equal were a detail from a tennis court by Karl Hockless, which had over-tones of the artist Mondrian, and Hebridean Hue by Alison Tetley, which again took a beach scene but muted the colours and pushed out the focus. There were Highly Commended images by Katrina Brayshaw, John Chamberlain and Nick Hodgson, with Commendeds for Katrina Brayshaw, Adrian Hendley, David James and Andy Thomas.
1st Keith Allen: Cup Cake
Turning to the Food & Drink competition, Nigel Plant said, “I have tended to go for images that present the subject in an appealing way and which avoid distractions. I want any surrounding objects or backgrounds to contribute to the effect.” First prize went to Keith Allen’s icing sugar dusted Cup Cake. Second was a beautifully textured image of Raspberries by Sharon Sawyer who also had a Highly Commended image. A painstakingly prepared circular pattern made out of Liquorice Allsorts gained Chris Farmer third place, and Commendations went to Alison Tetley, Peter Farmer and Chris Farmer.
Praising the overall high standard of the entries, Club co-President, Andrée Freeman, said, “These two unusual competition categories have taken us out of our comfort zone and have forced us to think originally. It has also been great to see some of our newer members taking part and having successes.”
You can see the award winning images here: