Monthly Image Challenge
January 2024 - REFLECTED LANDSCAPES
Here are the comments provided by Bill Daniels who was this month’s selector.
Congratulations to David Powley whose images LOWESTOFT REFLECTIONS was Bill’s selection for image of the month
I feel this image has been exposed nicely and is sharp from front to back: I particularly enjoyed the foreground detail such as the sand patterns under the surface.
The black-and-white treatment works very well and simplifies the image nicely, and I could not see any processing artefacts or visible noise. There is a good range of tones, and the image is well-composed using regression to lead the eye through the scene whilst having perfect symmetry in the vertical plane. I wonder if there is scope to pull a bit more contrast out of this scene using a slight curves adjustment, however this is just a matter of personal taste.
This is a great example of using reflections effectively to really add interest and depth to an image: I feel that in this image the real world and the reflected world have been brought together to create something that is greater than the sum of their parts.
“..This image was taken on an early morning visit to Lowestoft at the end of November last year, where along with a few others from the Club, we were hoping for a good sunrise. However, with cloudy skies on arrival, the sunrise didn’t really materialize, but the last high tide had left some big pools of water on the beach, which provided some good reflections of the beach huts. This was my favourite image from the morning, looking along the beach with the great reflections of the beach huts in the water.
This image was taken with a Canon 5D mk1V, using a 24-70 lens at 70mm and was then edited in Lightroom and converted to black and white using the Nik silver effects plug-in..”
David Powley
Runner-up was SUNSET by Russell Carter.
The light and colours in this image are delightful. It is nice and sharp where it needs to be, and has an good range of tones: I feel that a scene like this needs to have some clippped shadow areas, and I think these are all in the right places.
For me, the real interest in this image is the semi-submerged fence and gate on the left. Although I can see why you chose to include the magnificent sky and the wonderful reflections and silhouettes in the top right quarter of the image, I find the grassy foreground coming in from the left and into the centre to be a little jarring in comparison to the rest of the image.
I therefore wonder whether a simplified scene – cropping to focus on that fabulous left half of the frame (perhaps in 5:4 or square format) - would make a really strong image.
Second Runner-up was BLAKENEY HARBOUR AT SUNSET by Paul Stearman
This image has some really striking features. The clouds arching over the boat, reflected in the water to encircle the boat work really well.
However, I do feel that the image is too dark, and the vignette that appears to have been added in post processing is too obvious and dominant, and exacerbates this.
I also feel that the strongest part of this image is on the right. Although the clouds and the distant horizon on the left offer a little interest, and context, I feel they pull attention away from the real star of the show which is the boat encircled by that arch of clouds.
I think that tighter (perhaps square) crop centred on the boat and including the arch of clouds and the foreground textures in the mud would hold the viewer's attention where it needs to be.
LOWESTOFT REFLECTIONS by David Powley
Monthly Image Challenge
Each monthly challenge begins on the first day and closes at midnight on the 24th day of each month. The ‘image of the month’ and two runners-up will normally be announced before the end of the month. The theme for the FEBRUARY 2024 CHALLENGE is shown below. It is a ‘PICTORIAL’ challenge meaning there is no restriction regarding the composition of the image and post-processing techniques you may use.
CATTLE IMAGES can show cows, bulls, or calves in any setting (but please no bullfights). Photos can be in colour or monochrome.
Members can enter a maximum of TWO images in the challenge
When submitting images for the FEBRUARY challenge the reference to be added at the end of the file name is MC02.
About the challenge
The Society’s Monthly Image Challenge is the perfect opportunity for members to test their photography skills, and to compete with other members in a friendly environment without the rigours of formal competitive photographic competitions. It is, therefore, a perfect challenge for anyone who has recently joined NDPS, particularly if they are just starting out on their photographic journey, and/or, have not entered a photo-competition before.
The Monthly Image Challenge is open to all CURRENT members of the Society including eMEMBERS
The THEME for each challenge will be confirmed at the start of each challenge but for those who prefer to plan ahead they can also be found along with everything else you need to know about the Monthly Image Challenge below.
Selector’s Choice
When each challenge closes a 'Selector' will be asked to select an image of the month and two runners-up together with a few words explaining their selections.
The ‘Selector’ will be provided with a slideshow that contains all the images that have been entered in that month’s challenge. Only the title of the images will be visible, and all metadata will be deleted so that the author cannot be readily identified.
Selectors will be reminded when the receive the slideshow that the ‘Monthly Image Challenge’ has everything to do with having fun and being inclusive. It is not about winning or losing but rather it should reward those members who take a chance, are bold with their composition, try something new or simply invoke emotion in the mind of the viewer.
Gallery of all January’s Images
Monthly Image Challenge
As with all other photographic competitions, there are few rules to follow. These are required to create a ‘level playing field’ for all who participate and because it is much easier and quicker to handle and store the images if they all arrive correctly named in the same format and size. In addition, for members who are less familiar with submitting images into formal competitions it is also good practice, under no pressure, for the real thing...!
The ‘image of the month‘ will be displayed on the Society’s website together with a gallery showing all the other images entered that month’s challenge. There will also be an archive so members can look back through the galleries of past monthly challenges. The ‘image of the month’ will also appear on the cover of In Focus (the Society’s monthly newsletter) and on the Society’s Facebook page @ndpsinfocus.