Monthly Image Challenge
October 2023 - BLACK & WHITE STREET PHOTOGRAPHY
Nick Lewis selected this month’s top three images. Well I have to admit it is stunning set of images, There was one clear winner to me that was,
STREET PORTRAIT by David Jennings. As soon as I saw this photo it stood out , I really liked the full face and what a face, full of street life! It was sharp and spoke to me, what an amazing character. In the photograph, an elderly man is captured in a moment of solitude, a cigarette held loosely between his fingers. His hair and beard are as white as winter snow, each strand thin and wispy like a memory fading into the past. you could almost feel the guy in the room with you. The lines on his face tell a story of a life lived fully, each wrinkle a testament to the passage of time. His fingers, toughened by years of hard work or nicotine, are ingrained with dirt, and his nails bear the same earthy hue. Looking at his fingers I am not certain what he would smell like but the image portrays just so much. I think it fits the theme perfectly. This image is a poignant reminder of the relentless march of time, and the stories that are etched in its wake. Well done to whoever had the nerve to approach him for his photo.
I often wonder about Norwich looking for characters to photograph most of whom are flattered to be asked. One has to be a wee bit careful on a couple of occasions I have been told to F off in no uncertain terms, This particular character was wondering about near the Norwich Playhouse I approached him and asked if I could take his photo not only did he agree he suggested finding a better spot away from the public to do so.
That was a first for me...it turned out he had been asked by other like minded photographers so he was used to it. Lucky...or what?
David Jennings
Nick’s selection for runner up was EASY RIDER by Tom Watson. Everything is crystal clear and the little boys eyes draw you into the photograph. There is an innocent charm about the image. It draws you in to want to speak to the young boy.
Finally the second runner-up was MORNING WALK by Clive Matthews. This really appealed to me there is a calm simplicity about the image the two characters are caught between lamp posts, holding hands as they walk the promenade. It might have been better if they had been allowed to walk a bit nearer, but it’s still a lovely image of Cromer.
STREET PORTRAIT by David Jennings
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 NOVEMBER (2023) 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.
FASHION - What’s fashionable is subjective, representing different styles of clothes and accessories, and shot in different ways. The brief is relaxed, but the photography should be aimed at showcasing a look, the clothes and/or accessories.
Members can enter a maximum of TWO images in the challenge
When submitting images for the NOVEMBER challenge the reference to be added at the end of the file name is MC11.
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 October’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.