Highland photographers' striking entries win plaudits in East Sutherland Camera Club competition

East Sutherland Camera Club’s January competition took a new approach.

The subject matter was not themed – open – but the one requirement was that the image had to have a square format.

The thinking behind this was simple. Most photographs adopt a rectangular shape and the precise

proportions are normally chosen to enhance the composition. In this competition the challenge was reversed: to create a composition that suited a square format. A square is a perfectly balanced shape and it encourages simplification and the use of powerful visual shapes that sit within the square.

There are many other advantages including the challenge of rethinking your photographic approach.

Members rose to the challenge with over 70 excellent images. The judge, Mick Yates FRPS, provided a clear and helpful analysis of all the images. His comments were warmly received and all recognised the benefit whether or not it was their photograph being critiqued.

First place in the colour section when to Martin Ross from Golspie with ‘Black Light Dahlia’. The judge commended the strong composition and the use of a polished black surface to create the reflection.

Brittmarie Eksell, also from Golspie, came second with ‘Afternoon Light’. Mick uses his own photography to create strong stories and that attracted him to this image which in addition to its excellent tonal balance and exposure had an air of mystery demanding exploration. Zoe Gray from Portmahomack had captured the decisive moment with ‘Oh Deer, Think I’ve Been Spotted’. A carefully controlled tonal balance of soft browns was nicely offset with the green leaf.

Andy Kirby, Dornoch, came fourth with ‘Elgol Evening’. The crop worked well in a square format and there was an interesting story provided by the other photographers in the image – an all too frequent event at Elgol on Skye!

In introducing the monochrome section Mick commented that it was all too easy to convert a colour image to monochrome but the real test was whether or not it worked better as a monochrome. Alan Butcher’s ‘Did You Call?’, placed first, satisfied that test as well as exhibiting great timing and a misty separation of the background. Alan, from Golspie, also came second with his imaginative ‘Where Guinness Comes From?’ demonstrating a good balance of graphic shapes. No alcohol was consumed in the making of the image as it was river foam!

Martin Ross’s ‘The Scenic Route’ appealed to Mick’s love of street photography. He commended the exposure and that there was a lot of interest in the image.

Ashley Rose, Dornoch, was fourth with ‘Joyful’. The image was an excellent expression of the title and was well framed. The challenge of avoiding reflected light on glasses was carefully handled.

For more details about the club see www.eastsutherlandcc.org.uk and where the winning competition images can be seen.

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