Stan McCartin has commented on the PhotoGroup exhibition photos for the previous seven years but he has now moved to pastures new in Edinburgh. Thanks Stan for all your support, we wish you well in the future.
With Stan's help we have been fortunate to find another very experienced photograper to take on the comments roll for the 2018 Exhibition, Terry Coffey
Terry Coffey started taking photographs as a child with his father’s Box Brownie. He then moved on to his own cameras and in later life became a member, and sometime chairman, of the Chalfonts and Gerrards Cross Camera Club. In the last 15 years Terry concentrated on judging and was appointed a judge by the Chilterns Association of Camera Clubs and the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain. He has judged about 400 competitions including an International Salon of 12 countries in four continents.
Click on thumbnail and click again on standard sized photo to see enlarged version
Buildings
Photo code
ex18B002
Caption
Monastic window, Canons Ashby, Northants
Author
G Stebbing-Allen
Comment
Powerful image. The interior is well photographed with fine control of penumbra. The exterior is losing the contest with the interior. (The challenging contrast between bright exterior and shadowy interior.)
Photo code
ex18B004
Caption
St Mary's Church, Hemel Hempstead
Author
P Wood
Comment
Plenty of delights in this picture, the broken sunlight through the pine tree and how it catches the little round shrubs. The two little dogs by the tree trunk, what do they have in mind?
Photo code
ex18B009
Caption
Windsor Castle
Author
J Hockey
Comment
Exposure between shadow and sunlight is well controlled. Do I mind about lens distortion (converging verticals)? No I don't. This is acceptable wherever it is obviously deliberate. Perhaps a little more castle and less sky would improve the framing.
Photo code
ex18B012
Caption
A derelict barn in South Northamptonshire
Author
C Smith
Comment
Delightful monochrome study of the old barn. Strong composition – height of trees tapering down from left to right making excellent backdrop to the barn. Pleasing tonal range and contrast. Good sky. Some might say too much foreground, but no. The farmer's harrow has made lovely curves leading us in.
Photo code
ex18B014
Caption
St Mary the Virgin Hambleden
Author
I Smith
Comment
Excellent. Very good framing. Use of flowers and foliage to frame the subject well done. Choice of viewing point very successful - gives great depth. Charming study.
Photo code
ex18B018
Caption
The Three Crowns at Askett ready for Christmas
Author
A Strawn
Comment
Memorable, dramatic record of the pub at night. Very challenging to shoot with all the lights and it is well done. What a pity the pub is empty. Nobody thirsty in Askett?
Photo code
ex18B021
Caption
Chapel of the Transfigeration, Bury St Edmonds
Author
T Cherrill
Comment
Beautiful photograph of beautiful subject. Exposure, light control is excellent and subtle. This is an example of how choosing your subject is all important. Your critical viewpoint is good. Tiny details can make or break your image. I would like you to have moved the floral stand about 12 inches to the left to separate from the candle. On the downside the white altar cloth is too bright.
Photo code
ex18B027
Caption
Springtime at St. Mary's Church, Princes Risborough
Author
P Dixon
Comment
A fine capture of brightly sunlit church with daffodils (or is it daffodils with church). The leafless tree helps balance the composition. Nice journey for the eye into the picture along the paths, good depth.
Photo code
ex18B030
Caption
Llanddwyn Island
Author
M Mee
Comment
Terrific building in a landscape. Could be in either. Superb composition, great depth; journey up the steps to the tower. Green grass, grey rocks, white surf, blue sea and sky with clouds - what more can we ask?
Photo code
ex18B033
Caption
Eltham Palace, South London, beautifully restored and reopened recently, with part of the moat and the Rock Gardens
Author
S Tripp
Comment
This photographer clearly knows her critical viewing point. Excellent capture of the palace with the serpentine moat leading us in. The man's tiny presence is important.
Photo code
ex18B044
Caption
This timeless shot of a street in Kirkwall shows no sign of any of the trappings of modern life – not even traffic
Author
A Beck
Comment
Here is an example of 'less is more'. Simplicity really does work as any Japanese flower arranger will confirm. No cars, no people, no clutter - but bags of period atmosphere. If only those two drainpipes weren't there. A tad less exposure to control the bright, white clouds would be good.
Photo code
ex18B050
Caption
Stairwell in St Pancras station Renaissance Hotel - London
Author
J Harrison
Comment
Challenging exposure you have chosen. Also combination of daylight and electric lamps is well managed. As is control of light and shadow. Hope you don't suffer from vertigo.
Photo code
ex18B053
Caption
Wendover – Tring Road, same terrace from opposite direction
Author
A Hannaford
Comment
A pleasing view of The Packhorse and thatched cottages in monochrome (good choice). The bare trees help with sense of place and your viewing point, a nice progression. Good punchy tonal range without extremes.
Photo code
ex18B058
Caption
Water Depth has not gone metric yet at Stepping-stones Cottage, Darnholm near Whitby. Note the protection on the garage door from the Eller Beck
Author
J Scafe
Comment
A welcoming image, come on in. The road's journey into the picture is fine, but perhaps too much. Crop the base up to that white patch in the road. Image slightly canted - house is leaning over. Easily rectified in the frame.
Flora & Fauna
Photo code
ex18F006
Caption
Globe artichokes, apart from being edible, make spectacular photographs when in flower, or when they fade like this one.
Author
A Beck
Comment
Agreed, a fading artichoke does make a spectacular image. A good, pleasingly lit and well framed photograph.
Photo code
ex18F012
Caption
No hiding place
Author
P Wardman
Comment
This arresting image speaks for itself, does it not. Needs no explanation from me.It is well captured. These creatures are timid and easily startled. Your shutter captured an excellent grab shot.
Photo code
ex18F014
Caption
Mullein moth on verbascum, Beth Chatto's garden, Essex
Author
A Strawn
Comment
An excellent take on the caterpillar in its natural habitat. A pity the whites are so bright. A half stop less exposure would have been better.
Photo code
ex18F020
Caption
Dyffryn
Author
M King
Comment
Wonderful study of fat matronly robin with a rather outraged expression. Fine detail. Much admired. Differential focus of background just right.
Photo code
ex18F022
Caption
Not quite ripe
Author
P Dixon
Comment
A pleasing reminder of early blackberry season with fruits from green to ripe in all stages. This shows us Mother Nature's work in progress and places us in that optimistic time of year. Differential focus nicely judged.
Photo code
ex18F030
Caption
There is always something in the garden to photograph on a summer evening
Author
C Smith
Comment
I think it is a Meadow Brown. The butterfly itself is perfect. The large bright areas behind are distracting. The composition would be stronger if the left side were cropped about 20%.
Photo code
ex18F032
Caption
Ewe and lambs at twilight, Whitwell, Herts
Author
C Howe
Comment
A lovely landscape with very tiny fauna (ewe and lambs), but plenty of flora. The ewe and lambs are the focal point and that structure lower left points into the picture. Lovely twilit sky.
Photo code
ex18F035
Caption
Highest trees in Dorset, Lewesdon Hill, Dorset
Author
C Howe
Comment
Gorgeous woodland scene. You have used well the dark tree trunks and bough to frame the centre view. Orchestration of colour is charming.
Photo code
ex18F038
Caption
Heron nr. Lynmouth, North Devon
Author
B Hunt
Comment
Splendid capture of heron emerging from a river. Always better to see living creatures doing something rather than just posing prettily. Just love the translucent water.
Photo code
ex18F039
Caption
Wild Garlic growing on the banks of the River Derwent in Derbyshire
Author
S Cook
Comment
A delightful scene of flora, water and bridge. There is even a little bird (Blue Tit I think) perched in the middle, against the arch. Lovely.
Photo code
ex18F040
Caption
A dragon fly resting and drying out after emerging from its nymph stage in my garden pond
Author
S Cook
Comment
A challenging subject in this position, at this angle. Dramatic moment in its life cycle, though not the prettiest. The habitat is well handled. The nymph is well depicted, but the dragon fly's wings angled across like that have exceeded your shallow depth of field. We really want these wings sharp throughout. The lower end being cropped is a pity.
Photo code
ex18F041
Caption
This mallard was balancing on a rope at the top of the weir
Author
M Parry
Comment
Another bird doing something. Well seen and captured. Added value; curiosity. Is he trying to impress a female?
Photo code
ex18F048
Caption
I have been trying to see a red squirrel for ages, and this year two suddenly appeared outside the Haweswater Hotel, in the Eastern Lake District, where we were having a late lunch and they were regularly fed.
Author
S Tripp
Comment
Very much fauna this time. How good to see a red one for a change. Well photographed. Good catchlight in the eye; lovely brush, and those grasses just right.
Photo code
ex18F049
Caption
Coltsfoot, Grand Union Canal, Berkhamstead
Author
P Wood
Comment
Yes, a pleasing group of yellow Coltsfoot, canal-side with delightful water reflections background. Well framed but for the unfortunate clip of the flower extreme left.
Photo code
ex18F055
Caption
Chestnuts
Author
T Hyde
Comment
A glorious picture of new chestnuts just out of their husks. Beautifully lit naturally, 'and brown horse-chestnuts, glossy-new;' (Rupert Brooke ; The Great Lover)
Photo code
ex18F059
Caption
Eye of the Fox
Author
P Davis
Comment
It's good to focus on a detail of your subject sometimes, instead of the whole. This is a very intimate connection with this Reynard. I see the photographer reflected in the eye.
Photo code
ex18F062
Caption
Small Copper butterfly taking off at Aston Clinton ragpits
Author
J Scafe
Comment
An ambitious, not to say daring, capture of this action shot. The photographer is commended for giving us a very different and dynamic image of the butterfly. Well done.
Heritage
Photo code
ex18H005
Caption
The branch line from Maiden Newton to Bridport West Bay in Dorset finally closed in 1975. The station building now holds a bar and kitchens while dining tables are in the railway carriage
Author
M Parry
Comment
An excellent 'Heritage' subject with both nostalgia and humour. Well framed; strong composition. Pity you couldn't move that white car out of the frame (?).
Photo code
ex18H007
Caption
Taking a break on Worthing Pier
Author
J Harrison
Comment
A powerful image - possibly the most memorable in this exhibition (but I haven't seen the rest yet). Need I say more?
Photo code
ex18H011
Caption
HMS Victory, Portsmouth
Author
A Strawn
Comment
Well we can't complain there is no journey for the eye. All those stays leading up to the 'lubber hole' take us directly to the focal point. Dramatic; dynamic.
Photo code
ex18H015
Caption
Amersham Museum Garden
Author
I Smith
Comment
What better example of heritage in the Chilterns than this museum garden very prettily pictured. No, that's not my summer house dead centre on the horizon (is it yours?).
Photo code
ex18H016
Caption
Brushmaking in Chesham
Author
T Cherrill
Comment
Good to watch people at work, my favourite pastime. Interesting subject, not usually seen. Strong image. Background cluttered, but it’s a workplace - not a studio. Would prefer you had moved the mug.
Photo code
ex18H020
Caption
Noting in the Ashmolean
Author
Q Barrett
Comment
I trust you do not need any explanation from me as to why this is so good. I could talk for some time about the many pleasures in this frame. I think this would do well in competitions. Perhaps this is the most memorable image here.
Photo code
ex18H024
Caption
The Cobb
Author
M Mee
Comment
This is a fine view of the famous Cobb. It is well taken on a fine day. The sunshine is lighting the landscape; but not the Cobb. That makes for contrast. The tiny human figures lend scale and the serpentine shape of the Cobb leads us to the man at the end. The sea horizon does not appear to be horizontal, which is a shame.
Photo code
ex18H026
Caption
Queen Elizabeth's Oak at Chenies Manor
Author
J Scafe
Comment
A wonderful study of the ancient oak and the Manor. Which, I wonder, is the older? The strong contrast between nature's work and man's is evident. I'm a little bit annoyed with that large white rectangle among the roofs and that decorative piece of ironwork left of the oak. No pleasing some people.
Photo code
ex18H030
Caption
Carn Brae Monument, Redruth Cornwall
Author
A Hannaford
Comment
An impressive study. Well taken in monochrome with good tonal range. Appears to lean to the right a tad.
Photo code
ex18H034
Caption
Woody Hole station on the Barnstaple & Lynton Railway, North Devon
Author
B Hunt
Comment
I have chosen this for its very strong composition. The engine is, of course, the focal point; its smoke and steam show us it is alive and running. The diagonal of the tracks give a dynamic to support the action. The man on the left is good for scale. The signals tower and the tree frame the subject nicely.
Photo code
ex18H036
Caption
Norfolk windmill, Cley-next-the-Sea
Author
G Stebbing-Allen
Comment
A successful image of this very famous and much photographed windmill. The light and shadow on the tower shows us the roundness very well. Placing the mill off centre gives the vanes space to 'look into' ; and the fence to angle down into the corner of the frame. More satisfying than if it just ran level, straight off the side. And very heritage too.
Landscape
Photo code
ex18L001
Caption
Llyn Padarn
Author
M Mee
Comment
A magnificent landscape to open. Did you bring that tree with you, on the roof of the car? Without it the picture would still be a splendid landscape, but without character. An object lesson in choosing your subject and viewing point.
Photo code
ex18L005
Caption
Turville
Author
M King
Comment
A wonderful capture of red kite against smokey Turville (no, you didn't put it there post camera - did you?). Once again I do not need to explain what is good about this. It speaks for itself, eloquently.
Photo code
ex18L010
Caption
Ornamental lake, Wales
Author
P Davis
Comment
The main charms here are tree trunk, water and weeping willow, and their pleasing contrasts. The gravel path is a little too bright on my monitor, but that is easily dealt with.
Photo code
ex18L019
Caption
After the rain
Author
P Wardman
Comment
Now here is a fine rolling landscape under a fine rolling thunder cloud, just past. Ideal conditions for that lovely light we often see after the storm. Three human figures (3 is always good) for scale. Delightful.
Photo code
ex18L028
Caption
Orkney coastline
Author
L Rhodes
Comment
The presumptuous Orkney confronts the mighty ocean, which covers most of our planet. The turbulent sea and flying spume reminds us, even in fine weather, the awesome power potential that threatens the land. The tiny building is more important in this image than its size suggests.
Photo code
ex18L029
Caption
Ring of Brodgar, Orkney
Author
L Rhodes
Comment
A really atmospheric shot. Rain and sunshine together. The stones help to visually pull together land and sky. Reminds me how insignificant we are.
Photo code
ex18L030
Caption
Southwold viewed from the pier
Author
J Harrison
Comment
A very good, quite dramatic view of dear old Southwold in monochrome. Lovely tonal gradation throughout the frame. The real dwelling houses dwarfing the tiny beach huts (almost as expensive). The lighthouse tower really completes the composition. Isn't that the seaman's museum extreme right?
Photo code
ex18L031
Caption
A reflected view of riverside London
Author
J Harrison
Comment
The first appeal of this is quirkiness. Most images look for a kind of perfection and realism. This photographer has chosen to show us a familiar part of central London seen through the confusion of reflections caused by two layers of glass. This appears to pull together both those inside and outside the glass. And, of course, we see our photographer. An artificially lit section of the bar shelves with bottles obliterates his head and face. Some of you may think that is a good thing. I could not possibly comment.
Photo code
ex18L033
Caption
Across the loch towards Suilven, Assynt Coigach, NW Scotland
Author
C Smith
Comment
And yet another splendid water landscape on a fine day with a contrasty sky of blue and puffy white clouds. Much of the pleasure is the rippled water with reeds. My impression is that the water surface is presented to us at an angle, which is a shame. About 25-30% of the bottom cropped would, in my opinion, improve the picture.
Photo code
ex18L035
Caption
Sunshine and showers from Whernside looking towards Ingleborough, Yorkshire
Author
C Howe
Comment
The rain falling at left of picture almost into the large patch of sunlit meadows, in a valley under a raincloud threatening to block out the sunshine. All this provides a strong sense of place, sheltering as it were behind the large wedge of grassy foreground. This makes us feel in the picture.
Photo code
ex18L036
Caption
Evening falls at Brimham Rocks, Yorkshire
Author
C Howe
Comment
Yes indeed, evening falls. You captured that very well. I have stood there, but your photograph is far better than mine. We feel we could touch those rocky textures; and yet another interesting sky. Whatever happened to all those dreadfully bland english skies we were all complaining of?
Photo code
ex18L041
Caption
Camping at a farm in Harvington in the Vale of Evesham, we watched the tractor harrowing and throwing up clouds of dust from the dry soil of the field.
Author
A Beck
Comment
Very good of the tractor and dust, but a better picture within your picture would be just your prime subject. Trim out or crop almost everything except the tractor and dust cloud, with just enough ground and trees around it.
Photo code
ex18L046
Caption
Dunstanburgh Castle, Northumberland
Author
J Hockey
Comment
A magnificent landscape which is 2/3rds skyscape. Fortunately the sky features a splendid cumulus cloud-street; its diagonal adds a dynamic to the image and, unusually, a journey for the eye into the subject from above. Tiny humans for scale.
Photo code
ex18L052
Caption
Watersmeet, East Lynn river, North Devon
Author
B Hunt
Comment
The photographer has given us a view of the falls as though we were there, standing on the rocks. He has selected a suitable shutter speed to show the movement of water in a natural sense. Delightful.
Photo code
ex18L056
Caption
The River Avon estuary at Bantham at low tide. You can walk all the way to the Hotel on Burgh Island. Make sure you check the tide times first
Author
S Cook
Comment
A grand view down the estuary, over the little picket fence, bottom right, which brings us into the scene as we peer over the hedge. Another good summer sky completes the picture. The water course draws us in. We feel we want to follow it.
Photo code
ex18L064
Caption
Towards Buttermere, Crummock Water (& HonisterSlate mines)
Author
J Conboy
Comment
A well letterboxed landscape with lots of sunlight and cloud shadow. The sky is cropped to direct our attention to the dramatic landscape below. Terrific journey for the eye through the lakes (centre).
Photo code
ex18L072
Caption
Chess Valley
Author
T Hyde
Comment
I have chosen this one for comment over the same author's splendid 'Thames at Marlow' because this is a less frequently seen part of our wonderful countryside. Both viewpoint and composition contribute to a delightful study.
Photo code
ex18L082
Caption
Hughenden
Author
D Lawson
Comment
A most attractive vista down Hughenden Valley on a chill, misty morning. Conveys the atmosphere and sense of place perfectly.
Photo code
ex18L086
Caption
The harbour entrance and restored netloft.
Author
S Rodrick
Comment
A strong take on the entrance, and more significantly, the rocky headlands. The netloft is, of course, the focal point and main subject. You found a favourable viewpoint. A little to the left would have been even better, if possible.
Other
Photo code
ex18O001
Caption
Chains
Author
P Davis
Comment
A powerful industrial image of chains, conveying strength and security. An object lesson of how the artist with the camera can transform a fundamentally ugly, utilitarian object into a thing of beauty. An every-day material becomes aesthetically pleasing. Photographers need an eye for such possibilities.
Photo code
ex18O003
Caption
Egg
Author
P Davis
Comment
A brown egg perched on two dinner forks doesn't sound inspiring, but this photographer with carefully chosen background, lighting and reflections and vignetting creates a striking image. It makes us smile.
Photo code
ex18O006
Caption
Pushing through the crowd in Gerrard Street, London during Chinese new year celebrations
Author
J Harrison
Comment
The urban jungle, the delights of city life reflected in the faces. 'What are you taking my photo for?' Thank God it's Friday. A gritty example of contemporary street photography. Social comment? Excellent.
Photo code
ex18O014
Caption
Inking up a woodcut, Waterperry
Author
T Cherrill
Comment
Yes, good to see a detail of crafts in action. The woodcut, the ink, the print, the roller, the pallet knife and the hands. Lots of essential detail of the work while it's happening. We don't need carefully arranged or posed artefacts; just show it how it is (in this context I mean). We are briefly present in the print shop. Well seen.
Photo code
ex18O017
Caption
Art shop, Whitby
Author
Q Barrett
Comment
Another quirky one with overlaid reflections through streaky condensation. Lets go inside and look at the pictures. Well observed. Why not crop the right-hand edge up to the frame?
Photo code
ex18O021
Caption
Market Stall
Author
T Hyde
Comment
Redolent of market day, almost anywhere. Very full, very busy, cluttered even - so not really 'gold medal' material. Some human activity or presence would bring it to life.
Photo code
ex18O023
Caption
London
Author
M King
Comment
Giving us just this length of the bridge, apparently unsupported, is theatrical. Yes of course we know the bridge is supported - but not in this image. The darkening sky helps the dramatic feeling.
Photo code
ex18O027
Caption
West Wycombe House through a twisted tree
Author
P Dixon
Comment
Yes, it works well doesn't it? Seeing the house through the tree. The precise architecture contrasted with the bent bough. Well seen.
Photo code
ex18O028
Caption
Buoy marking flags, Brighton Marina
Author
P Dixon
Comment
You couldn't resist this. The bright sunlit colours and all those white poles making a wonderful shape against the blue sky. I'm glad you didn't resist.
Photo code
ex18O034
Caption
Pumpkin Parade – taken at a nursery in Benson which has since closed. It was located on the road leading up to RAF Benson
Author
A Hannaford
Comment
Extraordinary how a few cuts with a knife can make us laugh out loud. The photographer has got down to their level with his/her lens. I particularly enjoy the chap eating his prize ticket. Ironic that Halloween was the night of all the witches, later changed by the church to the 'Night of All Saints'. Which should make us smile more?
Photo code
ex18O036
Caption
Watch out below!
Author
M Parry
Comment
Yes, this is a very good grab-shot of a forester at work. He is not quite silhouetted against the sky; we can still see colour in his clothes. The image does speak well for itself, but would be even more dramatic with a slower shutter speed to blur the falling log.
Photo code
ex18O037
Caption
This fishing trawler was hauled out of the water practically on the street.
Author
S Rodrick
Comment
The trawler's stern and propellor seemingly levitating above the dock is an interesting image. Well photographed.