Stan McCartin, a well-known and very experienced camera club judge and lecturer in the Chilterns, has commented on several of our exhibition photographs that he has picked out.
Comments from Stan McCartin LRPS, CPAGB, APAGB
It is once again my pleasure to review and comment on this ever growing exhibition. The Chilterns must be one of the most photographed places in the world, and so it should be, except maybe for the seven wonders! This year in the Buildings category, I see a much more dynamic approach to so many of the images, and despite our common weather complaint, lots of beautiful skies and lovely light on buildings. Flora and Fauna are just bursting with colour this year and whilst there is some crossover with landscape, the two are sometimes inseparable. In Heritage, it is sometimes quite an illustrative approach that is taken, but I see we have become much more pictorial and imaginative this year, like the Ashmolean sculpture of the head and legs. Landscapes are still a popular subject and why not; living in the Chilterns and even further afield, we see some stunning views and vistas. Some fabulous skies and creative compositions are evident, along with the strong and traditional approaches. And finally, in the new Others category, we go a bit "off piste" with a range from photojournalism to almost abstract.
A great exhibition and well done to the organisers and contributors alike.
Stan McCartin
Click on thumbnail and click again on standard sized photo to see enlarged version
Buildings
Photo code
ex17B005
Caption
The view from the A1(M) in the not very interesting south Yorkshire landscape. The drama of the cooling towers remains undiminished. It won’t be long before they will have all disappeared as coal fired power stations are de-commissioned.
Author
S Rodrick
Comment
Very typical of the bleak landscape along the M1 in that area. This is well emphasised by the long lines of the road markings and crash barrier. Industry in the area is well defined by the cooling towers which look to be breathing their last. And a well chosen medium of monochrome to add to the lifeless feeling of the picture, except for some traffic on the road further away. Some may say the sky is too bland to have so much in the shot, but I think it adds to the bleakness and vastness.
Photo code
ex17B009
Caption
Library, Supreme Court
Author
T Cherrill
Comment
A colourful image on account of the spines of the books. Maybe just a bit too saturated but as that is the main purpose of the picture then perhaps forgivable. Would have been good to have seen a wigged, cloaked legal looking figure in the main entrance at the bottom, but I don't know if they ever go there in their full robes.
Photo code
ex17B012
Caption
Stoke Park, Stoke Poges
Author
T Hyde
Comment
Very well chosen spot to give beautiful composition for the whole setting. The swan is the icing on the cake and very welcome in this case. I do love the positioning of the building, bridge, trees and swan. Excellent photography and a good image for commercial use too.
Photo code
ex17B013
Caption
Saltburn-by-the-sea
Author
P Cherrill
Comment
Spot on with the angle of the shot. The building should be photographed for the record of its style and period, and adding that carriage at the top illustrates the full story of the funicular's purpose and modus operandi. It would have been great if it had been open and had a few period dressed people queuing to get on, but life is rarely that lucky for a photographer.
Photo code
ex17B016
Caption
Chequers
Author
M King
Comment
It's very difficult to get a clear view of Chequers, especially when the trees are in leaf, but this is as good as it gets. Nice punchy shot without overdoing the contrast, but verticals are a little bit leaning to the right. Hope you didn't get arrested by the many security guards patrolling the grounds when the place is in use.
Photo code
ex17B017
Caption
Lighthouse on the beach at Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset
Author
M Parry
Comment
These lighthouses are so stark with their bright colours and sturdy designs that you'd thing they would stand up to any storm, and probably have. This shot gives as much as you can get in a single picture to show the building's shape and size and the couple with the dog in the background helps here. Good clean and well lit work.
Photo code
ex17B019
Caption
West Wycombe Park
Author
P Davis
Comment
Very challenging idea to put a tree in front of the main subject, but look how it adds depth and even some drama to the photo. I get a feeling of stealing a glimpse of something magical, like a fairy castle, and then in a moment, it disappeared in a puff of smoke. The reflection is perfect and very well positioned in the frame. In fact the overall composition is so simple and effective that it makes an often photographed building quite unique. Where's the swan? Only joking!
Photo code
ex17B025
Caption
Eilean Donan Castle
Author
M Mee
Comment
Famously loved by photographers, this castle looks splendid in its Highland setting as shown here. Now then, my gut feel is that if you had gone about 100 yards out and kept your camera well above the water, then you would have been able to set the castle more to the right and filled the shadowed area of mountain slope. You might have gotten very wet though. The next shot in this series puts the (Stalker) castle in a superb position.
Photo code
ex17B029
Caption
Bombay Sapphire Distillery, Whitchurch, Hampshire
Author
E Mason
Comment
Looks like huge angel wings and is so like the new part of the Louvre with its modern glass against old stone. I wonder if a little more of the old stone would have told more of a story here, and a bit of sunshine to make the glass sparkle might also have livened it up a bit. I heard a judge recently say "give it a bit more welly". That is a new photographic term I take it?
Photo code
ex17B032
Caption
Lyme Regis
Author
Q Barrett
Comment
As it says, "a photo opportunity", and it freaks me out; particularly the angles of the broken wall at the top. I might be wrong but it is very effective "wall art" and exactly what the photographer wanted.
Photo code
ex17B034
Caption
Southwold hotel sign
Author
G Stebbing-Allen
Comment
I stayed at this hotel in April this year and very nice it was too. The reason for photographing the sign is quite important because when the hotel is eventually taken over by a big group, as it inevitably will be, then the first thing to happen is the old sign goes and a new plastic piece of "branding" goes up. And you can bet it won't be as finely crafted as this is. Well done for preserving the craft, and let's hope that Southwold's strong spirit of preserving the old town, saves this sign. And well photographed too.
Photo code
ex17B036
Caption
Dagnall Pub
Author
P Wood
Comment
Old buildings that are lit up at night are like magnets to photographers. Well handled from a lighting point of view but a wee bit over saturated in colour. Is the slight slope off to the right because you had been in the pub before you took the shot? Wouldn't be the first time that I've "popped in for one" during a photo-shoot.
Photo code
ex17B040
Caption
The RAF Memorial, Runnymede
Author
S Cook
Comment
I fell into the trap of choosing the best of this photographer's entry because it is such a good photograph for the Buildings category. The choice of angle and lens focal length give us inclusion of all four sides of the structure. The position of the main part of the building, in good light is perfect. And most of all these fingers of light at the bottom left do a fine job of adding that magic touch to the composition. Amazing and very well done indeed.
Photo code
ex17B042
Caption
The Cellar at Fountains Abbey
Author
J Scafe
Comment
Arches must be one of the most popular methods of supporting a structure in architecture. And they are usually so beautiful too. Good viewpoint here and the window at the end gives a strong vanishing point. I'm seeing magenta on the ground and green in the arches, so would this be better in monochrome? I doubt if there is any colour apart from stone in the image anyway. But you've certainly got the composition just right. Try a slight sepia tone to preserve the aged stone tones.
Photo code
ex17B045
Caption
The Solent Way near Netley
Author
A Beck
Comment
I only chose this because of the anachronistic value between the bus stop and the tower blocks with the lamp post joining them up. Somehow it makes a picture. The blandness of the tower blocks and the character of the bus stop works a treat.
Photo code
ex17B047
Caption
Tate Modern extension from rear of building
Author
B Hunt
Comment
It must be difficult to photograph this and give a clear indication of the angles. It's like those diagrams that are impossible in real-life (there's a name for them that escapes me). But pictorially this is well balanced and does both jobs of the photographer's interpretation of the building and illustration of it. It would make a great exhibition print and people would be tilting their heads to understand it.
Photo code
ex17B050
Caption
Hitchin Market Square at dusk
Author
C Howe
Comment
Just look at the light! Good time for catching a bit of atmosphere; it looks like 9:55 on the clock. The pole and bunting fill the scene with fun and joy, then conversely the sole chap on the bike is a bit menacing, but very typical. I appreciate the positioning of the pole against the bell tower. We are pleasantly lead up to that point by the lines of the bunting and, along with that small piece of cloud to the right, it fills the sky perfectly.
Photo code
ex17B053
Caption
Mermaid Street, Rye, East Sussex on a wet night
Author
C Smith
Comment
While we are on the subject of evening light, here is another fine example of an old town at night. Quiet, warm and friendly yet almost ghostly. The wet cobbles and flagstones add so much light. I think this is fine without a subject, but some would no doubt prefer an old, hunched, cloaked character from a Dickens story, running down the street. Hey Ho!
Photo code
ex17B055
Caption
Offices at Paddington Basin, London
Author
J Harrison
Comment
Powerful design put to good use in the composition of this image. Even the sky with its streaky cloud in the right place adds vigour to it all. Many of us might have been tempted to look at it in a landscape format, but I see this as stronger because of the travel up and down the scene. The chap in the foreground removes any objection about focal point, but for me it would work just as well without him. I see the vanishing point where all the lines and swerves meet. Fabulous piece of B&W photography all the same.
Photo code
ex17B059
Caption
Natural light, Watts Gallery, Surrey
Author
J Hockey
Comment
I suppose the objective of putting this image in the buildings category is to show how architecture can be used to diffuse natural light and make it flood evenly throughout the interior. And it makes a good simple design with these "boomerangs" and their apexes slightly offset from centre. Did we want a single feature somewhere just to complete the picture? I'll let you decide.
Photo code
ex17B064
Caption
RAF Halton
Author
A Hannaford
Comment
Here is a photographer with a "seeing eye". Silly expression really since the eyes are for seeing, but we all known the interpretation. It's the way the three hut doors all look as if they are falling off their hinges. The depth of the picture in three layers is a differentiating approach to just the layer with the three huts. Good winter lighting and frost; and with a little straightening up (it seems to run down towards the bottom right), it would finish off a fine picture nicely.
Photo code
ex17B067
Caption
Autumn at Wakehurst Place: the Manor House viewed from inside the walled garden. iPhone picture.
Author
S Tripp
Comment
Again we have three layers from close up to far off and this is what gives pictures depth. It almost adds a 3D effect but without all the fuss of special glasses. A good spread of lighting also adds to the depth and gives full contrast, which has been handled well by the photographer. Good solid buildings work (not building works!).
Flora & Fauna
Photo code
ex17F004
Caption
Lapwings and a black-headed gull at College Lake, Bucks
Author
B Hunt
Comment
The rendering of this in B&W is excellent and although it is in the Flora and Fauna section, it has a fine pictorial quality to it. It is all about the black-headed gull being the focal point, especially with its wings outstretched like that, as if trying to scare the disinterested lapwings away. It would make a fine print I suspect, and I wonder how it would look with a little more of the top of the image. It seems closely cropped to avoid some distraction, but inclusion of the top of the two bushes would make it perfect.
Photo code
ex17F006
Caption
Autumn - wild cherry leaves
Author
T Hyde
Comment
Sometimes a good picture does not need to conform to conventional rules which require a focal point. This is a simple pattern picture showing the glorious colours of autumn. So let's just enjoy it as it is and was intended to be.
Photo code
ex17F009
Caption
Poppies near Hitchin
Author
C Howe
Comment
Arguably could have been in Landscape but has flora as a major element of the picture. What is interesting is the crisscross patterns of the tracks in the grass and the random clusters of poppies. The colours make this work and I know from my own experience that getting poppies to "pop" with red like this needs careful post-processing, which has been expertly handled. And finally the composition with the central tree will cause debate ad infinitum, but I'm OK with it.
Photo code
ex17F016
Caption
In the summer the small pond in my garden becomes a real mecca for mating May flies
Author
S Cook
Comment
The alliteration in the title is appropriate. I've seen similar activities with the common blues. This shot shows quite a bit of activity across the bottom half with the main insect nicely sharp and well positioned. Two things might help this photo: crop out the top half, and reduce the saturation of the green (or yellow as it actually is). Then the red and blue colouring of the insects would stand out much more.
Photo code
ex17F021
Caption
The wild flower meadow at Snowshill Lavender, Worcestershire
Author
C Smith
Comment
I couldn't resist singling this out of the photographer's excellent collection of flora and fauna. If ever there was a perfect example of how to photograph a lady in a flower meadow then this is it. All down to the choice of colours and flowers in the hat to match the meadow flowers. And it is obviously and deliberately posed as if to say "do you see me amongst the flowers?" Maybe she was somewhere else and "dropped in". I doubt if it will win the wildlife photographer of the year, but a joy to behold as a picture.
Photo code
ex17F027
Caption
Northwood
Author
M Parry
Comment
Nearly a great shot of the moth, but so much is unlit. Where it is lit the effect is tremendous.
Photo code
ex17F030
Caption
Pergola in Hestercombe Gardens, Somerset
Author
J Harrison
Comment
It's a smashing setting with the dappled lighting, symmetric design and faded edges. Now what I want to see is the bride and groom walking down the leafy aisle. Or, for the more wildlife-oriented amongst us, a big tiger running towards us!
Photo code
ex17F034
Caption
Mandarin Duck (male) Wendover Arm
Author
A Hannaford
Comment
These ducks are a bit special with their ornate colouring, and to capture this one having a wash makes the picture a winner. The photographer chose a good compromise of shutter speed to keep the head and breast sharp whilst allowing a nice bit of splash movement. What you might want to think about is giving the duck a little more space in the frame. If it is already cropped then you may have enough in the original image to try this, but it's personal taste. Still, it's the best mandarin duck photo I've seen.
Photo code
ex17F036
Caption
Blue Morpho, RHS Wisley
Author
B Smith
Comment
It's nice to see a different background for a butterfly. The leafy norm is perfectly fine, but this is quite refreshing and the stone colouring blends so well with the butterfly's colours. Fairly flat lighting but you have managed to keep good contrast. Well done.
Photo code
ex17F042
Caption
A riot of dahlias, Blanchard, Northumberland
Author
E Mason
Comment
Or it could have been called a riot of colour because that is what it is. Idyllic setting and a soft sunny light source I think. If you fancy trying to give it even more impact, then crop about a quarter to a third off the bottom and see how much wilder the riot becomes!
Photo code
ex17F043
Caption
Waddesdon
Author
R Darrah
Comment
I went for the "impression" picture of autumn from the Waddesdon selection because I enjoy this treatment. The soft misty atmosphere gives a warm feeling when it was probably cold in real life. The central positioning of the trunk is fine because the main branches or boughs wave out like arms and almost bring the tree to life. Treatment like this is all a matter of taste, and this is to mine.
Photo code
ex17F047
Caption
The wonderfully colourful and bright moth is obligingly sedentary unlike most of its kind.
Author
S Rodrick
Comment
Speaks for itself as another "riot of colour" and for me, it becomes even more a burst if you crop the left by a quarter and the right by a sliver.
Photo code
ex17F048
Caption
Four Ashes
Author
D Lawson
Comment
Not dissimilar to an earlier one in this category that I commented on; the enjoyment of pattern is the story here. In this case we have a marvellous ray of light which has been positioned just right. Clone out the white whatever-it-is, and then the bands of varying brightness blend with uninterrupted flow from bottom to top and back again. Very enjoyable observation of the forest floor in autumn.
Photo code
ex17F048
Caption
Ashridge Squirrels
Author
P Wood
Comment
Although not popular, these little chaps look like fun here. Nicely backlit, but a touch too much on the sharpening which has made their tails a bit "frazzled", if there is such a word. It also emphasises digital noise in the darker areas.
Photo code
ex17F055
Caption
Crocuses, Naphill
Author
P Davis
Comment
Nothing beats lying on your stomach on the wet ground, then struggling to get back up, but coming away with a shot like this. Worth every bit of the pain and discomfort. And I see in the next image that you rolled over on to your back and shot the trees to get another impressive photo. Just be careful of the saturation in the darker blues at the back of the image. I'd mask it out because the effect on the rest of the picture is stunning.
Photo code
ex17F059
Caption
Fruit Bowl
Author
J Hockey
Comment
I think "Fruit Fission" might have been a better title here! Apologies for the indulgence.
Photo code
ex17F060
Caption
Three cornered leek, Isles of Scilly
Author
J Hockey
Comment
Very peaceful and restful to look at. Normally this light would be just not good enough, but here it is beautiful.
Photo code
ex17F064
Caption
In the Dog House
Author
J Scafe
Comment
We sometimes forget that photography can be purely for the sake of humour. It's not the most brilliant of photos from a technical point of view, but you can't help laughing at the cheek of the cat. That defiant look. And it leaves a lingering laugh when you think what happened when the incumbent returned!
Photo code
ex17F065
Caption
Marbled White butterfly at Aston Clinton Ragpits
Author
A Beck
Comment
A good example of two things in this image. First of all it is exactly how to photograph butterflies and all is nearly perfect there. The second thing highlights attention to detail, where removal of the leaf tip on the top would have taken away a distraction and finished it off well.
Photo code
ex17F068
Caption
Easter Flowers, Chesham
Author
T Cherrill
Comment
I am always drawn to the beautiful light and peaceful atmosphere in churches. It is captured well here but just needs a little levelling.
Photo code
ex17F072
Caption
Autumn leaves
Author
G Stebbing-Allen
Comment
Nature's carpet. Always a temptation to photograph and if you choose your arrangement well then it usually works. Here the colours are rich but let down a touch by the lack of a beam of light. Wouldn't it be nice if you could just snap your fingers and hey presto, the sun came out!
Photo code
ex17F075
Caption
Meadow Pipit, Stanton Moor
Author
D Kennedy
Comment
I like to feel that I am actually out in the wild with the creatures when I look at wildlife, as I feel I am in this picture. The little bird in among the heather (if that is what it is) looks so much at home with his snack in his beak. The whole tone of the image is of a moor with cold but beautiful colours. Great control of the depth of field and other technical matters here, and altogether we have a winner.
Photo code
ex17F076
Caption
Chesham Bois
Author
I Riley
Comment
There is a kind of sensational look to the water in this image, the reflection and refraction giving a marvellous screen over which the frogs pop up humorously in amongst their spawn. We see a lot of frog pictures in the wildlife world, but this has an edge that goes further. I love it!
Photo code
ex17F079
Caption
Mute Swan just touching down. The Thames near Windsor.
Author
S Tripp
Comment
Yes, a smashing moment of capture with the splash and the feet dragging ready for the next skid before landing. And no background distractions give it more impact. It just seems that we have a small section out of a larger image because the detail is just not quite there in the bird. It's OK for the water which looks very natural.
Heritage
Photo code
ex17H002
Caption
Those were the days! I love this old petrol pump at Cholesbury
Author
A Beck
Comment
Pounds, shillings and pence (libra, solidi, denari or ell-ess-dee), and pints and quarts.These old signs are good heritage subjects and, I'd suspect, collectors' items nowadays. A move to the right might just have got rid of the modern white camper van to keep us in the past here; or a lower angle maybe. The little sprig of ivy on the bottom left is an appropriate final touch. If we do our maths, that comes to just under £1 a gallon, or 22p a litre. I remember when we all gasped at the horror of a pound a gallon!
Photo code
ex17H004
Caption
The Six Bells pub, Warborough
Author
A Hannaford
Comment
A nice conflict of heritage versus modern stuff; the good old brewer and the modern flavours of crisps. Another interesting thing is the lovely tones of age on the wooden table top which makes a perfect backdrop to these treats. Nicely composed with the diagonal approach from bottom left to the focal point of the beer name.
Photo code
ex17H007
Caption
Hammer and Tongs Forge, Bulbourne
Author
A Strawn
Comment
I like the lighting on this one: gives the feeling of being in a forge with daylight spilling in from a big open door. This also gives tremendously natural contrast which is picking out the textures and emphasising the shapes. Arrangement is pleasant with main horseshoes being upright, which is superstitiously lucky; at least to us Scots anyway.
Photo code
ex17H010
Caption
Stern of Nelson's "Victory" in Portsmouth Dockyard
Author
B Hunt
Comment
Great sweep of composition in the form of a great wave of the hand, as I see it. Very pictorial and completed nicely with the half open window. A good bit of light on the windows and parts of the paintwork make it technically tip top.
Photo code
ex17H011
Caption
Tree stump becomes owl in Wales
Author
C Howe
Comment
These carvings are a newish idea when done on old tree stumps and make refreshingly good use of the tree remains. Quite nicely photographed here with some idea of scale and perspective given. The subdued forest light is OK in this case because that is quite normal in the woods.
Photo code
ex17H014
Caption
East Hill Lift, Hastings, opened in 1903 and originally using the water balance principle
Author
C Smith
Comment
Nothing like living with heritage all around and above you! Even the house is of quite a quintessential architectural design. Being in Hastings, I would think that anywhere you looked would have a good old piece of heritage in it. Strong lighting and deep shadows are well handled, showing up the funicular carriages very well indeed.
Photo code
ex17H015
Caption
Ivinghoe
Author
D Lawson
Comment
Best "take" on a windmill that I've seen in years. Just enough of the item to tell us what it is without the need for a vast amount of sky. Very well handled exposure control with texture in the bright white windmill base and in its dark wood; and very strong but natural colours. And cleverly arranged to encompass the village with the church spire in exactly the right place. I think you positioned yourself very carefully to make this picture such a success and well done for doing so.
Photo code
ex17H018
Caption
Buddha with maple leaves
Author
G Stebbing-Allen
Comment
I rather like the plain grey of the Buddha surrounded by rich greens and deep reds, with one leaf in his hands. That looking down angle is often a bit of a let down and seldom gives more than a snapshot picture, but here it works well because he is sitting down. I wonder if you positioned that leaf.....? Well if you did it makes the picture.
Author's comment
NO, definitely no. I did not specially arrange that leaf in his lap. That was how I found it. There is a Zen proverb that says "No snowflake ever falls in the wrong place." Or maple Leaf, for that matter. Very appropriate and very Zen.
Photo code
ex17H019
Caption
Tower Bridge and Canary Wharf catch the last of the sun
Author
J Conboy
Comment
Just before the sun disappeared, that almost haunting fiery glow that we get, as if after a storm. I read this as heritage already there, and some still to come with the old bridge and the new skyscrapers.
Photo code
ex17H020
Caption
Great Western Railway engine 6960, Raveningham Hall pulling in to Bishops Lydeard station on the West Somerset Railway
Author
J Harrison
Comment
Heritage if ever I saw it; in B&W, the old train and bridge. There is even a crossing with a big sign warning to beware of trains. Right in our faces the old thing tooting its whistle I think and looking as splendid as it did when it was young. And very nicely photographed too.
Photo code
ex17H023
Caption
High Wycombe
Author
M King
Comment
"Vote Leave" and go back to our heritage. Us judges dare not venture into politics, but a good old laugh here.
Photo code
ex17H024
Caption
Chelsea Flower Show
Author
M Mee
Comment
I've never seen this but doesn't it look wonderful. A carpet of red surrounded by heritage buildings. Very geometrical lines of composition which are fitting for the subject and show it off to the best advantage. I think one of the Queen's mounted guards would have been just the thing, to walk up the path all glittering with polished brass.
Photo code
ex17H027
Caption
Cookham
Author
M Parry
Comment
The nameplate is a trademark of many old industries that doesn't exist today in such a lasting form. So it is good that we did that all those years ago and can now enjoy a look back to 1867 when this "piece of ironwork" was built. Photographically, a little bit more light would “bring it out" better, as they used to say.
Photo code
ex17H028
Caption
Petworth House
Author
P Cherrill
Comment
The warmth of colour of this old brass lock is appealing. I see the green remains of "Brasso" in the grooves of the small handle. I also doubt if you would be able to find such fine carving on the plate of a lock these days, or a well-crafted keyhole cover such as this. Nicely framed in a pinkish wood, this is well photographed for a lasting record; but only if the digital medium lasts longer than the brass!
Photo code
ex17H032
Caption
Dry stone wall, Lake District
Author
P Davis
Comment
Do marvel at the intricacy of the stone choice and positioning. Why the tall thinner slabs? To demarcate some boundary maybe? Also have a good look at all the different colours and tones of the rocks. And finally, enjoy the photographer's selection of framing in the composition of the shot. A fine piece of photography used in recording a fine piece of heritage.
Photo code
ex17H035
Caption
Ashmolean
Author
Q Barrett
Comment
I mentioned this picture in my introduction because I admired the pictorial approach to recording of heritage. Now I see even more humour as there is a figure above and behind the sculpted head in between the out of focus legs of another sculpture. A great example of a frame within a frame and again. The lighting quality of the head is outstanding and even shows a crack in the neck. This, together with the reduced lighting on the other two supporting "bits", makes this one to remember.
Photo code
ex17H038
Caption
Quiet remembrance for someone lost but not forgotten
Author
S Cook
Comment
I think the photographer is telling us that a heritage can be a memory in which we are reminded of part of our heritage. In this case it is a loved one or a relative. Sensitively photographed in a beautiful setting with softish light. The curves lend a powerful but not overbearing graphic effect to the composition.
Photo code
ex17H042
Caption
Without a harbour Hastings has the largest beach launched trawler fleet in the country. Against a backdrop of the cliffs and railway the marooned boats make a strange sight.
Author
S Rodrick
Comment
Yes, what a sight. These boats just begging to be afloat on the waves again. They do look a bit sad though despite the gorgeous sunny day. I'd be inclined to crop the top and bottom to make it a bit of a letterbox and become a bit more dynamic. Do we see that funicular railway in the background to the left again? By Jove I think we do!
Photo code
ex17H044
Caption
Boggarts Breakfast, Towersey
Author
T Cherrill
Comment
Does this challenge the difference between heritage and tradition? Well I didn't really know so I went to the dictionary to find that heritage is passed down through birth, whereas tradition is passed down by word of mouth, legends, statements, belief, customs etc. So is this a tradition? Anyway it is too long to explain, but it has been well handed down, and still exists. It involves drinking and eating, as many traditions do. The picture is well done. How often do you get everyone looking at the camera at the same time and not blinking?
Photo code
ex17H047
Caption
The Charle Frohman memorial, Marlow
Author
T Hyde
Comment
I like the position of taking, partly from behind, because it gives some idea of the view that the figure might be enjoying. The colourful floral arrangements add a bit of life, along with good sunshine modelling the figure well. At least the cars are pretty much in the background and mostly out of the light. They are pesky things to us photographers these days, aren't they.
Photo code
ex17H049
Caption
On 4 September 2016 a wooden model of 17th century London was burnt on a barge in the Thames as part of "London's Burning", the 450th commemoration of the Great Fire of London. This idea was inspired by the Burning Man festival.
Author
W Arthurs
Comment
Great shot of this marvellous idea. A very living recollection of the fire. I thought it was very well done as, I have to say, this photo is too. It looks fine and sharp and the fire colour has been well contained from going white. There is just enough movement in the fire to make it very realistic, as we know it was.
Photo code
ex17H051
Caption
Typical Arts and Craft decoration inside the circular Watts Memorial Chapel, with Romanesque arches, Celtic tracery emanating from a tree of life lower down, seraphim above and rows of angels below.
Author
S Tripp
Comment
Quite unusual, this structure and its colours. Nearly got the symmetry exact, so my advice is to make it clear that you wanted it off centre, or make it bang on. It will solve a bunch winging judges debating the issue, when the pubs are calling last orders and we all want to get away to partake of another fine heritage: the "quick 'arf".
Landscape
Photo code
ex17L007
Caption
Eigg sky 2
Author
Q Barrett
Comment
There is a club somewhere which records pictures of interesting cloud formations and this should be in it. Obviously a skyscape and with an interesting and good reference landscape on the base. It speaks for itself in terms of impact and was a must to photograph. If you look closer though, there is much digital noise which can be easily removed on the computer with a noise filter. They work very well on skies which tend to show up noise very readily. But a marvellous sky nonetheless.
Photo code
ex17L010
Caption
Newtondale, North Yorks Moors
Author
J Scafe
Comment
A pretty landscape and much enriched by the steaming train, just in the right place. The curved tracks on the bottom left act as a lead in strangely enough, despite being in the wrong place according to the textbook. But rules were made to be broken. And the dark trees complement it, acting as a left bookend. If only we'd had a sturdy right hand bookend to hold in that side of the image, then it would be complete. You can't just plant pop-up trees, but the cloud sort of satisfies that role by balancing with the tracks.
Photo code
ex17L016
Caption
Thames river view from Millennium Bridge
Author
B Hunt
Comment
A cityscape showing the new Shard dominating over the distant old Tower Bridge. This would have been just another old view of London were it not for the strong and attention grabbing barge on the Thames. Now it is a story about a famous river.
Photo code
ex17L020
Caption
Bisham church from the Thames Path
Author
T Hyde
Comment
A picture as perfect as a landscape comes. Well composed, good depth, good light and shadow and technically up to scratch. It makes me want to go there, so a commercial value in the image where a caption in the water would fit nicely.
Photo code
ex17L028
Caption
After harvest, Whitwell
Author
C Howe
Comment
Great composition again, with the strong "Z" shape flowing through. Just a touch aggressive with the contrast though. It makes it harsh to look at and it has enough strength without this.
Photo code
ex17L035
Caption
Bude
Author
S Cook
Comment
"Bude" is good, pardon me. Almost abstraction of the landscape, having given us four triangles of matching and opposing colours. If you could strengthen the blue of the sky then it would have a remarkable battle with the yellow of the sand. I may be wrong but it looks as if the yellow/blue slider has been shifted to the yellow side too much. Look at the rocks. I'd work on it because the basic shot is well worth the effort.
Photo code
ex17L044
Caption
Straw Bales
Author
M Mee
Comment
I wish I saw more straw bale pictures. They seem to have gone out of fashion but look at how they enhance a landscape. They add depth in the picture, a nice amber colour to complement the blue sky and they have strong texture. So here is what you can do if you catch the sun right and think about your position. The clump of trees on the left holds the picture in along with the biggest bale on the right and a good distribution of bales connecting them. Now then, no more saturation please, this is quite enough but it does work well.
Photo code
ex17L057
Caption
Sunlight in the woods, Bradenham
Author
P Davis
Comment
Rays of sunlight through the trees in a wood never fail to excite me in a photograph.They are often held centrally, split by a single trunk, but this arrangement of the rays spilling out from the top right is more appealing. The spread is wide enough to fill the picture, leaving no dull uninteresting parts. Light is dappled all over the forest floor, and we have a little cluster of cut trees as a focal point. Marvellous !
Photo code
ex17L063
Caption
Cliveden Thames
Author
M King
Comment
A more active canal scene than the usual calm of the canals. We can see someone at the tiller of the big red and black boat which is moving gently but purposefully along. Then inside the boat on the left we can see someone at work through the screen. Photographically it is well contained and has a good strong diagonal from the grasses on the bottom left across and up to the moving boat. Good light and a variety of colours to support the story make it a success.
Photo code
ex17L067
Caption
Stockers Lake at Rickmansworth
Author
J Harrison
Comment
Reflections are often obscured by a rippled water surface but here we have captured the cloud reflections in a curious way. The explosion of cloud in the sky is good and the reflection does an interesting job of condensing the stretching bands of cloud in the deeper blue water. What is also unusual about the image is that it is so simple, with nothing but some sky, water and few bushes and trees. You look well into the picture and it goes on for miles. So I admire the choice of wide letterbox format which is what finally makes this a success.
Photo code
ex17L071
Caption
White Horse, Westbury
Author
L Rhodes
Comment
As seen from miles away the white horse is distinct as a horse, but has no real detail and this photograph solves that by going in close. We also have some people to give scale, and a wonderfully high up view with distance beyond the people. Very dynamic.
Photo code
ex17L079
Caption
Ridgeway, Ivinghoe Beacon at dawn
Author
M Collins
Comment
It is the second of three images all of the same title that I chose. It's a landscape "proper" as they say and has a painter's eye view of the land. It sweeps and rolls for miles in several directions and has a good strong characteristic tree to give us an anchor. The grasses in the foreground look as if they are blowing in the wind and that adds to feeling of a high viewpoint. Lovely clean clear production makes this an excellent traditional landscape of Constable or Gainsbrough heritage. Do another one from exactly the same place, but after a storm with the sun just breaking through. Then I'd buy it!
Photo code
ex17L086
Caption
On the cliffs at Bude, Cornwall
Author
E Mason
Comment
Bude comes up again and here we have a portrait format landscape. And you can see why: the various layers of land formation and structure are well suited to it, and depicted nicely by light and shadow. The staggered composition makes it lively and interesting. Finally the bit of sea and distant headland finishes a fine visual walk from bottom to top. Super!
Photo code
ex17L088
Caption
Sailing barge leaving Snape for Iken
Author
G Stebbing-Allen
Comment
Looks like it should be a painting because the natural colours don't make the most of the picture which is so well seen and composed. I'd convert it to B&W, and give it some "welly" as I recently heard a judge say about the same kind of image. Then I'd love to see it again.
Photo code
ex17L094
Caption
Amersham
Author
R Darrah
Comment
I have a 'penchant' for trees in any weather and this pleases me very much. Its answer is to crop to just a mid height section of trees, but it is done with thought because of the amount of trunk and branch we are given. Also well thought out is the positioning of the two dark trunks which give the composition a satisfying balance. It technically superb too. I'd like a canvas of this please; about 3 feet tall would be just about right. And don't skimp on the frame thickness!
Photo code
ex17L097
Caption
Aston Rowant
Author
D Lawson
Comment
This is the car light trails of the three images called Aston Rowant. It is a landscape, but of an unusual and refreshing type. There are beautiful hues in the deeper dark colours of the land and sky. And then, like a bolt of lightning, the car lights flash through with startling effect. The "S" shape is what does it. Superb!
Photo code
ex17L105
Caption
Gade Valley, Dagnall
Author
P Wood
Comment
Like the previous picture by the same photographer, I suspect some 'treatment' has been cooked up here. And I quire enjoy it. The reduction of colours to soft hues especially in the sky are effective for this simple design.The gritty land detail is more like a graphic drawing. On closer examination I see some break up in the sky which is probably due to the treatment and which spoils it a bit. Try somehow to smooth it out but leave the land detail as it is because it doesn't suffer at all. And don't be afraid to keep trying new methods.
Photo code
ex17L109
Caption
Back at the White Horse in 20 minutes ….
Author
J Conboy
Comment
Classic landscape with all the boxes ticked. Much better than most due to the magnificent lighting. You should enter it into the "Take a View" Landscape Photographer of the Year competition. I'd bet on it being accepted out of the thousands of entries.
Photo code
ex17L112
Caption
Simonside Crag
Author
D Kennedy
Comment
Powerful stuff. Serious rock formations, great lighting, big skies, inky blue water and rough terrain. But it would all mean nothing unless, as this photographer did, you put it all together in a coherent way to maximise the impact in a photograph. Terrific.
Photo code
ex17L114
Caption
Amersham
Author
I Riley
Comment
I like the idea of the really close up to distance, and also of the vulnerability of the poppies in the big landscape. Colours are great and distant setting very typically Chiltern. One thing that would make this sing is to have a full depth of field, or a shallower one so that we all know what you intended. It is tricky but possible.
Other
Photo code
ex17O009
Caption
Another gem along the SW coast path in north Cornwall is the view directly down to the gently faulted geology.
Author
S Rodrick
Comment
Yes, a quirk of nature and an interesting sculpture of the movement of gigantic forces. Had to be photographed. I can't quite get my bearings but think we have snow on the top which adds a little "je ne sait quoi".
Photo code
ex17O014
Caption
Even on a nice day, wind v tide presents some good waves
Author
S Cook
Comment
Dramatic crash of the wave. The rock looks defiant and undefeatable, but over time it will become sand! Great timing of the shutter.
Photo code
ex17O015
Caption
Cornwall
Author
R Darrah
Comment
Minimalist, mystic beautiful beach.
Photo code
ex17O018
Caption
Croquet at Oxford
Author
Q Barrett
Comment
Reminds me of a Christmas I once spent in New Zealand when we played croquet on Christmas day in temperatures in the 90s. Who wants roast turkey in that heat though. We had it cold with salad and bread with cold beer. Felt quite out of place for me.
Photo code
ex17O021
Caption
Colours on wall, Northumberland
Author
P Davis
Comment
The sun giving a rainbow of colours through the leaded lights window is stunning. Almost an abstract but not. The hint of a window on the top right might be best cropped out, or "adjusted" out by distortion because you don't want to lose any of the right hand side. Either that or give us a bigger bit of window, if the brightness could be controlled so as not to spoil the shot.
Photo code
ex17O023
Caption
Gun no.3 Fire Guernsey
Author
P Cherrill
Comment
Capturing the "fire" of the gun is not often seen. We often see the smoke, particularly at re-enactments but not this white-out. Looking down spaces out the canons well and the distribution of the canon "manners" is quite even. The "man in charge" on his own and the figure in the red tunic complete the story. Notice they all have ear protectors; hardly surprising.
Photo code
ex17O026
Caption
Old Amersham
Author
I Riley
Comment
The deep colours give this a rich and artistic approach to photography. An example of where the camera usually tries to compensate for darkly lit areas which in fact we really want to keep dark. I'm curious about the log under the bench and the silvery colouring on it. Maybe it was scorched in a fire or something, but it doesn't detract from the pleasant quietness of the scenario.
Photo code
ex17O041
Caption
Riders near the proposed HS2 vent shaft site entrance, Bottom House Farm Lane
Author
J Conboy
Comment
These riders look quite at home in this typical country lane scene. It is a bit gloomy and muddy and with the low sun we can presume it is winter time and cold. The white horse does a good job of bringing light into the darkest part of the picture, and the horses are well arranged with the leader looking back into the picture and the others distributed nicely down the lane.
Photo code
ex17O042
Caption
Pylons marching along the route of HS2, Wendover
Author
C Smith
Comment
As a Wendover resident I know this spot exactly and can agree with you that the HS2 route is along the power line passing the town. Nice to have a good photographic record before the place is blighted. I feel better now.
Photo code
ex17O045
Caption
Barge raised from the Grand Union Canal
Author
A Strawn
Comment
Next time you are out on a mission of stuff like this, a friend of mine is looking for an old tea chest. He plays in a little band and wants to make a tea chest bass.
Photo code
ex17O046
Caption
Signpost
Author
A Hannaford
Comment
Yes, I've seen a signpost something like that in a club competition, and it had to be photographed. You've done it well and although it is under the "Other" category, it fits with the general nature of Chilterns photography. Funnily enough, "which way" is quite applicable right at this moment as I am going backwards through this section just for a change.
Photo code
ex17O050
Caption
St Mawes
Author
E Mason
Comment
Warm and relaxing setting, but where was the table with two glasses of wine and the bottle in a silver cooler? Good transparency through the seats and the railings which give a continuity all the way to the hazy water beyond. Wish I could be there, but with a beer at least.
