Victoria vs Eastwood

International Competition

2007-01-30T19:03:00.000-08:00

The first ever transatlantic photographic competition between Victoria Camera Club, Canada and Eastwood Photographic Society, Scotland was held on 24th and 25th January 2007.

20 Images were presented by each club and were judged by Canadian and Scottish judges. The sum of the accumulated scores decided the overall winner. In addition, each judge was asked to provide comments on the images.

The comments can be viewed along with a thumnail of the image below or by looking at the archive.

photographs are copyrighted. They may not be copied or used for any purpose without the permission of the photographer.

Judges Notes

2007-01-29T19:32:00.000-08:00

Canadian Judge:

Thank you for inviting me to look at your work. Congratulations to all who entered - there is a lot of talent shown here.

I enjoyed looking at the photos but not assigning marks. I discovered the photos looked different when viewed on a PC computer screen then when viewed on a Mac computer screen. More importantly, the projected images looked very different than on either of the two computer screens. There were colour shifts in many of the projected photos and they lacked the saturation I saw on the computer screens. Light is the essence of a photograph and the real impact of the photo often seemed lost by projection. I feel projecting just didn't do justice to many of the images. I found this worrisome as I am a slide shooter and have only moved to digital recently. So what to do? - I made my marks based on the projected images - comparing them to each other to be consistent - as that is also the way you will be viewing them. If the remarks appear bizarre to you it may be that our projector gives different results from yours.

It was very hard to choose the top three photos - there were about 9 that were equivalent in my opinion. So I chose 3 - see if you agree. Although instructed not to give half marks, the third place one was given 18.5 marks just to save me juggling a bunch of marks.

Remember this is just one person's opinion. If you are happy with your image that is all that matters.

Bev Hall

Scottish Judge:

First impression: How the image strikes me as soon as I view it for the first time. It is a general overall visual assessment of the shot which usually stays with me throughout my viewing.

Interpretation: Has the author managed to communicate with the viewer what the intent of the image is?

Does it work? This concerns elements such as centre of interest, composition, cohesion, distractions, lighting and other technical points

Alastair Knox

The Results

2007-01-28T23:14:00.000-08:00

Canadian Judging:

1st Place: Two's Company by Chris Everett (Eastwood Photographic Society)
2nd Place: She is the Dancing Queen by Brigitte Holzl (Victoria Camera Club)
3rd Place: Shooting the Rapids by John Caroll ( Eastwood Photographic Society)

Total scores:
Eastwood 308.5
Victoria 287

Scottish Judging:

1st Place: Humpback Whales Blow in Fredrick Sound Alaska by Gary Schaefer (Victoria Camera Club)
2nd Place: Winter Sun on Machir by Mel Leiper (Eastwood Photographic Society)
3rd Place: ??

Total Scores:
Eastwood 316
Victoria 305

Overall Placings:

1st Place:
Two's Company by Chris Everett (Eastwood Photographic Society)
Humpback Whales Blow in Fredrick Sound Alaska by Gary Schaefer (Victoria Camera Club)

2nd Place:
Winter Sun on Machir by Mel Leiper (Eastwood Photographic Society)

3rd Place:
Shag on Nest by Chris Everett (Eastwood Photographic Society)
BC Flamingo by Bobbie Carey (Victoria Camera Club)

Total Scores Overall:
Eastwood Photographic Society 624.5
Victoria Camera Club 592

Congratulations to Eastwood Photographic Society

A note from Douglas

2007-01-28T23:13:00.000-08:00

It has been an experience trying to coordinate this competition at almost opposite sides of the globe. Organising schedules, rules, collecting images, appointing judges and all the logistical barriers to overcome.
It was hectic at times and a sudden snow storm in Victoria almost prevented the images getting to the Canadian judge on time.

My thanks to Gordon Simpson at this side of the world (Vancouver Island) for fighting on my behalf to get the show on the road and for organising a judge. Also thanks to Chris Everett in Scotland for his part in the organising and Jim McCreery for his early work and enthusiasm to keep the momentum going.

I would personally like to thank both our judges for taking the time and effort to offer constructive comments on all the images - I'm sure a few had you puzzling toward the content and thoughts of the photographer.
Alastair Knox was my lecturer at university over 14 years ago and I almost thought I had the opportunity to turn the table on him for not delivering his homework in time. However the results and comments arrived the night before our show and were well presented - thanks.

Hopefully this website will allow the participants to recap on the discussions of the judges and inspire many more top class images.

The competition was 'open format' and has resulted in a fair mix of 'traditional' and manipulated images. Since coming to Canada in winter of 2006, I have seen a lot more experimentation with digital processing and abstract photography and find this can be either 'hit or miss' in terms of competitive photography. Whilst there are basic technical aspects of photography that can be quantified such as sharpness, keeping horizons straight, etc judging also has a large element of individuality. I feel that photography is about capturing a mood not only of the visual image presented in front of the lens but of the atmosphere and what it represents to the photographer. If that mood can be portrayed to the viewer then the photographer has achieved what they set out to accomplish. This has not made it easy on the judges but my thanks for looking beyond the tradition and offering what they have seen in each image.

This website allows the posting of moderated comments from individuals and I invite the participants or others to view the images, read the comments and offer their own views. I would also like to know the story behind the title Winter Goddess on Mars.

Finally, my congratulations to Eastwood for their winning images (can I re-join as a distant member ?)

Douglas Bain

Image 1 - Arran Sail

2007-01-28T22:31:00.000-08:00

Photographer: John Carroll
Club: Eastwood Photographic Society

Canadian Points: 16
Scottish Points: 16

Canadian Comments:

A high impact photo enhanced by the simplicity . Light is wonderful. Composition good - layers of interest. Sailboat gives center of interest and the red sail ensures the eye goes directly there. Unfortunately, the yellow sky and clouds don't ring true to me and the highlights in the sky are blown away.

Scottish Comments:

First impressions: Overall warmth draws you in and gives a feeling of satisfaction
Interpretation: The positioning of the boat is not the conventional one but has the effect of making you aware of size of ‘man’ in the overall scheme of things
Does the image ‘work’? Yes, very much so – but with some reservations re the highlights at the top right

Image 2 - Waterfall Goldstream

2007-01-28T15:47:00.000-08:00

Photographer: Richard James
Club: Victoria Camera Club

Canadian Points: 13
Scottish Points: 14

Canadian Comments:
Lovely photo with good use of diagonals. Shutter speed just right for the subject - realistic yet a bit surreal - any more blur and it would have been overdone. Originally I was going to ask if you used a polarizer and if using one would have enhanced the colour in the leaves and rock in the upper left, but on second thought the wet of the leaves adds to the story. Good choice of an overcast day for lighting but the white sky draws your eye from the subject - could you change the angle of photographing?

Scottish Comments:
First impressions: Pleasant autumnal feel but nothing exceptional
Interpretation: As a depiction of an autumn scene, lacks quality lighting but diagonal composition is an attractive feature
Does the image work? Up to a point – but lighting conditions not the best for this type of image

Image 3 - She is the Dancing Queen

2007-01-27T23:51:00.000-08:00

Photographer: Brigitte Holzl
Club: Victoria Camera Club

Canadian Points: 19 (2nd place)
Scottish Points: 15

Canadian Comments:
Creativity added to a common technique by using clouds swirled rather than just lines. This is a very dynamic photo. Blurring of feet and lower skirt very nice touch as is positioning of feet on swirl - adds to the story. Having the subject looking at the centre of the swirl rather than the photographer adds to the feeling of moving into the centre. Did you think of reversing the swirls so it would look like she is moving into the centre rather than out of it?

Scottish Comments:
First impression: Intriguing image with the swirling sky and strong red clothing
Interpretation: The swirling sky suggests the movement of the dancer but the effect has not been used to its full potential
Does the image work: Yes – the idea is sound but had the girl emerged from the swirl instead of being placed on it then the image would have had more dynamism. Central positioning? Face away from camera?

Image 4 - Laid Back Drummer

2007-01-27T23:49:00.000-08:00

Photographer: Mel Leiper
Club: Eastwood Photographic Society

Canadian Points: 13
Scottish Points: 14

Canadian Comments:
Good use of shallow depth of field, tight crop, and clean background to focus attention on the face. Good capturing of expression. Interesting reflection in glasses and red tinge to parts of photo - reflection off drum? Sense of motion created with blurring of arm and hand. Tells a story. Suggest a slight increase in shutter speed would have prevented the blur around the lower part of the face.

Scottish Comments:
First impression: Strong face grabs the attention and has a ‘camp’ feel to it.
Interpretation: The facial expression belies the effort and perhaps therein lies the strength of the image
Does the image work? Nearly, despite the lack of dynamism and overdone blurring of most of the image

Image 5 - Oyster Fungi

2007-01-27T23:47:00.000-08:00

Photographer: Chris Everett
Club: Eastwood Photographic Society

Canadian Points: 15
Scottish Points: 17

Canadian Comments:
This is a pleasing nature photos. Lovely composition using a strong diagonal subject. Excellent camera angle giving depth of field to entire subject (fungus). Very good attention to detail. This is a difficult subject as there is such a wide range of tones. On the projected image the edges of the fungi are blown away. Could be debated that there are two photos here - one of the fungi and one of the small green plants in lower right corner. I think the small green plants add interest and balance.

Scottish Comments:
First impression: The beauty and simplicity of the subjects provides a very strong natural history image.
Interpretation: Nature shots like this rely on the photographer’s ability to present the subject in its best possible light and no further interpretation is necessary
Does the image work: Yes – lovely gentle lighting ; lovely composition and the sprig of green is a bonus

Image 6 - Paraglider

2007-01-27T23:44:00.000-08:00

Photographer: Gary Ford
Club: Victoria Camera Club

Canadian Points: 13
Scottish Points: 14

Canadian Comments:
Nice diagonal in parachute with clouds enhancing this diagonal and giving some sense of movement. Good backlight and colour on parachute but unfortunately person then in shade.

Scottish Comments:
First impression: Good straight shot but lacking in impact
Interpretation: Not an interpretative image but purely representational Does the image work? Tight cropping and composition are good features but the lines to the chute poorly rendered

Image 7 - Humpback Whales Blow in Frederick Sound Alaska

2007-01-27T23:40:00.000-08:00

Photographer: Gary Schaefer
Club: Victoria Camera Club

Canadian Points: 18
Scottish Points: 20
Joint 1st Place Overall

Canadian Comments:
Wow - congratulations at being at the right place at the right time and capturing it. A very moody shot. The backlit spouts against the dark hills is wonderful. Well done. Just a comment that the projected image was a bit purplish - was this because it was scanned from a slide?

Scottish Comments: (1st Place)
First impression: I wish I’d taken this shot! On every level the image is stunning
Interpretation: A wonderful study of whales in their natural habitat in a glorious setting with superb lighting. The birds hovering around complete the story
Does the shot work? Yes, it’s perfect

Image 8 - Winter Goddess on Mars

2007-01-27T23:31:00.000-08:00

Photographer: Fiona McKemmie
Club: Eastwood Photographic Society

Canadian Points: 11
Scottish Points: 13

Canadian Comments:
Interesting idea. I find my eye goes to the bright area on the left and I would like to see some light on the face. A bit unsettling as the head seems to be cut off - even in a metal figure it bothers me.

Scottish Comments:
First impression: It’s different and it’s puzzling.
Interpretation: The combination of a sculpted head on a rock surface must be an attempt to tell some sort of story but for me it doesn’t come across.
Does the image ‘work’? Sorry, no

Image 9 - Eilean Donan Castle

2007-01-27T23:28:00.000-08:00

Photographer: John Caroll
Club: Eastwood Photographic Society

Canadian Points: 16
Scottish Points: 17

Canadian Comments:
Lovely shot of this well-known spot - you caught it at the perfect time of day as there is still some ambient light and exposed it well. Good composition with a pleasing balance and nice presentation. Yellow and blue are a strong combination. Would like to have seen a complete reflection of the castle.

Scottish Comments:
First impression: The most photographed castle in Scotland!! But this image is very strikingly different
Interpretation: Limiting the tones has given the castle quite a mysterious and gothic mood; the cold blue and warm gold contrast very well
Does it work? Yes – extremely well – composition is conventional but it still works a treat..

Image 10 - Inuckshuk

2007-01-27T23:26:00.000-08:00

Photographer: Gordon Fenske
Club: Victoria Camera Club

Canadian Points: 13
Scottish Points: 13

Canadian Comments:
This photo makes me want to be there. I am assuming the subject is the Inuckshuk which is perhaps too centrally placed. The red in the foreground competes for attention and the sky is very polarized with interesting clouds so that also draws your eye. Perhaps if the inuckshuk had been placed either higher or lower in the photo or the photographer had moved in closer to it, it would be a stronger photo? Is this completely sharp?

Scottish Comments:
First impression: Pleasant rendering of an unfamiliar subject but it is a ‘straight’ shot.
Interpretation: Not really open to interpretation but just a purely representational effort.
Does it work : Lacking composition (too central) and top third needs a trim off to reduce the amount of sky

Image 11 - Tay Canoe

2007-01-27T23:22:00.000-08:00

Photographer: Mel Leiper
Club: Eastwood Photographic Society

Canadian Points: 18
Scottish Points: 17

Canadian Comments:
Lovely sense of motion with good light and a wonderful reflection. Great use of panning, tells a story, you can feel the movement. Shape of photo good for subject. Colour great.

Scottish Comments:
First impression: Lively dynamic shot with a simple but effective story
Interpretation: An excellent action study to which some dynamism has been added using imaging software (I suspect).
Does it work? Definitely – this could find itself in a publication

Image 12 - Rainbow

2007-01-27T23:20:00.000-08:00

Photographer: Tim Almdal
Club: Victoria Camera Club

Canadian Points: 13
Scottish Points: 15

Canadian Comments:
Light is everything! Nice capturing of a lovely memory. Good exposure to capture the rainbow on a dark sky yet keep the light in the trees. Two subjects - the rainbow and the brightly lit trees compete for attention. I find the dark areas in the trees and reflection a bit troublesome.

Scottish Comments:
First impression: Very pleasant shot with attractive lighting
Interpretation: I’m not so sure that the rainbow has the importance that the title suggests. The beautiful tones of the trees and reflections are the essence of the image.
Does it work? Serious surgery – leave out the rainbow !!!!!

Image 13 - Bute Jazz Singer

2007-01-27T23:18:00.000-08:00

Photographer: Jim McCreery
Club: Eastwood Photographic Society

Canadian Points: 12
Scottish Points: 16

Canadian Comments:
Angle of photographing enhances results. Very colourful and the black background prevents any distraction from all that colour. Tells a story (don't ask!). Not quite sharp - seems to be only where the beads are tied that is sharp.

Scottish Comments:
First impression: Very strong theatre shot – background too dark?
Interpretation: The photographer has caught this at an optimum moment where the expression and demeanour indicates a powerful voice
Does it work? Very much so – but small niggle re the dark b’ground where the mic and head gear are lost

Image 14 - Dark Seas

2007-01-27T23:07:00.000-08:00

Photographer: Douglas Bain
Club: Victoria Camera Club

Canadian Points: 11
Scottish Points: 12

Canadian Comments:
Good action shot portraying a stormy mood. Excellent depth of field with very tight composition. The graininess would enhance the photo if it was an oldfashion sailing vessel but here I find it a bit distracting. There is lost detail in the rope in the foreground holding the sail and this bisects the photo.

Scottish Comments:
First impression: I’m not sure what the subject matter is here.
Interpretation: I see this as more of a graphical image with its shapes and curves but the geometry is not strong enough if this is the case.
Does it work? ‘Fraid not – still trying to see what the photographer saw

Photographers Comments:
I was trying to capture the feeling of being on the boat sailing towards foreboding weather. Post-processing to give a gritty feel to reflect the weather and the sea.
Was trying to reflect the angle of the boat with the horizon and take an unconventional sailing shot. Sorry if the rigging got in the way, I would have got into trouble from the skipper if I tried to move it.

Image 15 - Pink in the Sun

2007-01-27T23:04:00.001-08:00

Photographer: Sandra McCreery
Club: Eastwood Photographic Society

Canadian Points: 11
Scottish Points: 14

Canadian Comments:
Nice effort of capturing a sun shine moment in the garden. Composition is strong with the center of the flowers, the tip of the leaf and the bud forming a diagonal and you have got close to your subject and filled the field. The backlit stem is wonderful. It is a hard task to do this sort of photo on a sunny day because of the contrast problems. Cloudy days work much better for photographing gardens. The bright beige bar in the lower left is distracting as is the refections off the leaves in the lower right - could you avoid these somehow or perhaps used a polarizer? Try reflecting light into your subject with a piece of yellow or silver foil so the stamens have more emphasis and the contrast is not so great. (this works on cloudy days as well)

Scottish Comments:
First impression : Attractive flowers with good composition along a diagonal
Interpretation: Not an interpretative image but more of a straight representational one
Does it work? Nearly! I’m not convinced about the lighting or the untidy background but the detail is sharp

Image 16 - Rotor

2007-01-27T23:01:00.000-08:00

Photographer: Gary Schaefer
Club: Victoria Camera Club

Canadian Points: 11
Scottish Points: 15

Canadian Comments:
Interesting study of circles and lines. Good choice of shutter speed. I would have liked to see the lines leaving on the left come to a point (they feel as if they should) and the circles at the bottom of the frame complete.

Scottish Comments:
First impression: I find this type of shot very appealing – it’s simple, dynamic with an hint of a puzzle
Interpretation: We have been left to work this one out -excellent!
Does it work: Yes but the rotation disappearing from the frame at the bottom is a disappointment so compositionally is loses a mark or two

Image 17 - Blue Boat V

2007-01-27T22:59:00.000-08:00

Photographer: Gordon Fenske
Club: Victoria Camera Club

Canadian Points: 17
Scottish Points: 14

Canadian Comments:
Great subject. Good composition with complete reflection and subject well placed in frame. The orange of the grasses and the blue of the boat work well together.

Scottish Comments:
First impression: Strong basic centre of interest supplemented by a good reflection.
Interpretation: Has this boat been given a paint job in Photoshop? If so, I feel it has been overdone!
Does it work? It’s an old boat with new paintwork, so is this an anomaly? Perhaps there is a more interesting image using the reflection as the focal point

Image 18 - Leap for Joy

2007-01-27T22:56:00.000-08:00

Photographer: Suzanne Huot
Club: Victoria Camera Club

Canadian Points: 14
Scottish Points: 18

Canadian Comments:
Good capturing of a very difficult subject - and great timing. Good depth of field with very good focusing on the whale. Using a polarizer would have taken the glare off the flippers. Suggest enhancing the impact by cropping in photoshop so it is a tighter vertical composition.

Scottish Comments:
First impression: I wish that I had taken this one (same as No 7) !!!!
Interpretation: A beautiful study of an orca in flight and whilst we cannot see the expression I suspect he/she was enjoying this leap !
Does it work: Excellent – I have a niggle about the position but don’t think it’s worth mentioning! (loss of 1 mark !)

Image 19 - Two's Company

2007-01-27T22:54:00.000-08:00

Photographer: Chris Everett
Club: Eastwood Photographic Society

Canadian Points: 20
Scottish Points: 18
Joint 1st Place Overall

Canadian Comments: (1st place)
Fabulous. Tells a story. Wonderful composition, excellent exposure and focus. Good depth of field for such magnification. The long lens made the background a soft blur. Tension is created by having the birds at the edge of the photo and the birds looking in opposite directions. Congratulations.

Scottish Comments:
First impression: What a tremendous story here! This must be a shot in a thousand or more.
Interpretation: Two haughty puffins and one slightly irked puffin
Does it work? Certainly – one of the best narrative images in the competition

Image 20 - Road Race

2007-01-27T22:45:00.000-08:00

Photographer: Douglas Bain
Club: Victoria Camera Club

Canadian Points: 15
Scottish Points: 14

Canadian Comments:
Lots of impact here with very powerful composition. Good cropping filling the frame but keeping all of subjects just within the frame. Keeping shadows adds to the photo.
Good choice to use black and white as it keeps it simple. Unfortunately there is a loss of detail in the arms and legs, especially of the front rider. Was this intentional?

Scottish Comments:
First impression: Good action shot with excellent composition
Interpretation: I’m not sure why the photographer chose to present this mono posterised (?) version. I think this shot needs its colour to give it more life and add to its drama
Does it work? I’m afraid this is a case where the derivative may not be as successful as the original image

Photographers Comments:
Bastion Square City Centre Race.
The background of the original photo was too distracting, desaturating helped then playing with the levels in each of the RGB channels to totally eliminate the spectators and isolate the riders giving a more graphic image. I wasn't too concerned with the loss of detail in the arms and legs as the suggestion of form was still present.
Here is a link to the original Click Here

Image 21- Daffodil

2007-01-27T22:42:00.000-08:00

Photographer: Andy Shearer
Club: Eastwood Photographic Society

Canadian Points: 14
Scottish Points: 13

Canadian Comments:
Nice tight composition. Black background excellent and good depth of field. I find the bright highlights in the centre foreground are distracting. Reflecting light into the daffodil would have balanced these highlights enhanced this backlit picture.

Scottish Comments:
First impression: Pleasant close-up of a daffodil but not shown at its best
Interpretation: For me a close-up shot like this must demonstrate the full beauty and tenderness of the flower and alas this is not the case here
Does it work? Sadly, no. The lighting is poor and does nothing to bring life to the flower. It has retained a murky yellow colour on my monitor