Food – Competition 23rd May 2024

The Judge for this competition was Peter Phillips. The aim of this competition was for the photographer to capture the subject in an appetising way.

Taking top marks in the Mono Print Food category was Mark Pedlar with ‘Smoko’. The Judge praised the photo and made the suggestion that a crop to highlight the coffee would give the photo more impact.

In the Projected Colour Food Category two images scored top marks, ‘Colourful Tomatoes’ by  Kerry Malec and ‘Tasty Platter’ from Gordon Lindqvist. Peter said of Kerry’s image that it looked very appetising with good gloss on the fruit and he said the Tasty Platter was nicely done, with a lovely old wooden bench which was a good base and a lovely selection of food.

‘Help yourself to a slice’ by Meredith Retallack scored top marks in the Projected Mono Food Category. The judge said it was very nicely done.

In the Open Category the highest scorer in the Mono Print Open category was Judy Sara with ‘Brothers’. The Judge said it was a good shot and the background tells the viewer about the environment so should not be cropped. It is nicely composed with the two lions being in step and has good lighting.

Also by Judy Sara, ‘Ostrich in the Morning Light’ took top honours in the Colour Prints Open Category. The background tells us about the environment once again, it doesn’t detract from but rather enhances the image.

Top marks in the Projected Mono Open Category was taken by both Amanda Goulter and Michael Selge. Amanda’s ‘My Little Companion’ has a creative feel to it said the Judge. The modern shoes don’t distract and there is a lovely catchlight in the dog’s eye. It has a good split background.

Two of Michael Selge’s images were liked by the Judge. His ‘Glide’ had good focus and was overall a good shot.

As well, Michael’s ‘JP Shillo’ had good lighting. The Judge stressed how difficult the lighting can be in these situations. The light gave backlight to the hair and the subject has really strong features. The musician in the background did not distract the viewer as he is intent on his music.

‘African Jacama’ took top marks for Judy Sara in the Projected Open Colour Category. The Judge said it was a nice picture with the bird standing on a leaf going in to grab something in its beak, so the bird is doing something. The photo has lovely colour. The only suggestion the Judge offered was to crop the top a little.

‘Dust Storm’ by Penny Williams scored top marks as well. The Judge said it was all about the light, the good light on the tree and stubble with an interesting sky behind it.