social-documentary | Blackwood Photographic Club of South Australia Inc.

Street Photography/Social Documentary – Competition 16th July 2026

This competition requires images that evoke a social statement or street scenes that depict the ‘heart’ of the location.

The Judge for this competition was David Rowlands and the following are his comments on the top scoring images.

Projected Colour – Set Subject

Time Out - Michael Selge — Time Out – Michael Selge

There is good exposure on this image. The blurring of the motion shows people moving at different speeds and anchors the viewers attention on the person sitting on the steps.

Time - Mark McNamara — Time – Mark McNamara

Mark’s image is a lovely architectural shot. Interesting distortion and contrast between the architectural styles.

Dad's Day - Judy Sara — Dad’s Day – Judy Sara

Dad’s Day by Judy Sara is a wonderful photo. If cropped closer on the right and left hand it would clearly encapsulate the whole story.

Going Green - Meredith Retallack — Going Green – Meredith Retallack

This photo shows good use of one selective colour in a mono image.

Projected Colour – Open Category

Light Painted Abstract - Kerry Malec — Light Painted Abstract – Kerry Malec

The Judge liked the contrasting colours in the above image. He said it almost has a neon effect. The placement of the leaves in the middle caps it off. It is artistic and creative.

Projected Monochrome – Set Subject

Don't Sit on the Steps - Judy Sara — Don’t Sit on the Steps – Judy Sara

The Judge said this was a well spotted subject that suits the set subject perfectly.

After the Swim - Sheila Gatehouse — After the Swim – Sheila Gatehouse

Sheila captured the photo with the exposure and lighting spot on.

Street Thinker - Di Gage — Street Thinker – Di Gage

Perfect timing catching this image.

Listen Son - Paul Hughes — Listen Son – Paul Hughes

The Judge said that timing is everything and here it was handled well. The story is all about the family. It is a lovely image with good composition. The exposure is perfect due to the shallow depth of field.

Projected Monochrome – Open Category

Old Car Light - Paul Rix — Old Car Light – Paul Rix

The Judge said the lighting is exquisite in this image. The large light suits a monochrome treatment.

Print Colour – Set Subject

My Feet are Killing Me - Judy Sara — My Feet are Killing Me – Judy Sara

The element of timing is well done here. The subject has been caught mid gesture. The viewer wonders why the two women are there.

Print Colour – Open Category

Green Peacock - Judy Sara — Green Peacock – Judy Sara

‘Green Peacock’ is a lovely image, the presentation suits the bird. It is tack sharp. You can see the fibres of the feathers.

Print Monochrome – Set Subject

Mending Oxford - Mark Pedlar — Mending Oxford – Mark Pedlar

‘Mending Oxford’ is a lovely image. The exposure has been handled beautifully. There is depth to the image. It is anchored by the two people at the front. There is great detail throughout.

At the Station - Judy Sara — At the Station – Judy Sara

This image demonstrates good timing. The moving people have been captured mid stride. The picture feels dynamic. Everything has motion or action catching a moment in time.

Print Monochrome – Open Category

Crested Pigeon - Judy Sara — Crested Pigeon – Judy Sara

‘Crested Pigeon’ is a very nice image. Lovely lighting and lovely rim lighting on the bird’s back. The exposure has been handled well.

Winter Wonderland - Michael Selge — Winter Wonderland – Michael Selge

A wonderful image with great composition using the bollards and path as leading lines. The people add interest. They hold our attention to the middle of the image.

Full Volume - Michael Selge — Full Volume – Michael Selge

Good timing in the capture of this image. The interest is in the middle of the image. There is good use of selected depth of field. The face of the musician is sharp. The hand has motion blur, it is not static, but rather dynamic.