The club’s most recent competition evening had the themes of 'Natural History' and 'Open'. The judge once again was Duncan Armour who gave his options on 65 images. It was good to see so many entering and especially photographers who maybe do not often feature in the awards. There are clear signs of people stepping up their game - which is very encouraging - as it is only by entering regularly and heeding the advice of judges that improvements can be made to our photography.

Whilst we may not always agree with a judge's choices, it is also important o consider their advice before we reject it! Duncan's adjudication was full of useful tips such as watching out for an image getting too close to the frame edges, perhaps converting a shot to mono for better effect and above adding something extra as the photographer by altering the perspective of your shot. And if you are doing still life or studio portraiture, remember that all of the elements are under your control - so ensure that you try to show things in the best possible light.

Here are the results:
Open
1st Rachel Carter for 'Well struck' - an all-action shot of a polo event
2nd. Paul Carter for 'MX start' - five riders battling out amidst the dust and dirt
3rd. Jon Peters for 'Godrevy Sunset' - a calming image as the sun went down
Highly commended went to Ovi Fabian for 'What I see...is discovery, for me' - charming image of a baby gathering information about his world; and Ayhan Ozberk for 'Glass half full' - a simple but powerful still life of a wine class only half visible but 'totally complete' to the mind's eye

Theme 'Natural History'
1st. Rachel Carter 'Following mum's footprints' - polar bears beautifully captured in their icy environment.
2nd Paul Carter for 'Wasps foraging on balsam' and also 3rd for 'Mountain hare in snow'
Highly Commended went to Diane Rowe for 'Yellow dragonfly on heather', Nick Farnham for 'Wren', Polly Knowles for 'Just a fly on a flower', Ovi Fabian for 'Hypnotizes into the web' and Rachel Carter for 'Brown hare, Norfolk'