2007 Competition Results

NZSS Photographic Competition 2007

Judge: Elizabeth Passuello FPSNZ AFIAP

Section A: Pybus Cup

Nicely lit and strong composition with the two diagonals adding interest and strength to the composition. With the amount of pixelation it is difficult to tell if the image is actually sharp, although I suspect the sprouting rock is as you can define an out of focus area in the foreground at the top.

The translucent nature of this formation has been well captured and the point of focus is well chosen to separate the subject from the background formations. Crop about two thirds off the black area to place your subject away from the centre and this will strengthen the composition.

The lit area of this image has been well-exposed and there is a hint of translucence happening in the formation in the top right. Most of this image is too dark and should be cropped out, to about half way. The formations that can just be seen in the dark area would have formed an interesting image and composition, but they do need to be lit. As they appear here they are nothing more than shadowy hints of what could have been. The image looks to be sharp, but pixelation has caused it to appear soft around the edges of the formations.

The point of interest in this image is nicely sharp and well exposed. Much of the black could be cropped out on all four sides to strengthen the composition, more from the top and right than the other two sides. Crop so the subject is not too centrally placed.

Interesting lines and diagonals and good composition. The detail in the lighter areas is bordering on being burnt out due to the image being overexposed. Try printing it darker to give better colour saturation, or digitally burn in the lighter areas.

3rd PLACE

This image has been beautifully composed and well lit. The point of interest is well placed on the thirds and the three formations running from top to bottom balance the image and add a sense of depth. This image was a strong contender for first place.

2nd PLACE

A most fascinating place which you have captured well. The scene has been lit extremely well and there is minimal amount of harsh shadow area. The composition and focus are good, however the formations in the foreground and particularly those on the right are overexposed. Crop in a little from the right to reduce some of the overexposed area. The scene has a mystical feel about it which has been reflected in the title.

WINNER

The initial impact of this image is the warm colour tone, followed by the interesting features. It is well focused and has a strong, well balanced composition. It is well deserving of first place.

Section B: Novice Cup

WINNER

This image is nicely sharp, well exposed and well composed. The length of the formation on the left being longer than the second formation adds to the strength of the composition, while the dark area at the bottom contains the image and helps stop the eye travelling beyond the frame.

Section C: Artistic / Modified / Fantasy

The people in this image add interest and a sense of scale, while the hard steel and pattern of the bars on the gate provide an interesting contrast against the wavy patterns in the rock wall on the right. The image is well exposed although burning in the area in the top right would improve the overall impact.

An interesting title which brings one's imagination into play. The composition is very central and much of the darker area could be cropped out as it doesn't add to the image. The subject has not been well lit and the resulting hotspot of light draws the eye away from taking in the rest of the formation.

An interesting subject with good composition. This print suffers from serious pixelation which degrades the print, however I assume this is not in the original image. The dark areas of cave in the top corners and across the bottom of the image frame the scene nicely while the soft, lush bush across the middle is a nice contrast. The addition of a figure in the cave entrance is a nice touch, they are well placed within the image and add a sense of scale.

The unusual colouration in this image adds a surreal effect which is supported by the title. The shapes of the steps have been well caught however the pixelation of the image lets it down.

This image offers instant impact in both the colour and strong composition. The exposure has been well handled and the texture or smoothness of the wet formations has been well rendered. This shot gives me the impression of looking down a person's throat. As with some of the other images, it suffers from pixelation.

3rd PLACE

An imaginative image with an interesting concept. The photograph has been technically well handled with good exposure and strong composition.

2nd PLACE

The steps form a good lead in for the eye and the people add both interest and scale. This photograph is well exposed and is very strong in composition, especially with the placement of the people on a diagonal across the image. The lighting is great and the recession into darkness at the end of the stairway adds depth to the image.

WINNER

This photograph is well exposed, has sound composition and the shapes and textures are very well rendered. Likening the formations to that of the lunar landscape shows imagination and the oval vignette emphasizes this idea.

General comments

A number of the images sent digitally, then printed, suffer from pixelation. I am wondering if this is due to the images being sent at screen resolution rather than printing resolution. If this is the case then these images would have been better judged on a computer rather than in printed form, as I feel the prints in these instances are doing the original photographs an injustice.

Many photographic competitions both in New Zealand and internationally are now accepting digital entries on disc or by email. The images remain in electronic format for judging and are then screened via a data projector. A suggestion for your future competitions is that digital entries are handled electronically throughout the competition or are sent in a resolution of 250 or 300dpi and sized to the final print size.

Thank you for the opportunity to enjoy and comment on your images. The subject matter is fascinating and always a pleasure to view.