Annual Theme Competition Held at Motherwell Photographic Society
The Motherwell Photographic Society recently held its annual theme competition, offering members a unique opportunity to act as judges for the evening by scoring each other’s images. The event was a delightful and engaging night, with this year’s themes focused on “Abstract” for digital images and “Reflections” for prints. The club members had a diverse selection of images and prints to evaluate, leading to enthusiastic participation and discussions.
Following an initial round of member voting, a thrilling three-way tie for first place emerged in the print section. After a subsequent round of voting, Rodger Shearer’s print titled “The Old Master” clinched the top spot, with “Who’s Looking at You?” by Douglas McEwen and “Psychedelic Colours” by Margaret Dewar securing the second and third positions respectively. Rodger has been honoured with the opportunity to select the theme for next year’s print section competition.
In the digital image section, an exciting four-way tie for first place initially occurred, leading to a further round of voting to determine the winner. Ultimately, Dominic Smith triumphed with his captivating image “Fluid Motion,” followed by “Show me the Money” by Linda Greenhill in second place. Tied for third place were “Tree in Arran” by Ashley Hanlon and “The Bluebell Woods” by Linda Greenhill. Dominic has earned the privilege to choose the theme for next year’s digital image section competition.
The overall winner of the competition was Rodger Shearer, whose exceptional print “The Old Master” received the highest score of the night. Rodger will be awarded the prestigious Fergus Smith Memorial Trophy during the society’s annual awards evening in April. Additionally, the club members had the opportunity to admire the Glasgow District Photographic Union’s 2024 Image Portfolio colour section, showcasing the top twenty-five highest scoring images from a competition open to all GDPU camera clubs.
The upcoming meeting on Thursday, November 7, will feature Gavin Forrest from Carluke Camera Club as the guest judge for the second digital image competition of the season. Motherwell Photographic Society welcomes photography enthusiasts of all levels to join their Thursday evening meetings at 7.30pm in Holytown Community Centre, with a nominal annual membership fee of £30 and a weekly meeting fee of £2, inclusive of refreshments.
In conclusion, the annual theme competition at Motherwell Photographic Society was a resounding success, highlighting the talent and creativity of its members while fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among photography enthusiasts.
Insights and Summary:
The annual theme competition at Motherwell Photographic Society showcases the members’ artistic skills and provides a platform for friendly competition and artistic growth. The event not only allows members to showcase their work but also fosters a supportive and collaborative environment within the photography community. Such competitions are essential in encouraging creativity and pushing photographers to explore new themes and techniques. The practice of peer evaluation and voting adds an element of excitement and unpredictability to the event, enhancing the overall experience for participants. By recognising and celebrating exceptional work, these competitions play a vital role in motivating photographers to continue honing their craft and pushing boundaries in their artistic pursuits.