The latest meeting of the Isle of Man Photographic Society opened with congratulations to one of our members, Paul Dougherty, who had the previous week enjoyed having one of his images awarded ‘photograph of the week’ in the Sunday Times Travel Section.
The image was of a street trader in China pushing a cardboard load on his bicycle – a particular ‘well done’ as it was the second time in less than a year that he has achieved this distinction.
Our evening continued with an assignment competition for both prints and digitally projected images on the subject of “Night Time”, being judged by Eddie Fryer from the Western club. Eddie is a very popular choice as a judge, giving a very measured and considered commentary on each entry, carefully clarifying what he believes the photographer has achieved, and assessing the areas of strengths and weaknesses – and always in a sympathetic and encouraging tone, the aim being to improve photographic and artistic skills.
The Standard Group mono prints section was won by Joy Brodie, with an image of the Point of Ayre lighthouse, described as being ‘dark, foreboding and very atmospheric’, while Nessie Gillen came in as runner-up with a shot of Ramsey harbour, the lights from the harbour wall being reflected in the water.
A lovely image of a Douglas fireworks display and their reflections in the water gave Richard Shafto a win in the colour prints section, while an eerie shot of the front of Marown Church with the moon behind, gave Mark Thorsby a second place (plus several queries as to just how some of the ghostly effects had been achieved).
Mark then rounded off his evening with a first place in the digital section with a well composed image of three of the street lights from Douglas promenade, the lights just overlapping each other and giving a lovely recession to the shot. Joy Brodie’s bonfire night image came in second place.
In the Intermediate Group, Annette Slater swept the board in the mono prints section, a first place coming for an image of a Spanish bullring taken from an elevated position, and second place for a busy city centre nightscape, the lights from the buildings and traffic illuminating the scene.
In the colour prints, Jiri Podobsky gained first place with a high-impact shot of a bright and richly-lit telephone kiosk, the composition being absolutely spot-on for a quite dramatic effect.
Annette Slater continued her success, gaining second place with an image of burning wire wool being spun like a catherine wheel firework and the sparks whirling around the night sky.
In the digital section, Martyn Parnell’s image of a rock musician playing a guitar, lit by stage lights and showing his sweat and concentrated effort, deservedly won first place. Sam Bucknall, a junior member, came in as runner-up with an atmospheric and busy image of gamblers around their gaming tables – with several follow-up questions as to whether school or after-school activities ?
Bob Servante was the winner of the Advanced Mono Prints with a well composed night shot of a fireman dousing a fire, the water from the hose giving a strong lead-in line to a dramatic image with flames and billowing smoke. Patricia Harvey’s moonscape, taken with a digiscope, was a more tranquil image but also well composed and very detailed, was second.
The colour prints were won by Patricia Harvey with a wonderful image of the Thames riverbank, the London Eye illuminating the left side and Parliament the right, and the riverside lights and people providing interest and detail through the centre.
Dave Welsh’s shot of Malta’s Valletta harbour by night earned a second place.
In the digital section, a well composed image of a steam train leaving Douglas Station- smoke and steam providing drama – gave Sue Jones maximum points, while Bob Servante’s good form continued with a second place for an image of a fireworks display.
Isle of Man Photographic Society meetings are open to the public - non-members with a charge of £1 on the door - and all will be given a very warm welcome.
Meetings are at Thie Ellyn (the Art Society building) in Withington Road, Douglas, starting at 7:30pm. Full details of our programme can be found on the website at www.iomps.com, which also includes a personalised gallery for the display of work by our members.
Results ‘Night Time’ Assignment : Standard Group – Mono Prints : Joy Brodie (1 & 5), Nessie Gillen (2), Mark Falconer (3 & 6), Aida Podobska(4). Colour Prints : Richard Shafto (1 & 4), Mark Thorsby (2), Joy Brodie (3), Nessie Gillen (5 & 6). Digital : Mark Thorsby (1 & 4), Joy Brodie (2), Karen Norton (3 & VHC), Aida Podobska (5 & 6). Intermediate Group : Mono Prints : Annette Slater (1 & 2), Elaine Dewhirst (3). Colour Prints : Jiri Podobsky (1 & 5), Annette Slater (2 & 3), Roger Oram (4), Shirley Lotfy (6 & C). Digital : Martyn Parnell (1 & 3), Sam Bucknall (2), Roger Oram (4), Anne Bidwell (5 & HC), Hazel Walsh (6), Annette Slater (C), Jiri Podobsky (C). Advanced Group : Mono Prints : Bob Servante (1 & 3), Patricia Harvey (2), Ron Shimmin (4), Sue Jones (5 & 6). Colour Prints : Patricia Harvey (1), Dave Welsh (2 & 4), Chris Blyth (3), Ron Shimmin (5 & 6). Digital : Sue Jones (1), Bob Servante (2 & 5), Chris Blyth (3 & 4), Patricia Harvey (6).
Report by Chris Blyth
Pictured: Night Time assignment print winners Richard Shafto; Joy Brodie; Jiri Podobsky; Annette Slater and Bob Servante with Judge Eddie Fryer (back, centre)