News
The Judges Critique
MEDIA RELEASE
The photographs entered into the 2011 Channel Country Photography Competition were judged on a number of composition and technical points including use of light, balance, subject, artistic appeal, focus, imagination and originality. Consideration of the theme and location were also important.
Most of the photos entered were of a very high technical standard and strong composition. In helping to determine a winner, most of it came down to creative approach, the telling of a story and an emotional connection. Each of the chosen photographs were considered to have that little bit extra that helped it stand out; a special advantage. There are of course also those situations where the photographer needed to be in the right place at the right time to capture a special moment. This required preparation and patience and really paid off with some of these shots.
The judges critiques for each of the winning entries -
OPEN SECTION
WINNER Clare Mulcahy, Longreach Image: “Yamma Yamma”
The winning image, “Yamma Yamma” by Clare Mulcahy, was just sensational…had it been shot from almost any other angle it just wouldn’t have worked. It was a really artistic shot – almost abstract – using lovely light against the patterns and colours of the water as well as reflection off the wing of the aircraft. Above all, this image also captured much of the spirit of the channel country, particularly the magic of the recent wet seasons.
RUNNER UP Ruth Rickard, Longreach Image: “Time to Get Going”
The cloud magic in that photo was particularly liked and the judges found it really depicted a great channel country theme especially of this recent season – and indeed any season when a storm breaks. The image was nicely balanced and the colour added atmosphere.
ENCOURAGEMENT Michelle Dean, Geelong Image: “Days End at the Point”
The judges were taken with how well this photo represented those colours that we all recognise and relate to so well as being typical of a western Queensland winter sundown.
ENCOURAGEMENT Ruth Rickard, Longreach Image: “Winton Light Show”
This image was really eye-catching. The lightning was spectacular and also the way Ruth captured the atmosphere of the store, and so the town itself, was clever.
REGIONAL & EMERGING SECTION
WINNER Sally Cripps, Blackall Image: “Crustacean Jewel”
Sally Cripps image “Crustacean Jewel” had so much impact technically. It was an excellent picture showing great control of exposure to keep some highlight detail while preventing the dark mudflats from blocking up. This image looks professional, artistic, planned, properly set up and is something you could see in any art gallery in Australia and it would stand out. It was really striking. Even the light reflecting off the small lumps of mud created a shape that drew the eye into the main subject.
RUNNER UP Lorraine Kath, Windorah Image: “Road to Desert Inland Sea”
This image depicts the essence of the channel country in a number of ways. It had so much about the country in it – the water, the stones and their colours, a sand hill and the road sinking into oblivion underwater – so also helping depict the remoteness of the area. There were tinges of green also symbolising the productivity that abounds amongst harshness. It seemed to capture so much of the channel country spirit. Apart from that it was an interesting photo in which you would always find something different each time you looked at it. The colours and contrast struck the judges.
RUNNER UP Lorraine Kath, Windorah Image: “A View from Deon’s Lookout”
This image definitely shows vastness, colour as well as industry, and was really nicely balanced.
ENCOURAGEMENT Josh Finlay-Strong, Barcaldine Image: “Fate”
The fourth photo was of the skull and dryness. It was artistic and well taken and gave a different view point! It was certainly striking.
YOUTH SECTION
WINNER Thaddeus Poole, Longreach Image: “Coolibah In Sapphire Sky”
In the Youth Section, Thaddeus Poole’s winning image had the rare quality where you felt as if you could walk into the picture and sit down under the tree. The colour was typical and clear.
RUNNER UP Emma Forsythe, Jundah Image: “Green Frog”
A really clever image.
ENCOURAGEMENT Thaddeus Poole, Longreach Image: “The Way Home”
A great idea that displayed effort and a lot of promise.
“Overall, the standard of entries in all categories was simply outstanding. There were very few ‘failures’ entered.”
The Channel Country Photography Competition sought photographers who captured the essence of the unique and wonderful scenery in the region interpreted through the lens of a camera!
“The aim of the competition was to encourage tourists, visitors and photographers from all around Australia to visit, and while here, to also try their hand at taking a photo that encapsulates the region,” said Miss Shelley Colvin, Project Officer for Vast Arts Inc.
All the entries will be digitally displayed at the Kinnon & Co Historic Ol’ World Gallery in Longreach.
PLUS, the twelve Finalists of the competition have their photographs printed in a Desert Channels Group 2012 calendar which is now available for purchase from Desert Channels Group, 92 Galah St, Longreach and at various outlets throughout the region.
An official presentation will be held during October, with details to be announced shortly.
In the meantime, the winning images can be viewed in the Gallery on the Vast Arts website at www.vastarts.net/gallery and the Desert Channels Website at www.dcg.org.au.
Vast Arts and Desert Channels Group take this opportunity to congratulate the winners and entrants for submitting such high caliber photographs. A huge thank you also to our sponsors, who made the Channel Country Photography Competition possible with prizes that reflected the quality and standard of the section winners.
2012 will be even bigger and better!
Pictured: Regional & Emerging Winner Sally Cripps "Crustacean Jewel".
No posted items
Add A CommentAdd A Comment