Monthly #30 - Important Things in Your Life Competition

Thanks to everyone who entered this month's competition, it's a shame there weren't more entries but I have thoroughly enjoyed judging the ones that were entered. As for the winner? It was originally between three images, from simonarron, drobbia and dromfit. However, Tony (Drobbia) PM'd me and advised he had to withdraw from the competition because he would be unable to judge next month's if he won. So, this left simonarron and dromfit. The winner is 'Dry Timber' by Dromfit, many congratulations. The overall placings and comments on each entry are:

1st place: Dry Timber - Dromfit

2nd place: The natural world - simonarron

3rd place: Peace and quiet - michaelblue

A special mention to Drobbia for the image he withdrew; this one would have been placed if it were not for the withdrawal.

Representing the Family - John Riley
A lovely family portrait, surely there cannot be anything more important than family, especially at this time of the year? I like the smile, the natural look of this image, it is not in the least bit forced or posed and that works in its favour for me. A couple of minor points - the framing is a little tight and the colour is a bit cool, but these observations are more personal taste than anything wrong with the image.

Advent Candle - Davidwozhere
Very seasonal and the message portrayed by the text that goes with the image is broader than just the typical Christmas message. Regarding the image, I find it a little under-exposed and this means that the nice details in the decorations beneath the candle can't be seen. Colours are lovely and warm and the composition is good, but I'm not sure about the angle it has been shot at and the distractions in the background. My overall feeling on this one is that it could have been a stunning shot, but needed a little more thought about positioning, background and lighting to make it really work.

Civil Partnership - Perpsicador
The humour behind this shot made me smile! It's a nice image of two wild birds, but for me it doesn't have enough to make it stand out from the crowd to make it a contender here.

Peace and quiet - michaelblue
I can understand the sentiments behind this shot as I often yearn for the peace and quite myself! I love the way the patterns in the sand have been used to provide foreground interest and lead the eye into the image, it cleverly provides interest in what is actually a fairly blank canvas. It is a deceptively simple shot that works very well. Maybe if it had been shot a little closer to the patch of water the reflections could have been used to greater effect, but all in all this one works for me.

Old Friend - GlynM
This little chap clearly means a lot to Glyn, he has the scars to prove he has been a companion through thick and thin. I like the inclusion of the old book next to the bear to add context, this increases the impression of age and works very well. The background is nice and plain to ensure it doesn't distract, although it is very similar in colour to the bear and it might have been worth choosing a more contrasting background? Nevertheless this is a warm and compelling image, well shot.

The natural world - simonarron
This one I like, for many reasons. I have an affinity for Wildlife, especially birds, so it naturally appeals to me. However, I also like many elements of the image, the hauntingly beautiful bird which is emphasised by the dark backdrop, the spot-on focus, the detail in the feathers, the sublime exposure control to mention but a few. Maybe it would have been even better in portrait format so we could see more of the bird, but I like it very much as it is.

The Offbeat, Outre and Outlandish in what is Often observed - Drobbia
OK, where do I start with this one? Magnificent imagination and vision to make this image and no little skill in producing it so brilliantly. It’s not the kind of shot that will appeal to everyone, but for me it shows a photographer with the keenest of eyes. I don't feel qualified to critique it because it is beyond my level completely, but I do know that I like and admire it.

My Right Eye - tyronet2000
What a powerful message behind this shot, it really does make me think. Most of us I'm sure will be aware of the problems Stan has been having with his eyesight nd I am sure we all wish Stan well and hope that he is on the road to recovery. It's hard to pass judgement on such a personal image, all I can do is focus on the technical, compositional and artistic elements. First of all, the depth of field here is wafer-thin and I think this has made the shot quite difficult to execute. I do like the very tight framing used and the central placement of the pupil. Overall, I think it needed to be just that bit sharper to really hit home, but I do like it.

Nepalese Batik - Noelcmn
A very attractive image, the colours in particular are striking in this shot. I like the way it is framed, to include just the Batik and the wooden hangers, nothing else. A worthy entrant!

Family! - Paulb531
I was waiting for a family shot to be entered! Thanks for posting this one Paul, it is the archetypal Christmas Lunch image, full of joy and happiness! I find it difficult to critique and to do so would be churlish.

Dry Timber - Dromfit
This one strikes a chord with me because we spend much of the Spring, Summer and Autumn collecting wood from wherever we can, to burn on the log burner during the Winter months. It also strikes a chord because it is a wonderful image, lovely warm colours, great textures and superb composition. I really like this one.

Best wishes and happy New Year to you all!
David

Thank you David for choosing mine as the winner...
and congratulations to the others on the podium...
I love owls... and the Great Grey Owl is a favourite...
along with the Snowy.
We've been entertained this year by two Tawnys...
who seem to like the acoustics of our hangar...
a form of open barn...
there is a little heard call... well documented...
a bonding call... a deep purring trill from both birds...
it doesn't travel a great distance apparently... 50 metres or so...
so we've felt very privileged to hear it...

And I like Glynn's "Old Friend"....
all I've got left of mine is the growl...
well, actually a squeezable music box that plays a lullaby...
the moths got the rest!
But an original Arthur Ransome... with the dust cover...
slightly worn, but well loved...
both bear and book...

I'll sleep on it and try and have something up by tomorrow lunchtime...

Congratulations to the winner and other places. Thanks to David for the interesting subject, the judging and the comprehensive comments.
Thanks also for the good wishes ref eyesight. I'm collecting new glasses tomorrow which hopefully will correct the double vision. At least I'll be able to watch tv and use the computer without an eye patch. Central vision in the left eye has got a bit better since the blood has cleared but unfortunately is beyond repair.

Thank you for the excellent and comprehensive critique - which is difficult to acquire from anywhere other than forums like this one.... and nice to hear Stan's news.
Happy New Year to everyone.

David

Thanks, David, for the considered analysis - and also for the kind words. A fine winning shot from Mr Ford, too - I had a feeling his might once again be the shutter finger to beat.

I'm sure the modest number of entries is probably a reflection of alternative seasonal priorities, but as ever there were some very engaging shots in the mix.

I look forward to the next instalment - and also pass on my best wishes to Stan.

Congrats Dromfit-I like the almost abstract feel to those pieces of firewood. And as our judge mentioned, lovely textures. Congrats too simonarron and Michaelblue and Drobbia for his mysterious image. Thanks John for judging and commenting- constructive as usual.

Many thanks David for such an interesting and original competition subject and for your great set of comments and judging.

Congratulations to Dromfit for the well deserved and excellent artistic winner, the runners up and everyone else for such a wonderful set of well crafted interpretations.

Glyn

Thanks David for third place, I thought you might also appreciate 'peace and quiet' judging by some of your tranquil photos posted on the forum.
Well done to Dromfit, that's an excellent shot and to Simon, I had a feeling the owl would be 'placed'
Sorry for Tony having to withdraw..... but at the same time, thanks for allowing me into 3rd place