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Weekly #532 - Shell/s Competition

Competition Details
Closing Date: 24/09/2017
Judge: Noelcmn

Collecting sea Shells, Snail cursing, Turtle and Tortoise hunting- some of the fondest memories of childhood, carried over into adulthood and photography. Shells make great ornaments for the home, and even serve as mulch in some gardens. I even have a bedside lamp made from a large shell -bought in Mauritius. For this challenge, I would like to see your images of shells, of any critter, from the sea or the land. Or you may opt to go the figurative route- as in "shell shocked".

Usual rules apply- Only Pentax Camera's and Samsung clones or Ricoh brand.
Images may be from your archives or specially shot for the challenge.
The winner is expected to set a new competition, with comment and/or critiques.
Challenge closes midnight on Sunday 24 September 2017

Good luck, and I look forward to your submissions.
Competition Entries
Noelcmn
Posted 25/09/2017 - 11:49 Link
Once again, not a great number of images for this challenge, but I am pleased with the high quality images presented. I deliberately threw in a curve ball when I mentioned Sea Shells, snail and Turtles, hoping that contestants would know they are not confined to these, and there are other forms of shells. As I am no technical expert, these are my own thoughts and entirely subjective. The usual criteria are applied-what is the impact of the image on me, and what does it tell me of the photographer- then it goes on to matters such as light, composition, creativity etc.
I am working today, and I have roped in my boss to help me, and his choices are pretty much the same as mine, though he added about some images- “technically spot on, but flat when it comes to interest”. Non-photographers- I tell you! The thoughts and critiques are entirely mine.

Tyronet2000 – Mussel Beach - Fab start to the challenge, well spotted, excellent composition here, those few scattered to the right tells me nothing here has been altered. On the one hand a sad documentary on human nature leaving a mess, on the other (for me personally) a happy memory of times spend hunting and eating mussels on the beach. Colors are wonderful and nice touch with the water puddles. Very good details in the shot!

Davidwozhere- Black Scallop Shell- Lovely, low angle shot with wonderful competing textures, and vanishing points to boot. Who would have thought you could do that with a shell. Top marks for creativity, and just a titbit of color. Add to that minimalist elements, it’s amazing how engaging such a simple image can be! I would explore a B/W rendition, but that is a personal taste. As it is, it’s wonderful.
Perspicador- Aphera (Sydaphera) Spengleriana- For once, Perspicador is not first in the queue. But what is lacking in being late  is made up by a quality image. Here too, some competing textures, and a really well composed shot, bringing out the beauty of this shell. There is an echo in the psyche about this one- its familiar, and often found shell, but here presented to enhance appreciation of its beauty. And blue and brown contrasts is one of those color combinations that is under-utilised and rightfully taken advantage of here. Did I mention the Textures?

i-Berg – The Golden Spiral - Excellent rendition of this exquisite shell, and one I dare say attracts more than a fair share of interest, and this image will only enhance that interest. Beautifully presented, and once again some competing textures here, though not as strong here as in the former images. Here the background has been kept suitably subdued to highlight the shell. And that Golden color is just superb! No mention of a flash, so I assume that is the reflected light on the shell, very well controlled.

Mag07-Shell Plating - Congratulations for going out of the box as it were, with an image that conjures up war and shelling. Dark clouds, murky waters (looks like it to me), some reflections and B/W rendition all add to the drama, Very nice touch including that moon, and the distant horizon is most intriguing. Attention grabbing is the word!

Stu62- Rock Pool-LOL. Well I am pretty sure you have been adequately compensated, if not with this photo, then some appreciation from the wife. Not the easiest of techniques, underwater is problematical for various reasons, and you have done well here, not only the color,, but also the details captured. And another image with some contrasting textures, in this one between the underwater sand and the rock. Top marks for composition!

Mikeprotts- Orkney Egg-Well done for not falling for the curveball, and found a shell of quite a different variety, albeit a sad one. Well spotted, well captured, and a lot of complimentary curves to flow with the shape of the shell. Colors are spot on, as are the details, composition. Certainly gets a nod of sympathy from me!

GlynM-Snail Shell- It may appear tatty, but it’s certainly photogenic and with some masterly work, has provided an image worthy of a long look and study. Wonderful textures everywhere, not so mention some symmetry, and appealing colors. One of my criteria I use when viewing things with spirals - does it cause my eye to follow the spiral to its logical end? Definitely does so here! Back to the archives- you should go more often!

Fodwick- Just hanging around-Well done with a virtual vertical renditions of a snail, and certainly not the option that many a photographer would choose, as its too boring looking at a spiral. We much prefer a side view to highlight the beautiful shape of the shell. I suspect probably because of the unusual if somewhat monotone color of the snail, plus its surroundings, that upped the contrast in its setting. Have I followed the spiral to its logical conclusion- you bet!

MikeinDevon – The Shell house –Polperro – I was hoping for someone to post the artistic value of shells, and here it is, clearly someone who has that appreciation. Maybe a bit excessive here (the house owner and not the photographer) but still directs towards artistic use of shells. I like the almost monotone color here, superb details, and equally superb textures abounds. Compositionally spot on, and for some reason, a quick sideways glance registers a Carriage- more creative use of shells.

Here goes:

1st- Davidwozhere- Black Scallop Shell. Focal point, composition and creativity deserved 1st place.

2nd - Tyronet2000- Mussel beach- Excellent documentary shot and composition.

3rd – I-Berg- Golden Spiral-

HMs to all other entries.
Edited by Noelcmn: 25/09/2017 - 11:51
tyronet2000
Posted 25/09/2017 - 12:34 Link
Congratulations to the Winner and other places with thanks for awarding me 2nd Place. Thanks to Noel for the interesting subject the judging and the comprehensive comments.
Regards
Stan

PPG
GlynM
Posted 25/09/2017 - 19:51 Link
Many thanks Noel for another interesting competition.

Congratulations to Davidwozhere for a well deserved win, the runner's up and everyone else for another grand set of Pentax images.

Glyn
i-Berg
Posted 25/09/2017 - 23:20 Link
Congrats David - great lighting, and the lines are superb. Well done Stan also - thank you Noel for the comp and comments, as well as the place. And you are correct - no flash used: the brighter light you see was borrowed light from a window, reflected off the shell. Mixed lighting is a bit of a challenge!
davidwozhere
Posted 26/09/2017 - 00:26 Link
I honestly thought Stan had this one in the bag. So well done anyway and thanks for the antipodean shell too. This contest has brought them from all over - mine came from a New Jersey beach! Thank you for the win Noel. I shall have to think about the next one now.
Both the *istDS and the K5 are incurably addicted to old glass

My page on Photocrowd
Mag07
Posted 26/09/2017 - 07:00 Link
Congratulations to all the winners and cheers for taking the time to comment
'Photography...it remembers little things, long after you have forgotten....' (Aaron Siskind)
Edited by Mag07: 26/09/2017 - 07:01

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