Weekly Competition #353 - World in motion Competition

Thanks to all that took the trouble to take part. There were fewer entries than some recent comps have attracted, so many apologies if I chose something unsuited to PU members’ regular output.

I enjoyed sifting through some very strong submissions, though, so here in chronological order are a few initial impressions. As ever this is all highly subjective: I hope no offence will be caused, for absolutely none is intended…

Impressions of Speed, by davidstorm
I think the theme for the last competition I judged was ‘stormy weather’, but this one got off – quite literally – to a Stormy start, thanks to David of that ilk. I love almost everything about this – the composition, the perception of movement and the faithful reproduction of familiar South Yorkshire hues.

Arrival, by CMW
I’ve no idea how many attempts it took to frame the tube sign so neatly – and such pleasing crispness isn’t always easy to achieve at 1/60, assuming this was hand-held. A simple concept, but supremely effective.

Slow Motion, by walkeja
As owner of two elderly, bowling parents, I appreciate the gentle humour herein. It’s a very touching shot, but suffers only because it follows in the slipstream of two wonderful images with just a little more punch.

At Play, by mudge
Sorry, this one doesn’t work for me. It’s a lovely idea, but slide and occupants are both soft and I prefer ‘motion’ shots to have a focal point of some kind, no matter how small. That said, I’ve seen many a magazine run a blurry DPS in the name of art, so it might well be me that’s out of step.

Motion, by gartmore
This ticks all the boxes – and I’d love to know whether it’s hand-held. If so, top marks for achieving such clarity at 1/10.

Passing trade, by Dr Mhuni
Instant medal contention: ripe with all the necessary ingredients, plus a rich seam of colour and contrast set against a pleasingly uncluttered background. I presume this is some kind of coastal viewing platform. Whatever it might be, the image is equal parts intrigue and vibrancy. Terrific, in a word.

Yacht Race, by JAK
A lovely seascape, but the movement has to be imagined (and very pleasant it looks, to my mind’s eye). I know the brief didn’t specify motion blur as an essential element, but the first two submissions – and others subsequently – set a bar that would take some shifting. I know from experience that it’s possible to generate a little blur at 1/640, incidentally, but in this instance you’d need a Class 1 powerboat rather than a yacht…

Newcastle Central, by tyronet2000
I like this a) because it’s nicely composed and b) for the questions it poses. Where is the train heading? What are the passengers’ myriad destinations? Might it contain anyone I know, even though I’ll never be able to confirm as much? Not as dramatic as certain other entries, but interesting all the same. Any Newcastle cityscape makes me think of Michael Caine and, by default, Britt Ekland. This, too, is a good thing.

Taking off, by Perspicador
Motion? Check, but I find the black-headed gull too small a subject, rather lost against the backdrop, and I’d prefer to see it flying towards the lens. That’s a personal thing, but tail feathers tend to be less expressive than eyes and beaks,

Who needs a van? by Jim-w
I understand the appeal of such shots, not least because I’ve spent quite a few taxi journeys trying to take them. It might be better if you could see slightly more of the rider’s face, but you can’t always control the finer detail of such spur-of-the-moment snapshots. I know some people consider this stuff funny, but to me it just reflects another world – one that I’m privileged to have seen. Nice shot and a powerful social document.

The horizon keeps moving, by TimE
Scores highly for being different, but lacks the romance of Newcastle Central (see above). The horizon isn’t sufficiently visible to set the mind meandering. Or at least, not my mind.

Bouncing Castle, by paulb531
A great shot, Paul, with your point of interest splendidly sharp and the world around him anything but. The mono conversion works for me, too. Lovely in every respect.

The Sherwood Forester, by drofmit
…although it might also have been taken by Claude Monet. Is it a bird, a plane, a steam train, a carousel..? An interesting slice of impressionism, but a little too indistinct for my tastes. Top marks for ambition, though. I often attempt to pan at overly optimistic shutter speeds, but 1/3 is bold indeed.

Deliberations over, the jury has concluded as follows.

HCs to walkeja, gartmore and Dr Mhuni.
3rd: Impressions of Speed, davidstorm
2nd: Bouncing Castle, paulb531
1st: Arrival, CMW

With that, the baton passeth to Christopher…

Congratulations to the Winner and other places. Thanks to Simon for the interesting subject, the judging, and the comprehensive comments.

Thank you for the judging, Simon, particularly at such a frenetic time -- and of course for giving 'Arrival' first place. Congratulations to the others sharing the podium and to the HCs.

I will post the current week's competition shortly.

Regards
Chris

Thanks Simon for the challenging subject and judging. Chuffed with the second place - congratulations to winners and other places. It made me get the camera out instead of delving into my archives.

Regards

Paul

Thanks Simon, it's probably good that there weren't too many entries given your commitments!

Congratulations to Christopher and Paul for the first and second places, both are superb images.

Regards
David

Congratulations to CMW for the win and well done to other podiums and HC's
Thanks to Simon for comp and judging


All the best...Jim.

Thanks Simon, it was indeed hand-held. I even had to use the built in ND filter to get it down to a 1/10th

Thanks for the considered judging and the HC Simon. Congrats to CMW and the others you singled out.