I totally agree about not using flash on Dr. Mhuni's shot - it would have ruined it. I second mikew's comments about fiddling with levels or curves. I've tried it recently on a couple of photos and been amazed at the difference it can make.

Galoot, now I see what you were trying to do - sorry for not seeing it earlier.

Malo1961, if you'd installed the security updates before taking the shot I'd never have recognised the icon . Mind you, your avatar is a bit of a giveaway.

As for the out of focus waiter, that could run and run .

Right, now I'm off to try and think of something wooden to photograph.

Robert.

Now, did you pick David as the winner as he promised to get the drinks in ?

My entry was scupered when I didn't make it back home by midnight due to a cancelled train. Oh well, having seen the other entries, and the winner, I doubt it would have made a difference to the result.

Robert.

Thank you to everyone for entering – I was rather worried for a while I’d killed the competition by setting an uninspiring subject, but at least a few more people entered at the last minute.

This is the first time I have judged a photo competition and don’t really feel qualified, but here goes:

Galoot – Lunch before shopping

I like the colours and it captures a lunch break. While some photos are augmented by long exposure blurriness, I’m not convinced that’s the case here. Plus, the background and left hand side of the picture I find distracting.

Hefty1 – Potnoodle

Great idea and mostly well executed vision of lunch. The only things I’d have done differently would be to not include as much of the left hand side, plus have some steam coming out of the kettle.

GivingTree – Coke and a Sandwich

I think this one does a good job of capturing a lunch break. The depth of field works well to concentrate on the relevant bits, the lighting has been controlled well, but maybe the cropping is too tight – cutting off the plate and part of the can reflection.

mikew – Snicker and Sudoku

This picture leaps out of the screen at me. It is well lit and focused, beautifully composed and a great idea. For me the only thing it could be criticised for is it’s more afternoon snack than lunch, but my other half disagrees completely!

Dr. Mhuni – Njera, wot and waiter at the Finfine Hotel

This one makes me hungry and I like the ambience it has captured. However, my eye is always drawn to the waiter’s smile, and he’s out of focus, so it makes me wonder if the depth of field should have been bigger. I also wonder if the lighting on the food could have been less dull, though hard to achieve under the circumstances I imagine.

Malo1961 – Lunch break from “Hell”

This is probably the best composed shot for me. It is also well lit and executed. However, it has a bit of a flaw for me. The way it is lit says evening much more than lunch. Extra points from me for running Linux on the laptop – I think, anyway.

As there weren’t many entries, I’ve decided to just pick a winner and second place. Everyone else should regard themselves as highly commended.

First: Mikew
Second: Hefty1

Well done and over to you Mikew.

Finally … Pot Noodle? Snickers? Diet coke? I wonder what the same subject on a French photographic forum would have generated .

Robert.

Well by my watch it's 18:00 GMT, so that's the fortnight over.

Results to come...

Robert.

At this point I should probably reveal "am nae fi Aberdeen" . At least, not originally, but I've been here longer than anywhere else . The quickest way to get my local friends in fits of laughter though is for me to try and do the accent .

Anyway, stop reading this and get on with the DIY...

Robert.

Fit like Cornishjock. foo's yer doos?

Anyone brave enough to email Cabstar via his website (details under his profile)?

I'm not .

Maybe the subject should be "missing" .

Robert.

It doesn't seem to have been posted yet. I'm guessing the proceedure would be to wait for another day or so, then if there still isn't anything the second placed person should set one? This would be David Trout.

Robert.

Thanks for the reminder, I needed to switch off Daylight Saving Time. I'd noticed earlier, but forgot to do it, but it's done now .

I took my picture of an LP yesterday before I noticed Hefty1's picture - it's hard to come up with an original idea, isn't it ?

Lots of good pictures this week, the judging's not going to be easy.

Robert.

Now I've noticed this thread, I feel as though I should have something interesting to say on the subject. Sadly, I'm not sure I do, other than perhaps foo's yer doos?

Robert.