The first print competition of the 2025/26 season was here.
Theme for Print Round 1
The theme for the first print round was Timeless Beauty and below is the brief.
Submit an image with classic appeal — a well-crafted portrait, serene landscape, or elegant still life. Think of timeless photographic principles: composition, balance, and tone.
After some careful consideration, I ended up picking the two images I submitted for the first critique evening at start of season.
Image 1 – Pier Into The Light
I chose this image as I felt it met the serene landscape suggestion in the brief.
After the critique session, I re-edited the image and applied the judge’s suggestions, taking out the two posts on the right hand side, tilting the posts more towards the horizon – the latter couldn’t be done too much otherwise they would like diagonal.
Applying my own preference, I also removed the land on the right-hand side and re-editing the colour tone to make it more subtle, light and a little pastel-like.
I also reduced the contrast and applied negative dehaze to the sun to make it more subtle to fit the serene suggestion.
Self-critique (pre-judging)
I like this image and I think it should do well but if I’m honest, I don’t think it’s going to do better than an 8 or 9.
Judge’s verdict
The judge said they liked this image, and recognised it as Snettisham.
They liked the sky and reflections in the water and the curvature of those elements.
They observed pastel tones and felt a centre or just off centre horizon suited the image.
The judge awarded the image 16 (8/10).
Post-judging thoughts
I have little to complain about as I knew this was the weaker of my two images.
It was a little boost to see me score same as the other Snettisham image which in the critique evening the judge said was the stronger image.
With hindsight, I possibly should have looked for a stronger image for this theme.
Image 2 – Dew-Kissed Bloom At Dawn
I chose this image because it was my best image on a Gill Moon Creative Macro workshop last Summer.
Taking on the critique feedback, I re-edited the image.
There’s a small crop left and right but I’ve kept the purple reed on right but it’s been de-saturated.
The background has reduced contrast and more subtle tones, and the harebell has been enhanced (I’ve tried to bring out as much sharpness in areas which were a little out of focus) with a darker tone.
Self-critique (pre-judging)
It goes without saying that I like this image.
I have done a lot of careful editing and tried to mount it thoughtfully.
I have higher hopes and expectations for this image and would be disappointed if it didn’t get a minimum of 9/10.
Judge’s verdict
The judge liked the smaller print and the mount which they said provided impact.
They liked the pastel tones and the details in the dew.
The image was held back alongside ten other prints, and in the final shortlisting, the image scored 19.5 (9.75/10).
Post-judging thoughts
It’s very pleasing to get an image held back and in the top six but I am a little disappointed not to take the maximum marks.
Reflections
Overall, I’ve scored 17.75/20 or 35.5/40 (88.75%) so must’n grumble!
I regret not looking for a stronger image to consider instead of the snettisham image but there you go… I may not have had one for this theme.
I’m very pleased with the harebell shot score and especially when considering ten other prints made it to the shortlist.
I am achieving decent marks so content with it overall.
A word about the judge
Our judge tonight was personable, balanced and fair in his critique and scoring, plus he also liked landscapes – hire him again please!
Onwards and upwards…