The second part of our three-part set subject competition took place this week, on the theme of “Emotion”. Malcolm Roberts had achieved a close second place in last year’s competition and agreed to judge this one because last year’s winner (John West) moved south. Malcolm began by explaining that he judged each image first on its interpretation of the theme of “Emotion” and then on the quality of each image. 13 members had entered 38 images. Some images demonstrated the “Emotion” theme by showing an emotion in their subject, with a simple title like “Joy”, “Love”, “Shock”, “Happiness”, “Terror” or “Despair” backing it up. Other images were more subtle and attempted to demonstrate an emotion felt by the photographer, or to instil an emotion in the viewer. For these images, it was important to get the title right. For example, Malcolm had trouble interpreting the emotion behind an image called “Fireplace”, but if it had been titled “I Love This Fireplace” or “Nostalgic Fireplace Memories” the emotional connection would have been clearer. There were lots of portraits showing individuals, musicians, family gatherings, groups of people interacting and actors on the stage. Jim Innes’ “Just a few more yards” caught the pain on the face of a runner approaching the finishing line. Images which demonstrated an emotion and also made contact with the viewer (by showing the subject’s eyes) scored the highest marks. Malcolm also commented on the technical quality of each image. The best images were well-composed, with the subject sharp and in-focus and a narrow depth of field removing background distractions. The top scorers were (in reverse order):

• 5th place (51 points)
  
  • Steven Beard
• 4th place (52 points)
  • Jim Innes
• 3rd place (53 points)
  • Carol Edmond
• 2nd place (54 points)
  • George Todd
• 1st place (56 points)
  • Derek Muller

The top images were:

• Shock (George Todd) – 20 points
• Joy (Derek Muller) – 20 points
• I’m in a Band (Arrogance) (Carol Edmond) – 19 points
• Love (Derek Muller) – 19 points
• My New Brother (Steven Beard) – 18 points
• Happy to Sad (Mike Clark) – 18 points
• Just a Few More Yards (Jim Innes) – 18 points
• Happiness (Rick Riley) – 18 points

Derek Muller wins the right to judge next year’s competition. Well done Derek. Here is how the “league table” stands after two competitions:

Derek Muller (53 + 56 = 109)
Carol Edmond (51 + 53 = 104)
Mike Clark (54 + 49 = 103)
George Todd (— + 54) = ??
Nicola Cawthorne (53 + — = ??)
Jim Innes (49 + 52 = 101)
Jennifer Davidson (52 + 48 = 100)
Steven Beard (49 + 51 = 100)
Melanie Gallacher (51 + 48 = 99)
John Fowler (51 + 47 = 98)
Elaine Gilroy (51 + 47 = 98)
Malcolm Roberts (51 + — = ??)

Derek Muller is the one to beat, but Carol, Mike, George, Nicola and Jim are poised to catch up, depending on the result of the third and final round of the competition on the theme of “Comedy”. Entries are now open. Please send your three “Comedy” images to George Todd.

This Thursday we will be hosting Mölnlycke Fotoclubb, who will be joining us from Gothenburg, Sweden for our annual interclub meeting, where we view a selection of each other’s images, share comments and choose our favourites. We had some time left at the end of our competition to preview the images. The meeting will take place by Zoom, and members can choose whether to join from home or join the throng at the Fisherrow Centre. A Zoom link will be circulated to members soon.