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General Subjects => General Forum => Topic started by: ranunculus on July 14, 2010, 12:04:23 PM

Title: DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHIC CONTEST 2009-2010 of the East Lancs AGS Group
Post by: ranunculus on July 14, 2010, 12:04:23 PM
In 2009 I posted the full details, entries, images and results of the AGS East Lancashire Group Digital Photographic contest for 2008 -2009.
See all the relevant information at the following link:-

http://www.srgc.org.uk/smf/index.php?topic=3062.0

This posting seemed to be appreciated and enjoyed by a number of you.  The East Lancashire Group intend to make this an annual event and, as such, another contest was duly held in early 2010 and it was my aim to post the contest on this forum at my earliest opportunity. Family commitments, leisurely holidays and a lecture tour of North America somehow conspired to get in the way.  I have finally found a few hours to spare before we fly off to the Dolomites to continue leading our wildflower walks for Collett's Mountain Holidays, so I MIGHT find the time to post one or two classes before we depart?

The rules and classes were almost the same as last year (see above link please) with the notable exception that the number of entries for each class was reduced from three to two per exhibitor, simply to limit the judging time (performed by assembled group members) to a reasonable length.

Please access this pdf file for the promotional blurb.  See link in blue above the first image. 

CLASS ONE   TWELVE ENTRIES

For a digital image of an entire alpine plant in a garden setting.

PLEASE NOTE : THIS IS A PHOTOGRAPHIC CONTEST - NOT AN ALPINE SHOW.  THE IMAGES ARE BEING JUDGED - NOT THE PLANTS.
Title: Re: DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHIC CONTEST 2009-2010 of the East Lancs AGS Group
Post by: ranunculus on July 14, 2010, 12:07:54 PM
Class One

Final three entries
Title: Re: DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHIC CONTEST 2009-2010 of the East Lancs AGS Group
Post by: Maggi Young on July 14, 2010, 12:55:39 PM
Goodness me... only the first class and already I'm relieved to be able to enjoy the photos and not have the responsibility to have judged them!  :)
Title: Re: DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHIC CONTEST 2009-2010 of the East Lancs AGS Group
Post by: Paul T on July 14, 2010, 01:35:34 PM
Gorgeous, Cliff.  I'm somewhat surprised that some of these appear to be so out of focus for the central floral focal point...... The first pic in particular I would have rejected and deleted if I had taken it myself.  Shows what I know about art, doesn't it?  :o
Title: Re: DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHIC CONTEST 2009-2010 of the East Lancs AGS Group
Post by: ranunculus on July 14, 2010, 02:20:14 PM
Thanks Paul.  Our local group is, like many organisations of a similar size, made up of an entire spectrum of experience, age, level of interest and specific capabilities.  We actively encourage newcomers to both alpine gardening and digital photography and this is reflected (we hope enthusiastically) in our annual competition.  As in the showing of plants in pots, it takes practice and experience to get the best out of any subject and we welcome contributions from all our members in the hope and expectation that competition will only increase their enthusiasm and abilities.  We don't wish to go down the route of sections rated according to past performance - photography is subjective and our members act as democratic judges - a panel of mixed abilities voting for their own particular choices. The format appears to work and the competition proves very popular.
Title: Re: DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHIC CONTEST 2009-2010 of the East Lancs AGS Group
Post by: ranunculus on July 14, 2010, 08:07:46 PM
I will leave the results until I have posted all the classes this year ... it will give forum members the opportunity to post a list of their favourites.

CLASS TWO   EIGHTEEN ENTRIES

For a digital image of an entire alpine plant captured in the wild.

First batch of nine
Title: Re: DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHIC CONTEST 2009-2010 of the East Lancs AGS Group
Post by: ranunculus on July 14, 2010, 08:54:30 PM
CLASS TWO   EIGHTEEN ENTRIES

For a digital image of an entire alpine plant captured in the wild.

Second batch of nine

PLEASE NOTE : THIS IS A PHOTOGRAPHIC CONTEST - NOT AN ALPINE SHOW.  THE IMAGES ARE BEING JUDGED - NOT THE PLANTS.
Title: Re: DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHIC CONTEST 2009-2010 of the East Lancs AGS Group
Post by: Lesley Cox on July 14, 2010, 11:08:48 PM
Will you be introducing a class for out-of-area contestants Cliff? like overseas? ;D

Ok, since we're guessing - here are mine for Class 1. I'm putting the pulsatilla first but I really like the saxifraga too, the background highlighting the plant well. (Lovely wall, as well :D)

For Class 2, I choose what I think is a very good Silene acaulis, mainly because having the mountain, it proves the plant really is in the wild, instead of just in (my) rather messy driveway. With both plant and mountain in focus the picture is nicely balanced. I'd put the Thlaspi (?) in second place though I also like Camp. ?cochlearifolia very much. The white saxifraga in Class 2 is also very good (hedging my bets here. :D)

And what is that stunning red in Class 2? Maybe some kind of zauschneria?
Title: Re: DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHIC CONTEST 2009-2010 of the East Lancs AGS Group
Post by: ranunculus on July 15, 2010, 06:54:22 AM
Many thanks for your worthy selections, Lesley - time will tell if you were right ...

It would be fascinating to arrange a similar competition for the forum ... something for me to think about during the long months of winter - ideas, suggestion, class themes welcomed.


CLASS THREE   EIGHTEEN ENTRIES

For a digital image close-up or macro shot of an alpine plant.

First batch of nine images.


PLEASE NOTE : THIS IS A PHOTOGRAPHIC CONTEST - NOT AN ALPINE SHOW.  THE IMAGES ARE BEING JUDGED - NOT THE PLANTS.
Title: Re: DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHIC CONTEST 2009-2010 of the East Lancs AGS Group
Post by: ranunculus on July 15, 2010, 06:59:39 AM
CLASS THREE   EIGHTEEN ENTRIES

For a digital image close-up or macro shot of an alpine plant.

Second batch of nine images.


PLEASE NOTE : THIS IS A PHOTOGRAPHIC CONTEST - NOT AN ALPINE SHOW.  THE IMAGES ARE BEING JUDGED - NOT THE PLANTS.
Title: Re: DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHIC CONTEST 2009-2010 of the East Lancs AGS Group
Post by: ranunculus on July 15, 2010, 07:21:11 AM
CLASS FOUR   TWELVE ENTRIES


For a digital image of any garden featuring alpine plants.


First batch of six entries


PLEASE NOTE : THIS IS A PHOTOGRAPHIC CONTEST - NOT AN ALPINE SHOW.  THE IMAGES ARE BEING JUDGED - NOT THE PLANTS
Title: Re: DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHIC CONTEST 2009-2010 of the East Lancs AGS Group
Post by: ranunculus on July 15, 2010, 07:24:40 AM
CLASS FOUR   TWELVE ENTRIES


For a digital image of any garden featuring alpine plants.


Second batch of six entries


PLEASE NOTE : THIS IS A PHOTOGRAPHIC CONTEST - NOT AN ALPINE SHOW.  THE IMAGES ARE BEING JUDGED - NOT THE PLANTS
Title: Re: DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHIC CONTEST 2009-2010 of the East Lancs AGS Group
Post by: ranunculus on July 15, 2010, 08:40:43 AM

And what is that stunning red in Class 2? Maybe some kind of zauschneria?


ASTRAGALUS COCCINEUS - SIERRA NEVADA
Title: Re: DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHIC CONTEST 2009-2010 of the East Lancs AGS Group
Post by: Lvandelft on July 15, 2010, 09:43:06 AM
Very interesting to see all these beautiful pictures here Cliff! Thanks for showing and looking forward to see more!

CLASS FOUR   TWELVE ENTRIES
For a digital image of any garden featuring alpine plants.

For me with my limited knowledge of English, I was not able to understand what was meant by this Class.
Now I see!
Learning every day again ;D ;D

Title: Re: DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHIC CONTEST 2009-2010 of the East Lancs AGS Group
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on July 15, 2010, 09:54:56 AM
Thanks for showing us these, Cliff !!!
Nice initiative !!!

My votes would go to :

class 1 : entry 10
class 2 : entry 13
class 3 : entry 7
class 4 : entry 12
Title: Re: DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHIC CONTEST 2009-2010 of the East Lancs AGS Group
Post by: arisaema on July 15, 2010, 10:57:04 AM
Agreed, and there are some really nice pictures! I'd vote for:

class 1 : entry 10
class 2 : entry 17
class 3 : entry 16 (or maybe 4)
class 4 : entry 12
Title: Re: DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHIC CONTEST 2009-2010 of the East Lancs AGS Group
Post by: Paul T on July 15, 2010, 11:01:20 AM
Wonderful stuff, Cliff.  A wide range of subjects and differing views of the subjects..... very nice.

Fascinating plants in fascinating situations.  Wish I could see some of these places in person.  ::)
Title: Re: DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHIC CONTEST 2009-2010 of the East Lancs AGS Group
Post by: Lesley Cox on July 15, 2010, 09:15:09 PM
In Class 3 - Entry 18, the Anagallis
In Class 4 - Entry 11. I find this one quite difficult as I tend to choose a garden rather than an image, if you see what I mean. If not 11, then 4.
Title: Re: DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHIC CONTEST 2009-2010 of the East Lancs AGS Group
Post by: Lesley Cox on July 15, 2010, 09:26:04 PM
Thanks for the answer re the Astragalus. I did think of that then discarded it as I thought the flowers didn't look pea-like. No wonder it's one of those "holy grail" plants! 8)
Title: Re: DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHIC CONTEST 2009-2010 of the East Lancs AGS Group
Post by: ranunculus on July 15, 2010, 10:16:56 PM
Thanks everyone ... I will post the remaining classes and the results, etc. after our stint in the Dolomites ... hopefully they will be worth the wait?   :D
Title: Re: DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHIC CONTEST 2009-2010 of the East Lancs AGS Group
Post by: Maggi Young on July 16, 2010, 12:40:13 PM
We'll look forward to that, Cliff.

Happy holidays!!

( Remind me again... WHAT IS a holiday??) :-\
Title: Re: DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHIC CONTEST 2009-2010 of the East Lancs AGS Group
Post by: David Nicholson on July 16, 2010, 01:12:07 PM
They are the things you say you don't like Maggi :P
Title: Re: DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHIC CONTEST 2009-2010 of the East Lancs AGS Group
Post by: Maggi Young on July 16, 2010, 01:17:20 PM
Oh,  THOSE !  Right.... suitcases, dog-sitters, all that stuff.... Yes, I'm with you now.... or rather NOT, as the case may be!  ;D ;D
Title: Re: DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHIC CONTEST 2009-2010 of the East Lancs AGS Group
Post by: ranunculus on July 16, 2010, 02:47:21 PM
There are some compensations, Maggi ... views like this and regular Italian ice-cream ...
Title: Re: DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHIC CONTEST 2009-2010 of the East Lancs AGS Group
Post by: Lvandelft on December 26, 2010, 10:58:49 PM
Thanks everyone ... I will post the remaining classes and the results, etc. after our stint in the Dolomites ... hopefully they will be worth the wait?   :D

Cliff, you still have some days left THIS year to finish your great job, don't you. But I really don't want to push you too much to do so and hope you will sleep well and long enough during the night.  ;)

Happy New Year,
Luit
Title: Re: DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHIC CONTEST 2009-2010 of the East Lancs AGS Group
Post by: ranunculus on December 27, 2010, 06:45:16 AM
My apologies, Luit ... it was my intention to get the other classes posted but computer problems mean I now have no physical record of the classes and winners on my hard drive!  I have images of all the entries but no record of which picture went where or who won what!
I am also in the middle of the time-consuming process of setting up this year's contest and writing a book ... no rest for the very wicked!
Sue and I send you both our very best wishes for 2011 and may we wish computer stability for everyone?
Title: Re: DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHIC CONTEST 2009-2010 of the East Lancs AGS Group
Post by: Lvandelft on December 27, 2010, 07:18:52 AM
Thanks Cliff, I was just wondering why the report was not finished.
BTW, computer problems  ??? ???, didn't I read somewhere you are using a Mac  ;D ;)
Title: Re: DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHIC CONTEST 2009-2010 of the East Lancs AGS Group
Post by: ranunculus on December 27, 2010, 07:47:25 AM
Thanks Cliff, I was just wondering why the report was not finished.
BTW, computer problems  ??? ???, didn't I read somewhere you are using a Mac  ;D ;)

I SHOULD have said; 'Computer operator problems', Luit!   ;D

After the competition last year I forgot to do a back-up at the end of the evening and therefore my only completed records are now from the previous year (each new competition fits into a template and a large entry last year meant the evening finished very late and I had to switch off prior to backing up - hence only two entries per exhibitor per class this year).  LOL.

My Mac is NOT to blame in any way ... although it could have saved the back-up without being prompted!    :D :D :D
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