Wainwright Photographic Competition 2018
Twenty-eight Society members submitted a total of 70 images for the 2018 Photographic Competition, which was judged by photographer and film-maker Terry Abraham. This year, there was one class – Open. The results are displayed below with the Judge’s comments:
Open Class
Winner: Pat Arrowsmith Member 2800 Ribblehead Station
Quite simply stunning! This atmospheric and stark image is composed perfectly and really hits the soul. The feeling of remoteness shines through and is rather apt given the location of this iconic railway station in the Yorkshire Dales. The lamp post distinct from the dark fence leads the eye inwards to the waiting room and old ticket office whilst the snows filling the rest of the frame contrasts the signs of man markedly; affording a sense of isolation on a cold winter’s day. A wonderful photo I’d love to have captured myself!
Runner-up: David Berry Member 2081 Looking back down Lakeland
A lot of outdoor publications often demand photos featuring people enjoying the great outdoors dressed in bright clothing. The idea being of course they stand out and seek to create an empathy from readers; the intention to inspire, explore and lead people to wish they were there. This is one such picture but featuring a dog! The composition is good with foreground interest and our beloved subject matter stands out against a fine backdrop of Skiddaw. I particularly like this photo because it reveals an often-overlooked perspective of Keswick’s maternal fell. It says a lot about the geology of the area, too, in one engaging image.
Highly Commended: Pat Arrowsmith Member 2800 Ben Nevis from Corpach
Once again, subject matter is key here in this commendable photo. Ben Nevis stands proud; the shoreline leads the eye to the centre to reveal a story behind the landscape. Our beloved countryside has been shaped and worked by man for millennia and this wonderful photo shows how we have endeavoured to work with nature over the years. This image unfolds a glimpse into the heritage and culture which is often overlooked by visitors to such wonderful landscapes.
Terry has also made some general comments about the entries received this year:
Needless to say, I had to scratch my head and consider very carefully the winner of this year’s Photographic Competition. Once again members have showed how they have been out and about in all weathers and places that were beloved of Alfred Wainwright. Be it striking rainbows against dark skies or epic views of stone walls in the valleys below from up high, it was hard work narrowing down my favourites to then ultimately choose a winner. It was particularly wonderful to see how many members have endeavoured to capture our world-renowned landscapes at different times of the day and in all seasons. They certainly conveyed a sense of place and how we must all seek to protect, conserve and enhance the countryside for all.
Terry Abraham
The Society would like to thank Terry Abraham for generously donating a framed landscape print to the winner. We also thank the members who submitted entries and special thanks to Terry for judging the competition.