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BSoUP
Meeting - September 2003
by
Andy Clark
Reproduced
from in focus 77 (September
2003)
Photo Technique: Competitions by Colin Doeg
I had my own interpretation of what 'competitions' are all
about. I had an understanding that I imagine we all share
in much the same way. After all, how much interpretation does
such a simple notion need- So it came as some surprise to
hear our very own chairman refer to such prestigious affairs
as 'crap shoots'! A less than endearing term used by one of
his American friends. It's true that we have very little influence
on the conditions we expose ourselves too, and absolutely
no control of what is available, but surely the events need
a little more salute than to be described as merely 'crop
shoots'-
But anyway, however you perceive them, competitions are a
fundamental part of a society such as BSoUP. So what
are the motives for such events-
o
Magazines will stage a competition simply to reserve the
right to publish your work to promote whatever the images
fit best. You will be offered a shiny new bit of kit (maybe)
in return for your efforts, in reward for the use of your
image being used in whatever way the magazine deems fit.
o
Tourist boards will offer 'free trips' to promote tourism
on the proviso that whatever images and text you submit
you should contain certain information in the fact files,
and illustrate the location in all its' glory, to advertise
the attractions of whatever destination they are plugging
and the operator plugging such attraction.
0
Photographic bodies like BSoUP and CMAS are in the
business of encouraging members to show their work to illustrate
photographic technique and the beauty of the underwater
world we frequently visit.
Competitions are an important part of progression, and for
the most part are a healthy way to ensure that we do explore,
experiment and move on. But equally important are the rules,
and there are only two; read them, abide by them and if you
like your work but the judges don't pick you from the crowd,
'stuff them'! If you like what you show, then you'll always
be a winner. And
it's always worth having the judges in mind. Ask yourself
how the images are to be judged and by whom. Photosub will
invite a single judge to attend a viewing and they alone will
decide on placings. You may be subject to a panel of judges
(from perhaps sponsor, media, advertising, tourist board and
photographic influence) that sit, discuss and by elimination
will end with the required amount of aesthetically pleasing
images to suit the runnings. Consider the BSoUP
Splash In competitions that actively invites members of
the public to cast votes. Consider too the gathering at the
Holland Bar each month where you the audience are the judges.
Have
in mind some of the various ways in which you images can be
judged; the elimination method I have mentioned; projection
as at BSoUP; discussion within a panel (that can sometimes
be a little unfair when often the strongest personality will
often decide on the placings); silent voting, again as we
do at BSoUP and often the fairest, to name a few.
So
what images win- If you're showing slides make sure they're
punchy, have an element of red in them and ensure they stand
out on a light box. Prints must stand out when shown among
other prints (think of the images that were shown at this
years Splash In). And if you can, be
different, be creative, maybe even controversial. Remember
the screaming turtle by Malcolm Hey on a recent front cover
of Dive!
But
what do you want from competitions- The appeal of entering
a competition should certainly be for enjoyment. The prospect
of a placing or even winning may even be incidental. Whatever
reason you opt to be a competitor, as long as you retain the
appreciation and you like what you show, you can't loose!
If you gain recognition for your work, all the better. If
you don't and that's what you strive, see what is winning
and change course.
Competitions
are an opportunity to exhibit what you are working hard at.
Let's not be dismissive and think of them as 'crap shoots'.
They are a valuable tool and can illustrate your commitment
to the underwater world and your endeavors to achieve a certain
proficiency in its depiction.
Focus
On: Wide Angle
Focus
On attracted 26 entrants for the Wide Angle theme. Twenty
six willing enthusiasts that between them illustrated our
underwater realm in the manner we have come to expect and
the beauty we all appreciate. 6'h place goes to Anita Marshall.
Tony Baskerville took 5th and Mike Maloney followed
closely with 4 th, only to be beaten by Jan Maloney
- with 22 points - and her flamboyant octopus shot. 2nd place
- with 26 points - went to Alan James and his dramatic
Salt Pier image, but in Ist place - with 31 points - John
Blandford with a vibrant Indonesian fan coral. Congratulations!
Main Event: 100 Best Dives in Cornwall by Charles
Hood
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