Black & white competition winners - why they won
No question, this was the hardest competition that Gladys and I have judged so far. That was down to two reasons; the number and the quality of entries. We spent most of the day agonising over which images should make it through to the shortlist, then whittling down the shortlist, then - the hardest bit - picking the three winners. Congratulations too all those involved and if you weren't one of the top three, perhaps the following will go some way to explaining why the winners won...
1st place: All our winning pictures showed great use of black & white as a medium. Indeed, the use of black & white actually enhanced the impact of the shot – had any of our top three been in colour, we didn’t think they would have been as strong.
That counts double for this winning image which contains all the hallmarks of a great black & white shot – mood and texture, primarily, but the actual idea is also strong in the first place and the execution (no pun intended, given the title) is perfect. Good framing, perfect exposure, great shot.
2nd place: Super shot and another image that suits black & white perfectly. Or should that be purr-fectly… The high contrast approach is really bold and the diagonal lines from the corners of the image provide a natural frame for the subject. Crucially with any shadow or silhouette shot, though, is the fact that the subject is instantly recognisable and I think that’s because the positioning of the tail which, coupled with the ears, instantly says ‘cat’.
3rd place: Black and white landscapes are notoriously tough to do well, but this shot ticks all the boxes. For starters, there plenty of texture from the sand to the grass to the moody sky, plus the lighthouse adds a good focal point. Most importantly, though, there’s a good deal of contrast. Rather than just a selection of greys, there’s a full range of tones in this shot, which makes all the difference.
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Oops, have I popped in too soon Fred?
Steve
My gallery: http://www.myfinepix.co.uk/gallery/117
My Photoblogs: http://www.myfinepix.co.uk/blog/117
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Just a little Steve. All done now
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Sorry about that Fred, you know me, too quick for some!!!
Thanks for doing this each month now. It's always great to know why you chose the top three. Looking through last month competition gallery, I am not surprised you and Glad had a tough time. It was a bumper month with some fantastic images. I don't mind coming fourth again!!! Just spurs me on to do better.
See ya next month. Ta.
Steve
My gallery: http://www.myfinepix.co.uk/gallery/117
My Photoblogs: http://www.myfinepix.co.uk/blog/117
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You must have been 5th Steve, I was was 4th again...
Thanks Fred, good choices and congrats to the winners - that Jack bloke wants banning, he's getting far too good!!!
http://www.myfinepix.co.uk/gallery/311
http://www.myfinepix.co.uk/blog/311
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Thanks again Fred and Gladys, it's great to hear your thoughts on the top 3.
Hehe, sorry Ian
January Competition Entry "Me, Myself & I" - http://www.myfinepix.co.uk/competition/entry/572394
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Thanks as usual to Fred and Gladys, stirling work.
Steve, Ian, done give up, the houmour is to good. lol
Congrats to the top 3, very well done.
Jean
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Hii
I think to have a competition is black and white was a brave and creative thing to do.
It certainly caused much comment and many threads on the merits of monochrome. It seems that there are still some photographers enthusiastic about using black and white and I Hope the less experienced members have learnt more about what image making is about.
with Deans weekly black and white gallery well supported perhaps a 'sub' category could be provided in the Picture feedback or image editing on the right.
well done and congratulations to all.
Kind regards,
Chas.
Contrasts: http://www.myfinepix.co.uk/competition/entry/609949
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First of all congratulations to the winners. It was nice reading about the reasons they were chosen. Since this was the first competition I have ever entered on this site I found the whole expirience really entertaining. It was really nice looking at other people's work in B&W, a great source of inspiration!
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Well done to the winners, and to all that took part, there were many super entries.
Donald.
http://www.myfinepix.co.uk/gallery/759591
http://www.myfinepix.co.uk/competition/entry/467638
Whats for you, shall never go past you.
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It's so nice to get this feedback from the judges, Fred Finepix and his side-kick Gladys (the tea lady at Fuji Towers, for the new-comers). So much better than the old days when we weren't sure if there was "anyone out there"! And nice to know that all images are looked at and short-lists made, etc. (Gladys's darts were a little worrying).
http://www.myfinepix.co.uk/gallery/339
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Well although I did not win I'm glad you had the job and not me! I said I would expect it to be very hard going, I'm sure members respect your judgment as an impartial judge. So thank you for taking on the task and lets see more great photo's for motion, regards Leon. and a like from me.
http://www.myfinepix.co.uk/competition/entry/606801
http://www.viewbug.com/member/Leonarditti
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Thanks Fred and Gladys for posting your reasons for choosing the winners this month. Congratulations to all three.
Christine
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Congratulations to the winners,
Each one is a master-class in its own right, well done again!
I hope to be that good on day
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A big well done to all three worthy winners.
amcg
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Thanks for posting Fred & Gladys. Well done to the winners again
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now freds explained why they won i can see the strong points in all of them,well done to all 3
cris...