The Magazine of The Royal Photographic Society Creative Eye Group
CREATIVE EYE
Digital Exhibition 2023
No. 92
EDITOR WELCOME to the Creative Eye Magazine, Digital Exhibition 2023 Issue No. 92. This issue celebrates the success and achievements of our Members’ Exhibition which illustrates a diverse range of work, embracing thought-provoking images and exploring traditional approaches to mastering exceptional creative photography. I was pleased to see the significant number of entries this year and for many, it was their first attempt to enter a photographic exhibition. Included in the Exhibition is a stunning image of a poppy, pictured on the front cover, by Margaret Campbell ARPS. Thanks are due to our Digital Exhibition Coordinator, David Rutter FRPS, for his very informative introduction on page 3. In undertaking my task as Editor, with this, my second publication, I do hope you enjoy the new design of the magazine. I wish to add my sincere thanks to our Designer, Steve Varman LRPS, and to our Editorial Assistant, Dr Patricia Tutt ARPS.
Moira
COMMITTEE Chair Clive Watkins LRPS creativecomms@rps.org Secretary Graham Lingley LRPS cegsecretary@gmail.com Treasurer Nigel Rea ARPS creative.treasurer@rps.org Digital Exhibition Coordinator David Rutter FRPS creativeimage@rps.org Membership & Communications Coordinator Clive Watkins LRPS creative.comms@rps.org Webmaster Steve Varman LRPS creative.publications@rps.org Editor (co-opted) Moira Ellice ARPS moiraellice1@gmail.com
CREDITS Cover Poppy on Blue by Margaret Campbell ARPS Design Steve Varman LRPS
CONTENTS
Editorial Assistant Dr Patricia Tutt ARPS
MEMBERS’ DIGITAL EXHIBITION 2023
Printed by PFP Print Elder House The Street, Chattisham Ipswich, Suffolk IP8 3QE
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GOLD MEDAL WINNER
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SILVER MEDAL WINNER
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BRONZE MEDAL WINNER
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CHRIS PALMER FRPS SELECTOR’S AWARD
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LINDA CHAPMAN SELECTOR’S AWARD
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LINDA MARSHALL FRPS SELECTOR’S AWARD
CONTACT Facebook facebook.com/groups/rpscg Flickr flickr.com/groups/3510780@N20/pool
10 HIGHLY COMMENDED AWARDS 13 COMMENDED AWARDS
Website rps.org/ceg
16 ACCEPTED IMAGES
© 2023 All rights reserved. Apart from storage and viewing in its entirety for personal reference, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without prior permission of the copyright holder. The Royal Photographic Society, The Creative Eye Group and the Editor accept no liability for the misuse of any content or for any breach of copyright by a contributor. The views expressed in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the policies of The Royal Photographic Society or The Creative Eye Group. Unless otherwise indicated, all images are copyright of the photographers. The Royal Photographic Society, RPS House, 337 Paintworks, Arnos Vale, Bristol, BS4 3AR, UK +44 (0)117 3164450 www.rps.org VAT Registration No. GB 753 3057 41 Registered Charity No. 1107831
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RPS Creative Eye Group Magazine
Digital Exhibition 2023
No. 92
INTRODUCTION David Rutter FRPS Digital Exhibition Coordinator
This edition of our magazine showcases the wonderful work from 102 of our members who took part in our Digital Exhibition. The resultant movie is available to view on our website at rps.org/groups/creativeeye and is expected to be shown at a number of venues across the country. During the 23 day open period for submissions we received 394 images which were presented to our Exhibition Selectors Linda Chapman, Linda Marshall FRPS and Chris Palmer FRPS via a Zoom meeting on Sunday 15th October. Each entrant was allowed a maximum of four images and extensive deliberation took place to decide upon the most fitting image from each participant to represent their best personal work, all within our remit of creativity. The number of awards was extended this year to include Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medals, followed by the individual Selector’s Awards (the image that impressed and resonated most with the Selector’s personal feelings), three Highly Commended and three Commended Awards. During the Selection Day it was very interesting to witness certain images sail through each elimination round and end up in the final twelve Award Winners, however this was accompanied by much angst before some excellent images gave way to reveal the final twelve. This difficult decision-making is, of course, a clear indicator of the high quality of work that is presented by our members. I will leave the Selectors to comment on the fabulous Gold Medal winning Stairwell from Susan Courtnage LRPS and will instead congratulate Freda Hocking for her lovely soft and delicate Just Be, which earned the Silver Medal and, also the simple and beautiful Ink Wells from Sally Ann Stone ARPS, which was
awarded the Bronze Medal. Sally’s Ink Wells is an excellently-crafted still life incorporating an element of humour and certainly has me reminiscing on my school days where our old wooden desks had an ink well aperture in the corner; so, I offer many congratulations to Sally and also to Freda, for her delicately crafted watery scenic image with its artistic interpretation, where reflections merge almost seamlessly with overhanging branches; beautiful. High praise is heaped upon all our entrants’ images and worthy of note are the following: Poppy on Blue by Margaret Campbell ARPS - a stunning blended arrangement of intense colour and dramatic shape; and speaking of intense colour, Michel Claverie treated us to his Striding into a Low Sun which manages to bring easily recognisable shapes, together with colour tones of almost hallucinogenic proportions, into a surprisingly comfortable format. On the other hand, sometimes an image invites the viewer to react with discomfort and Ray Duffill’s A Eye certainly does this for me, which is testament to its stunningly engaging visual impact. I would like to thank the ‘Fords’ Angela Ford ARPS for the stunning geometry of Sentry Posts and Roger Ford FRPS for his abstract movement in Labyrinth of Light with lovely colour combination and simple but extremely effective up, down formation. Finally, special thanks to Palli Gajree HonFRPS, in Australia, who at the age of 92 is still creating splendid photographs as exemplified by his High-Rise image which blends everything together in perfect proportions - something that I can only aspire to – great work Palli.
David
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GOLD MEDAL STAIRWELL BY SUSAN COURTNAGE LRPS SELECTORS’ COMMENTS
CHRIS PALMER FRPS The colour combination of complementary yellows and blues supports a graphic architectural strength, punctuated by the single figure. Her blonde hair harmonises with the colour scheme and gives a useful focal point to the shot. An image of enduring strength and a worthy recipient of the Gold Medal.
LINDA CHAPMAN Outstanding image from the beginning. I love the lines and shape picked out so well with the blue and yellow. The contrast of the colours pull you in and the light guides you around the shapes, directing you ultimately to the glow on the hair.
LINDA MARSHALL FRPS The complementary colours, tones and dominant shapes of this image add to the mystery and vulnerability of the figure about to escape our scrutiny. Perfectly placed, we know she will be lost to us forever in a few seconds.
AWARDEE’S COMMENT
SUSAN COURTNAGE LRPS This image was taken in London on the South Bank. Having taken photos all day I stopped for a break and spotted the stairwell. I was instantly attracted by the lines, shapes, and the lighting of the scene. The stairs were empty at first, so I waited for someone to walk into the frame and took the image.
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RPS Creative Eye Group Magazine
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No. 92
SILVER MEDAL JUST BE BY FREDA HOCKING Just Be was captured on one of those perfect early autumn Lakeland mornings. The air was still with mist swirling around the lake and trees, a morning to enjoy the stillness and calm. The image is a single straight shot with very little processing in Lightroom. I made minor adjustments to the exposure and white balance to capture the moment of tranquillity.
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BRONZE MEDAL INK WELLS BY SALLY ANN STONE ARPS As a Postal Historian and collector of old letters, stamps and postcards, my father would frequently use ink pens to record his work. Not one for discarding any items, stationery items were kept and collected for future use. Simply presented, this image is a representation of these items recently rediscovered and new items found from my enjoyment of collecting natural items whilst out on walks. The positioning of the objects occurred naturally as I worked through the idea in the studio whilst reflecting on making the connection between the then and now.
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CHRIS PALMER FRPS SELECTOR’S AWARD
PASSING BY BY MARTIN PARRATT FRPS CHRIS PALMER FRPS
MARTIN PARRATT FRPS
A simple image utilising a well-chosen shutter speed that both emphasises the feeling of movement of the cyclist, but also records the impression of the supporting pedestrian walking in the opposite direction. The subdued pastel colours of the image are punctuated by the complementary pinks and reds of the cyclist’s shirt and shoes. Finally, the square crop neatly embraces this carefully composed moment.
A heavy downpour in London on a showery day created beautiful tonality and reflections on the paving around some modern buildings. I positioned myself in the rain shadow of one building and used the relatively plain side of the building opposite as my backdrop. I shot a small set of images of people, using panning and/or intention camera movement (ICM) in order to convey a sense of motion. I enjoyed this one, of two men going about their business in opposite directions. Nikon D850, 52mm, 1/10s, f6.3, ISO 100
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LINDA CHAPMAN SELECTOR’S AWARD
MOTHER NATURE - FREEDOM TO ROAM BY JANET MURPHY LINDA CHAPMAN
JANET MURPHY
I loved how this image was slightly surreal, slightly abstract, and so intriguing! The darkness added atmosphere, but the figures and the orange leaves gave light. I liked the way it was divided, and the black and white circular shapes in the trees, suggesting a moon or perhaps a sun and, maybe, seasons or time passing? I wanted to know where those figures were going and who they were. I love an image that tells a story but still leaves you wondering and asking questions.
Inspired by nature, ‘Mother Nature - freedom to roam’ is a message of hope for the future in a depleted natural world, disappearing woodland environment and loss of habitat for animals, including ourselves. It speaks of another world where there is space and beauty for present and future generations to enjoy.
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RPS Creative Eye Group Magazine
Digital Exhibition 2023
No. 92
LINDA MARSHALL FRPS SELECTOR’S AWARD
TIME PASSES BY REGINALD CLARK LRPS LINDA MARSHALL FRPS
REGINALD CLARK LRPS
I found myself drawn to this image. Her uncompromising eye demands my attention and seems startled, vulnerable, and challenging at the same time. I wonder if she is about to speak and what she might share; the seed heads lead me away to the clock face and the inexorable march of time. I return to her, wondering what she would tell me if she could. Both dynamic and still, this image poses questions about our relationship with time and the most uncomfortable of truths with a soft, gentle touch.
I liked the way the model appeared to be emotionless. Showing only half of her face added impact. The use of floating seed heads and the background clock helped to add a sense of time passing. I converted the image to black and white so as to give a more emotive feel.
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HIGHLY COMMENDED AWAKENING BY MAGGIE JARY ARPS I was attracted to these physalises (Cape gooseberries) by their delicacy and fine detail. To show the beautiful papery husks of the lanterns I shot them on a light pad then changed the background to black to emphasise the shapes. Using a scalpel, I carefully exposed one of the deep orange fruits. Rotating a single flower breaks the symmetry and adds interest to the composition. I wanted to give the feeling of a ‘still life’ coming alive again.
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No. 92
HIGHLY COMMENDED ENIGMA BY JOHN THOMPSON ARPS When I first saw the figure, I was intrigued. Although it had a human form the distorted elements gave an enigmatic impression. The more I viewed it the more curious I became. After taking several shots of the figure from different angles I decided that this image gave the best impression of the mystery.
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HIGHLY COMMENDED PORTRAIT OF A FRIED EGG BY NEIL SCOTT FRPS I have always been interested in abstract art and admire the works of surrealists such as Man Ray and René Magritte. My own ABC of creative photography is to Amuse, Bemuse or Confuse and conflating all three frequently leads to the absurd!
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COMMENDED SUNRISE BY JOHN STEWART I got up early hoping that the weather forecast was right for sunrise. I got down to the beach with the intention of shooting ICM. There wasn’t much cloud going about, but I used the cloud on the horizon and got this image before the sun came up and brightened up the scene.
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COMMENDED FOXY EYES BY CLAUDE TREW LRPS I have always liked the photo that I took of the fox staring at me. Being inspired by the Churt Sculpture Park, I decided to combine the fox image with another photo taken at the Park. To emphasise the stare, I converted the image to black and white but left the eyes in their natural colour.
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COMMENDED YELLOW AND BLUE BY MARIE-ANGE BOUCHARD ARPS Strolling around Perth, Australia, I suddenly spotted these vibrant yellow structures on a building. No clue what they were, but I loved how they contrasted with the building’s sleek lines and the fluffy cloud in the bright blue sky. I only had time for one frame before the cloud vanished!
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A Modern Approach by Rachel Domleo
Curving Round by Angela Underdown
Igor Mitoraj in Valencia by Marilyn Taylor FRPS
Sentry Posts by Angela Ford ARPS
Turner Contemporary in a New Light by Peter Merrick FRPS
Lines of Shade by John Chatley LRPS
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RPS Creative Eye Group Magazine
Digital Exhibition 2023
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Shard from the North Bank by Paul Skehan ARPS
Mirror Mirror on the Wall by Steven Whittaker ARPS
Brooklyn Bridge Abstract by Morag Forbes LRPS
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Snagged by Colin Prickett ARPS
Chip off the Old Block by Jeremy O'Keeffe ARPS
Artist in Charcoal by Robin Garrod
Up and Down by Eng Loy Tan ARPS
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RPS Creative Eye Group Magazine
Digital Exhibition 2023
Rain by Torrie Smith LRPS
No. 92
Flying High by William Spencer LRPS
Equilibrium on Croyde Beach by Edie Clifford
Cyanotype Iced Plant Head by Pat Wood
Still Beautiful by Michael Cant
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Floating by Carol Walker
Dancing Cosmos by Jacki Rosin ARPS
In the Pink by John Perriam ARPS
Swirl by Jayne Sanderson
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RPS Creative Eye Group Magazine
Digital Exhibition 2023
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Tulips Triptych by Sylvia Moorhouse LRPS
Anemone Ghosts by Julie Cowdy ARPS
Tone Curve Madness by Chris Cumming
Petals by Ron Pengelly
Poppy on Blue by Margaret Campbell ARPS
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Wispy Grasses by Sue Brame
Newton’s Tree by John Gough ARPS
Golden Morning by Veronica Worrall ARPS
Grapevine by Steve Granger LRPS
Just Trees by Eileen Sutherland LRPS
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Winter Bare by Mike Farrance
Winter Sun by Janie Chapman LRPS
Woodland Fantasy by Paul Wells
Silver Birch in Orange by Mervyn Mitchell ARPS
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Decay by Colin Southgate FRPS
Gannet Catchers by Janina Nash LRPS
Is That All You Have by Margery Maskell ARPS
Lemons and Limes by Julie Holbeche-Maund ARPS
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RPS Creative Eye Group Magazine
Digital Exhibition 2023
No. 92
Contrasting Shapes by David M Kors
Lily Stigma and Anthers by Stevi Heath LRPS
Labyrinth of Light by Roger Ford FRPS
Droplet Abstact by Mary Auckland ARPS
Colourful Clay by Dave Balcombe ARPS
Drunken Balcony by Paul Bather ARPS
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Simile by Stuart Fotheringham
Beach Patterns by Ali Garrett
River Abstract by Valerie Huggins
Wet by Margaret Rainey FRPS
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RPS Creative Eye Group Magazine
Road to Nowhere by Paul O’Flanagan LRPS
Digital Exhibition 2023
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Honesty by Alexander Cowie ARPS
Golden Fragments by Jane Stillwell
Rain Fall by Sue Edwards LRPS
Rock Patterns by Joan Jordan ARPS
Porthleven Impression by Allisdhair McNaull
Stormy WIndows by Ernest Wright
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A Eye by Ray Duffill
Mind's Eye by Howard Rankin
Ghost House by Keith Sawyer ARPS
No One's Listening by Andy Smith LRPS
Head Through Tower Bridge by Harman Hopkins LRPS
Barclays Binomial by Clive Watkins LRPS
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Digital Exhibition 2023
No. 92
Locked by Paul Raynor LRPS
Misty Morn at the QE2 Crossing by Brian Titchiner
City View by Rob Kershaw ARPS
Express Yourself by Gordon Smith
Blue Dancer by Derek Dewey-Leader LRPS
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High-rise by Palli Gajree HonFRPS
Millennium Window by Tim Walton LRPS
Street Reflection by Anastasia Potekhina
Reflection in Time by Rachel Dunsdon ARPS
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Don't Stare by Derek Collis LRPS
Conversation by John Bull LRPS
Rebirth by Nur Tucker ARPS
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Sounds of Silence by Fiona Quarterman LRPS
Prophesy by Lynda Golightly
Fears, Dreams and the Space In-between by Honey J Walker ARPS
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RPS Creative Eye Group Magazine
Digital Exhibition 2023
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The look of Love by Brian Houghton
Eyes Only For Each Other by Dan Waller ARPS
Steam Punks by Barrie MacJannette
Running by Susan Shreeves LRPS
Christmas Call Out by Irina Petrova
Striding into a Low Sun by Michel Claverie
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Stairwell by Graham Zimmermann ARPS
Opus Road Two by Andrew Morris
Sunken Wreck by Hilary Bailey LRPS
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Colours of the Outer Hebrides by Anne Ruffell ARPS
Four Ballerinas by Richard Luxton ARPS
Sailing Home by Katherine Rynor ARPS
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