Abstract

This competition has now closed.

Winners

1st
Art of Desert
Yevhen Samuchenko
2nd
Echoes of Motion
May Auckland
3rd
Octopus
Alan Edwards

Commended

Competition Judge

Julie Morgan

I’ve loved photography for as long as I can remember. Even before I owned a camera, I was captivated by photographs and the stories they held. My early attempts at taking pictures came when my daughters were very young, using simple disposable cameras that were tossed away once the film was developed.
Everything changed at Christmas 2010 when my husband gifted me my first real camera—an entry level DSLR. I spent the whole holiday experimenting with its controls, and from that moment I was hooked. In January 2011, I joined Abergavenny Camera Club, determined to learn as much as I could about the art and craft of photography.
In 2018, I achieved the AWPF (Associate of the Welsh Photographic Federation) accreditation with a panel of 12 images featuring jazz musicians and their instruments. The panel can be viewed on my website: www.juliemorganphotography.com.
A few years later, I became a mentor for the WPF, helping other photographers work towards this prestigious distinction. Of the six photographers I’ve mentored so far, all have successfully gained their accreditation—something I’m extremely proud of.
For the past four years, I’ve also served as a Welsh Federation judge, assessing around 30 club competitions to date, including inter club battles. In 2025, I was honoured to be invited by the Welsh Federation to judge their annual salon.
At the end of 2025, I was awarded BPE1 (British Photographic Exhibitions), which is granted once a photographer achieves 25 acceptances in recognised exhibitions.
I remain an active member of Abergavenny Camera Club and have served for several years as both Chair and Competition Secretary—demanding roles, but ones I truly enjoy.
For anyone interested in seeing more of my work, I share a selection of images on my website: www.juliemorganphotography.com

View Archive

Art of Desert

Yevhen Samuchenko

First Prize

A beautifully controlled abstract with elegant curves and use of light and shadow. The simplicity gives it real strength, and the sculptural forms create a calm, timeless quality that immediately draws the viewer in. A very refined and confident piece.

Echoes of Motion

May Auckland

Second Prize

A striking and energetic abstract with a wonderful sense of flow. The sweeping lines and circular forms work together to create movement and rhythm, giving the image a modern, dynamic feel. It's bold, eye-catching and very well executed.

Octopus

Alan Edwards

Third Prize

A fascinating and detailed abstract with lovely texture and depth. The spiral structure pulls the viewer into frame, while the tonal range and surface detail add a sense of mystery. It's an image that holds attention and rewards closer looking.

Quayside

Mary Auckland

Commended

A beautifully atmospheric and imaginative piece. The layered architecture and moonlit reflections create a dreamlike sense of place, giving the image emotional depth and a memorable, cinematic quality.

Whisper of Petals

Mervyn Mitchell

Commended

A gentle and elegant abstract with a lovely flow of curves and warm tones. It's softness and subtle transitions give it a calming, painterly feel that rewards slow, attentive viewing.

Snow Shape

Steve M Smith

Commended

A refined and minimalist study of form and light. The delicate textures and soft shadows create a quiet, contemplative image that captures the beauty of simplicity with real sensitivity.

Tidal Painting

Kevin Krautgartner

Commended

A serene and painterly abstraction with beautifully harmonious colour transitions. The natural patterns and gentle movement give it a soothing, organic rhythm that feels both refined and engaging.