Caught in the Moment

This competition has now closed.

Winners

1st
Learner
Bidyut Goswami
2nd
Woman reading a book across from the Houses of Parliament - London
Alexandre Rotenberg
3rd
Stop Fussing Mum
Philip Field

Commended

The very essence of modern photography is that it gives the opportunity to capture forever, a moment which is fleeting, blink and you miss it.

“The Decisive Moment” was a term coined by the pioneer of street photography, Henri Cartier-Bresson. Cartier-Bresson believed that “The Decisive Moment” was that split second of genius and inspiration that a photographer had to capture a certain moment.

Whether it be a moment caught when the landscape provides a “wow” response, like the sun appearing through clouds, casting it’s beams across the skies; or maybe something in nature happens in front of our eyes and we feel privileged to have been witness to it, such as babies being born; or whether it is that moment between people, their faces showing the multitude of emotions that they are unable to speak.

These are just a few of the many ways in which this theme may be interpreted and we look forward to receiving your entries with your own interpretations.

Competition Judge

Naomi Saul

For almost as long as I can remember I have enjoyed taking photographs, in the early days using a Kodak Instamatic camera, as a “happy snapper” recording precious moments on holidays or with family.

Once I started work my interest in photography grew and having saved hard, eventually managed to purchase my first SLR camera – an Olympus OM2 with interchangeable lenses. Loving to be out and about in the “Great Outdoors” and reacting to the play of light on a wonderful landscape – particularly enjoying early mornings and late evenings – also developing a keen interest in the wildlife that inhabited our countryside.

It was not until I met my late husband Eric, in 1986 that I was privileged to discover the world of amateur Club photography – avidly seeking to improve our own photography skills by listening to the many experts that willingly travelled to our Local Club. We were fellow Managers at work, but it was photography that brought us together and became a driving factor in our lives. We soon moved to producing our own prints in the darkroom (a challenge to say the least with Cibachrome and its awful chemicals) and were very ready to move on in 1995 to the much more pleasurable conditions of the “Light room”. Computers brought with them an even steeper learning curve with very few tutors and even less tutorials. The learning curve never stops but at least there is much more help along the way now. Even though it was only possible at that time to print to A4 size the process was much more consistant and – wonder of wonders – we could produce as many prints of an image as we wished – all identical!. The thrill of seeing a finished image was still there – admittedly not emerging from a chemical dish – but still as real for us from the printer. We were proud to both gain our Associateship of the RPS in 1996.

Purchasing our first Digital Cameras in 2002 our photographic interests expanded to all genres over the years, all of which I enjoy still, but my real passion remains in the Great outdoors – particularly reacting to extremes of weather and quality of light. – trying to ensure that my pictures convey the emotion created by the scene to those who view my images. Although I am very happy to use digital manipulation (except for Natural History subjects) – my best pictures are always those achieved “in camera” using creative techniques at source.

I was very proud to achieve my Distinction of the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain (DPAGB) in 1998, EFIAP in 2007 and more recently Associateship of the Society of International Nature and Wildlife photographers (ASINWP).

Having learnt so much from the Camera Club world, I wanted to pass on some of the knowledge I had learned (and am still learning all the time) to others and was invited to join the East Anglian Federation of Photographic Societies (EAF) judges’ panel in 2006 . I try to assess what “drove” the photographer to take the picture and always enjoy seeing the work of others. So now I travel extensively throughout East Anglia and surrounding areas, judging Club, inter-Club Competitions and exhibitions. I have been a Member of the EAF Committee for 17 years and have held several positions on that Committee, including President and am currently Treasurer and exhibition Secretary. Yes – amateur photography and it’s associated administration are massively important parts of my life.

View Archive

Learner

Bidyut Goswami

First Prize

For me this picture truly epitomises the feeling of 'Caught in the Moment' and there are no recognisable faces shown. The photographer has controlled the lighting to ensure there is detail throughout the image - from white through to the very dark too. The sense of learning, from the stance of the child says it all. I can feel the atmosphere and almost hear the sounds that go alongside this image too. A 'reactive' picture that has also shown the photographer's creative eye. Always ready and prepared to catch these small moments in life and record them for posterity. Superb.

Woman reading a book across from the Houses of Parliament - London

Alexandre Rotenberg

Second Prize

Just in the right place as the sun was setting - I love the glow that is in the sky and also lighting up the young lady's face - helped by the reflection off the book's pages. So sharp throughout the image that I can not only read the words on the page but also clearly see the details and time on the parliament building behind. My one slight niggle was the vignetting on the top right hand side - I would have reduced it a little to balance with the equivalent area on the left.

Stop Fussing Mum

Philip Field

Third Prize

A fine Natural History shot that again fits the subject of this competition. It is a shame the fingers of the youngster are just lost at the base of the image - but I have excused this due to the fact that the photographer has caught the wonderful expression on the youngster's face. Mum is totally absorbed with the job in hand. Focus good where essential. I would have liked the photographer to have darkened the light area on top left hand side though.

Village Game

Bidyut Goswami

Commended

Another truly 'caught in the moment' picture - coincidentally by the same photographer as our winning image. Sense of Movement perfect - including that of the lad bearing the weight and rest of scene sharp throughout and wonderful, varying, expressions on the children's faces.

Silverback, The Glance

Ian Cook

Commended

Brave use of monochrome for a nature picture - but really works with that very powerful - if somewhat malevolent stare. The back-lit moving droplets an important part of this picture. Light area on the Gorilla's chest correctly toned down.

Splash

Sathya Narayanan

Commended

Again fits the subject title perfectly - caught in the moment of impact. Wetness of the paint also captured and lighting well controlled throughout. Yellow writing in the background a little bright but sufficient foreground interest to hold the eye.

Tattoo-You

David Gleave

Commended

A feeling of resignation on the lady's face here - she is obviously well used to the work of the tattoo artist. Background of the parlour could be very dominant, but controlled well by the depth of field used by the photographer ensuring the two main subjects still stand out against it. Excellent lighting control and I like the drop of blood for reality!