Novice/Advanced Competition
Focus Photography Club recently held its much-anticipated Novice and Advanced competition, showcasing a vibrant array of photographic talent across all levels. The event drew strong participation, with club members submitting an impressive variety of images spanning landscapes, portraits, abstracts, and street photography amongst others. Both the Novice and Advanced categories highlighted the creativity and growth of the club’s photographers, providing a great platform for learning and inspiration.
The competition was judged by Brian McClure from the CPA (Central Photographic Association) club, a seasoned photographer and experienced judge. Brian brought a thoughtful and constructive approach to the judging process, taking time to thoroughly review each entry. His ability to balance technical critique with appreciation for artistic intent was especially valuable. Participants appreciated his clear explanations and the way he broke down elements such as composition, lighting, and post-processing choices.
Brian’s comments were not only insightful but also encouraging, particularly for newer members in the Novice category. He offered helpful tips on improving image sharpness, using leading lines effectively, and achieving better subject separation. For the Advanced group, he emphasized storytelling, attention to detail, and subtle post-processing techniques. His feedback sparked plenty of discussion among members, and many left the competition feeling motivated and eager to apply what they had learned in their future work.
A highlight of the evening was the announcement of the winners. Conor McCorry took first place in the Novice section with images that impressed the judge with their strong composition and emotive quality. In the Advanced category, Kieran McBride emerged as the winner, with his photographs praised for their technical excellence and compelling narrative. Brian commended both photographers for their vision and execution, noting that their work stood out not only for its visual impact but also for the thoughtfulness behind each shot. Their success was met with enthusiastic applause from club members.
