2022
Gary's Smith's winning image of a hummingbird hawk moth feeding
Judge's comments: The photographer has handled this shot extremely well both in its composition, through the diagonal line across the frame, and in its technical quality. The moth’s body, eyes and proboscis are pin sharp as is the centre of the flower while there is a just a hint of blur on the moth’s wing tips. The background is smooth and uncluttered which helps to separate the moth from the background, and the darker areas around the flower further help to focus attention on the moth. A very well executed image in all respects and a deserving winner.
Runners up (click to view full image)
2nd: Long-tailed tit (Gary Smith) |
3rd: Small Tortoiseshell (Paul Nicholson) |
Judge's comments: Technically, the photographer has handled this challenging shot quite well. The bird’s eyes, beak and claws are sharp while the background is out of focus helping to provide separation between the bird and busy background. The background is quite bright, and this image could possibly be improved by darkening the background and making a slightly tighter crop around the bird.
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Judge's comments: A well taken image of a tortoise shell butterfly resting with its wings open on a buddleia bloom. The photographer used a pleasing diagonal composition for this shot and has demonstrated good camera technique in keeping most of the butterfly in focus while blurring the background to avoid it competing with the main subject
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