The Friends of Foots Cray Meadows kept its members once more in the picture with our inaugural Photography Competition 2024.
Some 55 entries came from 15 individuals with the result being a superb catalogue of artistic and powerful images that say so much about the 240 acres of our treasured wildlife area.
Richard Winston, our chief judge and an accomplished wildlife photographer, gave a splendid summary of the competition to the Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, June 25 at Geoffrey Hall off the North Cray Road – when our winners were revealed.
And it was Roger Payne, who lives on the side of the Meadows, who dominated the competition by taking both first and second place for his dramatic photographs. His winner’s prize included a £50 Amazon voucher plus a mounted copy of his successful picture.
Simon Jarvis and Michael Melia will receive certificates for sharing third place.
Our mandate for the competition was that the images could relate to any aspect of the wonderful public open space that is the Foots Cray Meadows, its beauty, its landscape and its wildlife. A maximum of five entries per person were allowed with a closing date of June 1.
A judging panel – including Richard Winston, Steve Brown, Jan Harmer and Will Robertson while chaired by Jacky Turner – scored each photograph according to the following criteria:
Impact
Creativity/originality
Clearly relates to Foots Cray Meadows
Composition and technical quality
The feeling at the AGM was that the project should be repeated in 2025 – a suggestion wholehearted backed by the competition’s organising chair Jacky Turner – while there was an observation from the floor that we should to consider developing a FFCM Calendar from the Images.
So, get your camera out and try to raise the standard even higher than the level of the 2024 entries. Watch this space for further details early next year.
First Place
'Are you looking at me?' - Roger Payne
Judge comment: There is a certain majesty in this rare shot of five signets, appearing almost regal as they busy themselves against a background of the Meadows and its lake.
Second Place
'A winter's tale' - Roger Payne
Judge comment: This image expresses a thousand words about the Meadows and the atmospheric enchantment that brings to life the mysteries of this expanse, with the distinctive spire of All Saints Church wonderfully silhouetted.
Third Place (joint)
'Early morning mist on the River Cray' - Michael Melia
Judge comment: A vivid depiction with a haunting trait that reveals a part of the Meadows tucked away from the normal dog-walking trails. You sense the early morning peace.
Third Place (joint)
'Winter wonderland at Foots Cray Meadows' - Simon Jarvis
Judge comment: The snowfall helps to highlight the detail of the meandering River Cray with this picture capturing the reflection of the trees and banks in the tranquil water.
All entries
View all entries to the Photography Competition by downloading the PowerPoint below:
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