STUNNING pictures capturing grit and determination secured a camera club first place in a challenging contest.
Knutsford Photographic Society is celebrating after winning the first external competition they have entered for more than six years.
The 2024 A50 challenge saw them take on Alsager and Holmes Chapel.
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More than 60 members from the three clubs met at Alsager Golf Club to witness some ‘outstanding photography’.
Each club had to submit 10 prints and 10 digital images for assessment by judge Peter Ings, a member of the Midlands Counties Photographic Federation.
To start off, he gave photographers tips on what makes a great image.
John Cridland, of Knutsford Photographic Society, said: “If he had one dislike, it was images where the main subject was fighting with a lot of other distracting stuff in the image.
“The lesson to take away is if there’s one thing that kills an image, it’s having a cluttered image.”
Peter spoke about his love of landscapes and inspired members with his encouragement.
John said: “He showed a very good understanding of several genres and judged each image on its merit, giving very positive feedback and good constructive criticism.”
In the opening round, two prints by Knutsford photographs won top marks.
‘Determination’ by Nigel Wells and ‘Reflections of a Self Portrait by John Horsley both scored the maximum 20 out of 20.
Backed up with good scores from their other eight images, Knutsford gained a total of 177 points.
Holmes Chapel scored 170 and Alsager 168.
In the digital images category, Knutsford continued to achieve high scores with some very strong sporting shots.
Three off- road bikers racing entitled ‘Battle for the Lead’ by Nigel Wells received top marks.
A polo rider failing to hit a ball in ‘Missed It’ by John Cridland and bikers on a bend in ‘Hard Cornering’ by Gordon Spruce both scored 19 out of 20.
Alsager proved stiff opposition with several very strong images, including two scoring full marks.
In the second half, Knutsford and Alsager drew on 175 points and Holmes Chapel was awarded 168.
Overall, Knutsford were declared victors with 352, Alsager was on 343 and Holmes Chapel gained 338.
Knutsford competition secretary Nigel Wells said: “This is a great achievement for our club especially as it’s our first inter club match in many years.
“So well done to Knutsford Photographic Society and the members who represented the club.”
Knutsford Photograph Society meet on Tuesday evenings at 8pm in the Old School Rooms at Brook Street Chapel.
John Horsley is giving a talk entitled ‘Three Questions’ on Tuesday, February 27.
For further details visit knutsfordps.org.uk
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