I joined Preston Photographic Society in 2013 because I was advised that a good way to improve my photography was to join my local club and start entering competitions. I was also told to 'brace myself' for the feedback received from competition judges. Below is a summary of the awards that I have received since joining the club, starting with a very successful first season.
Whilst I recognise that club photography is a certain 'style', it does help you to be self critical and trains the eye for detail. There are certain genres, typically events and concerts which will not do very well in club competitions but that's just how it is.
The lesson I have learnt is that there is always a degree of subjectivity when it comes to judging (each does seem to have a favourite genre) and not to take things personally. I have also learnt to continue to photograph what I enjoy, in a style that I like. There is more to life than competitions !
2013/2014
1st Place - Beginner
2nd Place - PDI of the Year
2014/2015
2nd Place - Annual Photowalk PDI
3rd Place - Open Advanced PDI
3rd Place - Opening Night Competition PDI
2015/2016
2nd Place - Open Advanced PDI
2nd Place - Three on a Theme Print
3rd Place - Nature
3rd Place - Open Colour Print
2016/2017
1st Place - Print of the Year
2nd Place - Open Monochrome Print
2nd Place - Proud Preston PDI
3rd Place - Three on a Theme Print
3rd Place - Opening Night Competition PDI
3rd Place - Opening Night Competition Print
2017/2018
1st Place - Print of the Year
(see image below)
1st Place - Three on a Theme Print
2nd Place - Opening Night Competition PDI
3rd Place - Nature (Flora & Fauna)
3rd Place - Open Advanced PDI
2018/2019
1st Place - Nature (Flora & Fauna)
1st Place - Three on a Theme Print
2nd Place - Three on a Theme PDI
3rd Place - Open Monochrome Print
3rd Place - Print of the Year
2019/2020 & 2020/2021
Taking a break from competitions
2021/2022
1st Place - Opening Night Competition
1st Place - Nature (Flora & Fauna)
1st Place - PDI Image of the Year
2nd Place - Three on a Theme PDI
3rd Place - Open Colour Print
2022/2023
1st Place - Advanced PDI
1st Place - Mono Print
1st Place - PDI Image of the Year
1st Place - Print of the Year
2nd Place - Three on a Theme PDI
3rd Place - Nature (Flora & Fauna)
3rd Place - Open Colour Print
2023/24
Taking a break from monthly competitions
1st Place - Three on a Theme PDI
2nd Place - Annual Portrait Competition
2nd Place - PDI Image of the Year