Andy Brown (mrbuk1)
Arboretum
(Explore #7)
So, a fanfare of controversy ensues once again as this year's Landscape Photographer Of The Year results are announced.
I shan't recite chapter and verse, but for anyone unaware (and presumably living on the moon), the basic fact is the overall winning entry has been disqualified in part due to a level of digital manipulation breaching the competition's category rules. For source information, there is an offical announcement on the Take A View LPOTY website. This is accompanied by a large degree of further conjecture, speculation, back-biting, scorn and disapproval across numerous forums aimed both at David Byrne and his image 'Lindisfarne', and/or the competition organisers. I have my own opinion on the matter that I don't wish to express in detail here - suffice to say I bear no ill will in either direction, but believe the whole thing to be an unfortunate turn of events caused by a lack of due diligence across the board. Viewing David's portfolio it's clear he's a hugely talented photographer, and despite this doubtless being an extremely difficult time for him I would like to congratulate his sucessor Simon Butterworth for the subsequent reappointment of his 'Condemned' image as overall winner. I'm sure he would have wished to win under different circumstances, but the achievement stands regardless and shouldn't be marred.
It's difficult to ascertain whether ultimate responsibility lies with photographers or organisers as to the integrity of awarded entries, although clearly there is a duty of care accountable by both. I believe a greater level of scrutiny should now be introduced (and feel sure it will be), to perhaps include surrendering of RAW files/negatives where available together with a signed declaration sourced from the photographer as to the extent of file manipulation involved and general authenticity - this could even be done in the form of a simple questionaire. An affidavit might be pushing things... Remember - photographs are supposed to be processed, and here subjectivity plays a large part. Not everyone takes the time to read (or understand) the small print in competitions, therefore it should be construed vital to reinforce them before any judging decisions are finalised. As an entrant and previous awardee of this competition, I have paid money to submit images and feel that in itself dictates some respect after the fact - ditto all those who purchase the associated book.
My hope is that lessons will, this time, be learned and that the competition doesn't so descend into disrepute and farce as to render it untenable in future years. Landscape imagery seems to have fallen from favour somewhat in recent times as a viable medium - LPOTY has gone a large way to redress this for UK photographers and provides a valuable creative outlet not just for those of us who shoot, but a stunning visual record for anyone who appreciates the scenes and vistas this island of ours has to offer. My copy of the award's book arrived today, and as with previous editions I have viewed it's contents with a heady mixture of inspiration, delight, envy and thrill - not to mention being unable to resist uttering the occasional but inevitable "how the hell did that get in?!". I would have it no other way of course!
Once again, I can't help but be impressed by the quality and quantity of commended and highly commended entries from contacts here on flickr; Valda Bailey, David Baker, a different David Baker, Russ Barnes, Ian Bramham, Sue Brown, Andrew Cosway, John Fanning, Richard Fraser, Giles McGarry, Stu Meech, Rohan Reilly, and Mark Voce. Fantastic work all of you and my congratulations - thoroughly deserved success all round and testament to your dedication!
Arboretum
(Explore #7)
So, a fanfare of controversy ensues once again as this year's Landscape Photographer Of The Year results are announced.
I shan't recite chapter and verse, but for anyone unaware (and presumably living on the moon), the basic fact is the overall winning entry has been disqualified in part due to a level of digital manipulation breaching the competition's category rules. For source information, there is an offical announcement on the Take A View LPOTY website. This is accompanied by a large degree of further conjecture, speculation, back-biting, scorn and disapproval across numerous forums aimed both at David Byrne and his image 'Lindisfarne', and/or the competition organisers. I have my own opinion on the matter that I don't wish to express in detail here - suffice to say I bear no ill will in either direction, but believe the whole thing to be an unfortunate turn of events caused by a lack of due diligence across the board. Viewing David's portfolio it's clear he's a hugely talented photographer, and despite this doubtless being an extremely difficult time for him I would like to congratulate his sucessor Simon Butterworth for the subsequent reappointment of his 'Condemned' image as overall winner. I'm sure he would have wished to win under different circumstances, but the achievement stands regardless and shouldn't be marred.
It's difficult to ascertain whether ultimate responsibility lies with photographers or organisers as to the integrity of awarded entries, although clearly there is a duty of care accountable by both. I believe a greater level of scrutiny should now be introduced (and feel sure it will be), to perhaps include surrendering of RAW files/negatives where available together with a signed declaration sourced from the photographer as to the extent of file manipulation involved and general authenticity - this could even be done in the form of a simple questionaire. An affidavit might be pushing things... Remember - photographs are supposed to be processed, and here subjectivity plays a large part. Not everyone takes the time to read (or understand) the small print in competitions, therefore it should be construed vital to reinforce them before any judging decisions are finalised. As an entrant and previous awardee of this competition, I have paid money to submit images and feel that in itself dictates some respect after the fact - ditto all those who purchase the associated book.
My hope is that lessons will, this time, be learned and that the competition doesn't so descend into disrepute and farce as to render it untenable in future years. Landscape imagery seems to have fallen from favour somewhat in recent times as a viable medium - LPOTY has gone a large way to redress this for UK photographers and provides a valuable creative outlet not just for those of us who shoot, but a stunning visual record for anyone who appreciates the scenes and vistas this island of ours has to offer. My copy of the award's book arrived today, and as with previous editions I have viewed it's contents with a heady mixture of inspiration, delight, envy and thrill - not to mention being unable to resist uttering the occasional but inevitable "how the hell did that get in?!". I would have it no other way of course!
Once again, I can't help but be impressed by the quality and quantity of commended and highly commended entries from contacts here on flickr; Valda Bailey, David Baker, a different David Baker, Russ Barnes, Ian Bramham, Sue Brown, Andrew Cosway, John Fanning, Richard Fraser, Giles McGarry, Stu Meech, Rohan Reilly, and Mark Voce. Fantastic work all of you and my congratulations - thoroughly deserved success all round and testament to your dedication!