Hhhmnn – it’s a tad embarrassing to be posting a blog a mere 18 months after a trip….but here we are! Back in May 2024, I had a great trip over to Valencia, Spain with Jo B and Jo H (yes it did occasionally get confusing!) from Sidmouth Photographic Club, to photograph the delights of the city. Although we did spend some time wandering the streets of the old town, our attention was mainly focused on the City of Arts and Sciences (Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències), a collection of amazing futuristic buildings that looked as if aliens had left their craft littered around pools of water!
We managed visits both at sunrise and sunset, as well as during the day, and it’s fair to say that the light definitely changed the mood and appearance of the structures significantly. Although the buildings lent themselves perfectly to photography, it was extremely difficult to take a shot that hadn’t already been taken…and we noticed when putting images into subsequent club competitions (making sure we didn’t all enter our images at the same time!!) that several of the judges had seen similar images in the past.
I did find it tricky trying to do justice to the magnificent buildings, as architectural photography isn’t my genre, but enjoyed playing my usual game of hunt the silhouette…and managed to find a few of course!
Of course we sampled the foodie delights of the city, enjoying paella, tapas and churros with hot chocolate, along with a couple of the local drinks; Horchata (a sweet drink made from tiger nuts – definitely an acquired taste!) and Agua de Valencia (a cocktail of cava, vodka, gin and fresh orange juice – rather moorish!)
We packed a lot into our 3 night stay and came away with some memorable photos – even if it did take me til 2025 to start processing them! I would definitely recommend the city for its relaxed vibes, great food, good transport links and interesting architectural photography.
Sooooo, back in May 2023, I won the Digital Projected Image (DPI) league at Sidmouth Photographic Club (details here) by ONE point. Fast forward to May 2025 and I just missed out on winning the league by ONE point!! And although I was suitably miffed at just missing out on the top spot, I was surprised to have been in the running at all, as I hadn’t been getting top placings throughout the season.
Neapolitan Life– Commended
The first competition of the 24/25 season started off with 2 DPI entries.
This shot was taken during my second Naples trip, in October 2024 and formed part of my ARPS panel.
I’ve always liked it as a single image, as it contains so many aspects of life in that city – the green shutters, washing hanging out, battered cars, bad parking, run down apartments, someone just watching the world go by…
The judge enjoyed the storytelling aspect of the image, although he felt there were other images to be had contained within that one picture. So, off to a reasonable start.
A Ray of Light – Commended
This image was taken during the summer of 2024 in the Barbican Theatre, during a trip with my Northern Crew to the big smoke.
The whole estate is a photographer’s paradise, with brutalist concrete buildings providing a stark backdrop for figures walking through the light/shade.
I waited for about 15 mins in this spot catching different people as they walked through the patches of light. Sometimes a great person would be coming along, but the sun would go in. Or when the sun did come out, the people passing through were not “interesting” enough. So it really was a waiting game – and I used burst mode to ensure I had at least one shot of the legs in a striding position.
I received a commended for this one too – so although not top slots, they were at least both awarded.
Catching the Light – Bronze
In competition 2 we had 1 DPI entry and I went back to my Barbican trip for a moody shot of a man walking through the pools of sunlight in one of the walkways. A little too dark for most people’s taste, but that’s very much my style and I’m surprised I didn’t get slated by the judge for not enough detail in the shadows (a pet hate of theirs). But of course he did suggest that a small light coloured line should have been used to border the image, so that you can see where the picture ends. Sorry to say that’s a pet hate of mine and I actually enjoy how the black of the picture bleeds out into the black of the projector background….we’re all different (thankfully!!).
The Bystock Pools Naiad – Commended
Competition 3 was a challenging one, as we had to enter 2 images from set subjects: religion, connected, ethereal, help me or happiness.
I had the idea for the underwater shot on a past visit to Bystock Pools with Rosemary – when taking a photo of the water I felt that it was missing a face floating under the surface!!! When the topic “ethereal” came up I decide to give it a go.
I took photos of Carol’s daughter in her lounge from up a step ladder looking down on her – the lengths we go to to get our shot! I then merged that photo with the water shot in Photoshop for the end result…oh, and a Naiad is a water nymph!
Teddy Boy Charms – Bronze
I took this shot in Weston-Super-Mare during a Teddy Boy Festival, which was full of original Teds still strutting their quiffs, suits and suede shoes. I was drawn to the guy’s hands with all the different rings and he was more than happy for me to take a picture. And I thought it fitted rather nicely into the category of “connected”.
The judge understood that you didn’t need to see the man’s face to imagine what he looked like – as a face would have detracted from the hands. I received a commended and a Bronze in this competition, which kept me in the top 10, but I wasn’t setting the table alight!
Beach Botany – Commended
In competition 4 we had 2 DPI entries again, so I went with my quirky shots.
This one was taken in Teignmouth on one of my many visits, and I just loved how the woman’s leg was so decorative in amongst the beach huts. No face was necessary, as her tattoo said it all really. And the strong colours add to the visual impact.
Into the Light – Gold
This shot was taken in Berlin last summer. The light was very intense and I was on the lookout for shadows/silhouettes (just for a change!). Whilst crossing a footbridge, I looked down and saw the potential. Again, I waited for a good 10-15 minutes taking photos of different people (using burst mode) to get the right people in the right position. I also enjoyed the shapes of the buildings and their shadows. And it led to my first Gold (smiley face!!), which crept me up the league table…and into third place.
The Morning Commute – Silver
The last competition of the season is always a tricky one, when there’s an outside chance of coming first, because that final image choice is soooo important. Who is the judge? What type of images resonate with them? What will the others at the top of the league put in? And so I have to confess that I chucked my morals in the bin (I don’t care what the judge thinks – I’m only entering images that speak to me) and chose strategically. I knew that the judge was more of a traditionalist, who wouldn’t really “appreciate” my quirkier images, so I played it safe with an image that was not Marmite. This was taken in Valencia at the Science Park and we stood around for about an hour taking shots of people cycling or walking by. This viewpoint isn’t quite as widely taken as some of the other more iconic buildings.
But the only way I could win was if the two people above me and the one below me in the table did worse than me – and that’s something I obviously have absolutely no control over. Must admit it feels a tad churlish to be wishing ill on your fellow photographers (especially when they’re friends)….but as soon as I saw Mike’s photo I knew I was done for – he justifiably received a Gold!! And so I only missed out by 1 point, which certainly added to the drama. But I achieved placings for all of my DPI images, which I’ve never managed before and came second in a club filled with very talented photographers. Thankfully we have a rest over the summer, before the hours of deliberation start again next season!
Brian Sherlow (Chairperson) presenting my Runner Up Certificate Image by Jo Hawes
It must be a sign of age, ‘cos I can’t believe that yet another year has flown by and we’re already in 2025! Normally my Foraging friends and I have always posted our favourite 10 pics from each year, once we reach December/January time and I thought this would be a good practice for my blog, as it gives me time to review what I’ve taken over the year, relive some of the memories behind the shots and then try and work out why I am drawn to certain images. I was lucky to travel an awful lot for photography in 2024 – from local seaside locations, to UK cities and then abroad into Europe. So here are my 2024 top 10 images – as usual fairly eclectic – and in no particular order.
Wonkey Donkey
Oh boy, this image not only has a long (and seemingly hilarious to those who were there) backstory to it, but has practically created a cult within Sidmouth Photographic Club!! So….I was on a Club trip to Weston-Super-Mare in the summer, standing in front of this interestingly named shop waiting for someone “appropriate” to walk past….and of course no one did. To stave off the boredom (and to at least get some sort of shot) Carol called out to a guy pulled up in his car asking him to pose. At which point a bunch of photographers papped him. Hilariously to the others, I had totally managed to miss the guy posing and ended up with a photo of his roof and the sky. So in revenge, I decided to create the above image, showing that I’d managed to capture a shot that everyone else had missed. And ever since I have been plagued with the Wonky Donkey moniker – yes, I’ve been given the book – yes, I’ve been made to read it out loud and yes, I’ve been made to memorise the rhyme!!! Therefore, this has to win the most memorable image of the year, not only for me, but for several of the Club members too!!
The Cyclist
This image was taken in Valencia in May on a photography trip with 2 Club friends; Jo B and Jo H (yes, it was a tad confusing at the start, so I added the surname initials!!). It’s a fabulous city for photography, especially the City of Arts & Sciences. The buildings are like alien spaceships and the water surrounding them add great reflections. We got up very early one morning to catch the sunrise and thanks to Jo H scouting ahead, managed to find the area where the best reflections/shadows were to be had with the rising sun. A very happy hour or so was spent clicking away at cyclists, runners, wagons, men with wheelbarrows etc. and I still have hundreds of images that I haven’t finished looking through yet. I have to confess that the camera was on burst mode to ensure that there would be at least 1 photo per person going past that could work – hence the hundreds to wade through. Would thoroughly recommend a photography trip there – although don’t be surprised if a Club Judge has seen hundreds of these images!
Wash Day
This image was taken on the island of Burano, during my visit to Venice with Debbie in January (arrgh – already a year ago!). I was drawn by the white washing against the blue wall through the red doorway and was lining up the shot when this woman walked through. At first I cursed, but afterwards I realised that actually, she made the shot and I loved the fact that her face was hidden – added a hint of mystery. It ended up being my favourite shot of the trip!
Into the Light
This shot was taken on a trip to the Barbican Centre in London with my Northern Foraging friends in June. Oh what an amazing location for street photography….but the best opportunities come when the sun is out, streaming through the openings, creating interesting shadows. I just loved the curves and light in this composition, even though technically the guy is in the “wrong” position (not on a third) – but I don’t care…it works for me, as I do like a bit of negative space in an image and I darkened it to add a tad more atmosphere.
Just Chillin’
Our Club runs bi-weekly photo trips during the Sumer shutdown and Rosemary and I volunteered to lead one in Teignmouth at the end of August. It’s a great place for photography with boats, beaches, a pier and long seafront. I have to admit that this guy sunbathing caught my eye and I took several of him from different angles. He was clearly enjoying parading himself in public and this angle just worked for me, giving enough information about him, without the need to see his face. A tad disrespectful perhaps…but photographers just can’t help themselves I’m afraid!
juptr
This composite image started life in Birmingham on a Club trip in February. Those of you who read the blog will remember that I came across a couple of lads filming a music video and I couldn’t help myself from hijacking their artistic endeavours. They were happy for me to take pictures and when it came to processing them afterwards, I felt I wanted to do something a little different – like an album cover. I used Generative AI to create the wall with the Union Jack, as I didn’t have any images of that (i.e. the software created it) and then added my photo of juptr, with some old school lens blur and scratches to add a bit of character. I really enjoyed trying to make the image a little different to a straight portrait.
Beach Botany
Rosemary and I went on several recces to Teignmouth to prepare for the Club summer trip and always managed to come away with something. On this day, we had very strong sunlight, so not ideal photographic conditions, but as we were wandering around Back Beach area, I spotted these legs sticking out between the beach huts and was immediately captivated. As with many of my photos, it’s not about the whole person – here, the flowers on her leg contrasted against the yellow and blue of the beach huts and created an interesting juxtaposition (we photographers love a good juxta!!). And yes, I did a beach clean in Photoshop to remove stones, burnt wood and half a paving slab – I’m such a neat freak!!
3-2-1
I had a wonderful trip to Sorrento in October with my friend Cyn, which was for relaxation rather than photography and I took many phone shots of the beautiful scenery. This was the only “serious” shot that I took – as we were looking down on one of the beaches, the composition just struck me and I waited for a bird to fly through the shot, making sure I was on burst mode to get it in the right place. The placing of all of the elements appealed to me and is slightly quirky (what a surprise!!). And no, I didn’t add the bird and/or shadow in post production (although of course I wouldn’t hesitate to do so if necessary!!).
Leake Street
In October, 3 of us from the Club had a fun-filled day trip to London and spent our time round Waterloo station and along the South Bank. This image was taken in Leake Street, an area underneath Waterloo station where street artists come to showcase their work. It’s totally safe – usually more tourists than street artists – and is an interesting backdrop for photography…although I struggled to find many shots. I do have a bit of an obsession with silhouettes, so was pleased when the above composition came together.
Caught in the Light
What was I saying about silhouettes and shadows?!! I spotted this opportunity in Berlin, when I was visiting a friend in September. The sun was so bright overhead that I was hunting for shadow locations and spotted this ideal position from a bridge looking down on the walkway. I find that these sort of shots work best when you find a suitable location and then just wait for the right people to walk through. You need some patience (so it helps if you are on your own) and again, burst mode increases your “decisive moment” success rate.
And so what do my favourite images from last year tell me? That I had some great trips both home and abroad, with something pretty much every month. That I still have a pile of images to process – and post on my blog…New Year’s resolution should be to keep up with my posting in 2025. That I’m still drawn to shadows/silhouettes, strong shapes/colours, legs(?!), quirky, sense of absurd. That I enjoy street and travel photography. And that you never know what you’re going to capture next – the joy of the random moments, where everything aligns and a wonderful scene unfolds in front of you just as you press the shutter or frustration when nothing motivates you (or even worse, you weren’t quick enough to capture the moment). Already looking forward to my adventures in 2025……
Karen Brindley Photography 