The inaugural 'Photo Challenge' brought in a good number of entries, with a wide variety of interpretations on the theme of 'Spring'.

First time judge Martyn Daniel struggled to decide upon a winner, which could have been any one of the final top three, but eventually settled upon 'Goose Light', by Paul Bolton.

Well done to all who entered, and good luck in the 'May' challenge!

 

Title Author Position
Goose Light Paul Bolton 1st

A great silhouette shot, the contrast between the black foreground and the lightness and colour of the water really make this image for me. The only changes that I'd make would be to maybe lower the black point to lose the small bit of white feather detail on the bird, and the blue spot in the centre of the foreground.

   
After a Shower Marian Goody 2nd

I love the contrast between the colours of the flowers and the lightness of the background. This is a great viewpoint, and the droplets of water on the leaves only add to the textures in this image. The only thing that I would change is to maybe 'dodge' the background on the left-hand side, as the thick tree trunk does draw the eye a little.

   
Impressionist Tulip Lynda Holland 3rd

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This would have done really well in the 'Like a Picture' competition we had last season. It's a really interesting treatment, which gives great colour and contrast. I'd hang this on my wall.

   
Who are Ewe Looking at? Sandy Robertson HC

A great portrait of a sheep that looks like it's tired from lambing! Plenty of detail in the eyes, face and coat.

   
Spring Shoot Paul Nash HC

I'm hoping that these are the 'green shoots of recovery'! A good contrast between the leaves and the soil background, with some good detail in both of the main leaves. Is there a touch of HDR here?

   
Fading Fast Brian Holland  
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Ready to Go Brian Holland  
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A Happy Visiting Duck David Powell  
   
Spring has Sprung David Powell  
   
Infrared Lake Josh Sedgley  
   
Peacock on Gravel Josh Sedgley  
   
Pear Tree in Spring Julia Finch  
   
Tulip Lynda Holland  
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Dogs-tooth Violet Marian Goody  
   
A Spring collection Patrick Miles  
   
Spring blossom Patrick Miles  
   
Tube to Heaven Paul Bolton  
   
Spring Clematis Paul Nash  
   
Not Going Out Penny Cartwright  
   
Rhododendron Penny Cartwright  
   
Dandelion Head Macro Peter Brown  
   
Dandelion Head Peter Brown  
   
Cherry Blossom in Market Drayton Richard Preistley  
   
Spring Tableau Richard Preistley  
   
First signs of Spring Ruth Elner  
   
Spring Blossom Ruth Elner  
   
Muscari Sandy Robertson  
   
Hatched! Stuart Ord  
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Sweet pea seedling Stuart Ord  
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