Portrait - Hand in 10 September 2026 - Print and/or Digital

Grade C - Set Topic

A study of Jim

The four-pose structure works well, the expressions are varied and there's a clear intention behind the set, its thoughtful, playful and shows good emotional variation.  It has personality which is half the battle in portrait work.  The dark background and monochrome treatment suit the mood and keep focus on the subject. What holds this image back is the inconsistency of exposure, some frames a noticeable darker or flatter than others which breaks the cohesion.  In a collage, consistency is crucial, the shadow shifts between the images make the set less unified.  There is also a loss of texture in the facial tones and this reduces its impact.  Conceptually strong, visually expressive but technically uneven.  Experiment with your exposures and control of lighting, this I believe will make your work go from an 'interesting idea' to polished.

Accepted

Keep the Hair out of the Shot

An interesting interpretation of a photographer at work. The black and white treatment adds mood and texture and the camera equipment provides strong visual interest. The moment feels authentic and unposed but with her face entirely obscured by her hair this leans towards an action/documentary image rather than a portrait, it's difficult to connect emotionally with the subject. The lighting is soft and even and you have good sharp clarity, the monochrome treatment works well, if she was placed slightly to the right of the camera and we could connect with part of her face you would have received a better rating.

Accepted

My Sunset Girl

The colour of the sunset is setting a warm and rich tone and the light is balanced well with the dark as you can still see the detail in her top. The reflection in the glasses has picked up the sunset colour and added an interesting dimension. Your composition is an interesting choice and although not centred it's worked with the wind in the hair and you can feel it moving from the left to the right, therefore having more space on the right can be justified.There is a connection with this image, despite not being able to see her eyes, her expression invokes happiness. It could be worth experimenting with lightening the subjects face and it would be worthwhile doing a spot check and removing any distractions, the sunspot on her cheek is distracting. I would also check where your main focus point is, it appears to be on the zip, making her face not as sharp, experiment with your aperture setting.

Accepted

Pete

This image has a strong narrative quality. It feels like a character study — rugged, weathered, and grounded in a sense of place. The aged wooden door and brass details add texture and authenticity, giving the photo a timeless, almost cinematic feel.  The light is soft and natural which suits the rustic setting, shadows are gentle and do not obscure important details.  The exposure is well balanced with the darker clothing not losing detail against the brights elements.  The subject is centred but framed by the large door which creates a strong vertical structure.  The ornate brass knocker and mail slot add visual interest without distracting from the subject.  The tool resting against the leg adds a storeytelling element and anchors the lower part of the frame.  The subject appears sharp and the texture of the wood and clothing are well defined.  This is gritty, contemplative and grounded, with his face being paritally obscured by the hat adding mystery despite a small disconection.

Honours

Pure Joy

What a cutie!  The lighting is soft and even with no harsh shadows or blown out highlights, her skin tone appears true and is well lit.  Details in both the childs face and the soft background are preserved suggesting the exposure was well controlled.  The catchlight in her eyes adds clarity and liveliness which is strong marker of a good portrait. The tight crop focuses attention on her expression and her interaction with her toy, creating a sense of immediacy.  The image does feel candid rather than staged which adds authenticity but also means the composition was driven by the moment rather than a formal pose.  There is no visible grain and artefacts and colour balance is good. I do wonder how this image would have looked if it was monochrome.

Merit

Quiet Confidence

This portrait is framed well and being a close up candid you have captured her clearly and made her the focal point.  Her skin tone appears natural and consistent, suggesting soft indoor lighting or diffused natural light.  Her face is evenly lit with no harsh shadows or blown out highlights and her eyes are sharp.  Her pose of slightly angled, eyes forward, creates a sense of presence and confidence and with her hair pulled back given us a clean and strong silhouette.  Her calm, happy mood has helped this feel intimate and genuine and though captured in a quiet moment rather than staged.  Although the background is soft and unobtrusive, the visible person holding a bottle is distracting and i wonder if you could have waited a second or two longer to capture your subject with out her being in the image.  You have handled the lighting and focus well and capture a lovely portrait.

Accepted

Ray

This portrait has a strong visual impact, his face fills the frame, giving immediate presence and drawing the viewer straight into his character. His facial details, wrinkles, mustache, skin texture are crisp and intentional and this level of detail if ideal for character portraits.  The exposure is handled well and the hightlights on his forehead and cheeks are controlled and the shadows add depth without losing information, however it could be worth lighting the collar of his shirt a little, detail has been lost here. The contrast is strong but not overdone and the grayscale conversion enhances the ruggedness and life experience in the subjects face.  The depth of field has been handled well, enough to isolate the subject while still hinting at an outdoor environment, however if it was cleaner it would have isolated him further.  Having him off-centre works well and his angle is direct and honest, no dramatic tilt or stylisation which suit the authenticity of the subject.

Merit

Stephanie

This portrait is strong in mood, styling and natural light and succeeds as a nostalgic, atmospheric image rather than a portrait centred on expresion.  Her pose of looking out the window rather than towards the camera creates a contemplative, and story driven feel but has created an emotional distance reducing the sense of connection. The crop is balanced, though it leans more toward an environmental portrait than a traditional head and shoulders portrait. With her placed near the window, its created a natural leading line towards her face, the window light is soft, warm and flattering, with the highlights being close to losing texture, you have handled this well.  The vintage outfit, lace collar and floral hat are beautifully coordinated and the pastel tones are soft, reinforcing the notalgic historic mood. The background ties into the soft warm colours, however the separation from the subject is minimal with the window latch becoming a distraction.

Accepted

Summer rose

This subject is centred and stable, giving a straightforward approachable feel.  The background foliage is attractive but slightly busy, it doesn't distract heavily but it doesn't add narrative either. Unfortunately the bench introduces a horizontal line that doesn't anchor the scene and contribute much to the story.  The natural light is soft and flattering, giving the skin a healthy glow and with no harsh shadows or blown highlights, you have handled the exposure well. The floral shirt harmonises beautifully with the green background, excellent colour cohesion.  The overall palette feels fresh, summery and inviting. Her expression is relaxed, open and friendly and the eyes are direct creating a sense of connection with the viewer.  Focus is crisp on her face and the background blur is enough to create some separation but could benefit from some adjustment.

Merit

Sunnie Joseph

The vibrant purple flowers and blue clothing create an instant visual punch, it enhances the mood but slightly reduces compositional clarity. The mirrored sunglasses add intrigue and a secondary subject x2 increases initial interest, but could also be considered distracting as there is now competition for a focal point.  His sunglasses have also reduced the ability to connect emotionally with his eyes. The exposure is handled well with no blown highlights despite reflective surfaces.  His face is sharp and the colour balance is bold but harmonious, purple, blue and gold tones complement each other.  The setting suggest a casual outdoor moment which is visually striking, technically solid with a contemporary style.

Accepted

Wild Dog

I do feel as if I am suddenly on the menu, his upright posture and alert expression create an immediate visual presence. The warm golden grass contrasts beautifully with the animals mottled coat giving the image a dramatic, high-impact look.  He is well placed in the frame with enough space around him to feel natural and there is no loss of focus. His face is crisp, great focus on his eyes and ears. The depth of field is well chosen, giving a professional polished look. It is a strong wildlife portrait and its biggest strenghts are impact and technical quality.  It doesn't have a huge story telling depth to it but that is harder to achieve with wildlife.

Honours

Digital - Grade C - Open

Blenheim to Picton

I am not sure what has happened with this image, it opened very small and was extremely pixelated on enlarging.  It appeared to be a pleasant scene with a gentle inviting pathway and shows a competent handling of exposure, focus is hard to make out.  I am struggling to to find the point of interest or a clear subject.

Not accepted

Magnifico Panthera Leo

A strong subject choice, lions are inherently powerful and visually compelling.  You have captured a calm, regal moment with good eye contact which does immediately give the image a presence.  His face is sharp especially around the eyes and mane, and the soft natural light is even with no harsh shadows of blown highlights, however the exposure feels flat and lack contrast and dimensionality, specifically with his darker mane blending into the background, reducing separation.  The colours feel natural but slightly muted and could benefit from richer tonal depth. He is placed well in the frame with an unobtrusive background, but its not strong enough to create real subject isolation. This image is relying heavily on the inherent majesty of the lion rather than creative photographic choices.

Accepted

 Grade B - Set Topic

Flying high

This is a visually striking portrait that relies heavily on silhouette, shape, and contrast. The use of the airplane window as a dominant light source creates a dramatic mood and a strong graphic quality. It’s a thoughtful concept with emotional undertones.  However the image has some limitations - the bright window creates a powerful rim light but it is overexposed pulling attention away from the subject. The silhouette is clean but some facial detail is lost, this is acceptable for silhouette work, but the balance between light and dark could be more refined.The contrast is strong and effective, though slightly harsh.The subject’s hair texture is well‑defined and adds interest and her profile outline is crisp, which is essential for silhouette portraiture. The use of monochrome suits the mood.  There is too much dark negative space on the left and this could benefit from cropping to strengthen the portraits emotional pull.

Accepted

Japanese fish chef

This is a lively, character driven portrait capturing a moment of cultural and culinary engagement. The subject's expression is warm and inviting and the environment is rich with contextual detail which adds narrative interest but also introduces challenges in control, focus and visual hierarchy.  The lightly is even and natural and the exposure is safe if not slightly flat as the main subject doesn't pop from the background.  The bright signage behind the subject competes for attention and pulls the eye away from his face.  He appears sharp, especially around the face and hands but the depth of field is broad, meaning all the background text and posters are equally sharp, this is reducing the portrait impact, it would have benefitted from a change in aperture.  How you have placed the subject is engaging but the overall frame is extremely busy.

Accepted

Josh

This a striking monochrome portrait with clear stylistic ambition. His pose, accessories and expression create an intriguing mood and you have demonstrated good control over the tone and texture. The lighting is bold and contrast heavy which suits the monochrome, the highlights on the face are well balanced with the shadow areas, however some fall slightly too deep and some detail appear lost on his jumper. His face, hair and hand are sharp and well defined and the textures of his hat, rings and tattoos are rendered beautifully. Great depth of field. His pose is engaging and his expression is subtle yet effective.

Merit

Lindsey

A friendly, approachable portrait with vibrant clothing that immediately draws the eye. You have captured a relaxed, natural expression, and the subject feels comfortable in front of the camera. However, the image relies heavily on the shirt’s colour and pattern for impact, rather than on portrait‑specific elements such as lighting, composition, and subject emphasis. The lighting is soft and even which is flattering for the subject and her face appears acceptable sharp. However, the light is also somewhat flat and there’s little modelling on the face so the portrait lack dimensionality. She is centred but the pose is static and would benefit from a different depth of field to elevate the portrait significantly.

Accepted

Not quite Crocodile Dundee

A clean, well‑lit portrait with a calm, dignified presence. The dark background isolates the subject effectively, and the hat adds character without overwhelming the frame. You have shown good control of light, tone, and subject placement. Your subjects face is sharp and well defined with a good natural, relaxed expression, and the texture in his hat and jacket are crisp and add visual interest. The muted palette suits the subject but feels slightly subdued for a portrait and there is no story-telling element except for the title.  The portrait feels honest and respectful but not particularly expressive or emotive.

Accepted

Quiet Resolve .

A compelling black and white portrait with excellent texture, clarity and emotional presence. The direct gaze creates immediate connection and the monochrome treatment enhances the subjects character and life experience.  The lighting is directional, giving the face shape and depth and the highlights are well controlled with no blown-out areas. You have kept the shadow strong but not overly deep, well balanced. Wonderful sharpness on his eyes and beard giving great facial texture, the crisp detail is a major strength of this image.  The tight framing works well for this subject and it emphasises his strong, calm expression, its intense and adds emotional weight.  This feels like a wonderful character study rather than a casual snapshot.

Merit

Sydney

A clean, engaging portrait with good lighting and a subject who presents strong personality through piercings, hair texture, and expression. You have demonstrated solid technical control and a clear intention to highlight individuality. The lighting is soft and well handled, the highlights on her face are controlled with no blown areas, the shadows are gentle but the lighting feels flat, more directional light could add depth and sculpt her face more effectively. Your background is neutral and unobtrusive which has helped isolate her. Her eyes and facial features appear sharp which is good. Her skin tone looks natural and the contrast between her dark hair and the lighter streaks adds visual texture. She is well framed with a comfortable amount of space around the head and her expression is calm and confident , however there is a lack of emotional or narrative impact.

Accepted

The Dreamer

A moody, intimate portrait with excellent use of light and shadow. The warm illumination on the face creates emotional depth and draws the viewer directly to the subject’s eyes. The contemplative pose adds character and narrative. The direction light is the strongest element and it has shaped her face beautifully, almost a cinematic feel to it. The highlights are controlled and the shadows fall naturally but are slightly heavy on the left side of her face, reducing some detail. The dark background has isolated her effectively. Her eyes are sharp and well defined which is essential and her skin texture is rendered nicely without being overly harsh.  DOF is appropriate keeping attention on her face. Her hoody's colour is subdued and doesn't distract and the overall palette supports the mood of this portrait. Her pose adds emotional nuance but there is too much dead space on the left.

Merit

When I grow up

This is a lively, emotionally engaging scene capturing a moment of connection between the child and the team. This image sits in an interesting space: it is a portrait, but it's also a documentary moment. The child’s expression is strong and becomes the emotional anchor of the image. The players form a supportive backdrop, adding context and narrative. This is a compelling photograph — but as a portrait, it struggles with subject isolation, compositional clarity, and visual hierarchy. The lighting is even and well controlled and the child stands out due to proximity and tonal contrast with the players slightly darker, however the child's facial tone remains flat. The depth of field is too broad for portrait expectations and a shallower DOF would have strengthened subject isolation.  The players colours are bright and draw attention away from the child because of this busy-ness. The chair on the left side leaning up against the table along with the metal object on the right, sitting on the table are also a distraction.

Accepted

Grade B - Open

Calming View

A calm, expansive landscape with rolling hills, soft light, and a gentle sense of distance. It’s a pleasant scene with good natural colours and a peaceful mood. Your exposure is safe and reasonable balanced, no blown highlights or blocked shadows, but it is also flat, it doesn't sculpt the land or create drama. The sky has some interest but the clouds are not dynamic enough to add real impact. The image appears sharp throughout, which is appropriate for a wide landscape. The details in the hills is good, though not particularly crisp or textured. The colours are realistic with a lovely mix of dry grass and green vegetation but the tones remain subdued. Overall this is missing a clear focal point, the ridgeline provides structure but it sits passively in the frame and the foreground elements are present but not strong enough to anchor the composition.

Accepted

Delaware estuary

A visually appealing coastal landscape with lovely evening light, gentle colour transitions, and interesting tidal patterns. The scene has natural beauty and a calming atmosphere. The warm horizon glow is a strong feature, subtle, elegant and well handled, the mudflats and water channels add texture and interest, unfortunately the hills have lost some of the texture creating a heavy mid-frame band that reduces tonal balance. The beautiful gradient in the sky is a wonderful contrast to the dark land,  however it lacks vibrancy or tonal punch often needed in landscapes. The winding tidal channels are the strongest compositional element, they add shape and movement, however, they don't lead decisively to a focal point, the eye wanders rather than being guided.

Accepted

Mr Ugly Face .

A strong, intimate wildlife portrait of a Southern Giant Petrel. The detail in the plumage, the clarity of the eye, and the clean separation from the soft blue background all contribute to a visually compelling image. There are no blown highlights on the bill or feathers, great control in such a challenging environment. The blue water background complements the birds tones but the slightly muted overall tone could benefit from a touch of contrast or tonal depth. The bird is well placed with good negative space and his angle is strong, slightly forward, showing character and presence.  The crop is tight enough to feel portrait like but not overly tight. This is much more portrait‑like than landscape or general nature — it’s a character study of a single subject. I am at a loss as to why you didn't enter this in the Portrait category.

Merit

Grade A - Set Topic

A selfie

A vibrant, culturally rich portrait with strong visual interest. The traditional attire is beautifully detailed and the juxtaposition of heritage clothing with a modern smartphone creates an intriguing narrative. The colours, texture, and patterns immediately draw the viewer in, however this competes with the face for attention. The depth of field is adequate but this could have benefitted from a shallower DOF to strengthen the separation. Your subject is well-place but the smartphone becomes another dominant element pulling attention away from her face, less separation would have been ideal. There seems to be a lack of emotional connection with your subject, experiment with posing and stronger directional light.

Accepted

Bailey

A bold, charismatic portrait with strong stylistic flair. The subject’s confident pose, expressive smile, and playful gesture with the sunglasses create immediate engagement. The wardrobe — red leather jacket, patterned tie, vest, cap, tinted glasses — adds layers of personality and visual interest. The black background isolates the subject effectively but it doesn't fully separate the subject from it, a flash or kicker light could elevate the dimensionality, I do wonder if this background has been added in post production. The choice of a black background has worked effectively with the red, your subject is sharp and there are no blown highlights.

Merit

Chinese woman

A warm, character‑rich portrait with strong cultural and environmental context. The subject’s expression is gentle and engaging, and the colourful scarf provides immediate visual impact. The outdoor background is soft and unobtrusive, helping the subject stand out without distraction. This is a thoughtful, well‑crafted portrait with emotional authenticity. It feels respectful, intimate, and grounded. Her face is well lit with  no blown out highlights and you controlled the darker elements well, the sharpness of her face is excellent. I do wonder if the bright colours of her scarf/hat dominate the frame and compete with the face for attention, but her warm expression is so genuine you immediately feel joy.

Honours

Cousin  Andrew

This is a straight forward outdoor portrait with a pleasant expression of a man who is happy. The lighting is bright and natural and has caused highlights on the forehead and nose, verging on being slightly strong due to direct sunlight, because of this directional light, the left side of his face appears too dark.  The background is bright and contains recognisable object which reduces the portrait purity.  His face is acceptably sharp and the texture well rendered.  He is centred and framed well but again the background is distracting, unable to be cropped out.  This feels more documentary or candid, rather than a crafted portrait.

Accepted

Darcell

A gritty, high‑energy black‑and‑white portrait capturing a moment of strength, craft, and identity. The subject’s tattoos, clothing, and the massive saw create a powerful sense of character and environment. The monochrome treatment enhances texture and mood, the lighting is natural and bright and you have controlled the shadows well. This image is unfortunately let down by the subjects face not being the sharpest element in the portrait. The depth of field is appropriate and has created good separation. You have created an image with good atmosphere and it has good impact.

Accepted

Forest Bathing ?

A gentle, contemplative environmental portrait set within a lush forest. The subject’s expression is thoughtful and calm, and the surrounding trees create a sense of place and mood. The image feels honest and grounded, with a natural connection between the subject and the environment. The subject is acceptably sharp however the background elements are also sharp which competes with the subject and become dominant.  His face is partially shaded and this has reduced the clarity and impact. His calm expression is conveying curiosity and connection to nature but the emotional engagement is mild and their is a lack of pull towards the subject.

Accepted

James

A clean, intimate portrait with a warm, inviting colour palette. The yellow background creates a pleasant contrast with the subject’s clothing and helps the face stand out. The expression is gentle and approachable, giving the portrait authenticity and emotional warmth. The depth of field is appropriate keeping most of the background unobtrusive, except for the obvious seam(?) on the diagonal which draws the eyes away. The highlights are adequately controlled but the lighting direction appears to hit his forehead harshly. Hi expression is calm, friendly and genuine making this portrait feel honest, however the overall impact is moderate and not distinctive and it could have benefitted from some contrast to lift the flat light and make it more.

Accepted

Over the Gate if not the Hill

A clean, straightforward outdoor portrait with a neutral expression and tidy presentation. The green background provides a pleasant contrast to the subject’s clothing and helps the face stand out. The subject appears relaxed and natural, giving the portrait authenticity. This image would have benefitted from a shallower DOF as the crispness of the background is distracting. It appears the focal point has fallen on your subjects hands and not his face and because of his transition lenses there is a lack of connection, his eyes can be seen, but only partially. You have controlled the light and there are no deep shadows however the blown out highlights on your subjects head are distracting.

Accepted

Pride of Niugini

A striking cultural portrait with excellent use of a black background to isolate the subject and emphasise the adornments. The shell‑based headpiece, necklaces, and woven elements create immediate visual interest and give the portrait strong cultural storytelling. The subject’s expression is calm and confident, and the styling is beautifully executed. The depth of field is appropriate and you have controlled the lighting well with no overexposed elements. This image is however let down by your focus point, the shells on his necklace appear sharper than his eyes.

Merit

Reaching his peak

A clean, confident environmental portrait with strong character and a clear sense of place. The subject’s pose against the mast, the safety harness, and the tattered flag all contribute to a narrative of adventure, capability, and maritime identity (presuming the flag is at the top of a boat mast) . The orange beanie adds a welcome pop of colour, and the cloudy sky provides a neutral backdrop that keeps attention on the subject.  Your subject and the details surrounding him are sharp and crisp and he is well place within the frame.  The ropes and rigging create strong lines but also add visual clutter. The engagement is moderate and I feel the viewer connects more with the situation rather than the subject's eyes.

Accepted

RSC Ruben

A clean, straightforward outdoor portrait with a relaxed expression.   You have managed the light well as the shadow areas still have details, the highlights on his face have not blown out completely.  You have framed your subject well but the background elements are distracting and reduce the portraits professionalism.  The impact is modest and pleasant but not distinctive, I wonder if this image would have benefitted from being monochrome.

Accepted

safe with dad

A tender, intimate moment between a child and an adult, captured with sincerity and emotional authenticity.  The light is natural and soft but doesn’t sculpt her face or create depth.  The background is bright and contains recognisable elements reducing the portrait purity. Your subjects face is acceptably sharp but so is the headscarf of the adult which competes for attention.  Experiment with composition as the adults back occupies a large portion of this frame and visually dominates.  This image is leading towards a family moment rather than a crafted portrait.

Not accepted

Salty & seasoned

A clean, confident environmental portrait capturing surf culture and cold‑water grit. The subject stands poised with the board, framed by the ocean behind them. The wetsuit and competition rash‑vest provide immediate context, and the overall mood is authentic and grounded. This image however is leading towards documentary sports imagery rather that crafted portrait, specifically due to lack of connection with his eyes. The surfer is acceptably sharp and his surf board and clothing detail is crisp. You have chosen a good depth of field to give us sense of ocean without it competing with the surfer. You have also managed the light well and no details are lost in the dark elements and no blown highlights.

Accepted

Sheree

A striking, high‑impact portrait with excellent use of a black background to isolate the subject. The vivid blue fabric creates immediate visual drama and frames the face beautifully. The subject’s expression is calm, direct, and engaging, giving the portrait emotional presence. This is one of the more visually refined portraits I've seen — clearly crafted rather than incidental.  The lighting is soft and controlled giving a clean polished look, her face is well lit & sharp.  The framing is strong and the fabric creates a dynamic diagonal that leads the eye toward the face, although I do wonder if the fabric slightly dominates the visual hierarchy. Her calm expression is confident and direct and this portrait feel intentional crafted not candid.

Honours

What does her future hold?

A raw, emotionally charged environmental portrait that immediately communicates hardship, resilience, and vulnerability. The child’s expression, posture, and the setting create a strong narrative pull. The red truck bed provides a gritty, textured backdrop that enhances the emotional weight of the image. The light is soft and diffused which suits the mood however her face would have benefited from a little sculpting to add dimension. The shadows are gentle and the textures of clothing, dirt and metal are well rendered and add authenticity. The depth of field is broad, keeping the environment visible which supports the storytelling but weakens the portrait emphasis. The child is well placed and becomes the clear focal point and her posture adds emotional depth and vulnerability.

Merit

Grade A - Open

Behind the bars

A minimalist architectural study with strong graphic impact. The rough stucco texture, barred window, and diagonal shadow create a visually striking interplay of form, tone, and geometry. The simplicity of the scene is its strength: it feels deliberate, pared back, and quietly expressive.
This is a thoughtful, well‑seen image with clear artistic intent. It leans toward abstract architectural photography, with a hint of narrative tension created by the bars and the confined window.

Merit

Cortinarius taylorianus

A beautifully observed nature study with excellent detail, texture, and mood. The two mushrooms form a natural pair, creating a gentle narrative of connection. The lighting is soft and directional, giving the caps a glossy sheen and revealing the delicate gill structure underneath. The mossy foreground adds richness and depth, creating a lush micro‑environment.

Honours

Evening Ambience

A quiet, minimalist image with a strong sense of simplicity and restraint. The single stone resting on textured sand creates a calm, contemplative mood. The subtle patterns in the sand add visual interest without overwhelming the subject. This is a well‑seen moment with clear intention. The lighting is soft and even and suits this style, you have kept the sand's texture well rendered. The stone is sharp with a muted palette which is harmonious and calming.

Merit

Pleurotus sp.

A beautifully crafted macro study with excellent detail, mood, and subject isolation. The trio of mushrooms forms a natural, elegant composition, and the dark background creates a dramatic stage that elevates the delicate translucency of the caps. The digital processing appears clean, controlled, and intentional. The mushrooms are crisp with fine detail in the gills and stems. Depth of field is well chosen, enough detail to support context but not so much that it becomes busy.

Honours

The 'Other' Wanaka Tree

A dramatic, atmospheric landscape with a strong focal subject: the lone tree rising from the lake. The twisted branches create a striking silhouette against the subdued sky, and the distant town lights add a gentle counterbalance of warmth. The mood is contemplative and slightly haunting, with a clear sense of place and time. The tree is crisp and detailed especially in the branches and the water surface is smooth suggesting a long exposure. The darkening on the edges appears intentional and helps frame the subject. There does not appear to be any visible artefacts or overprocessing.

Honours

Grade C - Set Topic

special memories

There is a lovely immediacy to this two-person portrait, with both faces commanding our attention and the dark, softly rendered background giving good separation to the subjects. The monochrome treatment works particularly well, simplifying the surroundings and allowing us to concentrate on the considerable character and detail within the faces. I also like the balance created by positioning the two subjects on opposite sides of the frame. Technically, I would like to see greater sharpness, particularly around the eyes, together with a little more detail retained in the brightest facial and hair tones. Those improvements would give the print greater refinement.

Accepted

The younger generation

This is a pleasingly direct portrait in which you have moved close and allowed the face to command the image. The monochrome treatment is a good choice, helping to simplify the surrounding foliage, while the darker hair provides an effective natural frame around the lighter facial tones. I find the central composition straightforward and effective, although the busy foliage immediately surrounding the head does compete somewhat for attention. I would also like to see greater critical sharpness, particularly around the eyes, and a little more tonal separation through the face.

Accepted

Grade A - Set Topic

Mangi [First Wife]

This print has immediate impact. The close viewpoint, direct facial emphasis, highly detailed jewellery and very strong yellow/orange clothing against the dark background create a portrait that commands attention. The face immediately dominates the image but does compete with her amazing polkadot dress. Her off-camera gaze adds interest rather than giving a conventional straight-to-camera portrait and her jewellery gives extensive visual detail and creates a strong secondary area of interest.
The dark, subdued background isolates your subject effectively except around the top of her head.  Her hair colour blends into the background which does make her face appear more separated but on closer inspection I wonder if the background has been added or changed in some way as there is a faint transition line around the head, earrings and shoulders, this has caused a soft halo.

Accepted

The Bride and Groom

This is a well-executed wedding portrait with good detail across both faces and an effective overlapping arrangement that brings the two subjects together visually. The tattoos, jewellery and clothing provide considerable individual detail and interest. I particularly appreciate that both faces have been maintained successfully within the plane of focus. My reservation lies mainly with the environment: the numerous branches, foliage and brighter elements around the heads compete for attention, while the horizontal rail adds another strong structural element through the lower composition. Greater background separation or a cleaner viewpoint would allow the subjects to command the frame more strongly.

Accepted

Thinking of home

This is a strong monochrome portrait with excellent detail and a very effective placement of the subject within the frame. Giving space in the direction of the gaze works particularly well, and the headphones provide an additional element of character and context. The strong sunlight creates excellent texture through his face, hair and beard and you have done well to control this. My main reservation is the very bright building behind the head, which repeatedly draws my attention away from his face. Greater control of those background highlights, or a viewpoint giving cleaner separation, would strengthen an already competent portrait considerably.



 

Accepted