The results of the annual SPF Portfolios for 2023 are now out. Three of our members gained acceptances, with 1 acceptance for Alistair Birnie, 2 for Rob Buchan and 2 for John Thom (13 out of a possible 15 points from 3 selectors were required for an acceptance). Overall the Club came 7th out of 26 in the Projected Digital Images (PDI) section.

Two of our members, Rob Buchan and John Thom, have recently had several of their photographs accepted into this annual exhibition's portfolio. Out of over 5000 total submissions, our two members gained 4 acceptances. More details of the exhibition can be seen at https://photoexhib.com/dingwall/results-2023/results.htm.

Two Club members have had great success in this year's Scottish Photographic Federation Portfolios competition. The majority of Scottish photography clubs are represented in this annual event so competition is fierce.

Overall, the Club came 4th in the Monochrome Print section and 6th in the Colour Print section. The awards (SPF Gold Medals) for the best photographs overall in these two sections both went to Club members: John Thom for "Edge of the Storm" and Rob Buchan for "Osprey Fishing".

Here are some of the winning (and runners-up) images from our 4th monthly competition events. Hover over each image for a description, click on each to view a larger version.

Here's another tip from Club member George Hay. This time how to use Photoshop to convert a full colour image into monochrome but also leave an area in its original colour. Click on the images below for a full size version of each figure mentioned here.

1. Open image in Photoshop – Figure 1
   
2. Go to adjustment layers and select Channel Mixer, and Create new channel layer – Figure 2.
3. Tick the small box at the top left Monochrome – Figure 3.
4. Make sure the background and foreground colours are set to black and white, press D on the keyboard. – Figure 4.
5. Make sure the Layer Mask on the Channel Mixer Layer is highlighted, white line around layer mask. – Figure 5.
6. Make sure that black is selected for the foreground colour, choose the paint brush tool then paint over the area you wish to bring back the colour. If you make a mistake change the foreground to white and paint over to restore.

This method can be used to convert the image to monochrome before any adjustments are made to the image, and adjustment layers used to create the desired effect. A fully adjusted colour image can be converted and colour restored to desired areas.

Here are the winning (and runners-up) images from the first 3 of our monthly competition events. Hover over each image for a description, click on each to view a larger version.

This is the first year the Club has run the Portfolio of the Year event. The winner is whoever produces the portfolio that is the most coherent, original and creative interpretation of their chosen theme. There are two sections, one for prints and one for digital images (PDI). The awards went to Alistair Birnie for "Windows" and Doug Winton for "Street musicians". The images from one of the winners can be viewed below, click on each to see a larger version.

Since the last post about our fortnightly summer challenges, we've had several more events. Here is a selection of the entries and winning images from these challenges.
(click on the images for larger versions)

Our summer online challenge event has started early than usual this year as our usual programme of events has been suspended for now. Our virtual events run every two weeks with a theme being chosen by the winner of the previous event. The first theme for this season was "Flow" and the first 3 places went to the photos below. Left to right, 1st place "Light flow" from Sandy McIntosh, 2nd place "Overflow" from George Hay, 3rd place "Cloud flow" from John Thom

With the results from our last two monthly competitions of the season now available the overall winners are decided, and here they are:
Results - month 5
Colour prints
1. Wind and water, John Thom, 2. Am Garnh Corrie, Sandy McIntosh, 3. Junbird, Rob Buchan
Monochrome prints
1. Lutheran church Iceland, John Thom, 2. We don't talk anymore, Doug Winton, 3. Art class day out, George Hay
Colour PDI
1. Heron, John Thom, 2. Fishermans' hut, George Hay, 3. Wing walker, Rob Buchan
Results - month 6
Colour prints
1. Mandarin, Julie Adams, 2=. Back lane busker, Sandy McIntosh, 2=. Checking the odds, Rob Buchan, 2=. The wedding party, John Thom, 3. Waterfalls, George Hay
Monochrome prints
1. The Ashton, George Hay, 2=. Waiting to cross, Doug Winton, 2=. Swiss-Italian border, Sandy Mcintosh, 3. An Aberdeen Christmas, John Thom,
Colour PDI
1. Lochnagar, Alistair Birnie, 2. Vienna windows, Alistair Birnie, 3=. Morning light, George Hay, 3=. It's lonely at Christmas, John Thom
Overall results
Colour prints
1. Sandy McIntosh, 2. George Hay, 3. John Thom
Monochrome prints
1. George Hay, 2. John Thom, 3. Doug Winton
Colour PDI
1=. John Thom, Alistair Birnie, 2. Rob Buchan, 3. George Hay