Meeting Report – 25th January 2023 Merit Competition Round 1 – Shadows

On Wednesday 25th January 2023, Dunchurch Photographic Society staged the 1st Round of the 2022-23 season Merit Competition, this time, kicking it all off with the subject of ‘Shadows.’ It was the first round of this epic three-round competition, where members tackle a different set subject in each round. Successful images in each round earn points, whether they were Commended, Highly Commended, Third, Second or First. There are four categories – the Novice Print section, Novice Projected Image section, Advance Print section and the Advanced Projected Image section. That means, four different champions will be declared by the end of the Merit competition marathon.

We have become accustomed to very interesting and competitive evenings at the Society across our varied program of competitions, and this evening was evidence of that. On the subject of ‘Shadows,’ our members included a range of different photographic styles and subjects which included an emphasis on shadows. Entries embraced the set subject and in some cases, there were very creative pieces and also examples of work with a light hearted intent. It made for a fine show all round.

Our judge for the evening was John Lewis from Daventry. John gave a constructive and engaging critique of our collective photographic entries across both Print and Projected Image media. Indeed, Dunchurch Photographic Society members can be proud of the fact that John was entertained and impressed by our work. If we can make the judge’s deliberation and decision difficult, then as members, we have done our job. So well done to every one of our members who submitted work for this competition.

My key thanks as Chairman go to John for being our judge for the evening, and to ALL of our members who entered the competition – there is no competition without YOU.

The Results Are In… And As Follows –
Novice Print –
3rd Place –

This Is London – Michael Bryan

2nd Place –

Webb Ellis Complete – Mark Hickman


1st Place –

Alvis TD21 – Mark Hickman



Novice Projected Image –

Highly Commended –

Clown – Mark Hickman

3rd Place –

Shadow Walker – Graeme Webb


2nd Place –

You’re Nicked – Michael Bryan


1st Place –

All Screwed Up – Michael Bryan



Advanced Print –
Commended –

Reaching Out – Steven Farmer
Nordfjord Light And Shadow – David Bray AFIAP, CPAGB, A.CPE

Highly Commended –

Mainsail Reach – Warren Strickland
Doorstep Shadows – David Cunnane
Pause For Thought – David Bray AFIAP, CPAGB, A.CPE




3rd Place
Light And Shadow – David Cunnane

2nd Place –

Hemispheric Building Valencia – Mark Ellis

1st Place –

One Step Behind – Mark Ellis



Advanced Project Image –
Commended –

Through The Yew – Ian Andrew
Ink Cartridge Shadow Puppet – Mark Ellis



Highly Commended –

Walking In The Shadows – David Cunnane


3rd Place –

The Empty Barn – Ian Andrew


2nd Place –

Bicycle Shadow – Mark Ellis


1st Place –

Me And My Shadow – David Cunnane



Congratulations to all of the photographers who were successful across the four categories for this opening round. There’s still plenty to play for as the marathon continues with Round 2 on Wednesday 8th February… the subject being ‘Film Titles…’

“I feel the need… the need, for speed.”

Come and have a look at the ‘stories’ being told in our images.

Report by David J. Bray AFIAP, CPAGB, A.CPE
Chairman.