Lauderdale House Photography Competition 2013

It’s an interesting time for photography. Cameras have become everyday accessories, and social media has helped propagate the proliferation of shared moments. On the other end of the spectrum, Fine Art photographers push the edges of photography conceptually, examining all areas from subject to sizing to questioning of the media itself. What then for the traditions and principles of photography, as developed over the past century or so? And those photographers who actually practice and learn the principles of tone and shading, of selecting the right aperture and camera speed, and who are interested in discovering how their camera works, rather than aiming for snaps?

There are still plenty of professional, amateur and student photographers learning the craft and making images. A genteel sort of arts centre at the edge of Waterlow Park, Lauderdale House in Highgate hosts a yearly photographic competition, this year with themes “Open” and “Humour”. The “Open” theme allows for a really varied selection of images, chosen purely for impact and the more traditional values of photography, such as composition and tone.  Street photography relies on having an eye for the right time at the right place and noticing everyday juxtapositions. Julian Sainsbury shows how it’s done with a bus stop sign strategically placed over a person’s head. In “Humour”, once again it is proven that dogs make the funniest subjects.

On the busy opening night the audience clearly enjoyed an evening of well executed, accessible photography, and debating whether they agreed with the choice of winners. With her technically impressive Workers under the Blackfriars Bridge, overall winner Gordana Johnson gets her own solo show in the venue.

Each work bears a title – with varying success, as some photographs fare better without a caption or punch line. Many images are available to buy.

Verdict: ★★★★★

Eleanor MacFarlane
Photos: Andrei Grosu

Lauderdale House Photography Competition is on from 7^th to 18^th August 2013, for further information visit here.