Holiday snaps win judge’s praise

While the Hedland Camera Club took an extended break over Christmas and the New Year, local snappers ensured their cameras were never far from reach.

That was in evidence when they shared photos from their holidays and trips around the Pilbara and beyond as part of the club’s Road Trip-Journey exhibition held earlier this month.

Acting as guest judge, professional photographer Sheldon Petitt praised snappers as he handed out one gold, three silver and numerous bronze prizes.

Regular prize winner, Craig Rowles picked up gold for his Swag Sunrise picture, in which a man bathed in golden light carries his pack through a forest of tall trees.

“This is beautiful. Fantastic tonal range in that early morning light,” Petit said.

Rowles also picked up a silver for Don’t Forget Your Lunch, as did Bec Morrison for Ready to Ride and Mick Bourke for Trucking Through the Pilbara.

“Really nice colour palette through this one,” Petitt said of Bourke’s photo.

Exhibition co-ordinator Nicole Boland said members were thrilled with Petitt’s judging.

“Everyone was inspired ... as he was able to provide direct insight and feedback,” she said.

“Sheldon was (also) generous enough to provide those in attendance with a brief introduction to Photoshop.”

“He focussed on the correction of slanted horizons, cropping to improve composition and enhancing light and colour via the histogram.”

Boland said the club was also delighted to see plenty of new faces attend its first exhibition for 2016.

Members next meet on April 6 for the club’s Long Exposures exhibition.