Derbyshire photographers shine at exhibition

A tri-county photography competition has proved that when it comes to capturing life, Derbyshire snappers are in the frame.

The 2014 North & East Midlands Photographic Federation exhibition saw county photographers clinching 49 out of 93 awards – despite only representing 17 out of 48 clubs who entered.

Gary Langley, organiser of the competition which is in its 59th year, said the standard from Derbyshire photography clubs is always high.

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“The clubs in Derbyshire have by far the highest rate of acceptances into the exhibition. Maybe it’s due to the beautiful countryside in Derbyshire.”

Top Derbyshire clubs were Derby-based Rolls-Royce Photographic Society and Derby City Photo Club. But those in Chesterfield, Bakewell and Clay Cross were also recognised with awards.

Steve Williams, from Chesterfield Photographic Society took home the most-coveted Best in Exhibition for his shot of a kingfisher emerging from the water with prey. It was judged the best nature image and overall best image from more than 2,000 entries.

Andrew Evans, vice president of the club, said being accepted into the prestigious exhibition is an accolade in itself but added:
“Winning best in show at an exhibition like this, well it doesn’t really get any better than that.The standard of photography in the East Midlands is so high, and this will really help put the Chesterfield Photographic Society on the map.”

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He added: “I don’t know what makes Derbyshire photographers, but many clubs are very competitive and have photographers with years of experience.

“The landscape also lends itself to photographs. Hopefully successes like those we have seen here will help inspire new photographers who we have in the club.”

Touching portraits by Bakewell Photographic Circle member Jim Edmondson were named as selector’s choice winners in the exhibition, while Clay Cross photographic Society’s Roy Millett took home the Best Projected Colour image prize for his sports shot, entitled Duo In The Dust.

A total of 576 photographs are being displayed in the exhibition, at Durban House, Eastwood, which runs until Friday, February 7.