Capturing Culture

This competition has now closed.

Winners

1st
Rakher Upobash
Suvra Kanti Das
2nd
Morning Prayer
Mahfuzul Hasan Bhuiyan
3rd
Bedouin Dancer
Peter Coles

Commended

The concept of culture is closely interlinked with that of identity, and for populations around the world it is culture that helps to define them and give them a sense of belonging. The beliefs, values and behaviours that distinguish one group of people from another are what makes the human race so unique and interesting. With this theme, we are looking for images that depict these specific differences and peculiarities from traditions, food, language, customs, and values, to gender roles, social conventions, local celebrations, social structure, recreational activities and religion. Whether you choose to portray your own culture or whether you have captured the culture of a foreign society or nation, we look forward to seeing your entries.

Competition Judge

Robert Dawson

I have been involved with photography for about 50 years, embracing all genres in my exploration of the medium.
I began by looking into the different areas of darkroom work, building my first darkroom in a garden shed. I took advice from local, experienced photographers and as I became more adept I began to explore the different areas of mono photography such as Lith printing, Bromoil and Gum Bicromat to name a few.
I have also worked with colour slides and prints, cross processing my negatives and slides; also experimenting using household chemicals which I added during the developing process.
I was proud to be awarded an LRPS and ARPS with the Royal Photographic Society and I hope to try and obtain an FRPS. I was also accredited with a CPAGB with the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain.
I became a judge with the East Anglian Federation of Photographers several years ago.
On my retirement I went to college to study for an “A” level in photography, and I then studied for an HND BTEC in Photography and Art History being awarded distinctions in all modules. I continued my education completing a degree in Photography and Digital Media in 2006 with my work centred on Abstract Photography as practiced by the renowned Photographer Aaron Siskind, the only photographer to be accepted into the New York School of Modern Art.
I am still enthusiastic about and active with my photography, belonging to three photographic clubs.

View Archive

Rakher Upobash

Suvra Kanti Das

First Prize

The photographer has been skillful with the taking of this picture. He has balanced the tones through the picture from front to back using the smoke from the pots in front of all the worshipers. The picture shows a good understanding of highlights and shadows and I can see no area burnt out or blocked up.

Morning Prayer

Mahfuzul Hasan Bhuiyan

Second Prize

I like the bright colours found in this picture of local monks having their morning wash in the river, possibly the Ganges. The photographer has found a strong position from which to take his picture, the steps form lead lines intothe haze in the middle distance, bleeding up to the blue sky. I don't think that the boats on the right detract from the overall story as they show that the river is also a working one.

Bedouin Dancer

Peter Coles

Third Prize

I find this photograph quite exhilarating, full of dynamic movement with the dancer's costume billowing out in a cascade of colour in the picture. It looks like some form of additional light has been employed in the picture to add a bit of substance to the dancer but that adds to the overall effect and the photographer is to be congratulated.

Indian Dancer

Jeremy Aerts

Commended

The timing for this photograph is excellent with the subject caught in mid spin, looking back. the colour in this picture is full of vitality and raw energy and the dancer blends nicely with her surroundings.

Tourist Fatehpur Sikri

Jene Rue Sastry

Commended

The colours in this picture are of a terracotta palate which I found quite pleasing, with her dress in contrast brighter and more vibrant. The subject being two-thirds into the frame, her head turned back looking at the photographer, enhances the shot.

Terrace Ploughing

Sheila Haycox

Commended

The 'S' shape of the terracing is one of the strongest shapes you can find in art. In this picture the terracing runs off into the distance shrouded in haze which makes the peasant and his ox stand out, almost in 3D, showing the toughness of his way of life. Nothing could show off his culture in such a powerful manner.

Face in Borkha

Pranab Basak

Commended

This picture depicts members of the Muslim faith with their personality covered in their borkha and not allowing their emotions to show. The way this young girl peers out from among her elders, her face wide eyed with wonder and excitement gives strength to the overall story. This is a lovely photograph.