PHOTOGRAPHIC ART

Southland Times, Issue 25548, 16 December 1944, Page 3

PHOTOGRAPHIC ART

Outstanding Prints On Exhibition An exhibition of photographs entered for the Bledisloe Cup competition was opened in the lounge of H. and J. Smith, Ltd., last evening. The competition is open to members of camera clubs or photographic societies, each organization being permitted 12 prints with not more than two from any one member. This year’s competition was won by the Auckland Camera Club with a total of 1067 points. Next in order were: Christchurch Photographic Society 1033, Wellington Camera Club 1004, Waikato Camera Club 971, Southland Photographic Society 952, Dunedin Photographic Society 918. The 12 entries forwarded by the Southland society were placed as follows: W. E. Johnson (“Lake Wakatipu”) 81 points, W. J. Oliver (“Headland”) 80, S. E. Todd (“Doris”) 79, W. E. Kennard (“The First Lesson”) 79, W. E. Johnson (“Homeward Bound”) 78, W. H. Tustin (“Early Morning Calm”) 77, F. H. Preddy (“An Anxious Moment”) 73, F. H. Preddy (“Pointe”) 73, W. E. Kennard (“Satin and Bronze”) 73, J. Moor (“Seaside Frolic”) 70, W. J. Oliver (“It’s a Pippin”) 69; W. H. Tustin (“Mirrored Peaks”) 66. Commenting on Mr Johnson’s “Lake Wakatipu,” the judges, Messrs R. O. Cross, A.R.8.5., Vernon Brown, A.N.Z.1.A., and R. E. Ash, said it was a good rendition of atmosphere, but the foreground and sky were too similar in area. It could have been improved by trimming. The photographs, which have been arranged in district groups, are well worth inspecting. They represent photographic skill of a high order, and even the layman can appreciate the artistic merit of the prints. No doubt many of those who view the exhibition will disagree with the judge’s choice of the champion print—“ Trees of the Fields,” in the Auckland group. Some will prefer “A Dog of the World,” a magnificent study which, as the judges say, “illustrates the title very happily.” Other critics will probably see more merit in “Design in Seascape,” or “Enter Spring.” “Miss Faith Harvey,” “Foam,” “Sunlight” and “The Wheat Country” are other fine examples of the photographer’s art. The exhibition will be open until after the holidays, and the society invites the public to view the photographs.