In reply to Alan James - UKC:
Thanks to everyone who updated their galleries for the competition. Overall the standard was exceptionally high, with any of the open finalists fully capable of mixing it with professionals. It was interesting to note that there was a large amount of pure landscapes, most of which were of a very high standard, whereas truly jaw dropping action shots were rare. I suspect this is reflection of UKC readers voting preferences. Choosing two winners has been very difficult, in the end we went for the photographers who we felt had the strongest individual style and would be able to provide that “wow-factor” crucial for a crowd-moving presentation. I thought it worthwhile putting down a few of my personal thoughts re the finalists, apologies for their brevity.
Week 1
Alex Ekins – Lovely gallery, full of variety, full of surprise and full of life. Alex has a great eye and great timing.
Brian D – Consistently outstanding quality. Technically highly accomplished and the amount of effort needed to get into position for many of the shots is admirable. This gallery included some of the best landscapes I’ve seen. My one criticism is that I would have liked to have seen a wider range of approaches, angles etc in the action shots.
Wee Jamie – Many, many excellent shots. The collection of views of the North East Buttress is a portfolio of its own and Jamie’ self portrait with Am Bastier is a classic. However the action shots tended to lack drama.
Alexandre Buisse – Alexandre is without doubt a brilliant photographer and with his distinctive style his work justifiably qualifies as art. That distinctive style will divide opinion however for me some images work perfectly; the black and white of the Moon over the Aiguilles, Sunset on the Atacama desert and Skiers waiting for the cable car. A few of the others didn’t work for me . Nevertheless powerful stuff.
Henning Wackerage – One of my favourite galleries on UKC. A real activists collection with a great sense of involvement and joy. Henning’s best shots capture the feelings and emotions that are found on the front-line of climbing - not an easy job. The Hanging Gardens of the Cairngorms, How characters are built and Checking out quick descent routes are rare moments that have been perfectly captured.
Week 2
Mike Hutton – Tremendous gallery. The shot Blue John’s Rib, Mam Tor is perfect. My one minor criticism is that there is a little lack of surprise, perhaps sponteniety amongst the action shots. Nevertheless great consistency.
Roy Plenderleith – One of the things I wanted to see in this comp was unusual images not just technically well realised versions of well known themes. So it’s a pleasure to see The Autumn Buchaille, and the unique light of End of the Day, Stac Pollaidh and Quothquan Law.
John Cameron – a lovely collection of landscapes. Being in the right place at the right time is rarely due to luck and more likely a case of hard work and dedication. John obviously has applied this in spades. The images Tower Ridge at Dawn followed Loch Achtriochtan at dawn are a wonderful combination showing John’s range.
Sean Kelly – A huge gallery packed with shots that have that little extra. Looking for a bivvy site on Aonach Beag, Haytor shortly after dawn and Clogwyn y Grochan all being prime examples.
![[ShAFF Adventure Shot Open 2010, 2 kb]](http://img.ukclimbing.com/t/136137.jpg "[ShAFF Adventure Shot Open 2010, 2 kb]")
One of the most exciting events at this year's Sheffield Adventure Film Festival is the ShAFF Adventure Shot Quiz and Photography Competition, the culmination of which is a “shoot out” by five adventure sports photographers; three professionals and two winners from ShAFF Adventure Shot Open, here online on UKClimbing. Read on for details of how to enter the Open competition.
