S1 – S3 Photography Competition

Our pupils got the chance to showcase their camera skills in our S1-S3 photography competition.

The pupils had to choose a theme for their selected images. This year’s themes were My Happy Place, Colour, and Unexpected. The competition was judged by two of our Higher Photography pupils, Chloe (S6) and Isabel (S6), and was filled with talent. Read about the winners and see the full gallery below.

Winner: Joshua (S2) –‘Where sunrise thoughts meet the tide’

Judges’ comments:

The judges loved the attention to detail in the image, such as the perfectly level horizon and the natural way the man is seated on the rock while looking into the distance, which is beautifully encapsulated by the title. The judges were initially drawn to the stark contrast between the dark rock at the bottom of the image and the light blue sky above. Due to the strong composition, the image feels evenly balanced and draws the viewer’s eye towards the glorious morning sun.

The colour cast on the water uses the photography technique of leading lines, guiding the viewer’s eye into the photograph, creating depth and emphasising the vastness of the water. The speedboat, visible next to the sun, emphasises the scale of the landscape and how the human figure’s thoughts are overshadowed by the serene surroundings.

Runner Up: Nairn (S3) –‘Colour’

Judges’ comments:

The compositional technique of a frame within a frame helps to emphasise the enormous scale of the landscape as it towers over the model, creating a striking and dramatic atmosphere. This is supported by the proportion of the model in comparison to the naturally occurring terrain.

The judges were intrigued by this interpretation of colour, as the photograph is mostly monochromatic. This effect is enhanced by the natural backlighting, which removes detail from the model’s face. This creates a strong focal point and enhances the hazardous nature of the cave. It could also suggest the narrative that humans are out of place in certain naturally formed ecosystems due to the unusual viewpoint.

Full gallery: