Want to know why we chose our top three finalists for the 2014 Getaway Gallery? Here’s the feedback from judges as published in the July 2015 issue of Getaway magazine. Meet the judges here.
First place
First Place: Mark Chittenden with ‘Under the Stars’.
Heinrich van den Berg: Technically this image is brilliant. Getting the stars exposed correctly is a challenge, but getting the exposure correct in the tent is much more difficult. This combined with a perfect composition, makes this image unique and striking.
Jacqui Macgregor: Mark Chittenden has captured the heart of an experience that no human being I know wouldn’t want to repeatedly encounter. For those who can’t office-bound folk venture out into the wild just yet, this is a perfectly captured awe-inspiring image that puts you in the moment right along side the photographer.
Russell Smith: Besides it’s overall appeal, this image has a good balance and composition. The exposure is spot on and the small amount of detail in the rock was just enough to not distract. The story of the man and tent adds good layering as well.
Teagan Cunniffe: This image showed thought and forward planning, resulting in an image that is beautiful, travel-inspiring and technically brilliant. Also from knowing firsthand the difficulty – credit goes for lighting that tent so well!
Second place
Second Place: Tyrone Mckendry with ‘Flight from Flames’.
Heinrich van den Berg: This is a once in a lifetime image. The flames are beautifully captured and the composition of the owl flying from the fire makes this image really strong. But it is the strong story element of this image that elevates it to another level.
Jacqui Macgregor: A gift of timing. Stress, precision, fear this image captures the plight of mother nature and its will to survive. This emotional and dramatic composition is a reminds us of the plight of Mother Nature and her will to survive.
Russell Smith: This well captured image appeals to me on multiple levels. The size of the flames and heat visible next to this owl provides tension while the timing is perfect and the story it tells of fire and its effects on wildlife is an important message.
Teagan Cunniffe: Wow, what a capture. Right time and right place resulting in a dramatic photo that has an important environmental story.
Third place
Third place: Alexandra Novitske with ‘Fish for Sale’.
Heinrich van den Berg: I love the composition of this image. The shapes work magically together and the shadow falling over the boy enhances the strength of the shape.
Jacqui Macgregor: This image captures the heart of the everyday life in Africa, it is exactly what inspires us to travel and experience the emotion of the textures sights and sounds of the unknown worlds around us.
Russell Smith: This image isn’t as technically perfect, but has everything else. The eye contact with the boy connects you to him. Compositionally it is strong and has lots of story to tell.
Teagan Cunniffe: I love the expression on the boy’s face and his eye contact draws you in on the scene, making for a great environmental travel portrait.
View all the 2014 Getaway Gallery winners and finalists here.
