Results of the October Competition ‘Sense of Place’
On Friday 30th October, members of AppFrod Camera Club gathered at Connect Church to judge the October round of our monthly photography competition, this time on the theme of ‘Sense of Place’.
Members were invited to explore how photography can communicate more than simply what a place looks like. The challenge was to create an image that conveyed something about the character or atmosphere of a location, perhaps sharing a personal experience, evoking a feeling or expressing an idea about the place being photographed.
Unlike some of our previous competitions, members were encouraged to give their photographs titles to help others understand what they were trying to communicate through their images.
The eleven entries demonstrated a variety of interpretations, from architecture and landscapes to everyday life and human activity, showing how different photographers respond to the places around them.
As usual, members took part in the judging, awarding points to determine the final results. It was another enjoyable competition, providing an opportunity not only to appreciate each other’s photographs but also to consider how images can communicate a sense of place beyond simply recording what was in front of the camera.
First Place – 9pts – ‘City Secrets’ by Julie Smith
Julie explained that when she took this photograph, beside the canal in Nottingham near WEX, she found herself wondering what was happening between the two men beneath the bridge. What were they discussing, and what had brought them together?
She deliberately included the road and activity above them in her composition, contrasting the everyday movement of the city with the quieter, less visible world beneath it.
The photograph reflects her idea that we can never really know everything that is happening around us, particularly what might be taking place just below our feet. An interesting interpretation of Sense of Place, inviting the viewer to look beyond the obvious and create their own story.
Second Place – 7pts – ‘Elegance’ by Phil Hope
Phil’s photograph, Elegance, was taken inside Doddington Hall, near Lincoln, where the historic interiors offer a glimpse into the grandeur and elegance of a country house.
The carefully composed image draws our eyes through the room, taking in the polished wooden floor, ornate plaster ceiling, chandeliers, historic portraits and period furniture.
The absence of people adds to the atmosphere, allowing the room itself to tell the story. There is a feeling of quietness and timelessness, as though we have stepped back into another era.
An interesting interpretation of Sense of Place, demonstrating how architecture, furnishings and light can combine to communicate the character and history of a location.
A beautifully observed portrait with plenty of character.
Third Place – 5pts – ‘The End Of The Day For Some by Stewart Wall
Taken at Portishead, overlooking the Bristol Channel, this photograph explores the contrasting activities taking place as daylight begins to fade.
The warm colours of the setting sun suggest the end of another day, while the silhouette of the large sculptural figure dominates the foreground. In the distance, industrial cranes, chimneys and rising smoke remind us that, for some, the working day continues long after others have finished.
The title, The End of the Day for Some, invites the viewer to consider these parallel experiences of place. While some people are enjoying the tranquillity of an evening beside the water, others may be beginning a night shift or continuing their work.
An interpretation of Sense of Place that looks beyond the physical landscape to consider the different lives and activities that share the same environment.
The other entries – all receive 3 Points
Special mention should go to David Smith and Michael Barwick who both just missed being in the top three places. Once again the scoring was high for all photographers this month
David’s photograph captures the different rhythms of everyday life. The contrast between the elderly couple, the passing pedestrians and the movement of a pushchair creates an interesting observation about how people experience and move through the same public space at different speeds. It reminds us that a sense of place is not simply about the location itself, but also about the people who occupy it.
Mick has explored a quieter interpretation of the theme, using the reflections of two colourful waterside buildings to create a sense of calm and tranquillity. The ducks on the water introduce life into the scene, while the composition encourages us to appreciate the relationship between the buildings and their surroundings. The photograph communicates the peaceful character of this particular place.
A special mention should go to new member Stacy Johnson, who entered a wonderful photograph that really captured the spirit of our Sense of Place competition.
Stacy’s photograph takes us into the heart of a busy Christmas market, where freshly baked loaves of bread are piled high in the foreground, surrounded by festive decorations. Behind them, shoppers are equally tightly packed together, creating an interesting visual relationship between the bread and the people.
Photographically, Stacy has made good use of depth of field, gently softening the background while retaining enough detail for us to recognise the people and their activities. The warm lighting, festive colours and crowded composition combine to communicate the atmosphere of the market.
What makes this photograph particularly successful is that it does more than simply show us a bread stall. It gives us a feeling of being there, surrounded by the sights, colours and bustle of a Christmas market. This is precisely what we were hoping members would explore through the theme of Sense of Place.
Stacy received a high score from members and deserves particular recognition. However, under AppFrod’s competition scoring system, scores are adjusted when an entrant is unable to attend and take part in voting for the other photographs. Unfortunately, this adjustment meant that Stacy’s entry finished outside the top three, despite the strong support it received from those present.
A lovely entry from one of our newest members, and we look forward to seeing more of Stacy’s photography in future competitions.
Simon’s photograph takes a more contemplative approach, using the soft colours of the evening sky and the gentle curve of the shoreline to communicate a feeling of peace and solitude. The absence of people allows us to concentrate on the natural landscape, the changing light and the sense of space. It is a reminder that a sense of place can be communicated through atmosphere as much as through recognisable landmarks.
Krishna’s photograph explores the relationship between wildlife and the people who visit the natural environment. The seabirds occupying the grassy cliff, together with the photographers observing them, create a story about how different species share and experience the same location. The image communicates both the character of the coastal habitat and the human fascination with the natural world.
Andrew has used silhouettes against a colourful stained-glass window to communicate something about the atmosphere of an interior space. The contrast between the dark foreground objects and the vibrant patterns of light creates a strong visual impression. Rather than simply recording the building, the photograph encourages us to consider the quieter, reflective character of the place and the activities associated with it.
Phil’s photograph records a memorial commemorating the Australian and New Zealand forces who served during the First World War. The monument provides a strong connection between place, history and remembrance. It demonstrates how a location can acquire meaning through the events and people associated with it, allowing photography to communicate something about the historical identity of a place.
Susan’s black-and-white photograph explores the distinctive architecture of a historic town square, but for Susan, this is much more than simply a record of an attractive location.
Having lived in the town for many years, Susan has a strong personal connection with the square, including memories of performing ballet there. The photograph therefore represents not only the physical character of the place, with its beautiful timber-framed buildings, but also the experiences and memories that make it meaningful to her.
This is a lovely example of how Sense of Place can be deeply personal. While others might see an interesting architectural scene, Susan sees a place that holds part of her own history.
It reminds us that a sense of place is not always about what we can see in a photograph, but also about the memories, experiences and emotions we associate with a location.
Photographer of the Year 2026
October’s Sense of Place competition has seen Julie extend her lead at the top of our 2026 Photographer of the Year competition, while the battle for second place has become particularly close.
Julie Smith continues to lead the competition and, after adding another 9 points with her October win, moves onto an impressive 60 points, giving her a 19-point advantage with just two rounds remaining.
Behind her, things are becoming particularly interesting. Stewart Wall and David Smith are now tied for second place on 41 points, with Mick Barwick just one point behind on 40 points. With two competitions still to go, there is everything to play for.
Simon Feane remains strongly placed on 34 points, while Susan White and Phil Edmunds are tied on 30 points. Andrew Bullen follows on 28 points, just ahead of Noel Martin on 27.
Phil Hope’s second place in October moves him onto 20 points, joining David Hornsby and Krishna Pandeya. New member Stacy Johnson also joins the Photographer of the Year table, collecting her first 3 points.
With November and December still to come, the competition for the remaining podium positions promises to be an exciting finish to the year.
