Third Monthly Winning images

Grey Mare - Mono Print by Gillian Temple, scored 20

This is a composite shot taken with my Canon R5 100-500 mm lens at a focal distance of 500mm, F8, 1/4000, ISO 2000.  This image was taken at a show and the horse was wearing a bridle, however I felt that it was spoiling the look of the horses head so removed the bridle in Photoshop and removed the background and added a complimentary texture.  Cropping the image to a square made it a stronger composition

An Drochaid Mono Print by Kathy Haddow, scored 19

“An Drochaid,” meaning “The Bridge” in Gaelic, is a subtle nod to the official name of the Kylesku Bridge in Sutherland which spans the narrow strait between Loch Glencoul and Loch Glendhu. Constructed as a concrete box girder bridge, it opened to traffic in July 1984, replacing the former ferry service. Today, this striking structure is a listed landmark and a popular tourist attraction. If you’ve traveled on the Corran Ferry, you may recall the Maid of Glencoul—the vessel carrying you between Lochaber and Ardgour was the one that once served this route before the bridge transformed the journey. Today, Kylesku Bridge stands as a symbol of engineering excellence and scenic beauty, offering breathtaking views and a unique connection to Scotland’s heritage.

When I visited in January, the area was quiet, with few signs of tourists—just before Storm Eowyn swept through. This photograph was captured the day before the storm, under extraordinary light conditions. From a vantage point on the hillside, I aimed to highlight the bridge’s graceful curve and its integration into this remote Scottish landscape. The resulting image creates a striking contrast between human engineering and the vast natural surroundings—a powerful reminder of our smallness within the grandeur of nature.

Taken on a Nikon D780 using a Sigma 24-105mm f/4 Art lens (100 ISO; f/13; 1/30th sec)

KH

Stepping Out - Colour Print by Gillian Temple, scored 20

This is a composite shot and taken with my Canon 1Dx Mark 2 at F4, 1/8000 and ISO 640.  This composite shot is made up of 3 images combined in Photoshop then added textures to bring the image together. The high shutter speed was to catch the action of the horse movements to ensure a sharp shot and the F4 was to ensure the grass blurred close to the camera and also at the other side of the horse.  The original image of the girl on the horse was taken in a field but I felt that it detracted from the horse and rider and wanted a paler background to make them stand out more.

GT

Stand Off - Colour Print by Gillian Temple, scored 20

This is a wildlife shot taken from a hide with my Canon R5 100-500mm lens.  It was taken at a focal distance of 343mm F7.1 1/3200 sec and ISO 4000.  Having my camera on a fast burst mode and taking multiple shots during the interaction of the birds ensures getting the action.  Waiting on the birds to fly up into the air and taking it with a fast shutter speed gets the sharp shots.  As the birds were under some trees the light is sometimes a bit lower so a higher ISO is required and lots of patience.

Hanging on - DPI Image by David Scott, scored 20

Hot, dry day in the outback town of Warwick for the annual rodeo/cowboy event over the last weekend in October. A very popular event that attracts a large audience. 

This image taken on my Canon 5DS and 70-200mm f2/8 lens, perfect for this fast action photography, I converted to mono and feel it creates more drama and atmosphere, I did however replace the gentleman on the left-hand side of the image, the original gent just looked a bit static whereas the replacement is a bit more animated and creates a better balance to the image.

Rearing Stallion - DPI Image by Gillian Temple,  scored 20.

Another composite image taken on my Canon 1Dx Mark 2 24-105mm lens taken at 70mm.  The stallion was released into the field and allowed to run about.  I went into the field and crouched down and sat quietly until the owner called the horse over, it ran over and reared up and I took the shot. The camera settings were F3.2, 1/8000, ISO 640.  In Photoshop I removed the field and the owner added a background and texture and changed the foreground.  The colour of the background was chosen to compliment the rest of the image.

Forth Rail Bridge - DPI Image by Robert Brownlie,  scored 19.

“I took this shot on a cold damp night from the Railway Pier in North Queensferry. 

I was alone in the pitch dark at the end of the pier, set up on a tripod, only to realise that there was quite a drop into the water below.

I have a morbid fear of heights!! You can imagine the rest!! Not the most comfortable experience I have to say!!!

I am, however, honoured to have success with this image. 

I had to expose for the very bright lights at the end of the bridge to avoid”blowing” them out. I wanted a wide DOF therefore used f/13 which resulted in a significantly underexposed image. I thought I might have required a bracket however I was  confident enough in my Nikon Z8 that I could pull the details out of the shadows in Lightroom. I did a few minor adjustments and finished off with a stroke created in Photoshop. “