Fleadh photo winner named at Mullingar Camera Club open night
The the winner of the Fleadh Photographer Volunteer Competition was announced at a well attended Mullingar Camera Club held open night at Áras an Mhuilinn on Wednesday, September 13 (details below).
The open night served to launch the club’s 2023/24 season, and addressing the crowd who turned up club president Noel Murphy paid tribute to the initial members, who had the foresight to establish the club more than 40 years ago.
Despite those decades of existence of a strong club, many local photographers are not aware of their existence when asked if they would consider joining the club, said Noel, and the open night provided an opportunity to redress that situation.
Noel added that amateur photography technology has changed a lot over the four decades. The first club members primarily worked in black and white film before moving on to colour, then digital, and now more images than ever are taken on mobile phones.
The main aim of Mullingar Camera Club is enjoying photography and members helping one another improve their photographic skills, so there is always something to learn, whatever your level in photography.
For the Fleadh Photographer Volunteer Competition, volunteer photographers were each asked to submit five images for consideration.
Independent judges Jerry Kerr and Mark Sedgwick provided excellent comments regarding the images they had selected, noting that the standard of photography by the volunteers was very high.
In first place was Ben Millett with his photo ‘Bliss’; in second place was Gary McGivney with his image ‘Who are you?’; and in third place was Barry Monaghan with his image ‘Gilleran's’.
Three highly commended images by Anthony Dowdall, Anna Allen and Shane King were mentioned.
Assessing the outcome of the night, Noel thought it was successful, and a number of new members were signed up.
He reminded anyone interested in photography that the club meet every second Wednesday 7.30-9pm at Mullingar Arts Centre. Annual subscription is €60 and anyone still interested in joining can do so on September 27.