Congratulations to CA member James Kenning who wins the 2022 Photo Competition with his photo of dolphins playing off the Portuguese coast.
Professional marine photographer Paul Wyeth partnered with the CA as the official judge, to cast his expert eye across all one hundred and forty-four entries and decide the winner and three runners up.
"It was a pleasure to be asked to judge the CA Photo competition. There was an amazing range of images submitted which made choosing a winner very difficult," said Wyeth.
On the overall winning shot Wyeth continued, "The really wide angle makes for an arresting image that makes you want to grab your sailing kit and go cruising. I love the energy with the dolphins playing under the bow and crew having an equally great time!"
Commenting on capturing the shot off the bow of ‘Arkyla’, James Kenning explained, "For a long time, I’ve tried but failed miserably to take a worthy dolphin shot using my usual DSLR camera equipment. For this shot I decided to sacrifice image quality to increase my odds of capturing a unique composition. I used a GoPro 360 on a long selfie stick, with the camera set to record video rather than stills. This way I was able to review the footage, then screen grab the best moment showing boat, crew, and dolphins."
Runners-up
Three photos were awarded runners-up prizes:
Acarsaid Fhalaich, Flodday Sound, Outer Hebrides, Scotland © Graham Keating
Paul Wyeth comment: The colours are amazing and with the landscape wrapped around the boat, it just totally takes you to another place. I really like the composition with the boat at centre of the frame. It defies the usual convention of the focal point being at one third of the way in from an edge.
Dawn over Beaulieu River, Beaulieu, England © Steve Lacey
Paul Wyeth comment: This image has a beautiful calm morning light. The framing with the horizon almost central allows the almost painting like reflections to draw your eye into the image. All the more impressive when you consider that this was shot on a phone proving that photography isn't always about the kit.
Jellyfish, Kerrera Marina, Scotland © Peter Henery
Paul Wyeth comment: This image is quite different from all the others. It grabbed my attention straight away as it could almost be a painting. The abstract shapes conjured by reflections and the jelly fish are just beautiful.
James will be presented with CA goodies, including a certificate, canvas bag and burgee, with the runners-up each receiving a certificate and burgee.
Competition for the 2024 Edition of the CA Cruising Almanac
The winner of the photo competition to feature on the front cover of the 2024 Edition of the CA Cruising Almanac is yet to be announced.
Enter the 2023 Photo Competition
The CA Annual Photo Competition runs from 1 January to 31 December each year and entries are invited from members to reflect cruising over the sailing season. Do start capturing those special moments and members can enter them online from 1 October 2023. Members can find out more about the CA Photo Competition by logging into your account and going to the Photo Competition page.
27 January 2023