Viewfinders of Romsey Camera Club’s Natural History competition became a husband and wife affair as Steve and Angie Lobley snapped up the two top prizes.

The competition was split into print and projected digital images (similar to the slides-shows of film days) categories, but without any distinction between primary and advanced workers.

The judge for the evening was the very experienced nature photographer Donald Bradshaw.

The print category, with 33 entries, was judged before the break, and the the trophy went to Angie for her beautiful study of a lion with the title “Growling”.

The judge commented on the lion’s expression and how the picture gave a good indication of the animal’s surroundings. He also commented on the sensitivity of the printing.

Silver went to Tony Rackham for his intriguing and beautifully sharp picture “Hooded Crow”. Tony also claimed the bronze award for “Silver Studded Blue”, a lovely photograph of this species of butterfly.

Two certificates of merit were awarded to Terry Jamieson for “Nuthatch” and “Pond Frog Trio” and one to Roy Lambeth for “Fungi Group”.

After the break it was the turn of the PDI (projected digital images) submissions, with 48 entries. Despite the large number, Donald managed to give useful comments about each one within the time allowed, again commenting on the very high standard achieved.

Steve Lobley was awarded the gold award for his photograph “Barn Owl Turning”. It showed a barn owl on the wing in early evening suddenly changing direction. Donald remarked that it was a truly remarkable, picture and very sharp.

The silver award went to Gerald Ponting for “Three Eyed Lizard, Madagascar” showing a colourful and very pert lizard with the disability suggested by the title! The bronze was awarded to Paul Braham for his picture “Garden Web Spider on Mint Leaves” described by the judge “superb”.

Five certificates of merit awarded, recipients being Chris Maidens for “Marbled White”, Steve Lobley for “Frog Mouth (Batrachostomus)”, Julie Darby for “Californian Pelican”, Tony Rackham for “Shelduck” and Betty Rackham for her interesting photograph which documented the developmental stages of the Fly Agaric fungus.

Viewfinders meet most Tuesdays at 7.30pm in the Michelmersh and Timsbury Jubilee Hall and visitors are always very welcome. For more information, visit viewfinderscc.org.uk or email secretary@ viewfinderscc. org.uk.