THE BEYOND GROUP 17TH ANNUAL EXHIBITION 2024
Thank you to everyone for your support in entering the exhibition, and congratulations to those that achieved acceptances and awards.
Our Judges for the 17th Beyond Group Exhibition 2024
Rosemary Wilman HonsFRPS ABPE AFIAP APAGB
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Dave Tucker EFIAP/Platinum DPAGB BPE3*
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Angie Tucker EFIAP/p DPAGB BPE4
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Jane Barrett ARPS AWPF BPE5 DPAGB
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Beyond Group National Exhibition 2024
Selectors
Rosemary Wilman HonsFRPS ABPE AFIAP APAGB
Dave Tucker EFIAP/Platinum DPAGB BPE3*
Jane Barrett ARPS AWPF DPAGB BPE5*
Angie Tucker EFIAP/p DPAGB BPE4
Calendar
Entry Opened – 00.01 Saturday 01st June 2024
Closing date – 23.59 Sunday 28th July 2024
Selection dates - 09th, 10th and 11th August 2024
Results sent out by 01st September 2024
Please note there was no physical exhibition this year but all images are avalable to view on line
Selectors
Rosemary Wilman HonsFRPS ABPE AFIAP APAGB
Dave Tucker EFIAP/Platinum DPAGB BPE3*
Jane Barrett ARPS AWPF DPAGB BPE5*
Angie Tucker EFIAP/p DPAGB BPE4
Calendar
Entry Opened – 00.01 Saturday 01st June 2024
Closing date – 23.59 Sunday 28th July 2024
Selection dates - 09th, 10th and 11th August 2024
Results sent out by 01st September 2024
Please note there was no physical exhibition this year but all images are avalable to view on line
Judges Reports
Beyond Group National Exhibition 2024
Rosemary Wilman Hon.FRPS, ABPE, AFIAP, APAGB
Thank you for inviting me to select the 2024 Beyond Exhibition.
As a team we hoped to include a wide range of work within each category, although not at the expense of quality, and there were examples of 'if it is not entered it cannot be selected'. Throughout I was looking for that something special, often very personal interpretations which stood out and invited me to hit the 5 button. For the Awards variety proved difficult to achieve within some sections and this is reflected in our choices. In all categories there were excellent images, and our congratulations go to all those who have images accepted, especially to the award recipients.
The organisation was superb with the team working very quietly and efficiently using new software which handled the whole process very well. Their catering team also went ‘Beyond’, starting with cooked breakfast at 8am and keeping us very well fed throughout the judging. A big thank you to everyone.
Thank you for inviting me to select the 2024 Beyond Exhibition.
As a team we hoped to include a wide range of work within each category, although not at the expense of quality, and there were examples of 'if it is not entered it cannot be selected'. Throughout I was looking for that something special, often very personal interpretations which stood out and invited me to hit the 5 button. For the Awards variety proved difficult to achieve within some sections and this is reflected in our choices. In all categories there were excellent images, and our congratulations go to all those who have images accepted, especially to the award recipients.
The organisation was superb with the team working very quietly and efficiently using new software which handled the whole process very well. Their catering team also went ‘Beyond’, starting with cooked breakfast at 8am and keeping us very well fed throughout the judging. A big thank you to everyone.
Dave Tucker EFIAP/P, DPAGB, BPE4
It was a big honour and privilege to be asked to be one of the selectors for Beyond BPE. We judged over three days as the entry was high with nearly 5500 images across the 4 groups. Thank you to all my fellow selectors Jane Barrett, Rosemary Wilman and Angie Tucker.
The image quality was very good, and this was reflected in the overall results which may have disappointed some, but take heart, the increase in quality meant it was far harder to make a selection for the exhibition, A score of 11 was a good result as most 11’s were a very near miss! Over sharpening was a bugbear on many images, but was more noticeable in the mono section.
In colour, nature and scapes, too heavy saturation was also evident in some images while, conversely, especially visible in the nature section, over-brightening of images simply lost detail on what was a very good composition, and the image lost points due to that. Colour and mono also suffered with some images having too heavy vignetting covering up essential elements of the image.
Thanks must go to all the Beyond group who worked tirelessly over the three days to keep all the selectors comfortable, well fed and watered (I did overdose on the superb cake and cookies). Big thanks to all the people on the technical side of things too as the whole event ran without any major hitches.
Overall, a magnificent weekend and can only thank you all for your support in entering, and good luck with your images in future.
It was a big honour and privilege to be asked to be one of the selectors for Beyond BPE. We judged over three days as the entry was high with nearly 5500 images across the 4 groups. Thank you to all my fellow selectors Jane Barrett, Rosemary Wilman and Angie Tucker.
The image quality was very good, and this was reflected in the overall results which may have disappointed some, but take heart, the increase in quality meant it was far harder to make a selection for the exhibition, A score of 11 was a good result as most 11’s were a very near miss! Over sharpening was a bugbear on many images, but was more noticeable in the mono section.
In colour, nature and scapes, too heavy saturation was also evident in some images while, conversely, especially visible in the nature section, over-brightening of images simply lost detail on what was a very good composition, and the image lost points due to that. Colour and mono also suffered with some images having too heavy vignetting covering up essential elements of the image.
Thanks must go to all the Beyond group who worked tirelessly over the three days to keep all the selectors comfortable, well fed and watered (I did overdose on the superb cake and cookies). Big thanks to all the people on the technical side of things too as the whole event ran without any major hitches.
Overall, a magnificent weekend and can only thank you all for your support in entering, and good luck with your images in future.
Angie Tucker EFIAP/p, DPAGB, BPE4
I was pleased and honoured to be asked to stand -in to judge the Scapes and Mono sections of Beyond BPE due to the illness of one of our judges. Hopefully you are fully recovered now Jane.
The Scapes class was well supported with some wonderful images, proving that this is a popular genre. There were many different scenes to provide interest as well as some of the commoner scenes from Iceland and Tuscany. The standard was high with images showing great depth and transition from front to back. A few otherwise good images suffered from over colour saturation which lowered their score.
The standard of the mono section was equally high with many good images just missing out, so don’t be disheartened if you didn’t do as well as you expected. There was a wide range of genres represented in mono making it an interesting section to judge resulting in an interesting exhibition. Sharpness was an issue with some images, with over sharpening being more of an issue than lack of sharpness.
I would like to thank all those involved on the day, both on the IT and the admin side, plus all the other hard workers behind the scenes that make these events run so smoothly. The catering was second to none, especially the selection of home- made cakes and biscuits that stretched my will power to the limit.
I was pleased and honoured to be asked to stand -in to judge the Scapes and Mono sections of Beyond BPE due to the illness of one of our judges. Hopefully you are fully recovered now Jane.
The Scapes class was well supported with some wonderful images, proving that this is a popular genre. There were many different scenes to provide interest as well as some of the commoner scenes from Iceland and Tuscany. The standard was high with images showing great depth and transition from front to back. A few otherwise good images suffered from over colour saturation which lowered their score.
The standard of the mono section was equally high with many good images just missing out, so don’t be disheartened if you didn’t do as well as you expected. There was a wide range of genres represented in mono making it an interesting section to judge resulting in an interesting exhibition. Sharpness was an issue with some images, with over sharpening being more of an issue than lack of sharpness.
I would like to thank all those involved on the day, both on the IT and the admin side, plus all the other hard workers behind the scenes that make these events run so smoothly. The catering was second to none, especially the selection of home- made cakes and biscuits that stretched my will power to the limit.
Jane Barrett ARPS AWPF BPE5 DPAGB
It was a great privilege to be one of the selectors for this year’s exhibition and it was fascinating to see the varied and exceptional quality of images across the sections. I’m pleased that the exhibition is judged ‘in person’ with everyone in the same room and seeing the same image together, rather than remotely on a monitor. It means you can truly see the quality of the work as it is presented and glaring over sharpening, cloning etc, really stands out which allowed us to select the best of the best. It is also much more sociable making for a very enjoyable weekend!
It was a pleasure to work with Rosemary and David, we worked well as a team, often reaching a clear consensus on the acceptances and in the following crucial discussions when deciding the winners of the overall awards. Many thanks also to my fellow members of the Beyond team for the flawless organisation and efforts into making the whole weekend a complete success.
Unfortunately, I only got to select two sections, Nature and Open Colour as I had a severe allergic reaction which meant I had to step down. This was extremely disappointing as up to then I was having a wonderful time. Luckily Angie Tucker is a very experienced judge, and she was happy to step in for the remaining two sections for which I am very grateful.
Well done to all those entrants who successfully had their images awarded and accepted in this year’s exhibition the standard was incredibly high, and if you didn’t get your images accepted then perhaps next year will be different and your turn may come then? Without your continued support we would not be able to hold the exhibition, so I would like to send a very big thank you to everyone who entered.
It was a great privilege to be one of the selectors for this year’s exhibition and it was fascinating to see the varied and exceptional quality of images across the sections. I’m pleased that the exhibition is judged ‘in person’ with everyone in the same room and seeing the same image together, rather than remotely on a monitor. It means you can truly see the quality of the work as it is presented and glaring over sharpening, cloning etc, really stands out which allowed us to select the best of the best. It is also much more sociable making for a very enjoyable weekend!
It was a pleasure to work with Rosemary and David, we worked well as a team, often reaching a clear consensus on the acceptances and in the following crucial discussions when deciding the winners of the overall awards. Many thanks also to my fellow members of the Beyond team for the flawless organisation and efforts into making the whole weekend a complete success.
Unfortunately, I only got to select two sections, Nature and Open Colour as I had a severe allergic reaction which meant I had to step down. This was extremely disappointing as up to then I was having a wonderful time. Luckily Angie Tucker is a very experienced judge, and she was happy to step in for the remaining two sections for which I am very grateful.
Well done to all those entrants who successfully had their images awarded and accepted in this year’s exhibition the standard was incredibly high, and if you didn’t get your images accepted then perhaps next year will be different and your turn may come then? Without your continued support we would not be able to hold the exhibition, so I would like to send a very big thank you to everyone who entered.
Exhibition Chairmans Report -
Johnathan Vaines
As you peruse this year’s catalogue, I am sure you will agree we have a wide variety of fantastic images throughout the four categories. I must thank all 510 of you that entered 5419 images in to the 17th Beyond Exhibition. Submitting your very best work has enabled us to present an exhibition of excellence.
The Nature entry came with a variety of animals, flowers, sea creatures and more. There were some firm favourites; Great Crested Grebes, Puffins and majestic Birds of Prey with their catch.
Scapes gave an insight into the beauty of light and how it interacts with subjects and surroundings. We were treated to views of some of the most beautiful places on earth; it’s all about putting your own stamp on a location. Early and late light, exceptional weather, grand vistas, urban scenes and unique viewpoints ruled this section.
The Open sections of colour and mono drew the photographers that really want to show you life. We love to photograph people. People being themselves, old, young, “real characters” or not. We are drawn to recording them to tell a story of who they are and what they do. To sit in peace and see 5419 images pass by your eyes slowly over three days, was an absolute joy and again I must thank you all.
……but the exhibition would not be an exhibition without our judges. They gave their time and knowledge, ensuring the best reached this printed record of the event. Rosemary Wilman Hon.FRPS, ABPE, AFIAP, APAGB, Angie Tucker EFIAP/p DPAGB, BPE4, Jane Barrett ARPS, AWPF, DPAGB, BPE5 and Dave Tucker EFIAP/p DPAGB, BPE4, thank you for all for your efforts. None of this would happen without the exhibition team behind it all, the members of Beyond Group and their partners for organising, arranging, cooking and in general “doing everything”. Finally, to Paul Smith for his dedication to the IT and projection. We ran with the new software ‘Pixoroo’ this year. And let’s not forget Foxy and Bonnie the canine members that kept everyone smiling with a wet nose and a wag of a tail.
Jonathan Vaines
Exhibition Chairman
The Beyond Group Exhibition Team for 2023
Behind the Scenes of the 2024 Selection Weekend
Hexagonal Winner - Dr David Travis ARPS BPE4*
I enjoy pretty much everything about photography, from capturing the moment to the final edit. I don't specialise in any particular genre of photography but I do have a soft spot for capturing landscapes, particularly in the Peak District near where I live. Although I like to get the shot right in camera, I also enjoy the creative process of editing in Photoshop, especially when working on composites that blend multiple elements. For me, photography is about getting outdoors, immersing myself in nature, overcoming challenges, and bringing my ideas to life, whether through a single frame or through a panel of images.
I enjoy pretty much everything about photography, from capturing the moment to the final edit. I don't specialise in any particular genre of photography but I do have a soft spot for capturing landscapes, particularly in the Peak District near where I live. Although I like to get the shot right in camera, I also enjoy the creative process of editing in Photoshop, especially when working on composites that blend multiple elements. For me, photography is about getting outdoors, immersing myself in nature, overcoming challenges, and bringing my ideas to life, whether through a single frame or through a panel of images.
Exhibition Rules 2024
1. The Beyond Group National Open Exhibition of Photography 2024 is open to all photographers resident in the UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man
2. Closing date for entries is 28th July 2024
3. Entries accepted in previous Beyond Group Exhibitions, or similar images, are not eligible for re-submission in any section
4. The image and all elements within must be the sole work of the author, who must of taken the images(s) by way of using a light capturing device (camera) and own the copyright. Images made either partly or completely by computer software (AI) and having no photographic content will not be accepted
5. There are four digital sections - General Colour, General Monochrome, Scapes and Nature
6. You may enter a maximum of 4 images in each section
7. Gold Medals will be chosen from the top scoring images
8. Copyright of the image remains with the author and he/she must accept that his/her work could be downloaded from the site. The organisers will do their best to protect the copyright of the image when viewed on the website by making them as small as possible
9. Whilst copyright remains with the authors, the Beyond Group reserves the right to use any entry, without fee, for publication and/or display in any media related to the Exhibition. This includes the sharing of all accepted entries, which may be shown at other clubs using DVD, CD, USB memory stick, etc
10. Entrants details will be kept on file for future mailing of exhibition
11. Entry for this Exhibition is on-line only
Online Digital Entry
1. Images must be submitted in JPEG file format only
2. There are no naming criteria for online entry
3. Images will be projected at 1600 pixels x 1200 pixels. Images projected in Portrait mode must be no more that 1200 pixels high
4. Images will be projected on a black background and in sRGB colour space
5. Images not entered exactly as above will not be presented to the judges correctly
6. Images eligible for the special themes must be indicated by selecting the tick box when entering: see below for theme detail
7. All entries are accepted in good faith. The entrant agrees to indemnify the Judges, Exhibition, Organisers and other related parties against any litigation that may arise if entered images do not have the necessary permissions, licenses and/or contracts to be used and/or published in exhibition-related documents, media sharing devices or on any website associated with the Exhibition
8. The decisions of the judges and organisers are final and no correspondence of any description will be entered into
9. Entry fees: £1.50 per image with minimum £8.00 entry
FIAP/PSA/RPS Common Nature Definition (2015): Nature photography is restricted to the use of the photographic process to depict all branches of natural history, except anthropology and archaeology, in such a fashion that a well-informed person will be able to identify the subject material and certify its honest presentation.
The story telling value of a photograph must be weighed more than the pictorial quality while maintaining high technical quality. Human elements shall not be present, except where those human elements are integral parts of the nature story such as nature subjects, like barn owls or storks, adapted to an environment modified by humans, or where those human elements are in situations depicting natural forces, like hurricanes or tidal waves. Scientific bands, scientific tags or radio collars on wild animals are permissible. Photographs of human created hybrid plants, cultivated plants, feral animals, domestic animals, or mounted specimens are ineligible, as is any form of manipulation that alters the truth of the photographic statement.
No techniques that add, relocate, replace, or remove pictorial elements except by cropping are permitted. Techniques that enhance the presentation of the photograph without changing the nature story or the pictorial content, or without altering the content of the original scene, are permitted including HDR, focus stacking and dodging/burning. Techniques that remove elements added by the camera, such as dust spots, digital noise, and film scratches, are allowed. Stitched images are not permitted. All allowed adjustments must appear natural.
Monochrome Definition: A black and white image is one with tones from very dark grey (Black) to very clear grey (white). A black and white image toned entirely in a single colour will be able to stand in the black and white category and can be reproduced in black & white in the catalogue.
A black and white image modified by partial toning or by the addition of one colour to a part of the image becomes a colour image and should be entered in the colour category. This type of image will be reproduced in the colour pages of the catalogue.
Colour images can be converted to greyscale monochrome. Infrared images, either direct-captures or derivations, are allowed.
Scapes: This is a broad interpretation of landscape; any image depicting our physical environment - land, sea, urban, rural, city are all acceptable.
People and animals may be included in the scene as long as they are ancillary to and or supportive of the main subject.
Entries to this class can be from a 'single image': this means the image should be from a single exposure, or from multiple exposures taken at the same time and merged to work round camera limitations. Specifically, HDR, focus stacking, and stitched panorama techniques are allowed, and entries to this class can be ‘creative images’
Awards
Each section will be awarded the following:
Gold medal
Selector’s medal (3 selectors)
Chairperson’s award
Highly Commended ribbons
Commended ribbons
Best Beyond Group member
No image can win more than one award
Beyond Group Members are not eligible for any Awards except the Best Beyond Group Member
Within each section there are also Special Awards which are sponsored by Beyond Group Members:
Best Creative in Colour – Sponsored by Jonathan Vaines
Best Sporting Action in Monochrome – Sponsored by Peter Milsom
Best Mountain in Scapes – Sponsored by Wayne Davey
Best Authentic UK Wildlife in Nature – Sponsored by Paul Smith
Best Above or Below Water in Nature – Sponsored by Barbie Lindsay
There is also an award for the photographer with best result overall
2. Closing date for entries is 28th July 2024
3. Entries accepted in previous Beyond Group Exhibitions, or similar images, are not eligible for re-submission in any section
4. The image and all elements within must be the sole work of the author, who must of taken the images(s) by way of using a light capturing device (camera) and own the copyright. Images made either partly or completely by computer software (AI) and having no photographic content will not be accepted
5. There are four digital sections - General Colour, General Monochrome, Scapes and Nature
6. You may enter a maximum of 4 images in each section
7. Gold Medals will be chosen from the top scoring images
8. Copyright of the image remains with the author and he/she must accept that his/her work could be downloaded from the site. The organisers will do their best to protect the copyright of the image when viewed on the website by making them as small as possible
9. Whilst copyright remains with the authors, the Beyond Group reserves the right to use any entry, without fee, for publication and/or display in any media related to the Exhibition. This includes the sharing of all accepted entries, which may be shown at other clubs using DVD, CD, USB memory stick, etc
10. Entrants details will be kept on file for future mailing of exhibition
11. Entry for this Exhibition is on-line only
Online Digital Entry
1. Images must be submitted in JPEG file format only
2. There are no naming criteria for online entry
3. Images will be projected at 1600 pixels x 1200 pixels. Images projected in Portrait mode must be no more that 1200 pixels high
4. Images will be projected on a black background and in sRGB colour space
5. Images not entered exactly as above will not be presented to the judges correctly
6. Images eligible for the special themes must be indicated by selecting the tick box when entering: see below for theme detail
7. All entries are accepted in good faith. The entrant agrees to indemnify the Judges, Exhibition, Organisers and other related parties against any litigation that may arise if entered images do not have the necessary permissions, licenses and/or contracts to be used and/or published in exhibition-related documents, media sharing devices or on any website associated with the Exhibition
8. The decisions of the judges and organisers are final and no correspondence of any description will be entered into
9. Entry fees: £1.50 per image with minimum £8.00 entry
FIAP/PSA/RPS Common Nature Definition (2015): Nature photography is restricted to the use of the photographic process to depict all branches of natural history, except anthropology and archaeology, in such a fashion that a well-informed person will be able to identify the subject material and certify its honest presentation.
The story telling value of a photograph must be weighed more than the pictorial quality while maintaining high technical quality. Human elements shall not be present, except where those human elements are integral parts of the nature story such as nature subjects, like barn owls or storks, adapted to an environment modified by humans, or where those human elements are in situations depicting natural forces, like hurricanes or tidal waves. Scientific bands, scientific tags or radio collars on wild animals are permissible. Photographs of human created hybrid plants, cultivated plants, feral animals, domestic animals, or mounted specimens are ineligible, as is any form of manipulation that alters the truth of the photographic statement.
No techniques that add, relocate, replace, or remove pictorial elements except by cropping are permitted. Techniques that enhance the presentation of the photograph without changing the nature story or the pictorial content, or without altering the content of the original scene, are permitted including HDR, focus stacking and dodging/burning. Techniques that remove elements added by the camera, such as dust spots, digital noise, and film scratches, are allowed. Stitched images are not permitted. All allowed adjustments must appear natural.
Monochrome Definition: A black and white image is one with tones from very dark grey (Black) to very clear grey (white). A black and white image toned entirely in a single colour will be able to stand in the black and white category and can be reproduced in black & white in the catalogue.
A black and white image modified by partial toning or by the addition of one colour to a part of the image becomes a colour image and should be entered in the colour category. This type of image will be reproduced in the colour pages of the catalogue.
Colour images can be converted to greyscale monochrome. Infrared images, either direct-captures or derivations, are allowed.
Scapes: This is a broad interpretation of landscape; any image depicting our physical environment - land, sea, urban, rural, city are all acceptable.
People and animals may be included in the scene as long as they are ancillary to and or supportive of the main subject.
Entries to this class can be from a 'single image': this means the image should be from a single exposure, or from multiple exposures taken at the same time and merged to work round camera limitations. Specifically, HDR, focus stacking, and stitched panorama techniques are allowed, and entries to this class can be ‘creative images’
Awards
Each section will be awarded the following:
Gold medal
Selector’s medal (3 selectors)
Chairperson’s award
Highly Commended ribbons
Commended ribbons
Best Beyond Group member
No image can win more than one award
Beyond Group Members are not eligible for any Awards except the Best Beyond Group Member
Within each section there are also Special Awards which are sponsored by Beyond Group Members:
Best Creative in Colour – Sponsored by Jonathan Vaines
Best Sporting Action in Monochrome – Sponsored by Peter Milsom
Best Mountain in Scapes – Sponsored by Wayne Davey
Best Authentic UK Wildlife in Nature – Sponsored by Paul Smith
Best Above or Below Water in Nature – Sponsored by Barbie Lindsay
There is also an award for the photographer with best result overall