Study Group 21
Anne Swearman

Title : Memorial (July)

How I did it -I have just returned from Loch Ewe in Scotland, and photographed this memorial to the wartime convoys. I thought the American ship may be of interest to  US members.
The background is sea, using a basis of polar co-ordinates. Th other components are taken from other pictures, heavily feathered and then fitted in with edit-transform. I hope the text can be read OK.  I have reduced the opacity. There are no guns in the turrets now of course, but I added a picture to show the area around  Loch Ewe. It is a long Loch, and in wartime there was a boom across the narrow entrance.
Nancy requested something different!

COMMENTS:
 

Brian Swinyard	This is a very thought-provoking image Anne with much to commend it. I like the memorial stone as the central feature and your use of polar coordinates to create the illusion of the parting of the waves. The poppy wreath provides a good focal point as does the inclusion of the disused gun turret, both of which are poignant reminders of history. Although our US members may warm to the text top and bottom, from a personal point of view, I would be content with only the text on the headstone.
Bill Hodges	Comments July 25
Joan Field	I like what you did, Anne, especially the circle of water that gives credence to the wartime navy. Because of the small size, I really have difficulty reading any of the type. I know you were concerned about that. The composition is strong and your showing of the area around Loch Ewe fits in well. I think I would have dropped the text from the top and bottom . Nice idea and thanks for thinking of us.
Barrie Bieler	Very poignant.  The circular clouds set off the rock memorial very well.
Rick Perkowski	Your framing of the Memorial with the text and the swirling sky is very effective in bringing the viewer into the principle element of the image.  Very well done.
Nancy Springer	Thanks, Anne, for the “different.”  You did it!  This is really good! I like the “swirl” of the sea showcasing the monument…it really draws your eye right to the important subject. After the initial impact, you want to read the text and inspect every nook and cranny. This is a very moving subject. Thanks again!

Member Bio
		Anne Swearman - Biography I have been interested in photography since I was eleven, but did not really spend too much time with it until my children were grown up. I accidentally joined a photographic society, because my 14 year old son was interested. I took him to the local club and said I would stay until he felt integrated. After about 6 months he got more interested in heavy metal music and left, but I stayed becuse I found it interesting. About 3 years later I became club president. When I became a club judge I went for LRPS, because I felt I needed confidence to judge other peoples pictures, and a year later, ARPS. I have been entering Internationals for about 10 years and have EFIAP.