FGIF PHOTOGRAPHIC AWARDS 2004-2005

FGIF PHOTOGRAPHIC AWARDS 2004-2005

The inaugural FGIF Photographic Awards portray a few of the very best pictures sent to the site during 2004-2005. The images have been selected from five main categories portraying: (1) The Ground; (2) Match action; (3) The Landscape; (4) The idyllic ground and (5) The Photo Opportunity. Over 1000 images were carefully scrutinised and marks were awarded on the basis of photographic and artistic quality, composition, lighting and colour, originality and atmosphere. The final 25 were shortlisted before finally selecting the overall winners.

Thanks to all roving photographers who have travelled far and wide and sent in images. Special mention must go to: Leon Gladwell;

Dave 'DJ' Johnston; Mike Latham; Barry Neighbour; Paul Roth; Andy Sneddon and Dennis Woods.Click on the links below to see the Images.

Category A - Best Ground Photo

1^st Cadbury Athletic FC (MCFL) by Leon Gladwell 2^nd Panathinaikos (Greece) - Dennis Woods 3^rd Stocksbridge Park Steels (NPL) – Leon Gladwell 4^th Halifax Town (Conference) – Leon Gladwell 5^th Amiens FC (CFA2 Grp H) – Leon Gladwell

The clubhouse at Cadbury Athletic, members of the Midland Combination Football League, makes an immediate impact! Leon captures the essence of this historic building by filling the frame perfectly with his dynamic composition. The size of the building becomes apparent with the addition of the crowd and players in front, providing a good sense of scale. The scene is one of beauty. The football ground is maintained with lavish care and attention paid to every aspect of it including the paintwork; trees; shrubs and the expertly manicured playing surface. Thanks Leon for letting us all feel that we are at the Ground!

Category B - Best Action Photo

1^st Willenhall v Kendal (NPL) by Leon Gladwell

2^nd Ilkeston Town v Chorley (NPL) – Leon Gladwell

3^rd Dersingham v Anglian Windows (ACL2) by Web Ed

4^th Dunstable Town v Histon (Southern Lge) – Leon Gladwell

5^th Retford Town v Castleton Gabriels (FAV1Q) – Web Ed

One of the very best action photos received in 2004-2005! The moment is caught perfectly on camera and the detail is both sharp and crisp. Leon places his subject-matter in the foregound allowing the viewer’s attention to concentrate on the play; this is made easier by having a simple, uncluttered background. The composition is also made more interesting by having a combination of angles and shapes: for example the diagonal line made by the player’s kicking leg contrasts with the horizontal created by the fence and buildings. The position of the ball also emphasizes movement. A great shot!

Category C - Best Landscape

1^st Colne FC (NWCL2) by Mike Latham
2^nd Garw (Welsh National League) – Leon Gladwell

3^rd Belper Town (NPL) – Leon Gladwell

4^th Padiham (NWCL2) – Leon Gladwell

5^th Bangor City (Welsh Premier League) – Leon Gladwell

The landscape picture proved a popular choice by many snappers and was the most difficult category to judge. After much deliberation Mike Latham’s photo, taken at Colne FC during a 2^nd round FA Vase game against eventual winners Didcot, came out top. The quality of the picture is outstanding and every part of the frame helps to convey the distinct setting and occasion. The perspective leads the viewer from the figures in the crowd to the players in the centre and then onto the long sprawl of buildings and rolling hills behind. There is a great sense of depth. The thick grey clouds loom overhead to create the atmospheric conditions. The threatening weather; the state of the pitch and the crowd dressed to combat the cold portray a February football scene in the Lancashire hills! Thanks Mike.

Category D - The Idyllic Ground

1^stKallithea (Greece) by Dennis Woods

2^nd Sleaford T (UCL) – Web Ed

3^rd St.Loyes (Devon County League) – Paul Roth

4^th Droitwich Spa (MCFL) – Andy Sneddon

5^th Hemel Hempstead T (Southern League) – Leon Gladwell

Dennis Woods’ visit to Greece, back in February, produced the winning photo in this category. The picture from Kallithea provides a wonderful example of an idyllic setting for playing football. The composition captures the atmosphere of a Greek holiday resort with the rugged rock face and hotels set against a backdrop of blue sky. The whitewashed buildings; banks of white plastic seating and long shadows are a constant reminder of the hot conditions. The spectator sitting in the stand has a wonderful aerial view and might be forgiven for casting their gaze beyond proceedings on the pitch. Thanks Dennis!

Category E - The Photo Opportunity

1^st Faroe Islands by Dave ‘DJ’ Johnston

2^nd Swansea (Chamionship League 2) – Leon Gladwell

3^rd Hertha BSC (Bundesliga A) – Web Ed

4^th PSG (Championnat 1) – Dennis Woods

5^th Derby County (Championship) – Web Ed

The winning photo in this category was received literally at the last moment and nearly missed being selected! This stunning picture sent to FGIF by Dave ‘DJ’ Johnston was a worthy award winner in the category. Not only was the subject-matter taken from one of the remotest parts of Europe but the picture itself was also taken during a helicopter flight over some of the eighteen islands that make up the Faroes. The breath-taking view is over the capital Torshavn where approximately 40% of the total population of the islands live. There are three grounds at the sports complex: an astroturf pitch used for training and reserve matches; the Gundadalur Stadium with astroturf pitch used by Torshavn’s three club sides (HB, B 36 and Fram) and the Faroes’ second national ground the Torsvollur Stadium with it’s grass pitch. A truly remarkable photograph! Thanks Dave!!

Web Ed (updated 11.11.05).