For those that haven't come across Photocrowd, do go over to their website for a look at 
https://www.photocrowd.com/ or on twitter @photocrowd

You'll find regular photography contests, all linked to crowd voting and expert judging. I mention this as it's great to see one of my images commended in a competition, and also given an Expert review. Thanks very much Photocrowd, and thanks also to Francesca Moore, Music photographer, for her kind words about the work (below).

Francesca Moore, Music photographer. 'I think that the rich red lighting, the outfit and that one eye that’s staring at you and holding your attention all really give you a sense of the artist and the music. You don’t even have to see the plectrums all lined up in the microphone stand to know that there’s been a guitar thrashing just off camera. And the low view-point also makes the act look powerful, even overpowering, which is a perfect depiction.'



The image was taken in December 2013, of lead singer Justin Hawkins from The Darkness. He (very kindly) gave me a look, and with the aid of a bit of atmospheric lighting, the image says it all.

More details? Follow the link to the best images from the contest, below...
https://www.photocrowd.com/c/45-show-your-best-music#judge-commended

Stephen Curry

Here at Pocketful of Rye we enjoy debating, whether it be current affairs, news, politics and even some celebrity gossip. Debating produces alternative thoughts and ideas; not just for articles, but it generally keeps you thinking creatively. Our hottest debates recently have been over Photo of the Week, and this week has provided many opinions.

We featured a landscape some weeks back to varied discussion. It seems they provoke a reaction. Everyone, when on holiday, takes a landscape photograph, traditionally usually involving sunsets or slanting seascapes that ultimately turn out just a little disappointing. This week, then, we have moved away from that over-used sunset and typical 'view' and chosen a treescape. Yes, that was the debate! [Text continues below image...]
 
What we love here is the twisted, almost unnatural look of the trees. Indeed, they were described by one reviewer as reminiscent of Mirkwood from The Hobbit; they could imagine a giant spider just out of shot in the distance!
 
Well, we don't believe in giant spiders (well, not many of us... those who have visited Australia have a different point of view) so we'll focus instead on the mood and atmosphere, the lighting, the stories that can be imagined and... is that a hairy leg or two twisting around that tree trunk in the distance?

Photograph by Stephen Curry.
Words by Stephen Curry. 


For full article and further Photo of the week images, visit: http://www.pocketfulofrye.co.uk/hot-topics/twisted-trees
Launched in March 2013, Pocketful of Rye is aimed at yummy mummies and dishy dads on the look out for news, features and reviews covering all things family - homewares, babycare, toys, entertainment, food, health and beauty. Think of us as the mum's guide to a happy home! http://www.pocketfulofrye.co.uk/