Fred Lum (@2manycameras), staff photographer at The Globe and Mail, was the judge for November 2013 Photos of the Month.
Entries Stats:
Photographers — 14
Feature — 11
News — 16
Sports — 10
Portrait — 26
Multi Photo — 9 entries/72 photos
FEATURE
Judge's comments: Not very many entries. No idea why this is the case. As others have mentioned previously, one of the keys to getting assignments, aside from being a good photographer, is getting your name and work out there. NOT entering contests is definitely career limiting for students. There is nothing to lose but everything to gain.
First place was an easy eye grabber. Beautiful simple composition and beautiful colours. Second was also graphically strong with many visual elements to look at, I liked the *texture* in this photo. Third was a clean photo with strong contrast in focus play. Honourable mentions showed good moments.
Features, or wild art can be tough to find but if stuck, try to find something that has interesting compositions or graphical elements. And remember, light and shadows are what we work with on a daily basis, find these and you may very well find your photo.
1. Justin Chin
 |
| TORONTO, Ont. (01/11/2013) — People visit the Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada on Friday, Nov. 1, 2013 in Toronto, Ont. The aquarium opened its doors to visitors on Oct. 15, 2013 after a four months delay and featuring more than 16,000 marine animals living in the new 135,000-square-foot aquarium. Photo by Justin Chin |
2. Hannah Yoon
 |
| KITCHENER, Ont. (02/11/13) - Brodie Vissers, an urban , takes some time to look at “Let’s Connect,” an interactive outdoor installation by local designers at Kitchener's version of Nuit Blanche, NIGHT\SHIFT, on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2013. Photo by Hannah Yoon |
3. Justin Chin
 |
| LONDON, Ont. (09/11/2013) — A member of the London Police Service observe a minute of silence to mark Remembrance Day prior to the 106th OUA Yates Cup football game between the Queen's Gaels and the Western Mustangs on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013 at TD Stadium in London, Ont. The No. 1 Western Mustangs claimed their 30th Yates Cup championship with a 51-22 victory over the Queen’s Gaels and will advance to Mitchell Bowl against Calgary Dinos. Photo by Justin Chin |
H.M. Micah Bond
 |
| OTTAWA, Ont. (09/11/13) Two children pause to look up in curiosity at the National War Memorial in Confederation Square. Canadians across the country took time to honour veterans and those who died in conflict on Monday. Photo by Micah Bond |
H.M. Annie Sakkab
 |
| TORONTO, Ont (15/11/2013) - A young couple share a moment waiting for the train to arrive at Davisville subway station. Photo by Annie Sakkab. |
NEWS
Judge's comments: Not a particularly strong category but the winners were easy to choose. First place had very good composition with the moon nailing it down. I would like to see a version with the row of candles toned down a bit so it doesn't draw the eyes down too much. Second is another good moment showing the interaction between performers and audience. Especially liked the lighting in this photo. Third place was a different take of the standard fire photo. Nice to see the photographer find something other than a tight shot of firefighters silhouetted by flames (something we've all done, myself included).
The two honourable mentions could have benefited from better cropping. The candle photo would have been better suited to a more panoramic crop by losing some of the lower portion and a bit off the top of the photo. It's excess space pulling eyes away from the cadets carrying the candles. The truck pull. I would have given this third if the crop was different. The photographer had the right idea but could have executed it better. I don't mind chopping off body parts but this one cropped off several parts leaving an awkward frame. I'd have either shot it with the camera higher showing the strain on the face of the person pulling the truck. or I would have gone WAY lower and shot roughly the same angle but given it a worm's eye view of the feet with same truck in the background. There's no head or foot, for some, this is a cardinal sin. Play around with cropping when editing, you're just an Apple-Z away from a good photo.
There a were a number of Remembrance Day photos but for the most part they lacked any emotion, something that should be foremost in this ceremony. The photographers should have gone beyond the 'point the camera at the wreath' shot and looked for faces in the crowd or found a unique angle/ perspective to the event. I understand there's always some reticence to moving around during a sombre ceremony but it can be achieved if done discreetly. Faces will usually trump group shots in this type of event.
1. Justin Chin
 |
| TRENTON, Ont. (10/11/2013) — Air Cadet Jacob Wood stands guard for his first time at a candlelight vigil for Remembrance Day at the Trenton Cenotaph, Trenton, Ontario on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013 before the memorial parade and service the following day. Photo by Justin Chin |
2. Annie Sakkab
 |
| TORONTO, Ont (03/12/3013) Dancers Tyrell Mckenzie (right) and Choreographer Ross Mirtanen (left) performing at the Encore of "Marina Antoinette" that premiered Sun. Nov 3 at Virgin Mobile Mod Club in Toronto. A Riatoss Productions event, Marina Antoinette is a performance-art showing that portrays the story of the infamous French Queen, Marie Antoinette featuring Toronto's emerging choreographers, dancers, fashion designers, musicians and visual artists. Photo by Annie Sakkab. |
3. Bradley Ruszkowski
 |
| CORBYVILLE, Ont. (11/11/13) An ominous smoke burst shows its ghastly face above a blaze in rural Hastings County. The fire started in an attended wood stove at 881 Fish & Game Club road. It was contained by emegency responders but damages were estimated to be . PHOTO: Bradley Ruszkowski |
H.M. Sarah Taylor
 |
| BELLEVILLE, Ont. (02/11/13) - Collin Grudzien pulls a transport truck at the Stronger Than Cancer - Strongman Fundraiser. Grudzien, who is from Kingston, participated in the event which took place at the Travelodge Hotel in Belleville on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2013. Photo by Sarah Taylor. |
H.M. Amanda Cheung
 |
| TRENTON, Ont. (10/11/13)- Cadets hold trays of candles before the candlelight vigil in Trenton Sunday evening. Each candle is placed on the steps of Trenton's cenotaph in memory or honour of someone. This year marked the sixth year the Royal Canadian Legion 110 hosted the event in honour of Remembrance Day. Photo by Amanda Cheung. |
PORTRAIT
Judge's comments: Ah, the type of photography that can be the toughest to do but what every photographer MUST be able to tackle. Lots of entries here which is heartening, however, most have their work cut out for them as the level of portraiture displayed here still needs to be raised. If it helps, portraiture keeps me up at night if I have an important one to do, so you're not alone. Trust me. It doesn't necessarily get any easier and it shouldn't. It's how the assignment is approached and executed that needs to be worked on but it's not an impassable bridge.
The best portraiture is more than a photographic record of a person's features. A snapshot isn't fine portraiture imo. I like to see work that makes me wonder and ask questions. I want to learn more about the subject and the entries that placed, accomplished this more so than the others. First place encapsulates the feelings that the subject may be going through as she accepts her present condition and the fact she's no longer as independent as she once was. Second place is a simple portrait that says much in it's quietness. I can feel his struggle dealing with loneliness after the loss of his life's partner. Many visual elements hint at what he has to deal with. Like the first place photo, this photograph shows there's an empathy here which is one trait, that we as photographers need to have if we're going to ask people to let us into their lives and tell their stories. I don't believe there can be excellent portraiture if there's no empathy or understanding with or for the person facing our cameras.
Third place is a fun photo and one that at first blush would appear to be hard to illustrate. The cap wearing cat jumping off the chair makes this photograph. The Honourable Mention is a fine environmental portrait showing the subject in their space. Not sure if this is available light or lit but I wish the window behind the subject was not as bright. Again, I'd like to see them looking at the camera straight on.
1. Hannah Yoon
 |
| BELLEVILLE, Ont. (11/11/13) - Judy Woodley sits on her steps as her grandson Noah , 13, cleans up the kitchen. Woodley was recently diagnosed with early stage dementia. Despite being a nurse and a caretaker for so long, Woodley has come to terms with allowing other people to take care of her. Photo by Hannah Yoon |
2. Emily Cumming
 |
| TORONTO ,Ont. (24/11/13) - Sydney Hollywood, 88, lives alone in an apartment in a retirement community near Christie and Dupont in Toronto. His wife passed away five years ago and he has been struggling with loneliness ever since. Photo by Emily Cumming |
3. Guillaume Nolet
 |
| KINGSTON, Ont. (17/11/13)--Doctors Alexandra and Kelly Schweitzer met for the first time in the elevator at Kingston General Hospital. Married last July they are seen with their cat Maximus at their condo in Kingston. Photo by Guillaume Nolet |
H.M. Emily Cumming
 |
| TORONTO, Ont. (24/11/13) - Small business owner Donna Kim, 35, poses for a photo in her studio on Wallace Ave. near Lansdowne Ave. in Toronto, Ont. Her business, Edge Of Your Seat, specializes in chair caning and seat weaving. She accepts custom work and also teaches classes on the craft. Kim first started learning about caning and weaving from her landlord, Peter Shoebridge, when she was 16. Photo by Emily Cumming |
H.M. Amanda Cheung
 |
| KITCHENER, Ont. (15/11/13)- Kyle Metzger, 17, was diagnosed with autism at 18 months. The corner seat of this couch remains his favourite spot to be in his home. As a characteristic of autism, he can often be seen rocking back and forth or side to side, smiling and rubbing his hair. Photo by Amanda Cheung. |
SPORTS
Judge's comments: Very few entries in this category which was surprising to be honest.
While sports assignments may be few and far between, the skills acquired shooting sports will cross over into other areas. Learning how NOT to lean on the shutter and spraying will help develop your sense of timing and being judicious with your shots, which in the end will save time when you sit down to edit. 200 vs 1000+ images…which is going to slow you down more ? Knowing how to throw the focus manually when your af is messed up with obstructions or weather, can never be laughed at. Ask anyone who's shot sports in blinding snow or driving rain. Been three, done that. Editors don't care how tough things are, they just want to have confidence that you can bring back the goods.
The winning entries, all by one photographer coincidentally, stood out from the rest. Key action in sports is not necessarily football in hand or puck on stick but also can be the moments prior to or just after, showing the anticipation of or reaction to a play. Follow through on game action as well since telling moments often happen after the whistle blows or play stops.
Also it's simply not enough to just have all the elements in the frame. Everything has to work together so a loose (or tight) frame of players chasing a puck for example, is not going to cut it. That's just a record of what happened in front of the lens. Try to find something that speaks to the game. Is there a player who is reaching a milestone ? Coming off an injury or suspension?
1. Justin Chin
 |
| LONDON, Ont. (09/11/2013) — Justin Baronaitis (L) of Queen's Gaels fails to catch the ball during the 106th OUA Yates Cup football game between the Queen's Gaels and the Western Mustangs on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013 at TD Stadium in London, Ont. The No. 1 Western Mustangs claimed their 30th Yates Cup championship with a 51-22 victory over the Queen’s Gaels and will advance to Mitchell Bowl against Calgary Dinos. Photo by Justin Chin |
2. Justin Chin
 |
| LONDON, Ont. (09/11/2013) — Matt Brazier of the Western Mustangs holds up the Yates Cup trophy after winning the 106th OUA Yates Cup football game between the Queen's Gaels and the Western Mustangs on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013 at TD Stadium in London, Ont. The No. 1 Western Mustangs claimed their 30th Yates Cup championship with a 51-22 victory over the Queen’s Gaels and will advance to Mitchell Bowl against Calgary Dinos. Photo by Justin Chin |
3. Justin Chin
 |
| BELLEVILLE, Ont. (27/11/2013) — Bobby MacIntyre (L) of the Mississauga Steelheads fights with Brody Morris (R) of the Belleville Bulls during the OHL hockey game between the Belleville Bulls and the Mississauga Steelheads on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2013 at Yardmen Arena in Belleville, Ont. The fighting results in a 5 minutes penally for both players. The Belleville Bulls won with a 5-2 victory over the Mississauga Steelheads. Photo by Justin Chin |
H.M. Sarah Taylor
 |
| BELLEVILLE, Ont. (27/11/13) - Aaron Berisha scores the second goal of the night for the Belleville Bulls against Mississauga Stealheads' goalie Spencer Martin. The Bulls beat the Stealheads on Wednesday, Nov. 27 5 - 2. Photo by Sarah Taylor |
MULTI-PICTURE
Judge's comments: Wide range of work and quality.
First place was easy to choose. Great variety of images that told the story of modern day small farming. Wide selection of photographs shows the photographer spent time working the story. Probably could have edited it down a bit more and still told the story. Second place is a very tight edit again showing a wandering eye looking for variety. Third place was very tight, too tight for me to decide so they're both placing third. Both needed tighter editing which would have made the stories easier to follow.
The Honourable Mention was a bit riskier and *almost* worked. I would have preferred the subjects stare straight on instead of to the side as a few are doing. It was good seeing someone try another approach to multipics which usually tend to be narrative essays.
There's a balance that every one must deal with when it comes to forks in the road. There's the high risk = high reward vs the low risk = low reward dilemma. Taking chances, pushing yourself and discovering and breaking boundaries will help your growth as a photographer and honestly, school is the best time to understand what your threshold is. The consequences are also lower than the real world ;)
1. Guillaume Nolet
 |
| MOSCOW, Ont. (14/08/13)--For the past couple years, the Hilborns have been living off the grid on their 80 acres property, 40 km west of Kingston. They also run a mixed farm with an emphasis on pasture-based farming. One day they hope to live primarily from the revenue generated from raising and selling healthier meat. Photo by Guillaume Nolet |
2. Annie Sakkab
 |
| TORONTO, Ont (03/12/3013) Dancers and models getting ready for the Encore of Marina Antoinette, a RiaToss Productions performance-art showing based on the tragic rise-and-fall of the French queen Marie Antoinette that premiered Sun. Nov 3 at the Virgin Mobile Mod Club in Toronto. This innovative and visually stunning showcase is a collaboration between some of Toronto's top choreographers, fashion designers and visual artists. Photo by Annie Sakkab. |
3. Annie Sakkab
 |
| TORONTO, Ont (19/11/3013) - Jaqui Manning-Albert, originally from Cobourg, is a music writer, a pianist, an opera singer, a screenplay writer, a novelist and a mother. She often quotes John Lennon: "Life is what happens when you're planning something else." A mystic channeler once said to her, "You are like a truckload of feathers. If it crashes on your lawn, you'll go into the pillow business." The story of Jaqui is about what it means to be a woman in a world dominated by men. Strong. Resilient. Creative. Patient. Nurturing. Sacrificing. Thes images are part of an ongoing project called A Truckload of Feathers. Photo by Annie Sakkab |
3. Hannah Yoon
 |
| WATERLOO, Ont. (30/11/13) - Andy Stumpf, 34, (left) and his children, left to right, Isaiah, 6, Leah, 7, and Hudson, 4, get ready to put up their Christmas tree for the Christmas season. Stumpf is a part-time professor at the University of Waterloo while also getting his PhD in theology at the University of Toronto. Despite being busy the Stumpfs do their best to spend time as a family. Photo by Hannah Yoon |
|
H.M. Emily Cumming
 |
| TORONTO, Ont. (30/11/13) - Sandra Kosinski, 23, attended the annual Movember shave off event at Creatures Creating gallery on Dundas in Toronto. She wanted to show her support as a "Mo Sista" because she has had family members die of cancer. "I want to show solidarity with the movement." The gallery raised just under $400 this year to contribute the Movember campaign. Photo by Emily Cumming |
 |
| TORONTO, Ont. (30/11/13) - Jordan McKie, 27, originally from Ottawa, is an artist with a studio space at Creatures Creating gallery on Dundas in Toronto. The gallery raised just under $400 this year to contribute the Movember campaign. Photo by Emily Cumming |
 |
| TORONTO, Ont. (30/11/13) - Amanda Boulous, 22, is photographer at the CN Tower and artist with a studio space at Creatures Creating gallery on Dundas near Spadina in Toronto. Boulous took part of Movember as a "Mo Sista." The gallery raised just under $400 this year to contribute the Movember campaign. Photo by Emily Cumming |
 |
| TORONTO, Ont. (30/11/13) - Darren Leu, 27, is the director of Creatures Creating gallery on Dundas in Toronto. Leu organized the gallery's annual Movember shave-off which took place on November 30, 2013. The gallery raised just under $400 this year to contribute the Movember campaign. Photo by Emily Cumming |
 |
| TORONTO, Ont. (30/11/13) - Michelle Berry, 32, originally from Brampton, works as an executive assistant. Berry attended the annual Movember shave-off at Creatures Creating gallery on Dundas near Spadina in Toronto. The gallery raised just under $400 this year to contribute the Movember campaign. Photo by Emily Cumming |
Points awarded
400 — Justin Chin
175 — Hannah Yoon
135 — Annie Sakkab
125 — Guillaume Nolet
70 — Emily Cumming
25 — Bradley Ruszkowski
20 — Amanda Cheung
20 — Sarah Taylor
10 — Micah Bond
