Glenda Guy, Allora Advertiser

Allora Photography Group now has their schedule of topics for 2026 sorted and we are working our way through an interesting list challenging our imagination and skills to come up with thought provoking, interesting and creative images to take viewers along our journey with us.

Once again the Photographic Society of Queensland Judges (John Stewart on this occasion) have been extremely generous in giving their time and expertise to guide us with constructive and positive feedback, and our members are very grateful of their generosity and skill. We continue to learn under their guidance and have become far more conscious of composition, technique and how to attain the impact we are trying to convey.

The topic of “Insects or Spiders”, (spiders are arachnids, not insects), has had our members scouring the countryside for a co-operative bug who likes to have its photo taken – not as easy as it sounds. Not only have they been rather scarce, they have also been quite shy.

• Trevor Martin – “No Insect Was Harmed” went all out and put his life on the line to take an insect photo!! Our Judge, John Stewart was most impressed, by both the photo and the sacrifice, and awarded Trevor with an Honour for “No Insect was Harmed”. The image has lots of impact as the dark coloured mosquito really stands out against the pale skin of its victim. The focus is well handled concentrating on the subject while the shallow depth of field has blurred the background helping the mossie to stand out. Well done Trevor – we hope the itch has settled.

• Glen Scott – “The Guardian” chose to incorporate a lot of the insect’s environment which adds interest and information about the ants habitat in “The Guardian”. Although it means the ant is a little lost among the stones, it does show the guardian ant looking in a suitably vigilant pose at the entrance of the nest. John suggested a little more cropping to the left and bottom of the frame which would place the guardian ant on the intersection of the thirds and reduce the blurred stones. A Highly Commended for Glen.

• Michelle Campbell – “You Done Yet” One of the objectives of photography is to evoke emotion and “You Done Yet” definitely created emotion when this photo by Michelle Campbell was displayed! It took some time for the laughter to subside so John could give his comments. It is certainly a shot with impact that catches the viewers’ attention. Although shot with a shallow depth of field, the focus is right where it needs to be, on the heads of the grasshoppers which shows them in great detail. The background is great and helps make the subject stand out. A rib tickling Honour.

• Joanne Nehmer – “Bees Knees” “Bees Knees” by Joanne Nehmer has filled the frame with the bee which is set against a beautifully soft background. The bee is interacting with the flower creating interest and although the flower is white, it still has detail which isn’t always easy to achieve. The focus has been well handled, however there is a lack of fine resolution which is noticeable in the hairs of the bee which lack definition, possibly from heavy cropping. A great image and Joanne was awarded a Merit.

This article appeared in the Allora Advertiser, 20 May 2026.