A Camera Club Competition or a Personal Challenge?

In mid-December 2024, I became a member of the online community-focused photography club 617, which was founded by Simon Baxter and Thomas Heaton. Like many camera clubs, their activities usually pause for the summer season. However, a few enthusiastic members, keen to keep the community engaged and active during this ‘break’, took the initiative to organise an end-of-season photography challenge. The theme chosen for this challenge was ‘Keep it Local 5km’. Participants were encouraged to produce a series of six photographs taken within a 5km radius, captured during the period from 6th June 2025 to 14th August 2025. These submissions were then compiled as a cohesive project and sent in for judging. To evaluate the entries fairly, a panel of six volunteer judges was assembled. Over the course of three evenings, spanning late August and early September, this panel reviewed and selected a number of submissions to discuss during interactive ‘live lounge’ events. Following these sessions, the judges created a shortlist of standout projects, from which the broader membership was invited to vote for the community’s overall winner.

Initially, I was hesitant to participate in the challenge because I generally find the judging process and the competitive element of such events somewhat uncomfortable. The idea of being evaluated and compared to others can sometimes detract from the pure enjoyment of photography for me. However, the member organisers made it clear that the primary goal wasn’t about winning or losing, but rather about motivating us to continue exploring and creating with our cameras, especially during a typically less productive photographic season.

Once I had made the decision to take part, I needed to carefully consider how I was going to interpret and approach the theme. Although I live very close to the beautiful Lake District National Park, the 5km travel restriction proved to be quite limiting. I was eager to explore areas beyond the boundaries of my own house and garden, yet for several weeks I struggled to find the right inspiration. It wasn’t until just about a week before the challenge deadline that I finally decided to take a wander down to the nearby River Derwent.

So, my photo series titled The River, documents my local river, located less than one mile from my home—a familiar landscape, yet one that I have never photographed before. Taking on this challenge encouraged me to observe it with fresh eyes and renewed curiosity. I employed a mix of photographic techniques, including intentional camera movement (ICM), multiple exposure, and more traditional landscape photography methods, to capture the river’s ever-changing character and moods during that 5 km wander. A stone bridge, grazing sheep, dog walkers, shifting light, plus the ever-present backdrop of the Lake District fells, together create a rich tapestry of rural life and quiet, enduring connection—despite the proximity of the busy main A road that runs alongside. My hope was that this small series, taken during a short and reflective amble, would reflect both the constant, calming presence of the river and the subtle, fleeting moments that often go unnoticed in everyday nature.

As I now reflect on the 617 Members Challenge 2025, I wanted to take a moment to share some thoughts before the ‘winning’ series is announced. Becoming aware that my own submission has been shortlisted as one of the 12 entries for community consideration was both surprising and very humbling. I had not anticipated this recognition, especially after seeing the incredible quality presented in over 60 entries from talented photographers across the community.

What really struck me was the diversity and creativity on display—each photographer brought a unique perspective that made this challenge all the more inspiring. From sweeping landscapes to intimate details, the variety was remarkable, and it set a high bar that made me appreciate the broader scope of all aspects of photography even more.

For me, the competition itself was never about the prize or the accolades. It was about embracing the challenge, particularly the 5km restriction, which pushed me to explore my immediate surroundings in ways I hadn’t before. This limitation became an unexpected opportunity, encouraging me to look closer at the familiar and uncover a ‘new’ location right on my doorstep. It reminded me how sometimes the best photographic journeys don’t require travel far and wide—they start in the places we think we already know.

Participating in the 617 Members Challenge reignited my passion for discovering hidden gems in the everyday landscape and reaffirmed the joy of stepping outside of my comfort zone. Whatever the outcome of the voting, this experience has enriched my creative journey and connected me with a vibrant community of like-minded photographers. I look forward to sharing more images soon and perhaps continuing to explore closer to home 😊