The Church of Ireland’s Central Communications Board (CCB) ran a photography competition focusing on showing Church of Ireland church life in action this year, in a change to the annual communications competition (which has traditionally focused on print, web–based and social media), The winners of this special photography competition not only receive a prize but their entry will also feature prominently on the Church of Ireland website as it is redeveloped this year. The photography competition is kindly sponsored by Ecclesiastical Insurance.

In launching the competition, Bishop Pat Storey of the CCB had said, ‘This year’s photography competition aims to celebrate and capture something of the wide range of worship and community activity that takes place within the Church of Ireland and to convey this imaginatively to the wider world through the Church’s website as it is redeveloped.’

The idea was to focus on church activities, rather than buildings – people, not just places. The judges were looking for images which reveal human interaction within church spaces/contexts.

There was an excellent number and range of entries and the judges – independent professional photographers – were very impressed with the standard, saying:

The winning photographs offer a lovely portfolio of parish life. No two entries were similar, showing just how diverse church life is. We had a difficult time in choosing from over forty entries, from snapshots to more carefully staged images, and we should always remember that a snapshot can be the beginning of a great photo! In the end, we found a fine winner, a charming runner–up, a lively third place and three great photos worthy of special mention.

The Archbishop of Armagh, The Most Revd Richard Clarke, presented the prizes to the winners at the closing day of the General Synod meeting in the Armagh City Hotel today, Saturday 9th May 2015.

WINNERS:
FIRST PRIZE

Lilian Webb of the Parish of Celbridge & Straffan with Newcastle–Lyons (Diocese: Dublin & Glendalough) for her photograph taken on Easter Sunday: the Sunrise Service at Castletown with Christ Church, Celbridge in background.

The judges said: ‘This is a brilliant photograph – it is a beautiful moment, and the photographer has captured the atmosphere superbly. The details, from the frost on the grass to the muted colours, along with the strong composition with the group looking in and one woman looking out to the sunrise, creates a delightful combination.’

RUNNER UP

Seán O’Brien from Portlaw, Co. Waterford for his photograph of parishioners from the Fidown Union of Parishes (Ossory Diocese) arriving at Holy Trinity Church, Portlaw, having finished a short parade through the town with donkeys, to commemorate Christ’s entry into Jerusalem, before his trial and crucifixion.

The judges said: ‘The photographer has captured a great day in rural parish life. The colours are all complementary and the composition is strong with the lovely church building shown off in early sunlight and a nice mix of people, young an old gathering together for worship.’

THIRD PRIZE

Andrew Brannigan for his picture of parishioners attending morning service in St John’s, Ballyclare (Connor).

The judges said: ‘This is an exuberant photo of a worshipping congregation, with a good balance of people and place – showing the vaulted ceiling of the church and the organ pipes to good advantage. The photographer has really taken command, with everyone looking into the camera – with lots of smiles and people enjoying a happy moment – despite the fact that most people hate being photographed! We love the piggy–backers at the door, creating an informal atmosphere.’

SPECIAL MENTIONS

Herbie Sharman, Diocesan Communications Officer for Cashel, Ferns and Ossory Diocese, for his photo ‘The Last Station’. The photo shows Bishop Michael Burrows offering his reflection with a difference on Good Friday with his parishioners on the platform of Carlow Station towards the end of his ‘Stations in the Stations’ on 3rd April 2015.

The judges said: ‘This is a fantastic photograph capturing a unique moment. While it is not in a church setting, the people of the church are making their faith known in the civic realm and the striking context of the railway station is captured superbly.’

Lynn Glanville, DCO for Dublin and Glendalough, for her photo of the Ordination of Deacons at Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin, on 21 September 2014.

The judges said: ‘A fun, impromptu photo but one which is also well composed and the light is well balanced. The subjects’ expressions are great and the photographer demonstrates how timing is everything!’

Pauric McGroder, Freelance Photographer, for his photograph of visitors to St Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin.

The judges said: ‘The photographer has captured the special quality of a cathedral space and its ability to enable visitors to take a quiet, reflective moment in an a special place. The black–and–white image is rich in texture and is technically impressive, with no converging verticals. The people are lost in thought and the architecture is shown off to full advantage.’

Issued by:
The Church of Ireland Press Office
Church of Ireland House
61–67 Donegall Street
Belfast BT1 2QH
Tel: (028) 9082 8880