Photographs of loved local trees are to be published in a Channel Islands calendar, that will be available, for free, at Rubis forecourts, from late November.
The “Trees We Love” photographic competition, in association with Rubis, was run in support of Jersey Trees for Life and Guernsey Trees for Life; two local charities devoted to providing protection and care for island trees.
More than 90 photographs were submitted in the adult and junior sections of the amateur competition, each featuring unique representations of our Islands’ spectacular trees.
Overall winners of the adult category were Richard Bougeard (Jersey) and Gill Harrison (Guernsey) and from the junior category, Rosie Boak (Jersey) and Anton Le Poidevin (Guernsey).
The feedback from the judges was that the standard of photos for the Rubis 2019 calendar were ‘absolutely remarkable’, making judging extremely difficult.
Gerard Farnham, Chairman for Jersey Trees for Life said: “Jersey Trees for Life are delighted with the excellent quality of the photographs submitted for the Rubis “Trees We Love” competition 2019 and with our best ever results received from the huge response of entries this year. We appreciate the time and effort spent by each competitor on capturing their favourite trees around the island.”
Guernsey Tree for Life Education Officer, Vanessa Crispini-Adams who was one of this year’s judges said: “It is always a pleasure to see all the entries for the Rubis Trees We Love calendar competition as it reflects islanders love of trees and their special place and importance in our landscape.”
The judging panel were particularly impressed with Richard Bougeard’s, ‘Autumnal Archway’, which will feature on the front cover of the 2019 calendar. On the photograph, the panel said: “The image was chosen for its wonderful composition and colours – greens, oranges and browns – that worked so well with the shadows and light. From a stylistic perspective, the photographer has carefully controlled the contrast, balance, sharpness and composition to help create a masterful image.”
The excellent quality of the photographs this year is reflected in the calibre of the images that did not take home the prize. Although not a winner, Matthew Loughlin’s black and white photo,‘December 2019’ was described by the panel as ‘Something spectacular, almost breathtaking in this serene, yet simple, image of a lonely tree. In the vastness of the photograph’s space, we sense the beauty, strength, vitality and fragility, of this lonely tree. It’s a photograph you can look at for a long time.’
Nick Crolla, Head of Sales and Marketing for Rubis Channel Islands said: “Rubis takes its environmental responsibilities very seriously and is proud to support initiatives that reduce the impact of fossil fuel consumption in the Channel Islands. It is always a pleasure to support Guernsey and Jersey Trees for Life and we would like to congratulate and thank all of the entrants for their hard work, creativity and imagination.”
