Isle of Man Guide

‘Stormy Seas’, a photograph by Isle of Man Photographic Society member Barbara Spiers, has been voted the people’s favourite by Manx Museum visitors during a recent competition held at the Museum.

The competition has been running since June in conjunction with ‘Images of Today’, an exhibition held at the Manx Museum to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the Isle of Man Photographic Society.

The winning image is of Douglas’ Loch Promenade during a storm, showing dramatic seas and highlighting the promenade’s beautiful Victorian architecture. The photograph was taken using a traditional 35mm camera and film. The winning photographer, Barbara Spiers, has been in the society since 1962 and is proud to admit she is currently the oldest member of the society.

Barbara reflects that:

“One of the most important aspects of taking a strong and powerful photograph is composition. Some people believe that the camera does all the work these days with advances in digital photography, but in fact it is the person behind the camera who needs to have the ability to see that perfect shot. A good photographer needs an artistic temperament and creativity – and patience!”

The winning image has been framed and presented to one of the Manx Museum visitors who voted for ‘Stormy Seas’. The competition winner, Kathryn Ansell of Braddan, was given the prize at a small presentation on Monday morning by Barbara Spiers and Assistant Curator Katie King on behalf of Manx National Heritage.

Kathryn said:

“I am delighted to have won the competition. When my husband and I visited the Museum we were captivated by the images on display in the exhibition, and it was very difficult to choose a winner. I voted for ‘Stormy Seas’ as I thought the scene was vibrant, whilst simultaneously exhibiting a certain moodiness which I found fascinating”.

Visitors to the Manx Museum are still able to see the winning image alongside other superb images taken by Society members as ‘Images of Today – the Isle of Man Photographic Society’s 70th Anniversary Exhibition’ runs until Saturday 30th August 2008. Admission is completely free of charge.

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