PHOTOGRAPHERS channelled their creative energies into capturing the perfect picture that summed up life during lockdown.

Knutsford Photographic Society hosted its first ever ‘virtual relay’ competition and members did not disappoint, with the theme of ‘lockdown’ inspiring them to create a range of images capturing the mood.

The winning image on the night, taken by photographer John Cridland, was called Easing Lockdown Through a Clean Window and pictured a little girl washing the windows at her home.

Second place went to Nigel Wells whose picture collage was called Essence of a Lockdown Garden, picturing garden lockdown essentials such gin and a barbecue.

Knutsford Guardian: Essence of a Lockdown Garden by Nigel WellsEssence of a Lockdown Garden by Nigel Wells

Margaret Lawless’ image of the Curzon cinema’s billboard, entitled Stay Safe came third, while Bill McCaig came in fourth with Clematis and Gina Armstrong took fifth place with Lockdown Memento.

John said: “It was a delight to see members of KPS compete in their first ever online competition. Twenty-three members all joined a Zoom conference to start the summer round of fun competitions – a new format for these challenging times.”

Knutsford Guardian: Stay Safe by Margaret LawlessStay Safe by Margaret Lawless

“The theme of lockdown produced a strong array of images some with poignant messages about the pain of lockdown, others depicting a sense of humour.

“Creative concepts were well thought out and clearly showed how members had passed their time during a difficult period.

“Cleverly thought out titles also helped to make the images stand out. Overall members all had different views as to how lockdown had influenced their photography.

The first event was judged by club president Karl Creaser, and as winner John has chosen the theme From Sunrise to Sunset and will judge the next round which take place at 8pm on Tuesday, August 11.

Details about all Knutsford Photographic Societies future events can be found at: www.knutsfordps.org.uk