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SNOW and ice played a large part in the photographs submitted for our Autumn and Winter Photographic Competition, with such a scene the winner.
 Two judges, James Halliday and Ralph Freeman picked Jean Wotham's Chilly Oxford Bridge as their first choice, and another as fifth choice, making it the outright winner. She will now receive the prize of the above photograph enlarged and reproduced on 30in x 20in canvas and box framed.
 Snow Storm Birmingham Gas Street Basin by Louise Moore, pictured, was the first choice of judge Simon Patton, with judge Brian Holmes choosing Autumn Dawn—the Bratch as his first choice, again by Louise Moore, showing her to be an exceptional photographer, with her first photograph, taking a very close second place.
Though it was originally intended to run this competition until the end of March, as no entries had been received for weeks, we decided to close it to announce the winners.
Of Jean's winning entry, professional photographer and ex BW's James Halliday remarked:
"Snow scenes come in their millions at the first flurry, but this has a depth and tranquillity that immediately registered, together with its fine composition, and just had to be my first choice.
Photographer and boater Ralph Freeman, of the winning entry states:
"Taking good pictures of a snowy scene is not easy. Digital cameras have a limited dynamic range so taking pictures in bright sunshine tends to mean all the detail in the shadows disappears. Dull days have their problems too. The 'White Balance' software in the camera can become 'confused' and the resulting photos then have a strong blue cast which is difficult to remove.
"It also takes a lot of willpower to leave a warm place and trudge off in the snow just to take a picture!
"The winning photograph is technically sound and thoughtfully composed too. I have a soft spot for the beautiful cast iron bridges on The Oxford and BCN anyway, so for me Jean Wotham's picture is a worthy winner.
"It makes you shiver just looking at it. Congratulations Jean!"
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