Algarve Plus – Apr 2025

This month’s theme is “Secret Places”. Everyone knows of that little spot in a town or village or middle of nowhere that one like to think to themselves that they are the only person that knows about it… well that what these images are to demonstrate.

We invited Jeff Hirsch back for another judging challenge.

Jeff is an Adobe Certified Expert in Photoshop & Lightroom and runs classes on both applications as well as organising photography trips to various locations around the world. You can find out more about Jeff via his website.

Once again, thanks very much Jeff!!

This year, the group has adopted to rank the selected images from 1st to 5th with each rank obtaining between 25 and 5 points that will score for Order of Merit.

Well done to everyone who took part, and congratulations to those who were selected and are featured in the current April edition of the Algarve Plus Magazine.

The next theme for Algarve Plus for May will be: Mothers and will be judged by Ingrid Borecki

Selected & Published Images

Words of Wisdom

1st Place: 13 Ghosts and Secrets by Timurhan Tatutar
I think this image best embodies the theme of Secret Places. The multiple indirect light sources help define the three-dimensional space depicted in the scene. The light on the near wall on the left, the light spilling through the doorway on the right, and the light illuminating the back wall each have their individual quality. And that’s before you even get to the ghostly apparition stepping into the frame. There’s definitely a sense of mystery hidden away with how the space is revealed. Well seen and captured. The maker really took the theme to heart

2nd Place: 4 Behind the Curtain by Ligia Glover
I like the creativity of this image in response to the theme. The string curtain provides a veil that partially conceals and partially reveals the space beyond allowing us a glimpse of two chairs as the broken light falls upon them. This imparts a mood on the scene that befits the theme. I love the deep shadows and overall dynamics of the image.

3rd Place: 1 Estação Casével by Ina Tanzer
The subject is well chosen. It has the look of an abandoned hideout. The monochrome treatment works well and imparts something of a timeless feeling to the image. The treatment is a good match for the old building. My only critique of this image is that the geometry of the building seems a bit off. Everything is leaning to the right a bit. Otherwise, it’s a strong image.

4th Place: 18 Where Spies Meet by Sergio Pereira
The scene along with the title, is enough to give me the feel of a Secret Place. In this case, a secret meeting place. The muted colours and single light casting strong shadows give off a film noir vibe that is well-suited for the story you are trying to tell. The diffuse and almost hidden second floor adds to the mystery. I also like the fact that everything is closed up. No open windows or doors. This too amplifies the “secrecy” of it all.

5th Place: 16 Path to the Unknown by Daryl Gabin
The scene itself is very inviting and beckons the viewer to follow the photographer along the path ahead to discover a secret place lurking somewhere around the corner or down the trail. It’s a good fit for the theme.

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