Judges

The 2022 Judges are:


Andrew. N. Gagg FRPS from Worcester 

Andrew’s been a keen photographer from the age of eleven, although he came late to the world of AV, having been busy for much of his working life at the BBC and in many different live theatres before that. Making up for lost time, he has produced a handful of winning sequences in his own inimitably varied style, always deeply personal and always as highly polished as he can make them. 

It goes without saying that top quality photography and sound are of the essence, but he also sets great store by the presentation of his sequences, convinced of the importance of good graphics and meaningfully delivered narration.

Bryan Stubbs ARPS from Leeds

I started making AVs about 18 years ago at a time when slide sound sequences were slowly being overtaken by digital. I have only ever made digital AVs. The medium appealed to me straight away as a means of giving meaning to my photography. I’ve been a keen photographer for as long as I remember. To me AV is about storytelling whether it be with a voice over or not. The audio is as important as the images.

I’ve been secretary of Leeds AV group for too many years, about 15 or so and Yorkshire organizer for the RPS AV group for about 13 years. I’ve been a judge for several AV competitions including the RPS Nationals and twice for the Great Northern and am looking forward to being part of the judging team for the Midphot AV competition.

Judging can never be a truly logical process. We all come to it with our own likes and dislikes, and I feel privileged to be asked to comment on other people’s work.

Jeff Mansell CPAGB/AV from Blythe Bridge

I have been taking photographs for 60 years, starting with my dad's box camera. I saw my first audio visual in 1985 produced by a member of my camera club. This inspired me to have a go and I showed my first audio visual sequence there in 1986, using separate hand-controlled projectors and live narration. I continued to make them using slide/tape, and later digitally and had some success in regional competitions. 

I joined Wilmslow Guild AV group in 1999, becoming a member of the committee in 2005. I enjoy making sequences with other people and have had some success nationally. I gained my CPAGB AV in 2015.  I have experience judging both local and national competitions.

I enjoy making documentaries, so I will be looking for good compact scripts, the right choice of music, if used, good quality photography and a well-structured production.