I am judging the mining photos at this year's Hidden Earth, so perhaps a few comments might be useful. Black and White photos go straight to the bin, along with any photos without scale. A caver or a mine explorer adds scale to any photos. The Welsh entrants may use their favorite sheep for scale instead of their grotty girl friends. Any photos of the crane in Box Mines are also due for the bin. I like photos with speleothems. They are always a winner.
Tony,
There is nowhere in the rules that says B&W photos cannot be entered - I say this as the sponsor and holding the final say. As for Sheep you live in Wales and therefore I bow to your particular interest, although I don't regard this as a criteria. Speleotherms as this is a Mining / Man made underground not sure that will apply - scale does matter particularly when showing a specific artefact or feature.
I can only assume a lot of this is said in fun - Peter B please do not be put off -
for the record I have stated that unless a better selection of photos are brought to the conference I will end it this year. The last two years have been won by very similar photos' from the same two mines the Silica Mines nr Neath and Box (cranes) hence why Tony made that particular statement. There are much better subjects and Sparty's B&W is a strong contender.
For the record the photos can be underground man made structures which does allow the Sub Brit interests into this category.
Cheers
Mike 😉 😉 😉