The MCC Committee is proud to share the final results of the first ever Malta Climbing Club Photography Competition, which ran between February and March 2022. Photographers were asked to submit photos of climbing and related activities in the Maltese islands, and professional photographers, hobbyists and amateurs did not disappoint with their entries. We received a total of 47 submissions from 18 different participants.
Photos were judged on three criteria – Originality, Technical execution, and thematic relevance – by a panel composed of Dutch professional climber Marianne Van Der Steen; professional photographer and former MCC Committee member Inigo Taylor; and MCC Committee members Simon Alden, Bernard Abela, Zach Cassar and Edward Duca. Club PRO Stephen Farrugia took care of organising the competition and anonymising the entries to ensure a level playing field.
Sicilian photographer and guide book author Massimo Cappuccio took the GOLD MEDAL with a stunning shot of local climber Sean Cassar working out the moves on Tufa Tirtogħod at Għar il-Barbaġann (Garden of Eden), illuminated by the setting sun and a flash gun. The photo was taken during a visit Massimo paid to the Maltese islands in 2021 whilst researching for an article for UPMagazine.
Czech climber Pavel Hosnedl, who has lived on the island of Gozo for several years, scooped the SILVER MEDAL with a self portrait shot on a timer which sees him playing around on a picturesque boulder at the edge of the cliffs in Għar Lapsi. The photo makes it look like Pavel is short of a hand, but rest assured he’s got both limbs. Kudos to Pavel for making the slog out to Għar Lapsi at dawn!
The BRONZE MEDAL was awarded to Olga Sater, for a photo of Sean Cassar (again!) hanging out in the roof of il-Latnija (Mellieħa Cave). Olga is a budding photographer who has moved to Malta from Dubai a few years ago.
The competition was made possible thanks to our generous sponsors Ġebla, Mochika Outdoor Life, and the Surplus and Adventure Store. MCC members get preferential rates at the outdoor retailers, so remember to show your membership card at the till when making your purchase!
Some interesting points:
– Gold medallist Massimo Cappuccio’s three submissions all made it into the top 10
– Local climber Sean Cassar seems to be a ticket to the podium for photographers – he’s the star in four of the top 10 photos!
– Pavel Hosendl made it into the top 10 twice
If you missed out on our first ever Climbing Photography competition, keep an eye on our website in early 2023 for the second edition!
