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BAUS 2023 Photographic Competition

Life In Focus

A message from Mary Garthwaite, BAUS Virtual Art Gallery Curator, former Consultant Urologist & TUF Trustee

Entries for the BAUS photographic competition 2023 have now been judged and the winner announced - all submissions can be viewed below on this page.

The theme for BAUS 2023 was "LIFE IN FOCUS".

How are you finding life? Have you taken time to focus on where you are in life and where you want to be? How do you remind yourself that there is life outside work? What helps you breathe, relax and cope with the pressures of life as a busy urologist? Or how does your work help remind you of just how precious life is?

Members were invited to submit images with their personal interpretation of this title.

A panel of three judges selected the top images with an overall winner, runner-up & four highly commended images; the results were announced during the BAUS 2023 Annual Scientific Meeting at the ICC Birmingham in June.

The competition judging panel

MR TONY BROWNING
Retired Consultant Urologist; 
Mid-Yorkshire

MISS LUCY SIMMONS
Consultant Urologist;
Royal United Hospital, Bath

MR AMMAR ALHASSO
Consultant Urologist; Western Gen Hospital, Edinburgh


Submissions for the 2023 Competition

FROM PORTFOLIO 8
by Dr Shannon Jordan


Peace & perspective ... view full-screen version

My Sunday ritual, before the busy week starts again, is to visit the beach. With so much of our working week indoors in rooms with no windows, no natural light, no fresh air, it is easy to lose sight of the simple pleasures this earth has to offer.

When I am lost or overwhelmed, peace & perspective can always be found where there's water ...

© SHANNON JORDAN - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2023
 

 

from PORTFOLIO 1
by Mr Fadi Haddad


Motherhood ... view full-screen version

" Busy as one is, I have learned to enjoy the beauty of what nature has to offer. In the south of Jordan, just off the ancient King`s Highway, there are valleys that carry the rain water to the Dead Sea.

" This photo was taken on one of my trips to what is called The Valley of Ibin Hammad. Water draining from cracks in the rocks produces interesting patterns waiting for photographers to spot them ... "

© FADI HADDAD - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2023
 

 

PORTFOLIO 1
Mr Fadi Haddad


Sunrise over sleeping Amman, Jordan ... view full-screen version

" Nowadays waking up very early in the morning has its advantages. I was overwhelmed by the majestic sunrises which I unfortunately have missed all these busy years.

" While Amman is still quiet and peaceful, I rush to the rooftop in time to catch the beautiful sunrise before getting ready to go to my clinic ..."

© FADI HADDAD - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2023

The sociable crows ... view full-screen version

"Sunsets are full of pleasant surprises, if we take the time to enjoy what goes on around us.

" For some reason, before going to their trees to settle for the night, the crows from all around our neighbourhood gather on a large antenna atop the main station of the diplomatic police near our house.They are a sight to watch.

" Who says crows are not sociable ... ? "

© FADI HADDAD - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2023
 

 

PORTFOLIO 2
Mr Faiyaz Kapasi


Calm waters ... view full-screen version

© FAIYAZ KAPASI - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2023

Persian architecture in Qum ... view full-screen version

© FAIYAZ KAPASI - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2023
 

 

PORTFOLIO 3
Mr David Douglas


Rockclimbing, mountaineering and walking up hills have been an integral part of my life for nearly 50 years. Whatever stress comes my way, being in the mountains helps keep my life in focus ...


December sunset over the Cuillin ridge on Skye ... view full-screen version

" Taken from Bealach na Ba on Applecross after a day out climbing ... "

© DAVID DOUGLAS - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2023

Liathac in winter ... view full-screen version

" Taken on an iPhone SE during a winter traverse of this iconic mountain in Torridon ... "

© DAVID DOUGLAS - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2023
 

 

PORTFOLIO 4
Professor Toe Lwin


A near sunset over a calm sea ... view full-screen version

" All beautiful sunsets are followed by another sunrise the next day.

" A stormy sea may follow a calm one. We live in a world with ups and downs in our life and everything changes with time.

" We should do our utmost to love and be kind to one another and to all living beings in the natural world... "

© TOE LWIN - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2023

Meditation ... view full-screen version

" Life will be hectic for any busy urologist in his own way in various countries. I happened to be a busy urologist working in a country, ruled by a military regime for more than six decades.

" We did our very best to look after all our patients with limited resources.

" Fortunately,I have learnt meditation since my childhood. I practice meditation everyday without fail. It calms me down in every way to be able to cope with the demands of work and many other hardships.

" This photo was taken with an iPhone13 using a self-timer … "

© TOE LWIN - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2023

Touching moment ... view full-screen version

" My father is a hero and role model for me. He has taught me everything I know and do. This was a time when he had a near fatal heart attack at the age of 90.

" I have lost many material things in my life but the thought of losing my father hit me exceptionally hard. I then realised that life is so precious. Despite our busy life, we must find time to spend with our loved ones before we depart each other forever.

" This photo was taken with an iPhoneX using a self-timer … "

© TOE LWIN - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2023
 

 

PORTFOLIO 5
Mr Ivo Dukic

Down the slide ... view full-screen version

" A moment of fun and excitement as my son goes down a slide - a reminder that we can experience similar moments of joy and happiness every day if we pay attention to the beauty around us.

" Life is full of ups and downs, twists and turns, just like a slide, and we should embrace these experiences with open arms ... "

© IVO DUKIC - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2023
 

 

PORTFOLIO 6
Mr Nicholas Townell


Motherhood ... view full-screen version

" This mother's care of her born and unborn young exemplifies Nature's paradigm of naturally focussing on an offspring's life ... "

© NICHOLAS TOWNELL - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2023

Meditation at sea ... view full-screen version

" This contemplative image, taken during a haar, relaxes the mind, encouraging thoughts to drift and focus on life ... "

© NICHOLAS TOWNELL - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2023

Jizos at Daishoin Temple ... view full-screen version

" Jizos are stone statues made in the image of Jizo Bosatsu, a kind, patient and gentle deity who guards children and travellers. Buddhists who have miscarried, or have had children who have died, will worship Jizo as they protect their dead children passing to the afterlife.

" A profound image representing the Buddhist focus on life .. "

© NICHOLAS TOWNELL - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2023
 

 

PORTFOLIO 7
Mr Arjun Nambiar


Wanderer above Ullswater ... view full-screen version

" A walker looks out over UIlswater in the Lake District from Sheffield Pike. Panoramic views are not only good for the eyes, but for the mind too ... "

© ARJUN NAMBIAR - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2023

Looking out over Snowdon ... view full-screen version

" A lone hiker looks out over the Snowdon ridge. There is something about the mountains that helps put things in perspective, clear the head and remind us that there is more to life than we perceive in our little bubble ... "

© ARJUN NAMBIAR - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2023

Above the storm ... view full-screen version

" It took climbing through a ferocious hailstorm to get to this summit with pristine conditions.

" Much like life, sometimes we have to power through the most difficult times to get to a worthy outcome, and we grow as a result ... "

© ARJUN NAMBIAR - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2023
 

 

PORTFOLIO 9
Mr Jonathan Cobley


Balloons ... view full-screen version

" Pure joy of my daughter on her second birthday ... "

© JONATHAN COBLEY - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2023

Golf - a good walk spoiled? ... view full-screen version

" Playing golf overlooking the South West countryside on a sunny spring evening ... "

© JONATHAN COBLEY - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2023

Fireworks ... view full-screen version

" A beautiful family wedding, with fireworks illuminating the foregroud ... "

© JONATHAN COBLEY - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2023
 

 

PORTFOLIO 10
Mr Gareth Lewis


Durham Castle from Highgate ... view full-screen version

" Taken in June 2011 from the 3rd floor of our rental house, 12 months to the day after moving to the North East ... "

© GARETH LEWIS - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2023

Hamsterley Forest sunrise ... view full-screen version

" Taken on an iphone 6S whilst out mountain biking in Feb 2017. It was taken at the bottom of the most torturous uphill section in the forest, no doubt trying to delay the inevitable climb into the pain cave.

" It remains my computer desktop wallpaper to this day & reminds me daily to try & maintain the equilibrium of the work/life balance ... "

© GARETH LEWIS - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2023
 

 

PORTFOLIO 11
Mr Henry St Aubyn Bilton


Seasonal affliction: a frosted ending ... view full-screen version

" Frosted - withered. An end to life twice over can birth beauty once more. Truly you can find beauty anywhere you choose to look, even in the scrubland next to the hospital before a busy shift ... "

© HENRY ST AUBYN BILTON - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2023

A different perspective: size is relative ... view full-screen version

" Lockdown gave me time to take a breath, and see things from a different point of view.

" A humble daisy growing tall and lovely. Much more true to its latin name Bellis Perennis, the everlasting beauty ... "

© HENRY ST AUBYN BILTON - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2023

Through the mist ... view full-screen version

" When stuck in dreary England, I can dream of stepping forward through the mists to an exotic world beyond ... "

© HENRY ST AUBYN BILTON - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2023
 

 

PORTFOLIO 12
Mr Abdullah Chaudhry


These pictures were taken during the peak of Covid-19, shortly after moving to London. During weekdays I would keep my head down, glued to my phone. However, on weekends, I would embark on the same journey but this time with a camera in my hand, deliberately slowing down the pace. It was during those moments that I began to notice the intricate layers of life, the extraordinary beauty within the ordinary. To me, it served as a perfect reminder to not just keep focus on the destination but also to enjoy the journey and celebrate the small wins every day ...


Emerald hue ... view full-screen version

© ABDULLAH CHAUDHRY - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2023

Almond blossom ... view full-screen version

© ABDULLAH CHAUDHRY - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2023

Summer delight ... view full-screen version

© ABDULLAH CHAUDHRY - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2023
 

 

PORTFOLIO 13
Mr Seshi Middela


Point of view & perspective ... view full-screen version

" This photograph illustrates the difference between perspective and point of view.

" My friend and I were at this location trying to capture the play of light on the copse of trees. However, I was on a slightly higher vantage point than her. Essentially, we both had similar points of view but by placing her in my frame, this photograph has more of a perspective than simply a point of view.

" This is the crux of a team work in our hospitals with all working towards a similar goal with the same point of view but only a few having the complete perspective. Most importantly, without my friend - the person, the human - the photograph would just be another point of view ... "

© SESHI MIDDELA - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2023

Movement, flow & still ... view full-screen version

" Photography helped me to see things which were commonly ignored and provided me an insight into alternative perspectives. It made me appreciate the forms, shapes, patterns, textures and the design of the life itself talhough ironically, I picked up the camera to escape my life.

© SESHI MIDDELA - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2023

Tiny things - grand scheme ... view full-screen version

" A photograph can convey a lot but it depends upon the reader. Often it's the cumulative small things that make the picture, but we often tend to ignore the importance of the same in our lives. These small things in life add up to make a complete beautiful photograph just like our lives.

" The tiny things, the events, the journeys, the experiences, the little joys and sorrows enrich our lives like the windmill in the picture, standing brave to the elements of nature. The tiny little things bring beauty to the photograph and add meaning to our lives ... "


© SESHI MIDDELA - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2023
 

 

PORTFOLIO 14
Mr James Akman


My focus in life ... view full-screen version

" I'm not for the win. I just want to spread the joy that this boy brings. This is my focus in life ..."


© JAMES AKMAN - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2023
 

 

PORTFOLIO 15
Mr Nilanjan Panda


Pure joy ... view full-screen version

" A rare glimpse of freedom, happiness and a thrill of life through the young mind ... "

© NILANJAN PANDA - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2023

A small step and beyond ... view full-screen version

" Sir Isaac Newtom alluded that he was merely "collecting pebbles on the shore of the sea called knowledge". We strive to progreess, excel, save life and make it better. The selfish gene in us wants to continue us in our progeny. We all want our children to succeed and continue the good work.

"  A great teacher/mentor not only teaches but transforms our life by kindling our curiosity and helping us to explore the shores of knowledge to find the elixir of life. Sunshine and an inspiration are all we need to progress beyond the horizon of life & knowledge ..."

© NILANJAN PANDA - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2023

Hone is where the heart is ... view full-screen version

" A rare glimpse of happiness, nature and the eternal bond between mom and son, all fused in one moment captured in the lens. An essence of life ... ... "


© NILANJAN PANDA - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2023
 

 

PORTFOLIO 16
Mr Alexander Ng


A romantic night amidst the rain ... view full-screen version

" Couples finding solace and connection, sat across from each other within the warmly lit and romantic restaurant. The colours, evoking a candlelit ambiance, cast a gentle glow upon the streets still adorned with the reflections of fresh rainfall.

" This interplay of warmth and cold, with the contrast between the background and foreground, serves as a poignant reminder of life’s fragility. It reminds us that even in the midst of cold and darkness, love and warmth patiently await, beckoning us from even just across the street ... "

© ALEXANDER NG - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2023

Red light, yellow light ... view full-screen version

" Amidst the side streets and alleyways, a mesmerising display of light unfolds, illuminating the scaffolding and construction projects. The abundance of street lamps casts a vibrant glow, whilst signs bearing instructions and restrictions line the sidewalk. Brave souls venture the night, defying the curfew of rain.

“ 'Red light yellow light' reminds us to transcend the immediate roadblock and consider the unseen endeavours that shape our lives. Amidst the symphony of signs, lights and the downpour of rain, this pathetic fallacy urges us to pause and prioritise self-care in the midst of our relentless pursuits ... "

© ALEXANDER NG - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2023

Embracing solitude: finding support in solemn prayer ... view full-screen version

" Amidst the busy schedules of our lives, there are moments of solitude that we face. During these periods, where we may feel isolated and alone, it is important to recognise that we are anchored by pillars of support important to us. Whether it is the unwavering faith and spirituality, or strength and love of cherished family and relationships, these sources of support become even more significant.

" In the midst of solitude, a solemn prayer and reflective contemplation serves as beacons, guiding us back to our path, and reminding us of the enduring connections that support us ... "


© ALEXANDER NG - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2023
 

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