Marigolds and Marrows.

One of my favourite jobs on the monochromatic calendar is the annual village flower and produce show. It is a staple part of a regional photographers diary and one I look forward to with relish.

It is guaranteed to provide interesting picture opportunities full of colour, fun and drama. Pumpkins the size of tractor tyres, sweet scented flowers that brighten a dull village hall and cakes that would grace the a Great British Bake Off

Then there are the wonderful participants, people who have spend months maybe even the last year in honing their to create and grow. These are the  guys who have been growing veg since since they were knee high to a grasshopper. They have wind swept faces that look as though they spend every daylight hour and the rest on their allotments, tending prize carrots with a love and care that makes their wives green with envy. 

But I find the most competitive classes are the cake and jam categories, closely followed handicrafts.  

These are usually but not always entered by ladies of the parish. They  know their stuff and are never scared at offering an opinion. 

Whoever I photograph one thing is for sure there faces will convey the appearance of deep felt pride in winning a coveted red certificate better known as the First Prize.