For what it’s worth Alec, I much prefer your image of 4 teenage girls to Dave Stewart’s, but then I do tend to prefer less staged-looking photographs than his generally. He is a very talented photographer with a successful career in advertising, so it’s no surprise that his personal work displays the same forethought, planning and consideration. But, despite my obvious gratitude for my staged piece being recognised (way back in TW history!), I generally think that portraits with an element of ‘observed’ rather than created have more resonance. At least for me! Competitions don’t reflect ‘that which is best’ because even with a PhD in aesthetics, one would have to argue over the objectivity, but I do think they reflect current trends and preferences, and the opinions of the particular judges. And when entering, winning, or being rejected, I think it is wise to bear that in mind.