Tuesday 6 October Presentation by the SIG Groups.

 This evening we had a presentation from the SIG groups. At present we have two groups Scapes And Nature. 

The Nature group meets on the third Thursday of the month followed by a 'wash up' on the following Thursday to share images and receive some helpful critique from their mentor.  He always find something positive as well as making suggestions for improvement.

The Scape group meets on the first Wednesday of the month followed by a zoom meeting on the third Wednesday where group members critique each others images making suggestions but always being positive.

Both groups are made up of like minded photographers who shares a common interest regardless of ability.  Friendships are forged.  Tips are are shared.  Tea, coffee and cakes are also an important part of the groups.

If members are unable to make it to the venues they can visit at a different time that suits, or submit other images which they would like some advice about.

Members are always welcome to start up new groups.

We were treated to images from a variety of places. Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridge, Northumberland  and even further a field.

Tuesday 22 September Presentation Justin Minns Landscape

 On Tuesday evening we welcomed Justin Minns who gave us a talk about his Essex Project.  In his opening comments he suggested working on projects. Setting ourselves goals and a focus which may lead to other ideas developing. He also suggested staying close to home so that you to get to know the location intimately by visiting on various occasion, at different times of the day and year, and in different weather conditions.

Through his images he took us on tour of Essex and giving an alternative view to that of the normal sea side towns.  He focused on salt marshes, coastline, rivers and estuaries. Showing the hidden gems that exist within Essex and just a few miles from built up areas. 

Each image was accompanied with the settings. He also gave background information about the history of the site and the reason why he had taken the image. The narrative helped to bring the images alive. The project then formed the collection for his FRPS.  He displayed the images as they were presented showing how all the images were linked to form a cohesive display.

An enjoyable evening was had by all.

Tuesday 8 September Summer Challenge

 On Tuesday evening we opened the new season with out first competition.  All the images were taken during our short summer break. The number of entries suggested that members were very busy during the summer.

The judge for the evening was Penny Reeves who was very positive about the standard of the club and gave members some very helpful tips. 

Here are the top scoring images.

1st Early Evening Allotment by Emma Moore

2nd Still Life by Jan Murphy

3rd A Good Hare Day by Sandie Jardine

    Highly  Commended  Terns by Jack Mitchell    

 

Highly Commended Acer Leaves by Pam Rutty

 

Commended Insects by Maureen Campbell

Commended The Woodland Floor by Francesca Shearcroft

 

                               

 

Tuesday 23rd June : Competition Image of the year Judge David Steel

 On Tuesday evening we had the final competition of the season: Image Of The Year consisting of both print and digital. We had 19 digital and 17 print entries.

David commented on the high standard of all the images, both print and digital. He spent quite some time  commenting on each image; focusing first on the positives and then giving a few tips on how the photographer could improve the image if they wish to do so.

He held back 14 images in total.  6 digital and 8 prints.

Here are the top scoring prints.

1st Cromer Pier In Winter by Carol Martin

2nd In Need Of Repair by Sue Baldwin

3rd Misty Morning Reflection by Sandie Jardine

                                Highly Commended:

Displaying Gannets by Di Daniels

  Red Kite Ever Watchful by Jack Mitchell

                                               

       Stand Proud by Vanessa Robertson

                                               

                                     Commended:

 Shanghai On A Miserable Day by Jan Murphy

                                               

Happy Food by Andrew Stringer

Here are the top scoring digital images:

  1st European Hover Fly On Queen Anne's Lace by Jack Mitchell

                                

    2nd Look Mum No Seatbelt by Andrew Stringer

                                           

3rd Brown Hare On The Move by Carol Martin

          Highly commended:

Little Owl by Sandie Jardine

Sparrow Hawk With Prey by Di Daniels

        Commended:

Hippo by Robin Orrow

Tuesday 6th June Presentation Free Mines Coal Face by Nick Hodgson.

This evening we welcomed Nick Hodgson to gives us a talk about his project/research on Free Mines Coal Face Mining in the Forest of Dean. 

The first half of the evening was all about the history of free mining.  The work and the struggles of the miners from the 14th century onwards. Nick has a strong connection through his grandfather to the mining community of the Forest of Dean. During his research he was introduce to a distant relative who was able to present him with the original map that his grandfather made of his mine.

The second half was all about the images and his relationship with the community.  Nick describes himself as a landscape photographer. The images were all in black and white but were originally all taken in colour. Every image told a story about the people and the condition of the mines. Some mines were very small and cramped, and images show how the miners had to positioned themselves to get into the mines.  The comradeship between the community was obvious, whether this was sharing a cup of tea or helping each other.  The end result of the project was the publication of a book, which has won Nick a number of awards.

Tuesday 1st June - Presentation chasing The Light by Giles Thurston

 This evening we welcomed Giles to give a talk about chasing the light. Giles is a semi professional photographer.  He describe himself as a human landscape photographer focusing on both the urban and rural environment.  Giles has been taking photos from childhood.  One of the first images that he showed was of his sister on a family holiday that he took as a young boy.

Giles is also a long distance endurance runner and he combines this along with his photography. When he is out and about Giles will stop and take photos of things that caught his eye; it could be a road sign  an abandoned building or a rusty farm engine. These might seem mundane but its all about the texture, shadows, strong lines, shape and the way the light falls on the image.

There is more than one type of light for Giles. It's also when photography helps release stress, makes you slowdown and think about the things that are important in life.  It is about taking photos for yourself, about the things that interest you and not to worrying about what others think.

As a camera club we sometimes forget why we like photography and sometimes focus on what might please the judge. Giles talk remind us that it's important to do the things that brings us satisfaction, peace of mind and joy.

Tuesday 25th May - Presentation My Top 30 by Kevin Pigney

 On Tuesday evening we welcomed Kevin to talked about his top 30 images. Kevin is renowned for his wildlife photography, but the evening was all about stepping out of your comfort zone and trying something new.

On display was a variety of amazing images to backup the slide show.  The genres ranged from seascapes, pet portrait, still life, wildlife and many more. With each image Kevin explained the settings and the techniques that he used.  Kevin explained that he gets inspiration from other photographers work.

Kevin has been trying out new skills such portraits both animals and people, and also still life following a visits to the National Portrait Gallery using the style of th old masters.

Kevin talked about the importance of trying new things and not getting stuck in a rut. Techniques from one genre can be transferred to another, thus improving the photographer skills.

The evening presented members with many ideas about developing new skills.