Thursday, 29 November 2012

27th November: Digital Competition Round 2 - Natural History



Over 40 of us supported this meeting and we saw nearly 60 images in this natural history competition.  Our judge was Adrian Stone from Peterborough and he offered insightful and constructive comments on each projected image.  Adrian’s comments on the technical aspects of our photographs were helpful and encouraging.  On top of this, his knowledge of a wide range of natural history subjects (from Calliphora Vomitoria to a traffic sign!) made for an interesting and entertaining evening.

Thanks to all members who entered images.  Those scoring 19 and 20 are below. 

Andy Caws
WDPC Chairman


KINGFISHER CONFLICT (ALCEDO ATTHIS) by Robin Orrow 

MYCENA FUNGI by Diana Graham

MALE CHAFFINCH IN FLIGHT by Di Jackson

TREE FUNGI by Caroline Tillett
LITTLE OWL (ATHENE NOCTUA) by Melvin Holmes
THYMELICUS LINEOLA by Roy Scrivener

FLY AGARIC AT DERSINGHAM by Andy Caws
OTTER COMING TOWARDS RIVERBANK by Fran Grimsdell
RED DEER RUT by Robin Orrow



Sunday, 25 November 2012

Friday 23rd November - Horsey Wind Pump


Talk about lucky - one fantastic day between some really terrible stormy days!   Our arrival at Horsey Wind Pump coincided with the unexpected arrival of the NT Warden who was there to do an end of season stock take.  He very kindly opened the loo, the cafe, the shop and the wind pump itself so we were able to enjoy all of the facilities (they are usually closed from the beginning of November).  Some canny Members made the most of the opportunity to buy some cracking BOGOF bargains.

We moved on to the Nelson Head and all packed into their cosy dining room where everyone seemed to enjoy an excellent lunch in double quick time so we could get down to Horsey Gap for the main event, the seals and pups.  We weren’t disappointed - the official count was approaching 300 pups on the beach and it didn’t take us long to locate them.  First the noise (from both ends!), then the smell which fortunately you soon get used to.  The light was good, the tide was pushing the seals up the beach so hopefully everyone managed to capture some images.  All in all, an excellent club outing.  Thanks to everyone who joined in on the day.

Di Jackson
Events Secretary


by David Wilkin

by Andy Caws

by Marnie Ball

by Diana Graham

by Francesca Shearcroft

by Roy Scrivener

by David Wilkin

by Marnie Ball

by Di Jackson

by Andy Caws

by Diana Graham

by Francesca Shearcroft

by Di Jackson

by Francesca Shearcroft

by Roy Scrivener

by Di Jackson

by David Wilkin

by Di Jackson

by Di Jackson

by Marnie Ball

by Francesca Shearcroft

by Diana Graham

Wednesday, 21 November 2012

13th November 2012 - Wild Bird Photography, Melvin Holmes

Another well attended meeting!  Melvin described his approach to wild bird photography which he has perfected over many years.  The photos he used to illustrate his technical tips demonstrated just what can be achieved when you are in control of your camera settings to obtain perfect exposure and focus.  Melvin shared with us some of his favourite locations for bird photography.  Being in the right place at the right time is the result of much research and a large amount of patience.  

Three of Melvin's images can be seen below. 


Great Reed Warbler by Melvin Holmes

Kittiwake in the Mist by Melvin Holmes

Black Shouldered Kite by Melvin Holmes