Tuesday 27 June - Image of the Year Competition

Many thanks to our judge for the evening, Paul Radden, LRPS, DPAGB, EFIAP, PSA2*, who stepped in at very short notice.  There were 31 digital images and 27 prints for Paul to assess.  He gave constructive criticism, often inviting the views of the audience (a brave man!) before holding back images for his shortlist.

12 digital images were held back and whittled down to eight which received awards.  Congratulations to Di Jackson for the digital Image of the Year, The Stare, and to second and third placed images by Robin Orrow and Roy Scrivener.

Six Prints were shortlisted and print Image of the Year went to Robin Orrow's 'Zebra in the Blue Hour'.  Well done Robin and congratulations to Mick Ladner and Christine Alcock whose prints were placed second and third.

Thanks to all club members who entered images and turned up to the meeting on a very blustery, rainy night.

Here are our images of the year 2017:

Digital Image of the Year

1st  THE STARE by Di Jackson

2nd  GRIZZLY HUNTING SALMON by Robin Orrow

3rd  ONE LIME STREET by Roy Scrivener

Highly Commended  READY TO BLOOM by Sarah Pymer

Highly Commended  WHITE TAILED EAGLE by Andy Caws

Highly Commended  WAVES OF LIGHT by Paula Cooper

Commended  DETERMINATION by Christine Alcock 

Commended  FAKENHAM RACES by Christine Frost

Print Image of the Year

1st  ZEBRA IN THE BLUE HOUR by Robin Orrow

2nd  ROCK PIPIT WITH FOOD by Mick Ladner

3rd  GERBERA by Christine Alcock

Highly Commended  EBB TIDE by Pam Rutty

Commended  SNOW LEOPARD READY TO POUNCE by Diana Graham

Commended  WEATHERED BY STORMS by Christine Frost

Thursday 15th June - Houghton Hall & Gardens

After meeting in the car park everyone took off in various directions to explore the fabulous Palladian house and wonderful gardens and parkland.

There was much to admire in the opulent State Rooms with magnificent furnishings and artwork on display and it was fascinating to hear of the many famous political figures that had passed through this historic building.
The Walled Gardens were a riot of colour with superb herbaceous borders, formal Italian gardens, fountains and a very productive vegetable garden. 
Also of interest were the permanent Sculptures and the Richard Long Exhibition 'Earth Sky' displayed throughout the gardens, parkland and within the Hall itself...certainly thought provoking!

Quite a few of us managed to sample the excellent cafe in the Stables courtyard and while we were there have a look at the amazing Model Soldier Museum - what a collection!

Seven of us travelled on to Old Hunstanton to enjoy the late afternoon sunshine and refreshing sea breeze.  The beach was almost deserted apart from the kite surfers who were making the most of the prevailing wind and putting on quite a show for us (those that remembered to have their long lens with them!).
To finish off a very long but enjoyable day we found the only fish and chip shop still open and sat down to enjoy our supper.  


Some of our images can be seen below:

Having Fun by Geoff Lingwood

Lupin Detail by Francesca Shearcroft

The Houghton White Deer by Tom Thurston

Skyspace by Andy Caws

Waterflame by Christine Frost

The Conservatory by Graham Frost

Lunch Al Fresco by Andy Caws

Rose Arch by Di Jackson

Bird of Paradise Detail by Francesca Shearcroft

Camera Shy by Tom Thurston

Kite Surfer by Graham Frost

Old Hunstanton Lighthouse by Christine Frost

Cranesbill by Di Jackson

Tuesday 13th June – Jon Martin "A Little Bit of Everything"

We welcomed Jon Martin to the club meeting tonight and members were enthralled, not just by all the excellent images he shared with us but because his presentation was peppered with hints and tips about composition, lens settings and some software tips. Jon is well qualified, FBPE, FIAP, and it is no surprise that his work has also won awards in international competitions.
Jon is clearly passionate about his photography and has now the time to pursue many and varied destinations to capture his images, from Iceland to Cambodia, from Scotland to Cornwall and of course Norfolk. Subject matter included abstracts, portraits, landscape, travel and wildlife.  Something for everyone. 
To see some of his images then check out his web site, http://www.jonmartin.co.uk
Thank you Jon for an excellent evening.

Tuesday 6th June– Focus on.......Panels

As a result of an evening workshop a few weeks back the challenge to members was to make a panel, or two, composed of between 3-5 images, taken over a two hour period, locally in May! Phew.
There were 31 panels which is at least 93 images, ranging from architecture  to wildlife,  abstract to flowers. Not an easy choice for members to decide which were their top five.
Well done to all those who entered. The top five panels are shown below.

First Place: Healing Plants by Francesca Shearcroft

Second Place: Wild Orchids Trio by Caroline Tillett

Third Place: Snail Trail by Jan Murphy

Fourth Place: Dreamy Daises by Paula Cooper

Fifth Place: Ponies by Heather Ryder