News
Tuesday 16th April 2024
Multi-station Workshop
Jean Kay
This evening was an in-house workshop offering a range of subjects, each one overseen by a club member. Subject matter ranged from mount cutting to how to get started in digital photography; from 5 minute photo fixes to indexing of images to aid retrieval. Other areas covered were how to shoot specific types of images plus a series of tutorials for individual/small group use. A ‘goody corner’ of equipment from a past member was very popular, with most members going home with a new to them piece of photo-kit.
The viewing of prints from the previous week’s competition added to the relaxed atmosphere that also enabled the all-important socialising of members.
Thursday 4th April 2024
Crewe V Nantwich Interclub Competition
Judge: Will Stead EFIAP CPAGB PSA 3
Full report on this competition can be found here on the Competitions page.
Tuesday 9th April 2024
6th Club Competition
Judge: Jason Wharam DPAGB
Full report on this competition can be found here on the Competitions page.
Tuesday 2nd April 2024
UV and Other Light Painting
Marc Byram
This was a night with a difference: Marc is a returning lecturer, who introduced the subject of using various types of light to produce dynamic and most unusual results. His short video covered a variety of images of models and performers, who were either wearing and/or using UV fabrics and materials as props to quite spectacular effect.
In the second half of the evening, members worked in the dark, but with illumination from eg strobe lights to undertake hands-on photography, using the wide range and variety of materials supplied by Marc; this was most impressive and meant that those who were involved in the practical half had a real variety of tools to use. Marc was on hand to advise re camera settings plus some techniques to try – definitely an evening with a difference!
Tuesday 26th March 2024
Nantwich vs Alsager Interclub competiton.
Judge: Steve Hitchin DPAGB
Full report on this competition can be found here on the Competitions page.
Tuesday 19th March 2024
Sports Photography
George Franks
It was quite some years since George last visited Nantwich, but the wait was worth it! George both entertained and instructed us with his stories of life from his many years as an amateur through the varied and interesting photographic life he has experienced as a professional photographer.
Whether your interest was field, track, pool or indoor sports, the subject was covered – probably the only sport that wasn’t included was darts. What worked really well was the extent of the technical information that George supplied, meaning that anyone new to the subject had an informed starting point that would land them in good stead.
A great evening, with a well put together and well delivered lecture; it was apparent from all the questions and resounding applause that the event was thoroughly enjoyed by all members.
Tuesday 12th March 2024
Nature Healing The Mind
Mike Phelps
Tuesday 12th March saw us welcome our guest speaker for the evening Mike Phelps, who made the trip up from Sutton Coldfield in the West Midlands.
Mike’s visit was arranged by club member Pete Allcock who has known Mike for some time now through their friendship on Instagram but, until tonight had never met in person.
The subject of Mike’s talk was “Nature Healing The Mind”
Mike kicked off his talk by introducing himself, giving us an insight into his background and how as a young boy a day out with his Uncle to a local beauty spot resulted in him seeing a Peregrine Falcon up close and personal and that was it, he was hooked. However, it was some years later before he ventured into Wildlife & Nature Photography.
Starting off the first half of the evening Mike shared with us a very moving and very personal episode in his life that some years later came to have a delayed, and profound effect on him and his mental health. It was whilst he was recovering from this, that Mike’s wife suggested he got out into nature, which she knew he enjoyed and that whilst doing so, he should take a camera that he had bought for her some time before, but she hadn’t used to help document his walks and record any wildlife seen along the way. Mike took his wife’s advice and with this, so began his Wildlife & Nature Photography journey.
Mike went on to share with us his progress, from the equipment he used at the start, to where he is now, shooting with a Sony A1 Mirrorless Body & a selection of Sony Pro Lenses. This was supported by a wide range of Mike’s superb images, the equipment and settings used, plus the stories behind how and where they were taken and the techniques used which was really informative.
The first half finished off with Mike taking us through a project he’s been involved with along with a friend. Together they have developed an area of land close to the Cricket Club Mike is involved with that, had been left to grow wild and is also close to a small woodland area. They have built a hide from an old shed someone was getting rid of. Put in a selection of natural posts and perches and put a pond/reflection pool in. In a relatively short space of time the results have been amazing. They have attracted in a pair of Buzzards that last summer mated and brought their young to feed, Tawny Owls, Woodpeckers and Badgers, as well as the usual small woodland song birds. It is a place Mike visits regularly to enjoy the peace and quiet and to capture more of his stunning images.
After the break Mike took us on a pictorial journey to some of amazing places he’s visited at home and abroad capturing amazing Wildlife & Nature images. As well as the images we were treated to the in depth stories behind them and the experiences he’s had.
These locations included:
- White Tailed Eagles, Otters & Short Eared Owls on the Isle of Mull in The Inner Hebrides.
- Iceland where he captured some stunning images of Arctic Foxes.
- An epic trip in January this year to Mongolia where with the help of local guides and conservationists he was able to capture the very elusive Snow Leopards as well as lesser known Pallas Cats.
- And his most recent trip a couple of weeks ago to The Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire where he was able to get up close & personal to Wild Boar and their Piglets.
And his most recent trip a couple of weeks ago to The Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire where he was able to get up close & personal to Wild Boar and their Piglets.
At the end of the evening Club Chair John Kay thanked Mike for a thoroughly informative, enjoyable and fascinating evening and called upon those members present to show our appreciation in the usual way with a round of applause.
Footnote:
Despite Mike making a round trip of approx 120 miles he informed our treasurer that he did not want the fee that had been agreed with Pete Allcock at the time of arranging his visit. Instead, he said put it back into club funds or donate to charity, which was a very kind gesture.
After a brief discussion and subject to approval at the next committee meeting we intend to donate the fee involved to a Mental Health Charity local to Nantwich.
Tuesday 5th February 2024
5th Club Competition (Mono)
Judge:- Adrian Lines MPAGB, FBPE, ARPS
Full report on this competition can be found here on the Competitions page.
Tuesday 27th February 2024
Lights Cameras Action: Sports Photography
Roger Evans MPAGB FBPE EFIAP
A fantastic evening on Tuesday with Roger Evans MPAGB FBPE EFIAP – His talk detailed Lights Cameras Action : Sports photography. Highlighting a wide range of sports from 2018-2022 where he covered some award winning shots of cricket, Rugby, football, canoeing, gymnastics, and cycling with a main emphasis on commercial photography which relies on no post production when selling to an agency. This highlighted his skill and artistry through expert understanding of manual photographic techniques.
Tuesday 20th February 2024
Panel of Prints
Wendy Williams CPAGB
On Tuesday evening we held our annual “Panel of Prints” evening. The evening was an idea put forward by the late Nick Edwards some years ago. He was keen to promote the printing of images rather than just viewing on a computer and hoped that we could encourage newer members and those who do not print to enter.
The idea is to print (or have printed) 4 prints with a related subject and will fit on a standard 40 x 50mm mountboard. These are displayed on the night for members to view and vote for their favourite. It also enables time for members to talk about the photos and chat in a way that we don’t often have time for.
There were 17 entries of diverse subjects. When the votes were counted the winner was “Ladies Day” by Wray Douglas. Wray also took 2nd place with “Dartmoor On A Bad Day”. There was a tie for 3rd spot with “Fabulous Frogs” by Emma England and “Sunsets and Silhouettes” by Lee Evans. Wray was presented with a bottle of wine for his winning image by organiser Wendy Williams.
Tuesday 13th February 2024
Presentation
By Club Member Pete Allcock Hon. CPE
– PAGB Folios
In an unexpected change to the original programme, Club Member Pete Allcock stepped in to talk about his recent award of Honorary Distinction (Hon. CPE) from Campina Photographic Exhibitions Society.
Pete has been entering images in the Nature Category since 2019 which has gained him this recognition so, in an attempt to encourage and motivate other club members to consider entering images in International Salons he took us through his journey from first acceptances to Hon. CPE
Although the majority of Pete’s successes have been with Campina Photographic Exhibitions Society (19 Acceptances) he has also had a couple of Acceptances with Hoylake International Exhibitions in 2019 & 2023. He has also entered The Bristol International Salon three times but has yet to register any success with them.
Pete gave an insight into CPES with information about their website and how to enter their two annual exhibitions Campina & Onyx. Each has a total of five categories: Open Colour, Open Monochrome, Travel, Photojournalism & Nature.
The presentation also included Pete’s successful images, copies of his certificates and a screenshot of the Gallery of Hon. CPE holders from the website.
The presentation was well received. It stimulated questions from club members and some genuine interest for having a “Punt”
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Following Pete’s presentation the first of two PGAB Folios was shown, these were FIAP & EFIAP award winners, then after the tea break the second of the PGAB folios was shown.
Upcoming Event
Annual Club Exhibition 2024
The annual Nantwich Camera Club Exhibition will again take place in the Millennium Gallery of Nantwich Museum; it opens on Wednesday 21st February and runs through until 27th April.
This popular fixture in the Museum calendar allows visitors to view the recent work of Club members, both prints and projected images of diverse subjects. Visitors are encouraged to comment on the exhibition and also to vote for their favourite print.
Prints can be purchased via the Museum at a cost of £30 each.
A collection of cameras and other photographic equipment will be on display, taking us back in time to the pre-digital age.
Entry to the exhibition is free of charge, though the Museum welcomes donations.
Tuesday 6th February
Scotland Behind the Lens
By Stephen Ball LRPS
This, the Club’s first zoom lecture to the meeting room, was a great success that bodes well for future inclusion of occasional zoom lectures to widen the search for good lecturers.
Stephen is an accomplished photographer and experienced lecturer, who took us on a journey to familiar and previously unvisited parts of Scotland.
His inclusion of photo data alongside each image was very helpful, particularly for the long exposures. Water features heavily in his images – reflections, waterfalls and seascapes, and his attention to detail when composing his images is very evident. He told us that he does little post-processing.
Tuesday 30th January 2024
4th Club Competition
Judge: Richard Hainsworth CPAGB, AFIAP, EFIAP, DPAGB, EFIAP/b
Full report on this competition can be found here on the Competitions page.
Tuesday 23rd January 2024
An evening of photos taken on mobile phones
Facilitated by David Hoyle
Unfortunately the scheduled lecture by Stephen Lewis had to be cancelled due to his ill-health, so a decision was made to look at the diverse range of photographs taken on mobile phones by club members, and diverse they certainly were.
54 entries were received in total, arranged by author, with each author present saying a few words re the what/where/when and any post-processing undertaken. Members also gave informal critique, though not quite the heckling that David, the facilitator had suggested! David’s technique of having the image title and author’s name on the screen for 5 seconds worked well, followed by him advancing to the next image when critiquing subsided.
All in all, this became a good, interactive and very different evening, one that we may well repeat in a future season.
Tuesday 16th January 2024
50th Retrospective
Tillman Kleinhans ARPS EFIAP/g DPAGB BPE5* Hon LCPU
Tillman Kleinhans was our lecturer and presented his 50th Retrospective. Tillman has judged a number of competitions for us, both in-house and interclub, but we think this was his first lecture at Nantwich.
Talk about a trip down memory lane! It was just great, relaxed and with his usual informal style, hearing about his first foray into photography aged 21 with his 21st birthday camera, through his teaching career – which had a side almost-career of official school photographer and photographic teacher – and his busy family and L&CPU life. He was awarded an Honorary L&CPU in recognition of all the work he has done for the region.
We thoroughly enjoyed the evening.
Tuesday 9th January 2024
Members’ A/V Evening
David Hoyle (facilitator)
Our first meeting after the Christmas recess was the Members’ AV Night; whilst we don’t have as many AV workers as a decade ago, it is still a key part of the programme that we hope to be able to continue for some years to come.
The evening kicked off with a homage – an AV by Brian Sankey, one of our founding club members, who sadly died two months ago; the joy of Brian and Alma’s trip-of-a-lifetime to South Africa shone out of this AV. We were delighted to welcome Alma and her daughter to the meeting; Alma attended primarily to present to the club a special trophy in Brian’s name.
The Club Chairman, John Kay – holding the new trophy, and our President, John Dodd, were pleased to accept the Brian Sankey Trophy from Alma.
The remainder of the evening was taken up by a series of AVs by members Bryan Averill, Pete Allcock, David Hoyle, Alison Wood and Nick Hutt; the content and style in each was very different, making it a diverse and very enjoyable evening. Each author introduced their AV with a few words of why and how they had gone about the work; we hope this will encourage more contributors for the next AV evening.
Tuesday 12th December 2023
3rd Club Competition
Judge: Linda Bell LRPS, CPAGB, AWPF, BPE3
Full report on this competition can be found here on the Competitions page.
Tuesday 5th December 2023
Photographic Tapas hosted by Dave Foster
Dave has been organising Tapas nights for many years at Nantwich CC, having initially heard of the concept via a contact at his previous club, Heswell PS. It has been a great feature of the Nantwich programme and this year’s Tapas night was no exception with six club members making the evening chock full of both interesting and varied photographic subjects.
First up was Wendy Williams CPAGB, who showed us how to insert a watermark onto our digital images. Wendy mainly does this for the work she shows via her Caravan Club photo events to help differentiate the author. Wendy’s presentation covered adding a watermark via both a mobile phone and via Lightroom and Photoshop.
Pete Allcock’s presentation couldn’t have been more different: during a Covid lockdown, Pete and his son noticed a disused chicken house on private farmland during a walk. Suffice to say that after talking with the farmer and explaining their enthusiasm for wildlife watching/photography, they were given carte blanche to repurpose the house/shed into a wildlife watching hide and then use it for their photography.
Pete’s presentation covered the step by step mechanics of building the hide – mainly from materials already in his stocks; he then showed some of his great wildlife shots taken from the hide, which three years on, is in regular use during the winter months.
In thanks to the farmer, in addition to a couple of bottles of wine, Pete and his son produce calendars each year that feature images of wildlife taken from the hide – what a great project and a great result.
John Kay’s presentation concluded the first half of the evening; in addition to being Nantwich CC Chairman, John is the President of The Postal Photographic Club (PPC), which has been running since 1937.
His interest in postal photographic groups dates back over 40 years to Club Olympus days, though his presentation covered the way in which the PPC operates. This is via ‘circles’ of up to 12 members who critique one and others’ work via a monthly bag (for print circles) or an electronic version for the, now, many digital circles. The critiquing process does help to hone greater photo awareness, and we were then treated to some of the award-winning images from the club’s Travelling Exhibition.
David Hoyle can always be called upon to offer something different and loves to make interesting and unusual things, so we knew we were in for a treat when he arrived with what can only be described as a ‘gizmo’ fixed onto the base of a birdbath.
David went through his presentation, showing the various initial processes he had used with his grandsons to enable them to produce and photograph lighted displays and the results of each one; the gizmo was the outcome of the various trials.
We then came to the practical element – David affixed a lighted element to the gizmo; switching on the attached battery produced an illuminated ‘loop’ in a series of non-standard shapes, which could then be photographed – the whole purpose of the exercise.
Andy Heslop has fairly recently returned to photography after a lengthy hiatus and treated us to a series of his recent images, all of which were taken on his mobile phone.
Many of Andy’s images were taken on his work travels, with some of them also when he was preparing to scuba-dive – one of his other passions.
Graham Dodd concluded the evening with his ‘Postcard from Rome’, which took us on a whistle stop tour through some of the Rome highlights he, Mary and their granddaughter encountered, accompanied by Graham’s description of some of the key historical features of each area. Great photographs and great background information concluded an excellent in-house evening and showed just how skilled our members are.
Tuesday 28th November 2023
Travel & Wildlife Photography
Mick Ryan – Freelance Travel & Wildlife Photographer
A chance meeting in October 2021 at RSPB Leighton Moss in Lancashire by NCC member Pete Allcock, led to him forging a friendship with our guest speaker for the night, Mick Ryan. Originally from Liverpool but now residing over the water on the Wirral Mick is a Professional Freelance Travel & Wildlife Photographer.
Following their meeting in 2021 Pete & Mick kept in touch via Instagram where they were able to view and appreciate each other’s work. So, when we were looking for speakers for this season Pete asked Mick if he would come along to speak to us at Nantwich? and although not a regular speaker on the Camera Club circuit, he said yes and put this talk together for us, covering his two main genres of photography, entitled “Travel into Nature”
Mick started the evening off by making the point that, whatever the subject you should always strive to tell a story with your images. This point was demonstrated beautifully by Mick saying that “Travel Photography starts at home” and showed us some images of his home city of Liverpool. Images of iconic places like, the historic waterfront, the docks, both Anglican and Metropolitan cathedrals but, from very different perspectives and viewpoints. He stressed that this is something we should all try to achieve. “Get to know your own home town. Look at it from a different perspective as if you were a visitor. Try and pick out the things you walk past on a daily basis, taking them for granted” .
Moving on Mick then took us on a tour of some amazing places like, Venice and Prague. Into Palestine and Israel with images from both Bethlehem and Jerusalem. With each image Mick reiterated the point of trying to tell a story with your images but at the same time try to take images that are different to the normal “Tourist” images, as you can buy them on a post card. Search for that different perspective.
Each set of images and locations were accompanied by a story and an account of how the images were taken and the circumstances that led to them being taken. Each account was punctuated with some typical “Scouse Humour” .
Mick explained that the composition and style of his travel images were designed to make them commercially viable. He demonstrated this by showing us an image that had appeared in a travel magazine. The image was in portrait with the top third being all bright blue sky. However, he explained that this was deliberate as there needed to be room for some narrative to be added by the magazine’s publishers. So, the thought process moved away from what he would do for a competition.
Mick’s travel images have appeared in many publications including the front cover of The Guild of Photographers magazine “Creative Light” and in 2019 was shortlisted for National Geographic Traveller Portfolio of The Year .
The first half of the evening came to and end with an account of a recent trip to Ukraine (Oct 23) where Mick and an ex Army officer friend of his drove overland to the city of Lviv as part of a humanitarian convoy. This was supported by images of Lviv and it’s people trying to go about their lives as their country is being ravaged by war. It was only a brief account as he said the trip is a talk all of its own.
After a short break Mick provided the perfect Segway from Travel to Wildlife by taking us to Alaska where earlier this year he traveled by Sea Plane and endured a hair-raising landing on a river in the vast wilderness of Kodiak Island where he spent three days camping with two Alaskans photographing the Kodiak brown bears. We were treated to some great images of the bears, supported by some of the tricky moments of being in their presence. Again, Mick’s humour came to the fore in his story telling.
Moving on again, Mick shared a wide range of wildlife images he’s taken at various locations including Red Deer, Beavers, Otters, and numerous species of birds. As with his travel images the emphasis was again on trying to capture a story within the image. This led into the subject of having a “Project”. Mick’s philosophy is by selecting and concentrating of a certain species helps to focus the mind and will help anyone improve their all round skill sets. This was demonstrated by taking us through a portfolio of images of a family of Red Foxes he discovered and “Worked With” over a period of three years. The emphasis was about, observing the subject, doing your homework, learning your field craft to gain the confidence of your subject which will pay dividends in the images captured. This was born out by some stunningly beautiful images of the Red Foxes, adults and cubs.
The evening came to an end with Mick putting up an image of a Barn Owl which had been included in The Barn Owl Trust calendar. He then told the hilarious tale of how he had arrived at the location that evening with the hope of capturing some images of Brown Hares. But had been disturbed by a dog walker whilst hunkered down in a ditch in full camouflage and how he had scared the woman to death by jumping up as the dog was sniffing around him and was about to “Cock his leg up” on the well hidden photographer.
Hopefully we can arrange a return visit from Mick in the future as we were treated to an amazing evening packed with informative, at times heart rendering and humorous accounts of a much travelled and accomplished photographer.
Tuesday 21st November 2023
Image improvements: RAW file to competition entry
Andrew Charlesworth CPAGB
Andrew Charlesworth CPAGB was the main highlight on 21st November when he showed us his techniques and processes after taking the image straight from the camera to arriving at the finished version that he was happy to submit into competition.
He started by asking if we are photographers or image makers, and returned to this question at the end of his lecture.
Many of the images that Andrew included in the lecture were familiar to members as having done well in recent competitions, so it was very helpful to see how they had started life, plus all the intervening work that made them award-winning.
A step by step approach of how the transitions were effected introduced us to Andrew’s (in some cases) almost forensic approach to image manipulation using multiple layers and use of varying levels of opacity in Photoshop – in his case version CS5. He takes the view that this version does everything he needs, so why change it, and we couldn’t argue with this, given the excellence of his finished images.
A review of Andrew’s approach to monochrome conversion concluded his excellent lecture, and helped introduce the remainder of the evening.
Emma England gave a short presentation and analysis of the main software she uses for mono conversions, though for post processing before mono conversion, Emma uses Nik Viveza and Colour Efex. The Darken Lighten filter in Colour Efex is how she adds her vignetting. For the animal monochromes she use the Silver Efex filter High Structure Smooth with great effect to bring out the texture of the fur.
The other software that Emma had recently purchased is Topaz AI for sharpening, denoising and increasing resolution all in one plugin with just a few clicks.
Alison Wood finished the in-house evening with a demonstration of one of her lovely high key images. In this, Alison showed the versatility of Lightroom, to give subtle tonal changes by adjustment of specific colours, even where the image appears to be monochrome.
Flipping between Lightroom and Photoshop, she arrived at a beautiful subtle image. Alison was very clear that once all the groundwork has been done to tag images, Lightroom is an invaluable tool to help locate specific images from your image library, though the tagging is a laborious process. Saving all image manipulation steps enables the image to be re-processed at a later stage.
Wednesday 15th November 2023
The 5 Towns Inter-club Print Competition
The 5 Towns Competition has been an annual feature in our programme since 1987, when club member, the late Alan Challinor, suggested that an inter-club competition just for monochrome prints should be held. Alan was very keen to encourage people to produce top quality B&W prints and he donated the trophy that is presented to the club that wins the competition.
The covid pandemic meant that the competition has not taken place since 2019, so this year’s competition had been eagerly anticipated by all of the five local clubs.
Mid Cheshire CC were this year’s hosts and for the first time the meeting was also shown via Zoom. Nantwich CC had 7 of their 12 print entries held and was very pleased to win the top club and the best print trophies. Full details can be found here on the Competitions page.
Tuesday 7th November 2023
2nd Club Competition
Judge: Robert Millin DPAGB EFIAP/g SPSA EPSA ABPE
Full report on this competition can be found here on the Competitions page.
Tuesday 14th November 2023
Post Processing – Adobe Photoshop + The Use of Plugins
Wray Douglas
The first of our “In House” tutorial evenings was presented by one our most successful “Print” photographers Wray Douglas.
Wray gave us an in depth insight into the Post Processing “Tools & Techniques” that he uses as his preferred method of preparing his images for printing and competition entry.
Wray uses Adobe Photoshop but also uses a series of “Plug Ins” developed and marketed by an American called Tony Kyper the latest version being TK9. In addition to this he follows tutorials on YouTube by a guy called Sean Bagshaw who is also a TK9 user.
Wray spent some time explaining how to get the plug ins and how they work in conjunction with PS. This was backed up with some comprehensive but easy to follow notes which he said he will share amongst the membership via email to our Programme Secretary.
Following that Wray “Walked” us through some practical examples of his methods, using some of his images, one entitled “Morning Walk” was familiar to us, as it had recently been successful in the first club competition of the season with a score of 19 out of 20. Wray used a number of slides to share a detailed and practical demonstration of how he had processed the image from the original RAW file to the final competition entry.
The second half of the evening was an opportunity for the membership to view the prints from the second competition of the season up close and personal. That was followed by a few members who had been successful in the competition to give us an insight into their images. What inspired them to take that particular image, the story behind it and any challenges they encountered.
All in all a successful, informative and enjoyable evening.
Tuesday 31st October 2023
Nantwich v Whitchurch Interclub Competition
Judge: Dave Tucker EFIAP/gold, DPAGB, CPAGB, BPE3*
Full report on this competition can be found here on the Competitions page.
Tuesday 24 Oct 2023
Macro photography workshop with focus stacking
Justin Garner
A fantastic practical evening at the club directed by Justin Gardner. He introduced several practical workstations utilising macro photography and focus stacking. After a demo showing how focus stacking worked and the benefits of soft lighting using Lee filters diffusion paper. Justin went on to demo. two software tools called Capture 1 and Zerene Stacker.
Club members enjoyed great direction and time to experiment using their own camera equipment to develop new creative skills.
Tuesday 17th October 2023
Stars, Dragons and an Inflatable President (Astrophotography & More)
Rev Richard Hainsworth
CPAGB AFIAP DPAGB EFIAP/b
Once again we were privileged to have a guest speaker who had made the long trip from their home in North Wales and what a fantastic evening we were treated to.
Although we were aware that the evening was going to involve “Astrophotography” the title of Richard’s talk was somewhat puzzling. But we needn’t have worried because what followed was fascinating, informative & entertaining in equal measures.
The first half of the evening was in fact dedicated to Astrophotography. Richard took us through his journey in this genre from what inspired him to take it up in the first place to where he is now, producing some breathtaking images. This was backed up with a lot of information surrounding the photographic skills, techniques and equipment used. But, in addition to that Richard also demonstrated his in depth knowledge of the subject matter as well as his insatiable appetite to gain more knowledge and to keep on improving.
After the break, Richard shared a selection of stunning Macro images which he had been inspired to try his hand at during the Covid Lockdowns. This was followed by taking us through images from of a journalistic nature which had been taken in London at demonstration during a visit from President Trump.
In addition to Richard’s technical and subject knowledge, his undoubted enthusiasm for photography came through loud and clear.
A thoroughly enjoyable and inspirational evening.
Tuesday 10th October 2023
Wild Britain
Paul Bingham
A fabulous, interesting evening tonight with a talk about Wild Britain by Paul Bingham. With over 50 years of photographic research highlighting the natural wildness of the areas, climate and animals in Britain. These were taken from the unique perspective of being a keen birder and rock climber.
Some great suggestions of the types of birds and where / when best to see them added to the very knowledgable talk. I certainly am looking forward to revisiting Bempton one day soon thanks to his inspiration.
Tuesday 3rd October 2023
1st Club Competition
Judge: Jane Lines MPAGB, LRPS, BPE5*
Full report on this competition can be found here on the Competitions page.
Tuesday 26th September 2023
Digital AV For Beginners
John Smith APAGB CPAGB
John specialises in the production of Digital Audio Visuals (AV’s) something he has been doing to a very high standard for many years and it was a pleasure to welcome him back to NCC, especially as John had traveled to be with us from his home in Conwy North Wales.
The evening opened with John running a “Spoof” AV entitled “Going Nowhere”. This was a short production that made reference to NCC members Pete Allcock and John & Jean Kay. It was packed with humour which reflected John’s personality and set the tone for what was a very enjoyable and informative evening.
After the lighthearted start John went through some really useful basic steps to producing an AV, from the inputting of images through to the addition of music and a range of animation techniques.
As with most things currently there are many software products around that enable AV’s to be produced, but the one John uses and recommends is called “PTE AV Studio” by WnSoft (formally known as Pictures ToExe) and is available for both MS Windows & Mac.
John’s talk drew lots of questions and discussion from club members particularly during the break. With the NCC’s annual “Member’s AV Evening” taking place after the Christmas break in January, it is hoped that the evening has inspired lots of members to give it a go and participate, as in the last few years the event has struggled to draw the desired interest.
Tuesday 19th September 2023
Beautiful Burma or Magical Myanmar
Judith Angel LRPS
This was Judith’s first visit to lecture at Nantwich, and she brought to life Burma/Myanmar.
Her lecture clearly showed the significance of Buddhism to the way of life of many Burmese with her photographs of nuns – both very young and old, monks and apprentice monks in their vibrant garments plus the way that locals support them via donations.
Judith showed that many of the ordinary people encountered on her travels regularly spent time in meditation; it seems to be a way of life for many of the Burmese.
The many beautiful temples and so very many Buddhas were well illustrated, contrasting with the worsening condition of many wonderful public buildings.
Judith was accompanied by her husband Alan, and although their visit to Myanmar was 10 years ago, it was clear that little will have changed since then other than the worsening political situation to which Judith referred; very little of that beautiful country is now recommended for travel.
The type of clothing worn by many was shown both on those in the street or posing for photographs plus in very small scale businesses where some of the garments are made.
Judith told us of the poverty to be found in the country, and demonstrated this by means of the housing and footwear; the photograph of the building site ‘scaffolding’ – in truth, just bamboo poles – and all the workers in bare feet or flip flops will stay with us forever.
Tuesday 12th September 2023
177 years of Photoshopping
Sue Clark LRPS CPAGB AWPF
Our first talk of the season was from Sue Clark who had traveled from Prestatyn in North Wales along with her husband John.
Sue opened by explaining why her talk was entitled “177 years” of photoshopping when Photoshop has only been around for just over 30 years. She gave us a brief description of how & why she had started using the software herself, as she developed her digital photography skills.
Sue then began her talk in earnest, talking about how image manipulation had been around for those 177 years. She gave the group a comprehensive history of photography from the beginning of time, to present date and how image manipulation had always been around.
Her talk was backed up with many, many examples through the decades with each image backed up by her comprehensive knowledge of each and the history attached.
At the end of the evening our Chairman invited David Foster to deliver a formal Thanks on behalf of the members.
Tuesday 5th September 2023
Introduction / Enrolment Evening
Our Treasurer, Nick Howes, was kept busy for the first part of the meeting, collecting club members’ annual subscriptions on our opening meeting of the new season, so there was plenty of time for everyone to talk about what they had been doing during the summer months.
Printed copies of the new season programmes were handed out and Lead Programme Secretary, Jean Kay, gave details about the subjects that would be covered by our visiting speakers, and the programme’s emphasis on evenings where practical participation by club members would be encouraged.
To complete the evening there a was a digital slide show of photographs taken by members on the photography outings that had been organised and also on practical nights on portraiture and table top evenings.
NEW MEETING SEASON FOR 2023 – 24 STARTS ON TUESDAY 5th SEPTEMBER
We are very pleased to confirm our weekly meetings at Regents Park recommence on 5th September. Please refer to our Information page for directions and details of when and where we meet.
Wednesday 26th July 2023
Success for Wendy Williams in the Photography Competition at the 2023 Nantwich Show
Club member Wendy Williams CPAGB won two awards in this year’s show, Wendy won first prize in the Nature Print Section and also gained third place in the Best Of British Category. Congratulations from your fellow club members.
Tuesday 11th April 2023
Inter-Club Competition:- Nantwich v Crewe
Judge: Roger Evans MPAGB, FBPE, EFIAP
Full report on this competition can be found here on the Competitions page.
Tuesday 4th April 2023
6th Club Competition
Judge: Phil Chadwick DPAGB AWPF AFIAP BPE5* Hon-NWPA
Full report on this competition can be found here on the Competitions page.
Thursday 23rd March 2023
Inter-Club Competition:- Alsager v Nantwich
Judge: Gerald Chamberlain
Full report on this competition can be found here on the Competitions page.
Tuesday 7th March 2023
5th Club Competition (Mono)
Judge: Nick Hilton EFIAP, DPAGB, BPE5*
Full report on this competition can be found here on the Competitions page.
Tuesday 28th February 2023
PANEL OF PRINTS EVENING
On a welcome return to the annual Panel of Prints competition, 26 entries from 15 Club members were on show for all present to view and vote for their favourite.
This is an informal competition, originally conceived to encourage members who may not wish to enter formal competitions, to try out printing their images.
We had a good variety of subjects ranging from insects to ICM (Intentional Camera Movement) to enjoy. The standard of prints and presentation was excellent.
The votes were counted during the tea break and found to spread across a wide number of the panels. For the first time in the history of the competition we had a tie for First Place, so the lucky winners were each awarded a bottle of wine.
Fiona Quarterman’s Autumnal Woodland ICM images of colourful foliage and Wray Douglas’s NYPD image of the New York police at work, were voted favourites.
This link will take you to see the winners and entries.
Thanks to everyone involved in making it an enjoyable evening and, hopefully, encouraging more entries next year.
Tuesday 31st January 2023
4th Club Competition
Judge: Les Hitchcock ARPS
Full report on this competition can be found here on the Competitions page.
Tuesday 13th December 2022
3rd Club Competition
Judge: Diana Magor EFIAPb, MPSA, CPAGB, LRPS, BPE3*
Full report on this competition can be found here on the Competitions page.
Tuesday 8th November 2022
2nd Club Competition
Judge: Graham Currey
Full report on this competition can be found here on the Competitions page.
Tuesday 1st November 2022
Whitchurch v Nantwich Interclub Competition
Judge: Andy Polakowski APAGB DPAGB, AWPF, EFIAP/b, GPU-Cr2, BPE4* HonNWPA
Full report on this competition can be found here on the Competitions page.
Tuesday 4th October 2022
1st Club Competition
Judge: David Butler MFIAP MPSA ARPS BPE5* HON LCPU
Full report on this competition can be found here on the Competitions page.
Tuesday 11th October 2022
Getting Up-close
Paul Hill
Paul Hill visited the club for the first time to present his ‘Getting Up-close’ talk. It really was about getting up very close, as nearly all of the subjects were just a few millimetre long – spiders, mites, moths, butterflies, bees – in fact invertebrates of every kind and at all stages in their lives. When asked about where he found so many different creatures to photograph, he replied “in his own small garden”.
Paul’ told us about the equipment and techniques he uses, he also showed us the lighting setups; mainly using ring flash or multiple head specialist flashguns.
Tuesday 27th September 2022
F32 and be there early – The Iceland Edit
Stephen Lewis ARPS AWP
Unfortunately our visiting speaker, Stephen Lewis, was unwell and had to cancel his visit at short notice. Luckily we were able to show club members a recorded folio of the top images from the 2019 PAGB annual competition, and also the Judges Selection from the 2022 Postal Photographic Club’s Annual Competition – the results had only been announced during that week.
The subject matter in both presentations was wide and covered all genres. It was an evening spent viewing top quality projected images and all produced by UK club photo
Tuesday 20th September 2022
Snow Light
David Butcher ARPS
David Butcher was unable to visit us to present his Snow Light lecture, so this club meeting was an opportunity for NCC club members, David Foster, Wray Douglas, Bryan Averill and Andrew Charlesworth to show audio visual presentations to their fellow members. Advice on how to assemble AV sequences using the Picture ToExe program was given. The range of subjects shown and tips given will hopefully encourage a bumper entry for our regular Members AV Evening on the 10th January.
Tuesday 13th September 2022
Memories of Another Day
John Hawkins CPAGB
This was our second meeting of the new season and the first one in over two years where the visiting lecturer attended in person and not via a Zoom link.
It was John’s first visit to the club and he brought about 70 large mounted monochrome and colour photographs to illustrate his talk – all of them had been taken using film cameras, a few were digital prints but the majority were home printed in his darkroom. John told us that he had finally joined the digital revolution in 2015, when he sold all of his cameras and darkroom equipment, bought a Nikon DSLR and got down to learning how to use Photoshop.
John has been a keen print photographer since the 1960s and the pictures he showed spanned the decades that he had spent enjoying film photography and printing – his advice was to take the subjects that you like; it’s a bonus if a camera club judge likes them as well. John’s photos showed his interest in a wide range of subject matter and his ability to see and record interesting patterns in everyday subjects.
Tuesday 6th September 2022
Introduction / Enrolment
It was good to return to face to face meetings once again. Setting up the room was an odd experience after just having online meetings for so long. For the first half of the evening we were able to view some of last year’s projected image competition entries – in the way that they are supposed to be seen, on a large screen. After the break our President, John Dodd, showed members some of the prints from our last exhibition.
Tuesday 26th April 2022
CPAGB Award for club member Wendy Williams
The 2021 to 22 club meeting programme came to a close when we had our AGM on 26th April and, like all of this season’s meetings, it was held online.
Using Zoom has meant that we have been able to book some excellent speakers from all over the UK – travelling to see us in Nantwich wasn’t a problem. In normal times we also like to have a few club meetings where some of our own members present talks, give practical demonstrations, or tell us about their own specialist interest. Of course, it isn’t as easy to arrange these when you are only seeing each other on a monitor screen; so over this last year the regular competitions have been our only opportunity to see photographs by fellow club members.
It was, therefore, a pleasure for us to conclude the AGM with a special presentation by one of our members:
Last November Wendy Williams was awarded the Credit award distinction (CPAGB) by the Adjudication Panel of the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain and Wendy gave us a short illustrated talk on what is involved in preparing a set of ten photographs for submission to the judging panel of six eminent photographers – all of whom are known for their photographic skill and extensive experience. We are very pleased to show below Wendy’s successful panel to a wider audience:
Tuesday 19th April 2022
The Best of the Last, Warts and All
Paul Hobson
Paul is a professional photographer, publisher and workshop/tour party leader who holds an immense passion for all forms of wildlife, flower and fauna. He lives in the suburbs of Sheffield and his presentation eventually via Zoom was the first for the club. It was originally intended to be the annual ‘Special Lecture’, to which other local clubs would be invited to support on payment of an entry fee. The ongoing Covid situation prevented this aspiration.
The theme of the talk explored how the successive Covid pandemic lockdowns impacted his professional existence and how the enforced confinement was utilised to explore new areas of photography.
When Covid first gained muted publicity, he was leading a tour party in Florida, but at this stage the profound impact was simply unimagined and was largely discounted. Though developments over the years had encroached upon habitat, the visit in 2019 revealed that Florida still offered great rewards to the natural history photographer. As a prime tourist area in the US, the creatures have adjusted to the constant proximity of people and have developed a trust which allows a close approach to be made. A succession of habitats was shown, which played host to exotic wildlife. Many of the water utility companies managed their territory almost as a nature reserves with public access. Paul’s photos deviated from the common ground with images which rewarded a patient approach, as he allowed his photographic subjects to express characteristic behaviour, so beautifully captured with great attention to lighting and background. Feather detail rendering, back lit and disturbed by the wind featured and a focus on small elements of the creature rather than the whole was effective. The intensity of the light during the day confined photography to the hours before 9 am and after 5 pm when light is more directional and of a warmer hue, with colourful sunsets a regular occurrence. A Canon 500mm lens with a 1.4 times converter was often used to limit depth of field. An I phone was found to produce excellent quality panoramic location shots.
Return to Heathrow found normal conditions, but shortly afterwards in Sheffield, life was reduced to a lockdown of unknown duration and further trips abroad had to be cancelled for six months, Driving was restricted and outdoor. exercise limited to an hour per day. A garden manged to benefit wildlife provided salvation. New self-set photographic challenges, not previously considered were undertaken, many with insects. bees, hover flies and bee flies. They moved too quickly for the auto focussing of an elderly 180mm macro lens, which was replaced by a 100-400mm more modern lens fitted with extension tubes during all day projects. Insects were noted to have repeat flight paths, which allowed pre-focussing on their regular destination, whilst lying on the ground with the shot taken when the insect appeared in the viewfinder. At best a one in ten ratio of success was achieved. An unsuspected resident rat made a home in a garden wall, which in response to bate food became a regular image subject. Birds previously unrecorded in the garden were photographed. For macro work a highly recommended front mounted Raynox macro converter lens was purchased used on a 100mm lens to photo beetles, spiders, more flies, moths and butterflies. Knowing that badgers visited the garden during darkness, a camera tracking kit was purchased, which when left on all night, quickly burst into action when a visitor was detected.to trigger flash images. First use produced a hundred and fifty images of which one was a badger and the rest cats! A timelapse session with images taken at thirty second intervals produced images for stacking as star trails. Foxes also visited, but were wary of the camera trap, but not so the six fox cubs which were unphased by late night sessions of manual photography. The images were invariably incredibly creative, with carefully arranged fox silhouettes just picked out with rim lighting. Butterfly pupae were purchased and their evolution recorded through caterpillar stage to butterfly. Urgent hospital treatment for his partner was a further imposition threatening normal life, quickly followed by Paul having a blast on his motorbike leading to an accident with injuries that which left him de-commissioned for several months. The spring of 2021 was greeted by increased freedom but income sources seriously reduced. A previous custom of acquiring the latest Canon technology, as soon as the initial froth had blown off the market was no longer possible. This forced the purchase of a cheaper mirrorless R6 camera body rather than the top of the range R5. The R6 however proved to be very capable in his hands and access to a nearby private bird hide at a location where crossbills frequented, resulted in great images of these elusive birds. A June project over many nights to capture images of a nightjar eventually met with sensational success, a venture which is intended to be repeated this year.
Finally, we were introduced to the amazing world of slime moulds. To the eye these are miniscule coloured dote on twigs and leaves, which require a hand magnifying glass for them to be initially identified, prior to collection for home photography. A programmable, motorised focussing rail was discovered to be affordable from a Belgian source. This allowed programming for incremented images to be taken down to steps of 0.01 mm and was used with a special macro lens from Laowa capable of great magnification and quality. The images produced of these organisms older than the dinosaurs were truly astounding. They were only a fraction of a millimetre tall, but reproduced to fill the frame and at any time in a transitory state, which saw dramatic physical change and colour within hours. The transitory stages were recorded with astounding structural detail.
Paul approached his photography with an enthusiasm and zest, which few could match. Sleep deprivation was a part of the game. Presentation was fluent and lucid and technique was fully explained. One of our experienced members told Paul that his presentation was the best ever. I cannot disagree. As John remarked, it was disappointing that the images could not be fully appreciated by projection on a large screen. Paul said he would be happy to visit Nantwich in the future, so lets make it happen.
Tuesday 12th April 2022
The Quest and Beyond
John Hudson, ARPS, DPAGB, SPSA, ASPA.
John is a member of Bristol Photographic Society and until ten years ago was exclusively a natural history photographer. When a child of thirteen years, he had a garden aviary, housing pet birds. A honey creeper humming bird bought from a pet shop, sparked a passion for all members of the humming bird species and led to many exotic journeys commencing in 1986 in his quest to photograph them. Humming birds are the only species which is able to fly forward and backwards and to hold a completely stationary position in flight. This is facilitated by their wing strokes rotating through a figure of eight at a beat rate of eighty beats per second, rather than the usual fore and aft ‘swimming’ movement for all other bird species. He explained the difficulties of capturing the wing detail, which required a shutter speed of 1/16000 of a second and directional lighting to reveal their iridescence. Visits to Costa Rica, Tobago, Ecuador and Arizona, where local enthusiasts provide workshop facilities followed, in which dedicated studios multiple high speed triggered flash set ups offered the control, seldom available in the wild. Rain forests present particular photographic problems, with dim conditions in the forest contrasting with intense sunlight in the open. Superb images of the humming birds were augmented with equally impressive images of other exotic multi-hued bird species, tree frogs, iguanas, bats, snakes and spiders, many of which had gained international recognition and use in advertisements and publications. It was a lament that repeat visits for more images have been precluded for two years by the Covid pandemic, but I’m sure that the quest will continue.
Impressed by images of dance figures produced by a fellow lady member of the Bristol club, John sought guidance from her as to where and how she had secured the opportunities. With some reluctance she eventually revealed having attended a dance workshop event. Trying to gain acceptance for photography with ballet companies proved to be difficult in the extreme, even when touring companies were positive, the host theatres offered rejection. Initially some progress was made by being allowed to photograph rehearsals, but for these, the dancers wore casual clothing, which was not satisfactory. Through sheer persistence he eventually broke through the boundaries and gained a foothold, which due to the sheer quality of his images, he developed the recognition due to him and doors were literally prised open for his talent. Beautiful images were displayed, which fully captured the extraordinary elegance of the dancers. Theatrical photography brought its own problems imposed by difficult dark stage lighting conditions. This problem resulted in the replacement of his entire Canon photographic system by one from Sony, simply because they offer high ISO settings which at present are not attained by other manufacturers. He also commented in appreciation of the quality of their own brand lenses. In response to a question of what ISO setting he used he asserted that he always uses auto ISO which frees him to just decide the aperture. To combat image noise when necessary, he advocated the use of Topaz denoise, which performs well and is far faster in use than other rival programs. Unlike in the world of dance, John found that circus was instantly very welcoming and the performers rivalled the dance scene with dramatic photo opportunities. Clowns, acrobats, fire eaters and sword balancing acts provided adequate proof.
A more recent obsession has been the capture of panoramic stitched images encompassing 180 degrees of cathedral interiors, which are being collected and added to during travels.
The purchase of a small drone camera has triggered a new enthusiasm. The responsibility demands of this photography requires registration and training to be undertaken, leading to an exam to ensure the required level of control capability can be demonstrated and that due consideration is extended to the community, their privacy and safety. Local scenes were shown to great effect.
John is an excellent presenter, revealing his enthusiasm for his missions and his humour is so evident that it seems that a chuckle will break out at each interjection. The club enjoyed a delightful evening, which was surely one of the highlights of the season.
Tuesday 29th March 2022
Costa Rica
David Tolliday
Showing a map of Costa Rica David explained that the country is forty percent of the size of England and offered many reasons to visit there. A tectonic plate action has created a central high mountainous spine to the country, featuring the resultant volcanoes, with diverse habitat on either side, rain forest predominately to the east and more pastural to the west. It has a greater diversity of bird, butterfly, mammals, reptilian and amphibian wildlife than almost any other country and it lies on the main north-south migration route of the Americas for bird species. The country has recognised the value of these gifted benefits and established many extensive areas of reserves and protected areas to attract tourists, which provide a major contribution to the economy. It was recommended that the dry period between January and March is the best time to visit before daily rainfall prevails. Rather than joining an expensive specialist wildlife tour or a stressful self-arranged visit, David opted to join a Saga organised holiday tour, which included two centres and many inclusive day excursions and optional extra cost outings on other days. The choice proved beneficial in allowing a greater diversity of locations visited and as a photographer, plenty of opportunity without the pressure of a compulsive environment. Never-the-les he found that the tour benefitted from highly knowledgeable local guides, without who’s help he was certain that many of his images would not have been available to him. He carries two Canon cameras, one a full frame and the other a cropped frame with an assortment of lenses including a 500mm and 1.4 converter plus a macro lens. His normal method of operation is aperture priority with ISO adjustment related to conditions. Much photography was conducted from the grounds of the hotel, with many species passing through and some taking advantage of the food put out by hotel staff. None photographers were amused to see David getting dirty and muddy when lying down in order to achieve his favoured eye-level shots of his subjects. The rain forest posed many photographic problems, chiefly through low light levels during the day and at night humid conditions which instantly fogged the lens. Not regarding flash photography favourably due to impact on the creatures, instead for night-time excursions, he found a LED torch an excellent substitute and images of leaf frogs were testimony to its effectivity. Included in the excursions were a couple of boat trips, which introduced a further range of photographic opportunities, again facilitated by the efficiency of the guides.
In his usual impeccable style, David provided a compelling overview of the wildlife with excellent images and full detail information of each species and background information. It is remarkable that the comprehensive narrative could be delivered with fluidity and without hesitancy, considering the vast range of species covered. Following John’s summing up, it was very evident from member’s comments that the presentation had been well appreciated and welcoming David back in person, to Regents Park at some future date, must be high on the NCC to do list.
Tuesday 15th March 2022
My Coastal Collection
Noel Bennett
Noel has visited Nantwich twice from his home close to Stafford, but this presentation continued with the club’s current use of Zoom. On this occasion, the talk had just been assembled and was focussed around the theme of water and reflections, one of his favourite photographic subjects. He acknowledged the great benefit that joining a camera club had afforded him in 2005, sufficient to spark his development into becoming a full time professional. The images shown are a cross-section of his work and many would not be competition material, but are included because they are representative of his likes. The format was to start in the south-west, taking in Devon and Cornwall and then to proceed in a clockwise direction around the British Isles, to take in Wales, the north-west, Scotland, Northumberland in the north-east, Anglia in the east and thence to the south coast.
Noel showed many excellently lit coastal scenes, greatly enhanced by rising in the early hours of the morning and the evening to capture the golden hours. These are the hours when the low light turns warm and modelling is accentuated and normally busy locations are devoid of people, except for the occasional fellow photographer. The mid-day hours were generally avoided for photography. He had an affection for the square format, which is not so common today and his portrait format shots were cropped to a 7 x 5 ratio, rather than the usual in camera one of 16 x 9. He often used big stopper filters to flatten the seas, together with long exposures. Dramatic skies were sought and wet conditions did not deter. Of prime importance were a pair of long-legged wellingtons so that he could paddle in the sea and the muddy beaches to gain advantageous positions, often using a carbon fibre tripod of Enduro brand, which being susceptible to saline deposits from seawater needed frequent dismantling and washing.
Noel had a fluent, easy going, light hearted presentation style, which flowed effortlessly. His decision to project several overlapping images simultaneously, made it difficult to appreciate the detail of the resulting small images, particularly if joining the meeting with a lap top. Accepting that it was one of the first presentations of this lecture, it was felt that perhaps too many images were included and that it would have been beneficial to shorten the talk slightly. Never the less, I feel that I am not alone in admitting that I would have been particularly pleased to have produced coastal seascapes approaching his standard.
Tuesday 1st March 2022
Wildlife and Work of the Ol Pejeta Conservancy 2018
Glyn Edmunds
Glyn now resident in Stafford, returned with a sequel to last year’s talk, with more recent information and photographs from the remarkable Kenyan conservancy, which he has visited regularly for the past twenty-five years and intends to visit once more in May. The conservancy covers over one hundred and forty square miles, with the tourist industry largely restricted to the more accessible western side adjacent to the facilities. In addition to providing refuge for the wildlife, it provides much needed employment for the local villagers and tribal cattle graze within the protection of the grounds. There are outreach amenities extended in the form of education and medical support. The abhorrent poaching trade conducted to supply the wealthy of the far east with horns and tusks for their mythical properties, has been successfully countered for the last five years, mainly thanks to the use of trained attack dogs and bloodhound trackers. All rather late for the northern white rhino, now beyond survival by natural reproduction, but there is hope that fourteen embryos will enable expensive artificial reproduction to rescue the sub-species.
The conservancy has used Glyn’s superb photographs for many years to publicise their work and facilities and he now enjoys a privileged existence within the reserve, which allows him and his wife to go off-piste in the bushland, using a loaned vehicle, which is used as a hide in his search for wildlife, whereas the normal tourists are restricted to the dirt roads. As a frequent visitor, he is even recognised by the animals of intelligence, as someone who does not pose a threat and is consequently permitted a close approach to the animals, which he regards with great affection. In reciprocation, he is able to recognise individual animals many of which are given names by the rangers. The benefits are readily apparent in the endless supply of superb image, which he shared with us during the evening. All manner of beasts and birds were identified, together with their stories. The species shown are too numerous to list, but a great rapport had been established with the elephants and lions, though every creature was valued in its own right.
His photographic equipment is of Canon manufacture and are always present in duplicate complete with lens. His favourite lens is the Canon 70-300mm L series lens, which he finds unerringly delivers well exposed, sharp images. Comments at the end of the meeting were totally full of praise, capped by ‘even better than last time’.
I made this second booking in the belief that it would be a personal visit to Nantwich for Glyn, but that was not to be. However, there is plenty more in the locker, so maybe in the future?
Tuesday 22nd February 2022
My Way with Photography
Dave Couldwell
Dave from a village close to Doncaster was assisted by friend Martin Lichfield with his presentation. He explained that that he had worked as a professional photographer for sixteen years, specializing in motorcycle racing, where he covered the major races throughout Europe and regularly sold images to various publications until 2013. He then found that the market became crowded with amateurs, who were happy to forgo payment simply to see their images being credited to them, so it was no longer economic to continue. During that period, he had amassed a vast accumulation of images in both film and transparencies, prior to moving into the digital medium. He then used initially a Canon 1D MK 2N, with a variety of lenses. He showed impressive images from this period, recording many of the biking heroes in grand prix and British Superbike events, ranging from the chaos of the start line through to the show-off wheelies, totally air-borne shots captured on rising gradients and all shots in between.
He then moved into a new era of diverse photography using a Canon 5D MK 2 with a range of matching Canon lenses, revealing a compulsive spirit for constantly seeking images which he liked. He was often accompanied by Martin in his quest to capture images, simply by being out and about, but also by setting projects for himself, mostly around his native Yorkshire, which he categorised in his presentation, always with strong emphasis on ‘what he liked’ .
Mixed Colour Images included many urban scenes by day and night including woodlands with blue bells, Selby floods, Sheffield Midland Canal basin cobbles, Bridlington fairground, etc. many taken during deserted conditions of lockdown.
Still Life by the Chesterfield canal, Barnesley Main Colliery pithead, reflections, Goole docks bridge and woodlands.
Mixed Black and White Images of Doncaster during Covid, night street scenes, Selby Mill, Tadcaster river bridge, Chesterfield church with the famed crooked spire, Rotherham underpass, York shambles, Filey brig, Robin Hood airport, Wakefield living museum, Barnesley shop shutter lead-in to a shopping arcade, numerous mooring bollards and teasels.
1st Project – Benches A variety of images collected in Elsecar, Bridlington, Sheffield, Selby and Doncaster
2nd Project – 50mm Lens Square Images included Doncaster graffiti, a clown at the now shut down Record wood plane factory, Sheffield cobbled streets, tram stop, Doncaster fish market and more teasels.
3rd Project – Infra-red images, produced using a recently acquired digital camera, featuring trees, a church, woodland paths, Hatfield disused colliery winding gear, ferns and Sheffield scenes.
4th Project – Panoramas. Experimental work was shown using hand held swept images from Bridlington, Selby Abbey, Record plane factory, Chesterfield twisted spire and Robin hood Airport buildings. Operation in portrait mode was found to be more satisfactory than landscape.
Latest Images. Having just bought a very expensive Leica Q full frame, fixed lens, compact camera, he showed some of the first photos obtained so far. It is particularly suitable for street photography and reminiscent of the iconic 35 mm film camera in profile.
Dave showed himself to be a highly motivated photographer, who took full advantage of the unique opportunities presented by Covid, to capture images devoid of the normal crowded conditions. His photography exists on a very personal level, which allows him to present unconventional rule breaking images and why not? He still sought income from his images and was rewarded to some extent. Attention was drawn to the dangers of seeking commercial remuneration for images which have the potential to infringe on copyright considerations. An example was shown of sailing craft which had to have their names removed in Photoshop.
Tuesday 15th February 2022
Making the most of Travel Photography
Brian Law, ARPS, CPAGB.
Brian from Macclesfield has visited NCC both as a judge and speaker in the past. He opened with the observation that travel photography is not photography of travel and proceeded to offer an all-embracing definition, around landscape, people, culture, street, place, custom and history photography. He emphatically scorned the images to be found on resort post cards, insisting on originality, going in the opposite direction to the crowd and seeking out the unusual, the unfamiliar, aiming for something special and different to everyone else. To avoid having to make difficult decisions related to which equipment should be taken in consideration of weight limitations, he has migrated to compact equipment from Olympus with electronic viewfinders, matched to correspondingly small light lenses. This eliminates the decision taking and allows everything to be carried in a Lowepro Flipside Trek carrycase including a compact carbon fibre tripod. Duplicating the battery charger was recommended, because loss or failure quickly renders the kit unusable. A karabiner with webbing strap allows kit bags to be tethered to table legs etc, a measure adopted from the bitter experience suffered by a friend, who’s total equipment pack was stolen in an inattentive instant. A reminder was given to re-set the camera’s date and clock to local time as an aid to deciphering images when home and to restore it upon return. Prior to setting out on a photographic mission, it is a wisdom to check and set up the camera in an appropriate way, rather than find rue the fact that as set from prior use, it was completely unsuitable for the current project. Experience convinced that setting the camera up in aperture priority mode rarely resulted in poor exposure, which was not the case when shooting with manual settings.
Trip group size is a significant factor in determining the practicality of travel photography. Small groups of four to six like-minded people with suitable transport are conducive to relatively easy photographic conditions. Larger tour parties impose time restrictions from shared transport and generalities which may not be of interest photographically. The benefits of a local guide are commended for exploitation, due to his/her local knowledge and contacts potentially presenting a ticket to otherwise in accessible situations. The challenge is to bring home an interpretation of the venue, rather than an illustration, as in snap shots.
Brian included copious images to illustrate his off the beaten track adventures with a camera, seeking out the places where others did not go, like ruined factories and their artefacts. He aimed to be the first one off the bus and the last one to remount. The countries included Uzbekistan, Albania, Ukraine, Chernobyl, Turkey, India and Morocco. Some places enjoyed the attention of photographers, whilst others were less keen. Hostile situations required a shooting from the hip approach, to make the act of taking less obvious. This approach results inevitably in a hit and miss situation, where pot-luck prevails. Children reacted favourably when rewarded with, sweets, balloons or ball point pens.
Morocco is a particularly recommended location on many fronts, being only four hours flight time from Manchester, shares the same time line with the UK, so no jet lag, is friendly and relatively safe with great quality of light and provides exoticism with easy targets. Wherever, it is prudent to operate with a paired companion, so that each may look out for one another. The prevalent culture is often most evident in busy places like local markets and bus stops.
The digital revolution has resulted in image taking with no or negligible cost, so restraint on the quantity of images no longer applies. Brian provided some thoughts related to how the images might be presented. One solution offered was to produce a photobook in which images were carefully arranged for publication in hard back book form with seventy pages, holding two hundred images, produced by a company called Blurb, costing £40.
Brian provided a definitive, fully comprehensive treatise for travel photography, which was excellently presented. He closed by extolling the capabilities of the latest mobile phones, which he suggested are quite capable of providing outstanding images in most circumstances, even when hand held for long exposures. Built-in software is capable of enlarging the image file by a factor of four without loss or possibly improved quality, allowing the production of exhibition prints. I suspect that there is another talk to be derived from this claim for some future occasion.
Brians images may be viewed at his web site, www.brianlawphotography.co.uk
Tuesday 8th February 2022
How to produce Images that win Competitions
Rob Hockney, DPAGB, BPE5
Rob, a member of the North Cheshire Photographic Society located in Poynton, delivered his first lecture to Nantwich, being more familiar to us as a judge. He has promised to provide the full text of his talk for distribution to those who attended upon receipt, so I will not try to provide a detailed account of the talk. Basically, he defined the criteria which he believes should underpin the thought process and subsequent actions for those who wish to have success in competitions. Without compromise he set out to distinguish, the difference between a photographer and a snap shot taker, the difference between competition image and a chance, out and about, leisure or holiday picture. He commended turning the capture of a competition image into a defined project, afforded the necessary research, planning and execution. As an input to the evening, he requested twenty or so images from NCC members, to quote “The usual PDI competition images will be fine, good, bad or indifferent matters not”, which did not infer that they would need to be representative of member’s best work or of potential competition entry quality. However, he then put on his judge’s hat without punches pulled. I would hope that no-one becomes discouraged by the proceedings, because many winning pictures have been captured simply as a result of carrying a camera, whilst not on a dedicated photo mission. Would it be churlish to suggest that his own salon commended image of a cheetah and cub in the African bush was a chance holiday picture, though clearly photographic intent would be part of the attraction? Either way there is no doubt that Rob shared the benefits of fifty years of photography and provided compelling analysis of the factors for success, fully focussed through the eye of a distinguished judge. In so doing we received an inciteful evening, which may linger in the psyche for some time to come and cause the application greater consideration to our picture taking and processing..
Tuesday 25th January 2022
Yellowstone in Winter
Paul Radden
Paul, now from Hunstanton in Norfolk, visited Yellowstone in the summer of 2014 only to find that due to the US government running out of money, all of the rangers were laid off and the gates were firmly locked. Somewhat frustrated he decided to re-visit in a following year, but in winter rather than summer. Accordingly, accompanied by his wife, a fellow photographer, he flew to Chicago and then to Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, taking the first night in the Holiday Inn He had arranged to join an organised photographic tour the next day led by a lady named Cyndy. Organised tours are the only way to make winter visits, due to deep and frequent snowfall making the use of ordinary road vehicles not possible. Instead, mini-buses; specially adapted with outboard caterpillar tracks are used, limiting progress to fifteen mph at best. This slow speed transport mode made it important to limit the amount of travel by taking yurt accommodation within the park its self, limiting travel time and maximising the photographic opportunities, bearing in mind that the National Park is bigger than Wales. The yurt camp provided group dining of a high standard, prepared by cook Connie, breakfast and packed lunches. The yurt sleeping accommodation was quite small, but well heated, essential at eight thousand feet with temperatures dropping to minus thirty-four degrees centigrade. Early rises and early to bed was the order of the day for the four days in camp.
The aim was to be on the road by daybreak to capitalise on the short days of winter and catch the changing lighting conditions of dawn from a layby parking area, stopping on the highways is not permitted. Weather conditions were constantly changing with alternating from blue skies to the black of impending snow storms and all shades in between, which provided compulsive landscape opportunities capturing the snow-capped hills and rolling plains. Cyndy was able to guide the party to locations where wildlife frequented and great images of snow encrusted bison, probably the dominant species of the park, were soon captured, both as a part of the landscape and also up close, with due deference to their moody disposition and their immense strength equipping them with the capability of swiftly destroying humans and probably mini-buses too.
Other wildlife caught in camera were elk, moose, bobcat, coyote, red fox. wolf, prong-horn sheep big- horn sheep and bald eagle. Thermal activity ensures that Yellowstone River doesn’t freeze, so it provides a strong focal point for landscapes. Some of the famed geysers were visited and though they erupt at very high temperature, the intense winter cold allowed the snow to be in close proximity without melting. The ejected steam enveloped surrounding conifers, solidified on their branches, causing them to bend under the accumulation of ice. The thermal pools are multi-hued from the excreted minerals and the weird organisms which are sustained. The three hundred feet high Yellowstone River waterfall normally cascades into a canyon with great vigour, but on this occasion was mostly frozen, but never-the-less provided a focus for another outing. The Americans police their National Parks with commendable vigour in order to protect this fragile environment and its wildlife, so access to the literal hotspots is constrained to the boardwalks provided. None compliance attracts a sizable on the spot fine At the conclusion of the camp existence, a return to the Holiday Inn afforded a welcome opportunity for access to a shower.
Paul provided an exemplary lucid commentary to his presentation and shared the incomparable magic of Yellowstone in Winter beautifully illustrated by both his and wife Shirley’s images. It is not surprising that he wishes to repeat the experience. A good option for a club expedition!
Tuesday 18th January 2022
Mountains, Music and Mirth
Paul Bates
Paul from Sale revealed that we wee the first club to place a booking with him, though to date he has now presented to other clubs. His inspiration for the audio visuasl are respectively, Mountains, reach back to a Lake District holiday with his father as a teenager, which he found to be a revelation, Music because he got involved in gigs as a teenager and has loved music ever since, and Mirth just because things should not be taken too seriously. In the 1960s photography sparked a new passion when he gained a Practica film camera and was enthused by attending one of Colin Balls’ AV presentations using his trademark twin fade projector. He realised that AV enabled accumulated quantities of images to be used productively. So a camera became an essential accompaniment to his love of walking and hill climbing. He now uses a Canon digital camera, hand held, because a tripod is too great a burden on serious walks, with the images largely used straight from the camera, without further editing. Pictures to Exe is used to produce the AVs, but for use with Zoom presentations he has found that converting them to MP4 video format solves problems. Sound editing is carried out using Audacity when required.
The sixteen AVs are listed below.
- Scottish Mountains, music from Enya, images converted from film stock.
- Pigeons, music from Tom Lehrer
- Landscapes – Lake District in the snow music (Anya Sobell??).
- Bee in the City – Manchester bee trail street display, music “Just Like Honey” The Jesus and Mary Chain Scottish rock band.
- Mallorca – compiled on family holidays, music from King Crimson.
- Haiku – three-line Japanese poem parody on the myriad of blue screen scare warnings in the wonderful world of Microsoft.
- Swiss Art – an alpine adventure around the marvellous mountains around Zermatt and Grindelwald.
- Pembrokeshire – a lockdown staycation which generated a deep appreciation of this beautiful Welsh coastal area, music “I am Kloot” a Manchester rock band.
- I am Kloot images from a gig at Manchester Platt Field.
- Snowdon Horseshoe an expedition taking in the infamous Crip Goch scramble at the request of his son.
- Final Frontier – music Space Oddity from John Otway with images of NASA events.
- Dolomites – a family holiday starting in Venice before moving on to Cortina for the incomparable mountain peaks of the Dolomites.
- Yorkshire Dales – a weekend with walking friends at Ingleton with snow from the beast from the east, music The North Wind Blew South from Headless Heroes.
- Endless Art – Images from a Milan cemetery “Cimitero Monumentale di Milano” famous for the extravagant art work of the tombs, music Endless Art from A Houser.
- Mountain Panoramas images from the Peak District and the Yorkshire Dales with a cover version of Beatles’ Across the Universe by Laidbach.
- Brugge architectural images of this fine Belgian town with irreverent Irish voices.
Paul provided a full and disparate evening for our programme which fully interpreted the presentation’s title and revealed his enthusiastic love for his music and the mountains. I echo John’s summing up words in hoping that Paul inspires members to make good use of archived images, which digital has facilitated in profusion, to produce AVs..
Tuesday 11th January 2022
The Chilean Fjords and Patagonia
Harry Kingman
Harry a member of the Kirbymoorside and District Camera Club in North Yorkshire presented his talk relating to an eighteen-day tour taken in 2019 with Noble Caledonia on the small cruise ship Island Sky, which takes 118 passengers. A flight from London to Santiago in Chile was followed on the third day by road transport on the third day to the nearby embarkation port of Valparaiso. The tour, followed the west coast sail down to Cape Horn. The route mainly follows narrow fjords between the mainland and the myriad small islands which cling this coastline and ensure calm waters through isolation from the Pacific Ocean and included many excursions in zodiac rigid inflatable expedition boats. These included national parks, which provided magnificent scenery for photography with glaciers, snow-capped mountains, lakes, rivers and diverse wildlife of land sea and air. Volcanic activity had created vast craters through which rivers plunged to form ground shaking waterfalls, though the volcanos themselves are currently dormant, forming dramatic snow-covered classical cones. The weather was notoriously changeable with frequent heavy rain, swiftly followed by blue skies and rainbows and demanded frequent cleaning of camera lenses, which in Harry’s case were from the Nikon stable. Colourful dramatic sunsets were frequent occurrences from the deck of the boat and offered an antidote to the evenings of extended fine dining. Calving glaciers provided multi-hued icebergs and ice fields, ripe for photography. Landings revealed the small colonies who eked out a fishing existence using hand-built wooden boats and lived in rudimentary wooden houses. Wild herds of guanacos, the small llamas which roam the vast windswept pampas were evident together with newly born kids, which were immediately able to run beside their mothers to gain the protection afforded by the herd. This area also accommodates the Magellan penguin, which were captured in camera.
After rounding the Horn, disembarkation was at Ushuaia where a flight took the party to Buenos Aires Argentina for an overnight hotel stay prior to the flight back to London on the next morning.
The scenery was simply magnificent and Harry’s images provided a strong incentive for those landscape photographers amongst us to replicate the venture.
Tuesday 7th December 2021
The Mountains to the Sea
Gary Jones
A resident of Mold in North Wales, although a professional wildlife photographer Gary, joined Mold Camera club during lockdown in 2020, but tries to avoid entering his wildlife images in competitions, to provide a different challenge. Unusually he regards his photography as secondary to the love of all wildlife, which he has held from his earliest years and which is a tryepassion. He loves travel especially Spain, but as a mountaineer Scotland’s Cairngorms hold a special place alongside his native Snowdonia, for which he is always accompanied by a camera. Bird photography occupies top-spot subject matter for his Nikon outfit, which currently comprises a D5, a D6, a D850 and a Z7ii. He favours fixed focal length Nikon own brand lenses and his Shimodo X70 kit bag holds a 500mm f4, a 300mm f2.8 and supplementary zoom lenses, 70-200mm f2.8, a 24-70 and a 10-24mm. His tripod is an Indura Stealth fitted with a Benro gimbal head. Being comfortable in the field during extreme weather conditions is of paramount importance and he advocates Paramo clothing as the best in his experience, for which he is a brand ambassador. Comfortable feet are also important and entrusted to wearing Muck boots in extreme mountain conditions. He undertakes photo projects with his friend Iolo Williams who regularly appears in the TV wildlife programmes Spring Watch / Autumn Watch presented by Chris Packham, who is also an acquaintance and one of his heroes, both as a photographer and for his courage in defence of wildlife issues in defiance of the vested interests of the hunting community. He hosts numerous photographic workshops for aspiring wildlife photographers in the UK and abroad. His web site is www.gjwp.co.uk where details may be found.
It is common knowledge that birds on sticks no longer impress nowadays; they must be demonstrably engaged in characteristic action. Well Gary has taken things a step or a leap beyond that. His action images have to capture the precise moment when a hunting bird touches the water with its beak or talons and the moment when it emerges from the water with its prey in a surround of spray, such is the challenge which he sets himself He subscribes to ‘expect the unexpected’ school and always has his camera to hand primed and ready to go. Of course, many thousands of exposures are expended using the multi-shot facility, which digital cameras have driven to new heights in terms of number of frames per second capability. Mirrorless cameras have furthered the advantage because there is a limit to how fast a mirror can clunk up and down between each shot, which the digital viewfinder circumvents. Gary is eyeing up the soon-to-be introduced Nikon Z9, which will extend the current limits for Nikon in this respect.
A truly incredible set of images illustrated the high degree of the self- imposed challenge applied to his photography. Featured were his favourite ospreys, now a sparse North Wales resident, the iconic bird of Rutland Water, but fairly common in Scotland, kingfisher shown in video to dive for fish and be back on its perch within a second, puffins on Northumberland’s Farne Islands where proximity is not a problem and they pose with bouquets of flowers in their beak, if your lucky, gannets at Bempton cliffs on the Yorkshire coast and blanket the small Bass Rock island breeding ground in the Firth of Forth, white tailed eagle now common on the Isle of Mull where Mull Charters operates boat excursions for photographers on one of the inland lochs, little owl resident in the field of a nearby dairy farm, with which a relationship has been established to study and photograph from a small hide over recent years. The Dee salt marsh estuary accessed from the Wirral side has a resident short eared owl presence, providing good possibilities when good light is a given. The golden hour was often quoted as the preferred time of day for his photography, that is one hour after daybreak and one hour before sunset. The high rocky slopes of the Cairngorms is home to the ptarmigan, which betrays its presence by its call and scampering movement, despite changing its coat to white for concealment in the snow, but even so was beautifully caught in Gary’s lens.
Mammals also featured, with lockdown prompting an extended study of a local badger sett well captured, red squirrel on Anglesey and Scotland showing their leaping athleticism, red deer all over Scotland, but local to us in Tatton Park and more confiding, except during the rut when they become highly charged and aggressive brutes and even a chance appearance of a pine marten in Scotland, which are credited with limiting the spread of alien grey squirrel north of the border. A curious adolescent fox showed courage and curiosity when encountered in a remote Galloway glade by approaching close for a series of images. It was emphasised that focus must always be on the creature’s eye, which must be fully engaged for success.
A sequence of jet fighter images, which regularly use the Welsh valleys for training exercises brought the evening to a dramatic close.
After several questions from members, John congratulated Gary for his superb photography and excellent presentation, prior to Gary taking his leave. At this point members were heard to say “the best ever”,” not a single poor image all evening” and I can only concur with these sentiments. The evening could only be surpassed by getting him to Regents Park, when at long last we emerge from the curse, which no doubt will be a club ambition!
Tuesday 30th November 2021
Wildlife Photography Part 2
Tracy Lund, ARPS, CPAGB, AFIAP, BPE1
Tracy, a member of a photographic society at Cottingham a part of Hull, where she lives and works for the local unique telecoms company. She revealed that she had had a love of wildlife from an early age and had owned a camera since childhood. She credited her love of wildlife as the path which lead her to emerge from a very difficult part of her life, with leverage from the challenges she sets for herself in photography. A realisation that wildlife made her happy was instrumental to her well-being and the memories engendered within her images perpetuate the joy. Testament to her success in surmounting these challenges is the long list of qualifications and awards which she has amassed, through her photographic endeavours, a list far greater than that shown above.
She uses Canon equipment and emphasised that success is only rewarded by application, even when it seems that disappointment is to be the outcome, it is wise to expect the unexpected and be prepared with the camera always switched on and ready for action. A willingness to spend thirty-six hours in a hide is indicative if this approach.
She is widely travelled in pursuit of her images and the talk was arranged around the locations.
Alaska. The base for this expedition was a house boat, “Puk Uk” from which excursions were arranged to visit the river spawning grounds of salmon and witness the annual glut of bears seeking to build up their fat reserves prior to hibernation, feasting on salmon catch. The reward was evident in a series of excellent images of the action. The close proximity of the bears could be intimidating, but they appeared to readily tolerate the photographers and even strike endearing poses, especially true of the cubs.
Yellowstone in Winter saw Tracy joining an organised party using a converted people carrier fitted with caterpillar tracks to negotiate the deep snow. The snow encrusted bison were captured, mainly on the highways, which they tend to use as least effort transit routes, with complete disdain for road traffic. Also recorded were elk, coyote and a magnificent lone wolf.
Canada using a boat sailing from Telegraph Cove in north-east Vancouver Island provided abundant opportunities for orca photography. The wish to take images at eye-level with the creatures was thwarted by the hight of the boat deck above sea level, which made the situation less than ideal, coupled with the fact that the lens used could not cope with the close proximity of these gigantic creatures. Never-the-less fine images of killer wales and breeching humpbacks were shown. A rib excursion to Knight inlet for more bears was largely fruitless, being devoid of salmon, but the return journey chanced upon a wolf and a sea otter. A flight to Bella Coola bear sanctuary was also a failure due to an unexplained influx of salmon, leading to mass deaths resulting in bears being satiated without needing to use catching skills.
India by contrast provided unforgettable encounters with tigers, beautifully captured in camera from a safari vehicle, which induced a large inquisitive male to walk right past the vehicle. In addition, a great variety of birds were shown, as well as a sloth female bear with cub, chipmunk and mongoose.
Zimanga, South Africa is a game reserve exclusive to photographers, which caters for their every need, with all mod cons and carefully designed hides that are dug into the ground to allow eye level photography. The luxury accommodation was not fenced, allowing the wildlife to wander through at will. A great succession of big game animals visited during day and night, provided superb opportunities to get up-close images. Needless to say, that Tracy explored the situation to full advantage, with amazing images of lion elephant, giraffe, rhino, cheetah, zebra, wild dogs, warthog, buffalo, jackal, hyenas, together with a selection of the indigenous birds. A deadly puff adder captured close to the accommodation block was photographed with a long lens, prior to release in distant parts.
A repeat visit is planned for next January, virus permitting, for which she has organised for a party of ten to have exclusive use of the reserve.
Hide photography from around the UK for images of our abundant wildlife brought the evening’s presentation to a close, which it was insisted to being valued just as highly as the visits to exotic places.
In response to a question Tracy advised that her go-to camera setting are manual control, with auto ISO, preferred shutter speed 1/1000, with an aperture of f5.6 to f7 and single point focus. She warned against shooting at maximum aperture due to limited depth of field.
Whilst dangers exist around wild beasts, it is minimised by acting responsibly.
The booking of the Zimanga reserve is more economically achieved through Jonathon Lewis of Norfolk Wildlife Photography rather than booking directly.
Andrew and Sarah Skinner were also able to make good value bookings.
Tracy, a fluent speaker, provided a masterclass of wildlife photography, in which her passion is probably an essential ingredient. If we have a reasonable internet facility in our new meeting room a projected Zoom event from Tracy part 1 or 3 might well provide the highlight of the next programme of lectures. Something to savour?
Tuesday 23rd November 2021
Its not what you see, its what you make
Mike Martin, AFIAP, AWPF.
Mike from Bristol, joined us via Zoom and explained that he would visit creative, portrait, abstract, landscape and street photography. Additionally, he would review the images gained him his Welsh Associateship. He revealed that he owned his first camera when he was eleven, and had been using photoshop since the early 1990s. He has been sponsored by Fotospeed for ten years and he provided a discount code, MM 909123, which will secure a 10% discount on purchases from Fotospeed for all of our members.
His approach to photography is to simplify to make the most of what you have got in the image and if that does not prove sufficient, add something and then provide a stern critique of his own work. He advocated entering competitions and had personally had many acceptances in international salons.
Many portrait images were shown to illustrate methods of simplifying images and a favoured route was the use of mono conversions and judicious cropping. Much of his work used composite methods and rather than cutting out partial images for inclusion, he favoured layering images and then revealing the requisite part using a layer mask to allow it to show through. “Black conceals, white reveals”.
The panel of twelve prints which secured his Welsh Associateship qualification were shown and a detailed explanation given for the inclusion of each print, together with their inter-relationship for their final arrangement within the panel.
After the tea break, Mike displayed and discussed the body of work which he produced as a diversion during the lock-down period, again heavily biased towards exercising his Photoshop skills to produce creative composite images from his archive material. A five minute Photoshop exercise was performed to illustrate how a very solid Copenhagen tower photograph was transformed into an ethereal image which took on the illusion of glass architecture with added figures, in the style of Marcel Van Balken, who he much admires Numerous examples of his travel photography were shown, often taken whilst away from home during work commitments, when he is always accompanied by a camera. These included, abstracts, landscapes and street photography, mostly subject to extensive photoshop rework.
Mike organises regular photographic events for a group of members of the “Photographers with Disabilities” charity and rather than receiving a lecture fee asks that a donation be made to their cause, which Brian has arranged.
Mike provided an awful lot of information and shared details of a lot of Photoshop techniques as material for our members to squirrel away to their advantage, within a very full and fast-moving evening.
Tuesday 16th November 2021
A to Z of Imaging
Dave Russell AFIAP
Dave’s introduction to photography commenced as a schoolboy using a box brownie camera and he has now completed thirty years as a member of Cardiff Camera Club and has served as past president. He has a wide photographic interest and has been successful in gaining acceptances of his images in many international salons and exhibitions. This talk has its origins in agreeing to lecture for another club and whilst he was considering a title. It was included on their printed programme as “Dave Russell’s A to Z of Imaging”, which has been retained through subsequent evolution.
A – Achilles statue in Corfu and cathedral Arches.
B – for Becky a girl who was a regular model in the 1990s and provided base material for much subsequent work.
C – Creative a skilled Photoshop technician allowed transformation of images and composites.
D – Dragons, still resident in Wales and last seen breathing fire at the Ebbw Vale Garden Festival.
E – Edinburgh Princess Street Scott memorial, Grey Friars Booby, Our Willy, drummers, bagpipes and kilted rickshaw man
F – Faces the fringe with a host of posers with grease paint make up.
G – Greece islands of distinction, churches, windmills and murals.
H – HDR, blending three images exposed for different areas of the image then blended in Photoshop, Sherborne Abbey, work shed used by Dylan Thomas.
I – Insects macro work, crop to fill frame and Infra-red with converted camera bought from Ifrareddy,
J – Joiners multiple part images shot randomly and then assembled as over-lapping prints with drop shadows to portray the whole.
K – Kenya – superb shots of the big beasts on a photographic safari.
L – Landscapes Llangollen Castell Dinas Bran, Snowdon, Llyn Padarn, Anglesey, Buttermere, Bradwell, Stanage Edge millstones, Curbar Edge.
M – Monochrome Tie and tuxedo, Dungeness, Kings College Cambridge. Newcastle Millennium Bridge, St. David’s Cathedral, Mwnt Chad cardigan bay, burial cmber.
N – Northumberland Lindisfarne castle, upturned boat huts, Bamburgh Castle, Dunstanburgh Castle.
O – Ornithology, Llanelli WWT, Dorset swannery, Skomer Island, puffins, razorbills, robin, coal, blue, great tits, siskin, chaffinch, dunnock, reed bunting, starling and Aberystwyth murmurations, GS woodies, kingfisher, Kenya hoopoe, bee eaters, weaver bird, lilac breasted roller.
P – People club member sessions, Tasha, Indian Brave motorbike, Severn valley railway 40s event, welcome to Cardiff kiss, Porthcawl, self portrait.
Q – Quirky hospital exhibition, Vyrnwy sculpture, Machynlleth garden.
R – Reptiles skink Singapore, crested lizard, mud skipper.
S – Sport white water kayaking, Cardiff half marathon, Tour of Britain bike race.
T – Transport L, Lamborghini, Jaguar, Anglia hot-rod, Cadillac, Railton Special, MaClaren, Ferarri GTO 250, Porche Boxster.
U – Uzes South of France, fruit market colour, pont du gard the amazing Roman bequest.
V – Venice grand canal, Photoshop smart blur, gondolas.
W – Water water falls at different shutter speeds, Neath valley falls.
X – Cardiff hospital X ray department session.
Y – Yuletide Xmas cards, Museum of Welsh Life.
Z – Zoom in camera zoom rally car, power boat,
Dave provided a very comprehensive photographic evening, in which his wide-ranging proficiency was very evident. His delivery was flawless, thought provoking and illuminating. The Cardiff club includes multiple set subject competitions in their programme, which A to z drew on. Much background information for his actions and methods were shared freely. A very good speaker who was able to include something for everyone.
Tuesday 27th October 2021
Travel Through My Lens
Colin Dixon CPAGB, IFIAP.
Colin explained, that as a senior player in the oil and gas industry, the last thirty years of his working life had been consumed by constant world wide travel, such that he had recently clocked up1,278,066 airmiles with BA alone, not including extensive travel with the rest of the worlds major airlines and saw him visit forty countries and sixty-five cities. He experienced a revived interest in photography in 2009, having found that raising a family and work commitments, had rather terminated the earlier interest of his youth. The travel aspect provided opportunity for his return to photography, but frequently he was only able to exploit situations by making work the filling in a sandwich between rising early for daybreak photography and capturing after-dinner sunset scenes. Work opportunities were supplemented by holiday travel with his wife. The onset of prolonged Covid-19 risk conditions, understandably made a life of travel untenable and eventually brought conviction that his age profile dictated that it was time to retire, which vey evidently now brings unprecedented new photographic opportunity. Fortunately, his wife shares the passion and they are both members of Tetbury Camera Club, which provides an appreciated competitive environment for his work. Recently he has also joined a Bristol club He originally was a member of the Nikon camp, but has now moved to embrace the Sony technology, but retains the Nikon kit after conversion for infra-red work. A lightweight Manfrotto tripod is often used for low-light situations and ND long exposures So far as is possible, he tries to compose images in the viewfinder, rather than crop on computer, to ensure the best available resolution of the whole frame is applied. A brief sojourn into candid and street photography prompted the purchase of a compact Fujifilm camera, but he frequently found himself on the receiving end of abusive subjects, which extinguished his initial enthusiasm.
Images flowed literally from around the world which propelled him from winning club competitions to successful entries in international salons. In addition to travel photography, his keen interests include portrait and glamour work. Owning an apartment on Lake Garda, he arranged a photoshoot there for a like-minded group, with imported models from the UK, for which the dress theme was the swinging sixties.
Images were shown from the low countries, with the remarkable railway station at Liege and the Kinderdijk windmill park near to Rotterdam being memorable. Istanbul, Japan, Israel, Singapore, Sarawak, Hongkong, Chile, Spain, Oman, America’s National Parks all featured in a seemingly endless supply of beautiful image.
The Lake Garda apartment provided a convenient base to take in the multitude of classical Italian scenes, where it was found necessary to venture out at daybreak to avoid the hordes of tourists brandishing I-phones and I-pads, who make it all-but impossible to compose images during normal hours. A further avoidance ploy, which is abundantly presented by the classical buildings, was to capture the amazingly ornately decorated ceilings, for which the pivoted screen on modern cameras facilitates success with hand holding. March 2020 thus brought an end to work life travel photography, but he revealed that a whole range of leisure travel now beckons for the attention of his camera, with his wife as a willing partner.
Colin presented an excellent evening of photography, which regrettably was only enjoyed by twenty-two members. His delivery style resonated with the easy-going Northeast tones of his origins. I’m sure that the resumption of live meetings will boost our attendant numbers, but losing the presence of the likes of Colin will be a loss, unless we resolve to include the occasional Zoom event, provided that the Regents Park technology permits.
Tuesday 12th October 2021
Let’s be Creative
Adrian Lines MPAGB, FBPE, ARPS.
This new presentation included forty images which were produced during Covid-19 lockdown. Adrian insisted that his creations only really exist once they are printed on paper and consequently, some of their richness is lost as projected images. He is an advocate for Paper Spectrum with whom a 10% discount can be arranged. He admits to a love of using Photoshop and confirms that every image he produces is a different creation in terms of photoshop application.
The forty images were composites and each was displayed in their finished state with salient detailed explanation of his objectives, but their evolving journey of transient formative states was also briefly illustrated, starting with how the image left the camera. Adrian insisted that remarkably each creation was completed within one or two hours and that it was rare for the process to extend into a second day. He shunned the use of candid photography and always sought to engage with his subjects, even when it was necessary to resort to sign language in foreign lands. An 18-55mm lens was often used so furtive work was not possible anyway. The importance of composition was afforded the utmost consideration, to the extent that the inclusion of elements was carefully examined and if included their position adjusted by the inch. Much excellent advice for success was offered during the presentation.
Travel was much enjoyed and provided the opportunity for image collection and also for the collection of textures and backgrounds to support his ‘cut out’ images. A trip to Cuba was facilitated by a local photographer, who was able to provide access to impressive buildings with local dancers as models. The forty images were split into a number of themed sections, “Cuban Spirit”, shots in Havana, “Creative Equine” using a grey pony at a local stables and a female model draped in along red dress, “Through the Wardrobe”, models in stately homes in glamourous crinoline dresses, “Toy Town Terrors” using toy dinosaurs, star wars characters and robots superimposed on towns and cities, “Night Time Stories” often using Holly Holy Day shots, for which he is a regular Nantwich visitor and “Dancing Devas” featuring ballet dancers in stately homes and derelict mansions.
A final lockdown initiative propelled Adrian into producing a series of self-portraits, using various articles from his vast selection of props and clothing to depict himself to great effect as a whole range of characters, produced in his living room with a small flash set-up and camera tethered to a laptop.
Adrian revealed himself as a master practitioner in the use of Photoshop, having the ability to apply his imagination to transform a typical mundane shot into one with tension, intrigue and captive dark mystery. Surprisingly he only uses a small selection of the available tools. A common feature of his work is the fastidious attention to detail. It is not surprising that he has attained great success and surely there is much more to come. When we return to a live environment it would be great to view the subtlety of his prints. A great presentation, well delivered.
Tuesday 28th September 2021
Rules and other myths of Composition
Sue Clark LRPS CPAGB AWPF.
A trip to Paris when a schoolgirl marked Sue’s first venture into photography. In later life she joined a photographic society and decided to research the factors which provided the impact or ‘wow’ factor to images in order to improve as a photographer. This lead to investigating the oft quoted rules of composition using books and the all embracing internet. Starting with the rule of thirds, it quickly became evident that there were many more aspects to the subject and so she assembled the intensely comprehensive treatise of her presentation. Included beyond the rule of thirds were the golden ratio 1.618:1, golden spiral, golden grid, eye of rectangle, light and dark, negative and positive space, power of lines, Hogarth curve, leading lines, middle foreground background, triangles, circles, containing stoppers, odd element counts rather than even, differential focus, burnt-out highlights, crop tool, diagonals, zigzags, framing, vignetting, repoussoir, movement, space to move into or not, implicit sound, square and oblong formats, colour wheel, analogous colours, complementary colours and much more not noted.
It was suggested that comforting composition may be inherent in our DNA. Much evidence was provided to support the belief that composition rules have been handed down since ancient Greece, through to the old masters in the art world and similarly in architecture and have become intrinsic in our very being. Even so it was also true that breaking the rules could also have a very powerful effect on the emptions. All the elements in an image must contribute or else they should be omitted. Sue confessed that much of her work were composite structures. She advocated seeking out the evidence for composition in the world that surrounds us, from the work of film producers, particularly in the days of mono and the silent era, through to advertising material in books and on TV, where establishing the emotional appeal is fundamental to making the sale. Signing off Sue insisted that we should not take things too seriously, it is essential to have fun!
As mentioned, the presentation was extremely comprehensive and beautifully delivered. A valuable contribution indeed to our programme for both experienced and new workers.
Tuesday 21st September 2021
The Hoylake International Exhibition
Brian Magor supported by Diana
Prior to showing the exhibition images, Brian and Diana explained how the Hoylake annual exhibition came into existence. Following a photographic visit to Yellowstone, Diana was invited to join a judging panel comprising of three members in Florida in 2009 for an exhibition for which there were five thousand entries. The judging started at 8.00am, with judging essentially being a very rapid cursory process and acceptance and rejection was decided on an instant reactionary basis. The judging panel was in receipt of pressure from the organisers for not progressing fast enough, but, never the less the task was completed by the end of the day. Repeat invitations brought the realisation that the process was quite easy for the two of them to arrange and in 2012 they were inspired to establish the Hoylake International Exhibition to a similar format. Brian undertook to provide the technical input whilst Diana to arrange the practicalities, including the food and accommodation requirements for guest judges. Once established, entries are now received from around the world with strong support from Australia, New Zealand, Germany, China, Malaysia and North and South America. Among the guest judges, many local names have featured as well as international representatives. The annual event has proved to be a great success and source of revenue for the Hoylake club and has sponsored the purchase of several club projectors and laptops and even enabled all club members to join together for a free Christmas dinner!
The presentation comprised a compilation of selected images from the eight years of exhibitions from 2012 to 2019, at which point the Covid-19 pandemic interrupted the event. It is intended that given a favourable recovery, an exhibition will go ahead for prints in 2022 and Brian was hopeful that members of the Nantwich club would submit entries. In passing, Pete Allcock mentioned that he had entered in the past without gaining an acceptance, but was encouraged to keep on trying.
To a musical background, from sources which spanned the generations, a deluge of amazing images were rapidly projected, categorised as follows:- Creative, Dogs, landscapes, The Colour of My life, Some birds some nostalgia, Photojournalism, Glamour, Mono, Nature Images, Some more, L&CPU Winners, Chairman’s choice and World Photo Associations Gold Award Winners.
The thoroughly enjoyable evening revealed an inspirational undertaking, which has provided the Hoylake club with international recognition. The success of the annual exhibition is an immense tribute to the endeavour of Brian and Diana, which must surely make them feel deservedly very proud for a job well done and continuing. Having them visit Nantwich once more in person is essential.
Tuesday 14th September 2021
My Restless Lens
Dr. Keth Snell
Keith originated from Chester, but is now based near to Cockermouth in the Lake District National Park and joined us to present our first event of the new season using Zoom.
He explained that the title of the talk was derived partly from his love of travel, but also from his love of different aspects of photography. He explaining that tonight there would be four sections., Patterns/Abstract, Portrait/Figurative (nudes), Wildlife and Landscapes.
Patterns/Abstract
Images were captured from diverse locations, ranging from linear submerged pebble patterns on Solway beach, York minster cathedral ceiling, Canary Wharf new railway station escalator, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, San Diego shopping mall, the Eiffel Tower, a slate quarry in Borrowdale, Icebergs in Iceland, through to rock formations in Death Valley. He particularly picked out the strength of triangular elements within each image.
Portraits
The gophs week held in Whitby was recommended for providing photo opportunities, explaining that the participants expect and wish to be photographed and consequently are very co-operative. One or two examples of girl portraits were shown in which all the rules had been broken, but once more triangular elements were exploited. Similarly, actors performing on the street during the Edinburgh fringe provided rich opportunities. Further work in the studio with a local girl actor/model were shown.
Figure Studies
Images were shown produced both out-door and in the studio, In order to emphasise form, some were burnt out to remove detail texture. In passing Keith paid tribute to Bill Brandt by pairing his own work with that of Brandt. Out-door work was inspired by attending a course in the Yorkshire dales lead by Tim Piles, who has lectured in the past at Nantwich with nude works presentations. Typically, experienced models were asked to take positions to be photographed as a boulder within a dry-stone wall.
Wildlife
This section gelled with his travel excursions, resulting in excellent work. This included a chimp portrait taken in a zoo, puffins on the Farne Isles, gannets at Bempton, local moorland for grouse chicks, curlew, redshank, ring plovers on the Solway beach, waxwings on a Keswick car park, grey heron on a local pond, banded demoiselle on a nearby stream, red squirrel near Bassenthwaite, local tawny owl, penguins in Antarctica with chick and predator skuas, low key snow petrel, humpback whale interacting with the inflatable party, sad polar bar in the Canadian Arctic melting sea ice, cheetah in Botswana and a pair of night time rhinos, like book-ends at the water hole in mono, elephants nurturing their young, and an angry young bull elephant reacting to teasing by baboons, wild dog directing a wildebeest to a pack kill, a sea otter in Pantanal Brazil with fish meal, a caiman devouring an anaconda, back to Africa for nyala antelope portrait feeding on a bush, antelope as lion kill remains for vultures, African skimmers fishing. pied kingfisher with fish prize, malachite kingfisher, bee eaters and finally his favourite very colourful lilac breasted roller.
Landscape
Once more his travel inclinations and Lake District domicile provided many opportunities for his excellent work. Iceland was commended for its unique environment and the mission for triangular element structure was further pursued. In addition to conventional landscape work, over recent years, abstract landscape renditions have become an important part of his work, produced by deliberate in camera movement. These were taken at low shutter speeds and the camera was moved progressively, both linearly and for some in a saw tooth manner, depending which features he wished to give prominence. He insisted on including them as a part of his competition entries but confessed that they received a very mixed reception. Similar work was produced using a feature included in his camera which allowed up to nine images to be merged in camera, which offered immediate assessment on the cameras screen as an advantage over doing similar things in Photoshop. Further effects were demonstrated by the use of zooming during exposure.
Keith was a fluent speaker, who provided excellent technical background information for his work to aid anyone who wished to try replicating his photographic activities. He delivered an excellent opening for our season, which unfortunately was only enjoyed by twenty members.
Tuesday 7th September
Our weekly club night meetings recommence on Tuesday 14th September 2021, when we welcome guest speaker, Dr Keith Snell EFIASP EPSA LRPS. It has been decided to continue using Zoom for the time being; a decision on when to recommence normal group meetings will be made during the autumn.
Thursday 20th May 2021
The 2021 NCC EXHIBITION OPENED TODAY
Our exhibition at Nantwich Museum was due to open in January but the third lockdown meant that the museum hasn’t been open to the public for all of this year. The museum has now reopened on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays with a view to returning to full opening hours as soon as possible, namely Tuesday – Saturday 10.30 am – 4.30 pm. We are very pleased that our exhibition in the Millennium Gallery can now be viewed and will be on display until Saturday 17 July. At the moment visitors are advised to book their visit by telephoning the Museum on 01270 627104, when they will be advised of any specific requirements.
For further information contact: Nantwich Museum on enquiries@nantwichmuseum.org.uk or telephone 01270 627104; Website: www.nantwichmuseum.org.uk – https://www.facebook.com/nantwich.museum – https://twitter.com/NantwichMuseum
May 2021
Like all of the 2020 – 21 season meetings, our Annual General Meeting was held using Zoom. Our club members are now well used to meeting online – so they weren’t inhibited by the technology. The Chairman acknowledged that these are difficult and uncertain times and that they were likely to continue for many months to come – with no certainty that normal meetings would restart in September. A full programme for the coming season has been prepared and the meetings from September through to Christmas time have been organised so they can be held online or in a meeting room. The decision on when and how we resume club room meetings would be left until mid-August.
8th & 9th May 2021
Lancashire and Cheshire Photographic Union Annual Individuals Competition
To read a full report about this competition, please see the “Competitions” pages
Tuesday 20th April 2021
Ol Pejeta Conservancy 2017
Glyn Edmunds
Glyn was chairman of Pyle and Porthcawl Photographic Society for nine years, but now in semi-retirement, lives in Stafford. He has had an association with South Africa for the past twenty-four years and has spent extended periods recording and photographing the great range of birds and animals to be found in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy sanctuary. The sanctuary combines a working ranch with seven thousand head of cattle with its conservancy activities and is located in the shadow of Mount Kenya, protected within one hundred and eighteen kilometres of boundary fencing. The sanctuary’s specialist role is the centre of last resort for the technically extinct northern white rhino, which they hope to reintroduce by implanting preserved embryos into the few remaining females, the last male having already been lost.
Glyn revealed himself to be a highly competent photographer, resulting from being a semi-professional for many years, with great detail knowledge of the vast range of the creatures typical of south Africa. He used two Canon camera bodies, a 7D MKII and an 80D. He held the Canon 70 – 300mm zoom lens in the highest regard and it was used for most of his photography, supplemented occasionally by a 100 – 400mm, when required for more distance shots. Having spent much time at the reserve, he was recognised and accepted by many of the animals, which I’m sure gave him the edge in securing the superb images, which punctuated the entire evening. He was able to make a close approach to many of his subjects und used his car as a hide, shooting through an open window. He has clearly developed a love for the animals and for the dedicated operators of the sanctuary. He fondly related to the gentle nature of many of the big beasts and was able to recognise the significance of many of their behavioural mannerisms, The number of species featured were far too many to list, but it is suffice to say that everything that one might expect to see appeared and many more besides, each superbly portrayed by a master craftsman.
Glyn’s presentation was faultless, clearly well-rehearsed and delivered with a hint of gentle Welsh brogue, all of which combined to provide a most impressive and enjoyable evening, which deserved to be supported by more than the twenty-five who attended.
The good news is that Glyn has a range of further talks and has confirmed to me that he would be happy to visit Nantwich in the future.
Tuesday 13th April 2021
Japan’s Winter Wildlife
Roger Geldard BPE3*
Roger is a member of South Manchester Camera Club and lives in Stockport. In February 2020 he joined an organised winter tour to Japan with NatureLens travel company, who provided an itinerary which matched his needs. The group of photographers consisted of three Germans and three from the UK with two resident leaders from the UK. The journey was rather tiring with three legs, Manchester to Frankfurt, Frankfurt to Tokyo and Tokyo to Hokkaido island in the north of Japan, where hotel accommodation provided much needed recovery time. Thorough prior research produced a detail plan in order for Roger to capitalise on the opportunities to be presented. A prior trip to the Isle of Mull for sea eagle organised boat trip photography provided a foundation for the likely skills which would be required. The bulk and weight of his Canon DSLR full frame equipment exceeded the permissible hand luggage weight restrictions, especially for the final small plane internal Japanese leg. This persuaded him to change to Sony mirror-less full frame camera bodies, which are very much more compact and even allowed one to be carried in a coat pocket. Existing Canon lenses were adapted for use with the Sony bodies, one a A9 II 24.2MP for wild life work and a A7RIV with 61MP for landscapes. This change enabled the eight-kilogramme limit to be achieved, with a tripod and monopod to be included with hold luggage. The importance of fully absorbing the control features of a chosen camera prior to departure was emphasised, especially as conditions down to -20 were expected on this trip. A 200 – 600mm f5.6 – f6.3 lens with constant length internal zooming and a 1.4x multiplier was used mainly.
The Sony bodies provided many other benefits, amongst which are, new batteries which coped with extreme cold conditions without rapid loss of charge, a histogram and all other settings included in the viewfinder providing legibilty in sunny conditions, unlike back panel displays, a large buffer memory which enabled repeated long bursts of exposures, enhanced auto focussing, which incredibly was able to latch onto the eye of an eagle at distance and render it sharp, whilst tracking its flight, advanced in-body stabilisation and customisable buttons which allowed rapid change to say the focussing mode, The mirrorless arrangement simplifies the auto-focussing facility, avoiding the careful calibration necessary with DSLRs, where the light path is reflected from numerous surfaces to reach the focussing mechanism, each of which can induce errors. Images may be reviewed in the viewfinder, again avoiding the back-panel becoming obscured due to incident sunlight and generally allowed the exposure to be judged to be correct if it appears to be so in the viewfinder.
Roger always used the camera in manual and silent mode, shooting in RAW quality with auto white balance and used the electronic viewfinder histogram display to ensure a degree of underexposure so that highlight detail was retained. Large birds in flight generally could be satisfactorily captured with exposures of 1/800 to 1/1000th of a second with typical aperture of f7, with ISO adjusted to suit. Small birds move much faster and consequently need a faster exposure. The temptation to fill the frame during bird photography was advised to be avoided, because it is not possible to anticipate their movements, which can easily result in the subject being clipped in the frame when they flap around. Wildlife shots were preferred to be taken so far as is possible at the same height as the subject, for best effect. For this mission multi-layered warm clothing was essential, with the hands being particularly vulnerable because gloves reduced dexterity in the use of the camera controls. At all times the well being of the wildlife was paramount to avoid causing distress.
Tsuri red-crowned crane sanctuary was visited for a spectacular display of the crane’s courtship in the snow. The birds mate for life and perform extraordinary synchronised dance gyrations, which can be difficult to capture in isolation. The sequences were presented in a couple of video presentations, one of which was to music.
Akan Crane Centre was also visited, though considered to be a less satisfactory location.
An outing was taken to photo Ural owls, which were located in a tree hole provided excellent images.
Lake Kussharo was next visited for whooper swans on a partially frozen misty setup, but conditions were not ideal.
Notsuke peninsula provided ready photos of confiding red foxes constantly with their nose to the ground, sniffing out food in the tundra and the occasional deer appeared.
The highlight of the visit however was in pursuit of over wintering steller’s eagles and white tailed eagles at Rausu,, a sea port where a boat trip for photographers was taken. The crew attract the eagles by throwing fish from the boat which the eagles swoop to snatch from the water and sea ice with their talons. Chaotic fighting scenes were witnessed and incredible images captured.
This was followed by visiting Nemura for Lake Furon where more eagles and black-eared kites were photographed in difficult conditions of heavy falling snow, which severely limited visibility, but even so delivered some enviable shots.
A return flight to Tokyo enabled a session with the famous snow monkeys, though unfortunately without the snow.
Mount Fuji disappointed by hiding behind a deep mist to prevent the intended spectacular dawn light images, prior to the flight home.
Roger provided a compelling evening of superb images, which provoked one member to congratulate him for providing the best item in the current lecture programme. Certainly, there was much to savour and it would be highly desirable to receive a live visit to Nantwich from Roger with more of his excellent work, when we fully emerge from virus limitations.
Tuesday 23rd March 2021
Inside my Head part 1
Janet Haines, FIPF ARPS GPSA EFIAP DPAGB
Just re-patriated from the Netherlands to Torquay due to the Covid pandemic, Janet is a print worker selected by Permajet to be one of their ambassadors. Her PI conversion presentation consequently cannot portray the very important subtlety made possible by the selection of paper surfaces available to her. She revealed that she has a fairly rare condition called synaesthesia, which for her is a blessing, but can be a debilitating problem for others when in extreme. Its effect is to retain the visual details of fantasy dreams, generate how things smell when thought about and to create visual images in her brain when she listens to music.
She uses Photoshop facilities creatively, explaining that she is self-trained in its use. Her chosen learning path is by selecting from the many You Tube instructional videos to address her knowledge gaps as they arise. Accepting that Photoshop has a vast range of facilities, she is happy to operate within the limits of current needs, rather than to try to learn the full capabilities, just for the sake of doing so. Her approach is to run You Tube on a laptop beside her photo editing desktop PC and to follow the You Tube instructions implicitly, pausing the video between each step, whilst applying to her image. It was emphasized that once learnt, the techniques must be re-used regularly, because otherwise they are easily forgotten. She produces her own fantasy backgrounds for her images, by mixing coloured paints in a bowl and taking progressive images during the mixing process. Whilst out and about, she takes pictures of everyday objects, as possible elements for inclusion in her fantasy images. She now has a library of many thousands of such elements at her disposal. Her images are assembled from layers, each carrying an element for inclusion, often texture filters are applied and then masked, using a brush to allow the prominent features to bleed through as required. Colouring of elements are changed to blend with the whole. Careful use of filters may be used to counteract the harshness of ‘cut-out’ elements in dreamy productins.
She opened with a review of the panel of photographic art images used to gain her ARPS qualification, all of which were a translation of fantasy dreams or nightmares into a visual image. Her photo-art images always start in her head. Previously, her LRPS panel, whilst at Dorchester camera club was gained with conventional ‘real’ photography, London tube train shots and old master-like images etc. but she realised that new challenges were integral to her psyche, hence the move into fantasy, which gained her many entries into international salons.
Realising that she was not happy relating to people, studio work was initially unattractive, but in the spirit of the next challenge, with a friend she enrolled on a three-day nude modelling course, with instruction on lighting, using two nude girls and one elderly man for character studies. Astutely, Janet realised that it was essential to have a prior plan for what you wished to achieve, or the models quickly used their professionalism to take the initiative and to slip into well-rehearsed attractive poses, resulting in images identical to those of everyone else. The experience propelled her into a newly found love for nude studio figure studies, in which careful control of the lighting was critical. Faces were often omitted to transfer the emphasis onto contours of the mostly female body, again with much use of texture filters, suitably masked for effect. Studios were hired and relationships were built with numerous models and dancers to secure superb images, which again received international acclaim, one of which gained the accolade of champion of champions in the American PSA.
Having gained silver status in the US with a panel of her nudes, she determined to go for the top gold status together with the top status of fellowship of the RPS and fellowship of the IPF in Ireland. Basically, a selection of thirty images were selected, from which twenty were submitted to each authority. For the US PSA a four-row arrangement was required, for the RPS three rows and for the Irish IPF two rows. All of the images were photo art constructs of the images mentally created in response to a selection of mixed music from popular to light classics. The creations were displayed, each explained and they featured a mix drawn from nude, portrait and fantasy images. Success was achieved in America and Ireland but not from the RPS. The next challenge therefore is to reverse the RPS set back.
In closing Janet offered the following advice for photographic development.
“We must never stop learning, exploring and challenging ourselves to do better – get out of the comfort zone.”
The club was privileged to enjoy a beautiful, inspirational presentation from Janet, a truly remarkable lady of great talent and determination. Problem, how to receive Inside my Head part 2!
Tuesday 16th March 2021
Macro Photography
Justin Garner
Justin gained an initial insight into macro photography, some seven years ago, by purchasing a set of inexpensive extension tubes, which when used with ordinary lenses, enables enhanced close focussing. This sparked a new enthusiasm which extended into an appreciation of natural history subjects, all of which prompted research into identifying species captured aided by a set of three books published by Collins for fungi, butterflies/moths and wild flowers. At the tie, he was living in a Manchester flat with access to nearby fields and allotment plots, supplemented by a window-box plants on his home balcony, all of which provided potential access to subject matter during lockdown conditions. Weather forecasts were studied to decide the best opportunities for clear, still wind-free conditions, which when favourable, were met with dawn excursions, to capture attractive dew on vegetation and rendered insects immobile on their roosts until energised by the rising of the sun. He quickly became aware of the problems inherent in macro, chiefly very little depth of field and his natural enthusiasm prompted the purchase of a now favourite 100mm f2.8 lens for his Canon camera in his quest for greater quality which he invariably mounted on a Manfrotto tripod, with the inversion of the centre column for low level work. A lens mount sleeve was obtained so that the camera could be easily rotated from landscape to portrait format. Though he had an expensive canon flash unit, he found comfort in the use of natural light, which he always used in preference, To counteract limited depth of field the significant elements of the subject must be positioned in the frame to be in the same plane, for them to be brought to a sharp focus. Justin explained that the second part of the evening would address photo-stacking, which is a software-based method to increase depth of field. Recently, a move of home to New Mills has provided access to a disused Derbyshire railway formation, now a footpath, which provides rich habitat.
Sensitively lit images were shown for flowers, saplings, ferns. damselflies, dragonflies, butterflies, moths, beetles, spiders, bees, wasps, leaves, fungi, puffballs, crickets and grasshoppers, for each of which the difficulties were carefully explained, together with the lighting arrangements employed.
After a five-minute break, Justin explained how photo-stacking could be used to counteract the limited depth of field problem, which the laws of physics inevitably impose on single frame close up images, even when small lens apertures are utilised. To counteract this problem, a computer-based solution is available in which a series of images are taken of the subject, with the point of focus incremented throughout the subject, from the nearest point to the most remote. These images are loaded into the software, which selects the sharpest elements from each of the images and then ‘stitches’ them into a combination single image, with sharp focus throughout the subject. The images require to be carefully assembled using the camera on a tripod in still conditions. The focussing may be carried out manually on the camera, or by using a focussing rail to physically move the camera forward incrementally, with the focus set to manual and not changed or in the case of some new cameras, with mirror-less displays, using a built-in automatic photo-stacking capability. Justin uses a Novoflex focussing rail arrangement, tripod mounted. He illustrated areas which need to be carefully considered in order to achieve optimum results and showed deficiencies from taking insufficient frames. He uses Zerene Stacker software, which he has found to be efficient and affordable. Many images were shown, some of which had been commended in commercial competitions and had been published, which he confessed brought great satisfaction. Home made diffusion screens were used to counteract strong directional sunlight, with careful thought applied to ensure simple sympathetic background hues. Video illustrations of his techniques are freely available on the popular social media sites; for Facebook it is with the justin garner tag.
Justin provided a very informative evening for the club, in which his latent enthusiasm, curiosity and dedication to photography shone through for all to see. The Zoom media continues to provide a valued contribution to club photography pending the return of live meetings, which may soon be possible. At some point we would wish to welcome Justin back to Regents Park.
Tuesday 9th March 2021
My World of Photography Rory O’Connor, AIPF, AFIAP
Benefitting from living in Cork on the southern coast of Ireland, Rory explained that he considered himself not to be an expert, just someone passionate about seascapes. He claimed that anyone can do what he is doing photographically, which may be true, but sadly not many of us aspire to the levels which were demonstrated in profusion by Rory.
When aged seven in Tipperary, family gatherings for sport events always resulted in a photo and Rory was selected to press the shutter on a typical ancient bellows camera. In 2011he joined East Cork Camera Group, where he was influenced by the work of Wesley Law and Michael O’Sullivan. In 2013 he moved to his present club, Blarney Photography Club, which meets for fifty-two weeks of the year, the summer months of which consist of club outings and long week-end visits. Image editing is done mainly in Lightroom with, normally limited resort to Photoshop. During the extensive Covid lockdown periods however, he has experimented by re-working images in Photoshop.
He uses a Nikon D800 often fitted with a 20mm prime lens, normally used in manual mode with ISO set at 100 and aperture at f16 with exposure the sole variable shooting in camera Raw mode with single spot focus and invariably under exposes to retain detail. Exposure time varies from two or three to thirty seconds Other equipment listed were, Benbow tripod with Manfotto head, Lowepro Whistler 450 carry bag, Lee ND and Grad filters, Hahnel remote shutter release, hot shoe spirit level, lens cloth, towel, wellingtons, combat clothes with equipment dedicated pockets, layered clothing and warm hat. The towel, additional warm dry clothes together with the carry bag remains in the car from where the pockets are loaded with equipment for the shoot. Much work was done in the evening, when the Cork coast provides dramatic sunset lighting. Nic Color Efex Detail Extractor plug-in is often used during processing.
A seemingly endless supply of beautifully lit images was presented, which were most impressive and for each salient taking details were shared, together with brief processing details. His stated intentions was to capture colour, motion and reflections, so ably achieved. He aims to get among the rocks or in the sea, but emphasised that care was needed to ensure personal safety was observed at all times. Favourite coastal locations were re-visited over and over, in realisation of the ever-changing conditions presented by the excellent quality of light on his doorstep, though excursions into the Kerry peninsula and Dingle supplemented possibilities. His seas all seemed to have dynamic movement, atmosphere and subtlety.
After the break Rory demonstrated his versatility in the spirit of having a go at other genres, with landscape, portrait, macro and natural history. A Covid provoked rework of some images using Photoshop filters and layers, resulted in pastel versions of his seascapes, which again were most impressive. A brief tour of the highlights of the city of Cork was dispensed with characteristic Irish humour and pride, suitably referenced to events in history. An over-view of the panel of images used to secure his AFIAP qualification were shown and it was noted that fellowship status is now work in progress.
Once more Zoom took the club to meet another distant individual, who’s presentation was up there with the best, in terms of photography and entertainment value. Covid bestowed another unintentional blessing upon us. Members not availing themselves are seriously in self-denial. Fishguard to Rosslare is an attractive crossing for an easy entry club long weekend trip into Cork, Kerry and Dingle, how about it
Tuesday 23rd February 2021
Arctic Foxes of Iceland and UK Winter Wildlife
Alison Jenkins, ARPS, DPAGB, BPE1*
Twenty-six devices joined the meeting. Alison came to us through the Zoom medium from here home in Ware Hertfordshire. She explained that the first part of the talk would relate to a birthday gift from Simon, her husband and fellow photographer, which was a trip to the Arctic wastes of Iceland in winter, to photograph the Artic foxes. The second part would be related to photography of some of the species which have adapted to the winter Arctic conditions to be found in the highlands of Scotland.
The organised tour to Iceland was for a small party of photographers lead by a local guide. The staged journey to the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, located at the extreme north-west corner of Iceland entailed a flight from Luton to Reykjavic airport, followed by an internal half hour flight in a twenty-five seat turbo-prop Saab aircraft to a small coastal town, from where all provisions for the five days had to be procured from a supermarket. The entire party were then put to work to load everything into a small sea cruiser to reach the nature reserve. However, the cruiser’s draft was too great to approach land and everything and everyone had to transfer to an inflatable dinghy for the final approach to shore, which still entailed disembarking into the sea for the final paddle to the snow laden shore. All the gear and provisions had to be laboriously ferried ashore and then transferred a short distance up the hill in deep snow, to the solitary five-bedroom basic three-story house accommodation for the holiday. Solar panels and a generator provided electric power for two hours per day and central heating was powered by a wood burning stove which had negligible effect in that breath was as visible inside as outside. Three layered clothing was needed both inside and out, even when sleeping. Special £180 wellington boots proved very effective in keeping feet warm at all times.
The photographic subject was a solitary blue morph female, who guarded her territory to the exclusion of other males known to be in the area. Within the park hunting is illegal, which resulted in the fox becoming reasonably obliging in allowing careful approach by slowly crawling in the snow to avoid spooking her. The fox recognised the house as a place where food was occasionally discarded which to supplement anything which she could scavenge. The first day provided reasonable weather conditions, but from thereon it deteriorated with forty-five mph winds driving horizontal snow and ice requiring sunglasses to protect the eyes at minus fifteen degrees. The conditions severely reduced battery life and spare batteries had to be kept within warm clothing. The camera lens combination was encased in a camouflage cover to resist the incursion of snow. For lying in the snow an additional plastic mac helped to prevent snow penetrating clothing, which leads to rapid body chill. The fox has evolved with dense fur, which allows it to ignore the weather extremes and made daily visits regardless. providing regular photographic opportunities. The images were superbly captured, especially those taken in blizzard conditions.
After the short tea break, Alison switched location to a wintery Scotland, in the Cairngorm National Park, Nethy Bridge, Glenshee, Loch Garten and the Findhorn valley all portrayed in slightly better snow conditions. They were introduced to some of the prime locations by Neil McIntyre, who provides photographic tuition and hide access with mod cons in the Findhorn valley. They now have become self-motivated for self-guided trips to their favourite winter snow locations. A plethora of beautiful images were shown of mountain hares in their white camouflage coats, ptarmigan, red-grouse, red deer, red squirrels, crested tits, great tit, coal tit, bull finch, robins and chaffinch. Some of the images were taken from hides, but many more were taken using the careful slow crawling in the snow technique, to get within range and secure a low level view point.
For the Iceland journey it was necessary to travel light because of weight restrictions on the local flight and little tolerance of hand luggage. A Canon IDX MK II was used with just two lenses, a 10-400 mm sometimes with a 1.4X supplementary lens used generally and a mid-range zoom little used. Having trained as a professional wedding photographer, she had been strictly directed to always shoot in manual mode, using Raw quality, which has now become standard practice in her psyche. For snow scenes it was recommended to over expose slightly to retain texture in the snow. Normally an aperture of f8 was selected and she was happy to allow the ISA to adjust automatically between limits. The aim was always to get the exposure right in the camera, with confirmation sought from the rear screen histogram. Most of the image editing was done in Lightroom, resorting occasionally to Photoshop facilities when necessary. The Topaz plug-in was also used sparingly to counteract noise problems.
Alison delivered a beautiful presentation, revealing herself to be a very capable photographer, with an enchanting personality. I possibly mentioned before that Zooming around without the limitations imposed by travel considerations, provided the opportunity to apply discrimination in favour of female speakers to the programme assembly to an extensive degree. This is not possible when booking within the selection limits of our local federation speakers. I believe the ladies have been a great success and Alison was definitely the icing on the cake.
Tuesday 16th February 2021
Scottish Wildlife
Jeremy Malley-Smith, LRPS, DPAGB, BPE2*
Twenty-nine devices joined the meeting with Jeremy connected to the club from his Blackburn home. As a regular photographic visitor to the Scottish west coast or wet coast as is frequently the case, he explained that for his photos, he would explain why it was taken, the technical issues to be addressed and provide tips and guidance for success. He warned that after May/June midges mount a significant deterrent to all photographers excepting only the very brave or immune and conditions don’t improve until autumn. Hotel accommodation was shunned in favour of self-catering cottage hire, which can be selected to ensure adequate available space for the vast amount of equipment, which he feels he needs, in order to cover all eventualities The areas frequented on the mainland included Glen Etive in the shadow of Buachaille Etive Mor, Glen Coe just beyond, the Knoydart and the Ardnamurchan peninsula. The Isle of Mull, just a short crossing on the Cal-Mac ferry from Oban provided limitless opportunities, together with the small boat trips to outlying islets of Staffa, Iona and Ulva, which can be arranged for photographers.
Lichens and flora require careful consideration in terms of depth of field, camera to subject distance and subject to background separation distance to ensure a well diffused background. Lens focal length contributes and experimenting with different lenses is often rewarded. Isolated ferns and bluebells populated the meadows and woodland glades on the Loch Lomond shores, provide irresistible image opportunities. Beetles and bugs abound for macro work, which are fragile and deserving of great care when coaxing them to favourable positions for photographic capture. A portable moth trap was deployed overnight, for early morning macro work with the captures, prior to release. Natural rough wood as a background demonstrates the powers of camouflage inherent in some species.
It was strongly advised that animal and bird photography skills should be honed in garden settings with common species. Examples images using compliant rabbits illustrated the message. The old adage of practice makes perfect is paramount.
Deer proliferate in the highlands and islands and may often be seen grazing the meadows and scrubland. If in close proximity it is wise to be wary for signs of aggression, especially during the autumn rut period. They are wild animals with real weapons. Excellent images were never-the less-shown, together with iconic red squirrels who responded well to artificially created photosets of mossy branches laced with concealed peanuts in the grounds of the rented cottage. A series of superb images were secured, together with a further set featuring the very shy pine marten.
For photographing an otter, the necessary elaborate care necessary to avoid spooking the animal, was explained. Firstly the car door was closed gently with the latch operated rather than slamming, words were forsaken in favour of hand signals, with multi-layered waterproof camouflage clothing, down-wind approach was effected by crawling through the kelp to avoid presenting a skyline profile and to ensure water/eye level images from a bean bag supported pre-prepared camera lens combination. Once more astounding images were exhibited, best obtained in rising tide conditions when food sources are carried towards the shore. A 500mm lens was used with careful consideration for an acceptable background. It was accepted that good luck could make a tremendous contribution in bringing the range of variables to a rewarding conclusion.
An abundance of seabirds and waders are resident on the Lunga cliffs of the Treshnish isles, available by small boat excursions. Again, securing an eye level image requires being prepared to crawl into position and take a prone position. Many images of excellent quality were shown of stonechat, wheatear, wood warbler, sandpiper, shag, heron tussling with an eel, together with the usual kittiwakes, gulls, puffins, guillemots, razorbills, hooded crow and oyster catcher.
The highlight however was captured from one of the specialist white-tail eagle boat trips from Mull, which provided a highly successful location for their re-introduction into the British Isles. Highly impressive sequences images were captured showing their prowess in swooping to catch fish in their fearsome talons from Sealoch Scridain. A mid-range telescopic lens was used in manual mode, set at 1/2000 of a second at around f8 aperture. with single point focus aimed at the bird’s eye. ISO was set to adjust automatically. Hand holding was necessary to catch the action, with multiple exposure engaged. It was emphasised that it was critically important to include the entire bird and particularly not to clip the wings. Operating within a group of photographers requires patience and generally it was felt that holding your position on the boat was eventually rewarded by opportunity.
After a short question session, proceedings were brought to a close at 21.30 upon a feast of superb wildlife photography and much essential advice from a very skilled practitioner.
Jeremy mentioned that he operates on-location workshops and that there is the opportunity for securing one of the last bookings for this spring. Access is through his website, jeremymalleysmithphotography.co.uk
Tuesday 9th February 2021
The Art of Composite Photography
Sharon and Robert Prenton Jones
This lecture was fully booked when I approached Sharon, but at she suggested that I contact their own club at Conwy, for whom they would be presenting on one of the dates requested, to see if they would be willing to share a joint evening. From this the precedent was set through the auspices of Zoom and on the night sixty screens were present from the two clubs combined.
Robert presented for the first session up to the tea break and revealed that he originated from the Blarney Photography Club in County Cork. His talk looked to his work over the previous four or five years, using images which had been accepted by prestigious salons, publications and competitions. He has closely studied the work of the old master painters, Rembrandt, Vermeer, Caravaggio, da Vinci and their use of light. Window light was a regular feature of his composite images, with much consideration given to lateral and vertical inclination. Inspiration was gained from time spent in Rembrandt’s studio/museum in Amsterdam, elucidated by the curator. It was realised that the masters balanced strong directional light, by including reflective surfaces to ensure that there was always detail in the shadows. Robert illustrated how some of his composite images had been assembled using layers in photoshop. Careful consideration of light direction was fundamental and shadows were sometimes added before the subject. He showed that images cut out for insertion with a black surround background and then placed into a black area of the recipient image, obviated the need for care and precision in the process, which would otherwise be necessary. Interestingly our friend Graham Currey featured in numerous theatrical character shots. Stately homes and social history museums were often used as the initial backdrop for his composites into which opportune figure studies, thoughtfully collected, together with posed model images were the material for insertion cut outs. Various filters and photoshop plug-ins were used to blend the whole to sympathetically create the required artful perception. A recent project was to recreate da vinci’s Last Supper scene, using models and club friends dressed as gangsters in black with black masks. Each member was photographed in the same pose as that adopted by each of the disciples and the best one for each pose layered into the whole, with Jesus played by a female model. The elongated table was bizarrely spread with a banquet from McDonald’s!
After the break Sharon offered her presentation, mentioning that she took her first photographic image in 2012 and was immediately smitten, sufficient to buy a Nikon camera. She displayed images to show her incredibly rapid development in the art of photography using Photoshop, in which she danced through a bewildering display of dexterity in the use of layers, filters, plug-ins etc.
Her images were dream-like fantasy, depicting legends and myths from Celtic and Arthurian backgrounds shrouded in mist and beauty. Imagination ran rampant, with very willing models subscribing greatly. The lady of the lake emerged from the depths clutching a sword, Kelpie the mermaid sat lashed by sea spray with a real grafted fish tail, Guinevere tried to pull the stone from the rock and other legendary figures, with strange Celtic names were portrayed. Backgrounds were diffused clips from the Snowdonia landscape, often taken with a mobile phone, then distorted and diffused to taste. This process was rapidly demonstrated and explained with her favourite gaussian blur and a curly-whirly Photoshop filters prominent with lashings of artificial mist and atmosphere. A modified castle was floated in and vegetation planted to lend an air of reality and permanence.
Both players with their shared Celtic ancestry combined well to ensure an accomplished presentation of, imagination and photographic art, which ensured an informative, light-hearted evening served with humour and skill which ensured an enjoyable evening to be shared with new found friends in Conwy.
Rob concluded by drawing notice to their web site, where details of individual coaching and workshops can be found. www.prentonjonesphotography.co.uk
Tuesday 2nd February 2021
London Light, London Life
Chris Shepherd
Chris revealed that he lives in Epping Forest, but works right in the middle of London City. He philosophised around claims that generally it takes about 10,000 hours to become proficient in any particular skill to be considered an expert. Interestingly this coincides with five year apprenticeships, which used to be recognised as the path which aspiring craftsmen were obliged to follow in the first half of the twentieth century if not lonnger. Chris deduced that for him to ascend to that status in photography as an amateur, with only ten hours at most available at weekends, it would take him twenty years. However he realised that if he used his lunch hour break each day, the additional five hours would reduce the qualifying time to about thirteen years Admitting that he would much prefer to be applying his photography to landscapes in the Lake District or Scotland, he figured that repeated exposure to London’s constantly changing scenes, in all types of lighting and weather conditions, should provide a sufficiently challenging project to develop his skills and so he resolved to follow this course. The basis to enhancing skill levels is often repetition in accord with the old mantra practice makes perfect and so he followed his new discipline.
He found that discarding full size DSLRs with their prominent lenses in favour of a four thirds compact camera had many advantages for city photography and settled upon a selection of bodies from the Olympus stable. He accepted though that all of the major manufacturers like Sony, Fuji, Lumix etc. offer equally acceptable products. They have pretty much the same capabilities as DSLRs, with interchangeable lenses, ‘C’ size sensors and are able to produce images in RAW. They are small enough to fit in a pocket and hence can be acceptable as an ever present, just in case, possession. A full DSLR can often be considered a burden, sufficient to deter its presence and so chance photographic opportunities could be missed. For known events, which are a regular feature of London life, Chris found that he could assemble a camera system in a small carry case, where more flexible choices were required in the field. He also found that furtive use of a compact did not provoke reaction from street photography subjects, provided that careful avoidance of eye contact was exercised.
The project over the years, mutated into many sub-projects, with periodic challenges applied to architecture, people, natural history, cathedrals, refuse disposal centre, sculpture, street exhibitions, 2012 Olympics, lens baby images, snow conditions, rain conditions, and the disadvantaged rough sleepers.
Chris provided much good advice, typically the Shard is expensive and does not provide very good photographic possibilities. Other tall buildings allow free access, sometimes with advanced booking required and are far better for photography, some with open roof gardens.
A very full evening was delivered with humour and an inexhaustible supply of memorable images.
He offered a final thought that every opportunity should be taken to practice and to try something different. He even carries a camera when he takes the dog for a walk!
I can’t think of anyone better who might perform as a photographic guide to London and its hidden gems. When we regain our freedom, perhaps we ought to approach Chris to arrange a club outing with him in the big city?
Tuesday 19th January 2021
My Photographic Journey
Lee Sutton DPAGB, BPE5*, LRPS, EFIAP, EPSA, ADPS, GPU Crown 3, GPU Zeus
Lee was quite remarkable. He worked for nineteen years as a night-club bouncer and decided eight years ago to become a photographer, starting out with a Canon 1000D with a 18-55mm kit lens bought on Ebay for £200. He joined his home town Preston Photographic Society, enquired who were the top photographers, infiltrated their company and determined unashameably to pick their brains. The Canon was replaced fleetingly by a mirrorless Sony outfit, but he found that mirrorless was not to his liking and eventually settled with higher quality Canon equipment. The Camera bag now has an assortment of bodies and a comprehensive range of original equipment lenses. A willingness to try anything coupled with latent aptitude conspired to bring him success in club events and following winning six out of seven competitions, he decided that he would seek the higher challenge presented working within the Chorley club. Chorley is still his home club.
Having a go at virtually all areas of photography, from landscape, right through the gamut of possibilities, nudes, figure studies with models, urban explorer, natural history, sport, seascape, portrait, creative composite images, still life, ballet dancers, weddings, street photography with down and outs, everything seemed to fall easily within his grasp. He joined with club members to tackle outings to Skye, the lake district and though averse to dragging his equipment up the hills he confessed to being captivated by the lighting and possibilities gained. Even more averse was the thought of early rising, but he allowed himself to be persuaded to greet dawn from the top of one the fells, which he admitted was quite magical. Travel lust took him further afield for the landscapes of Iceland in winter, the seabirds of the Farne islands and Anglesey for South Stack.
Meandering car travel off the beaten track was rewarded with a filling station reminiscent of the nineteen fifties but now in a state of decay, located on a farm. It provided a source for numerous images and return visits included incongruous model shots, having first convinced the farmer that he was not a tax collector he obtained permission and cooperation in moving elderly tractors out of shot. The Manchester velodrome was commended as a photographic venue for numerous reasons, including a welcoming disposition and a good place to practice panning techniques, all at a constant warm temperature.
Whatever area of photography, Lee emerged with stunning images, of which many had gained recognition in national and international competitions. His photographical distinctions and qualifications exceeded those of any previous visitor I can recollect.
The presentation was almost without structure, moving in and out of areas of photography willy-nilly, but it was not a detriment, it just worked superbly well. His presentation style was a sort of laconic chat as if engaged in a bar room conversation with old friends, again an excellent concept, very effective.
In sending formal thanks I hinted that in happier times a live Nantwich visit would be welcome which he endorsed. Should be good!
Tuesday 12th January 2021
Reality is Over-rated
Catherine Knee LRPS
Catherine considers herself to be a “photographic artist”, in that she starts with a photo which she has taken, which then serves as a starting point for a journey to who knows where, an image emerges which is to her satisfaction.
She is not an equipment person and operates with a pair of Fujifilm XF cameras, one with a 15-55mm lens and the other a 55-200mm. She prefers close-up wide-angle shots, sometimes achieved by cropping. Her other item of equipment is a tri-pod, which she confessed to sometimes forgetting to carry.
In addition to doing talks, she provides workshops and mentoring sessions. As well as the creative work to be presented tonight, she does fine art nude studies and portraits and belongs to her local camera club at Lutterworth.
When first she entered club competitions with a rose picture, it was slated by the judge to the extent that she cried when she got home. There followed a period of learning and understanding more about light and its effects. She now has a complete disregard for judges and works primarily for self-satisfaction. In fact, many times she said she just doesn’t care what anyone thinks She imposes no limits upon where the extremes of her photography may take her. She is a supreme Photoshop practitioner, confessing to using it way beyond the normal to obtain the results she craves. It is accepted that some sensitive souls may find some images distasteful. It was explained that her images often reflected her emotions, ranging from depression to elation with all stops in between. The many steps taken to create some of her images was illustrated in photos. Sometimes what emerged was the result of much work and re-work, which could not be repeated. Within Photoshop she was able to create clothing articles where none existed, but also made her own props and clothing for her models. Great use was made of models, for whom she held the greatest admiration for their willingness to place themselves in positions of discomfort without complaint to comply with her wishes. Her images often occupied a surreal phantasy world of demons, dragons, ghouls, zombies, steam punks, fairies and creatures of the night with wings fangs, horns and claws, often dark and foreboding. A capacity to transfer an extreme imagination onto paper seemed effortless and resulted in a relentless projection of bizarre images. Every element of a photograph was scrutinized and probably changed for hue, texture, contrast, background etc. not a Photoshop slider was spared in the pursuit of her visions.
We have previously had speakers who have ventured down similar paths before, but Catherine marched us down an M6 in clogs to a distant horizon. Her images will leave a lasting place in the psyche of many club members
Words can’t portray the shear creativity of her work, a visit to her web site gallery helps.
Tuesday 5th January 2021
Street Photography
Dave Mason
Dave favoured a compact camera with a wide to medium zoom pancake lens. Though very capable nowadays, they have various advantages compared to full DSLRs for opportunist street photography. They are small and light enough to fit in the pocket, they do not lend the air of professionalism, which might cause subjects to become circumspect, with one lens they are ‘ever-ready’ avoiding missed opportunities due to equipment adjustment and accessary selection.
Dave revealed that he has provided on-site workshops for groups from his club and his expertise was very evident. Unlike portrait workers he aims to avoid eye contact and communication with his subjects, because it is inconsistent with the spontaneity which he seeks. He itemised various areas which are potential rich picking grounds for his genre, as listed below, suitably illustrated in each case by representative image examples.
Borrowed Art
The inadvertent interaction of people with street posters and graffiti fits this heading. His instinct reveals opportunities, which may be fulfilled by unobtrusively lingering until a victim joins the scene. Normally it is sufficient for the camera to be on a single shot setting, but admitted that occasionally selecting multi shot can be rewarding.
A large poster of a nude female racing cyclist providing a back drop to two cars aligned as if in a street race got published in a journal eventually viewed by the queen.
The Moment
This entailed loitering in busy situations, typically Bermondsey High street and waiting for the subjects to present themselves. A close up shot of a family group all looking to the right, even reflected in a tee shirt image typified this approach. The benefits of a small inobtrusive camera provided a dividend.
Details
Being alert to street signage was rewarded with humour. The poster for a missing cat, where the cat’s image had been torn out, a visit to Dull in Perthshire revealed a poster for an unappetising Dull Highland Fair, together with Biggar Community Toilets
Galleries
The advent of mobile phones with photographic capabilities has rendered the erstwhile restrictions on art gallery photography largely unenforceable to our advantage. The sympathetic patterns and hues of the attire of visitors often reflected the theme of the works of art being viewed and captured. Because the art is displayed to advantage by professionally designed illumination, the lighting is also often ideal for photography. The first four years of gallery work only produced four images, but then renewed awareness kicked in and things flowed from that point with many examples.
The advent of mobile phones with photographic capabilities has rendered the erstwhile restrictions on art gallery photography largely unenforceable to our advantage. The sympathetic patterns and hues of the attire of visitors often reflected the theme of the works of art being viewed and captured. Because the art is displayed to advantage by professionally designed illumination, the lighting is also often ideal for photography. The first four years of gallery work only produced four images, but then renewed awareness kicked in and things flowed from that point with many examples.
London Colour
Probably still a work in progress section mainly illustrated by take away and shop signs.
Photography at the Seaside
A brief section featuring the folks of Brighton and other south coast resorts.
Son of a Bitch.
Inspired by Magnum photographer Elliott Erwitt, Dave visited dog shows and showed synchronised begging and poodle shoes, plus the proverbial butcher’s dog.
Landscapes
A visit to Northumberland was greeted with persistent morn to eve gloom, which it was felt could only be represented in black and white. A feeling of desolation from the loss of traditional industry and menace from the young unemployed pervaded the bleak coastal views, but did illustrate a willingness to operate outside the usual street photography of preference.
Covered Cars
After the tea break Dave resumed with a humorous section devoted to covered cars originally encountered in Marrakesh, a practice presumably adopted as sun protection. Posting a collection on Flicker produced a cult following described as inversion therapy, featuring all manner from patchwork patterns to pyjama like, for covering and smothering. An interest from a lady official at the Victoria and Albert museum was greeted with initial disbelief, but one image was actually selected for a publication related to texture.
UK Colour
Lots of opportunity was emphasised, just go to events, anything that attracts a crowd, (if only we could).
Paris
Recognised as the original source of street photography, it was rewarded with its own section in homage to Cartier Bresson, who sought to capture the special moment and to those who followed in his footsteps. Realisation that the camera had not been correctly set required a return some seven or eight minutes later to repeat a passionate scene of lovers against a street art background. It being Paris the blissful embrace was still held and success obtained. A lingering image remains of a lady, formidable in red filling the foreground, against a bride and groom perched on a raised stone plinth for photographs, with flowing veil, in an elevated location looking down onto the city far below. A stumble would seem to ensure a very short marriage, since there was no hand rail. Typical of EU health and safety which only applies to others.
The Main Event
Finally, Dave encouraged visiting all sorts of events around the UK. Mentioned were the weird and wacky like goths, zombies and comic conventions where people dress up and expect to be photographed, The Lord Mayor’s Show in London, County Shows, tough guy events, etc. Joining obscure on-line groups through social media is rewarded by being in the know for events not otherwise publicised. Images were shown of the nude bike ride through London, which unbelievably coincided with the Trooping of the Colour and the Porthcawl Elvis convention, with characters vaguely resembling their hero.
Dave provided a fluent full evening which included much gentle humour and once more we enjoyed one of the few benefits of the virus by reaching out to a remote presenter. We were transported to a time when it was possible to venture without care into crowds of people, in contrast to the present where we distance ourselves from friends and strangers lest they unwittingly provide us with a ticket to doom. Unbelievable almost, but it can only get better!
Tuesday 1st December 2020
Lake District Moods
Carmon Norman, ARPS, CPAGB, BPE1
Carmon was born into a photographic environment as the daughter of a wedding photographer. Indeed, she initially continued the wedding tradition in her own right, until she felt that she had had enough. Today she is a portrait and landscape specialist, based at Bassenthwaite in the heart of the Lake District. She offers a range of training courses and workshops for all levels of experience. A Nikon DSLR is the instrument of choice supported by an extensive range of Nikon prime lenses supplemented by one or two zoom lenses. Other kit includes a suite of Lee filters, a tripod, wellingtons for mud and paddling and an essential coffee supply. Photoshoots are carefully planned with the support of weather forecasts, OS maps, Photographer’s Ephemeris phone app to predict lighting direction, shadows, etc. Mextures app for smartphone textures. Processing is done mainly in Photoshop, aided by Snapseed, Adobe Spark, an on-line design app, Camera Raw, Lightroom and Nik filters.
She has enviable knowledge of the Lake District, which she loves with an intense passion, treating the extreme range of weather conditions with equanimity. A snow forecast is greeted with joy as an opportunity to be in high places on the fells with her camera, rainy days promise dramatic skies, all is accepted.
Conditions on the fells induced a whole range of feelings and emotions, each of which were explained and recorded with extensive superb images, such that sections of the talk were individually allocated to resultant mellow, gloomy, happy, dreamy and peaceful moods
A long focus lens has the power to isolate image elements from the background and often found favour with Carmon for landscapes and though she had a wide angle zoom she confessed to rarely using it.
In passing opportunity was taken to explain some facets of composition, the rule of thirds, the rule of phi spiral elements, lead-in lines, patterns, symmetry, fill the frame and repetition. A short video was shown to illustrate, but breaking the rules is also allowed with due consideration. Be prepared to think about your position, move around, get on your knees, paddle in the stream or lake.
The power of the histogram to confirm correct exposure at the time of taking, whilst a repeat exposure is still possible to correct the shot in camera rather than needlessly expending time at the keyboard trying to retrieve the situation. Camera exposure compensation was also identified as a useful asset.
It was accepted that the camera’s automatic white balance generally does a pretty good job, however the effects of manually setting was explored and the usual range of settings were discussed and situations considered where manual settings could be desirable. The camera sometimes needs some help to know where white is. Carmon often used the flash white balance setting when shooting with available light.
It was explained why RAW image capture is essential rather than jpeg. Jpeg results in an image which the camera has adjusted originally to provide an acceptable image and then to drastically reduce the size of the image file by destroying elements not considered to still be required. Originally this allowed the small expensive memory cards of early digital cameras to have the capacity to hold a reasonable quantity if images. The low cost and large size of memory cards now available have made such considerations redundant. Camera raw preserves all of the image data to be exploited in the editing software.
The slider controls for adjusting colour temperature, exposure, highlights, shadows, black, white, contrast, vibrance and clarity, present in Camera Raw, Photoshop and Lightroom were each demonstrated to show how a rather dull raw image could within a couple of minutes be totally transformed.
Repeat visits to the same place were evident and recommended, with favourite location images cropping up in the many mood categories of the talk sections.
Her enthusiasm, love of photography and the lakes were captivating and shared freely. It was not optional. She seduced and drew you in. A gentle, but fluent speaker comprehensively and effortlessly filled the even.
Paul Simon wrote the magically poetic “The Sounds of Silence” which just seemed normal for the music of the sixties and seventies and we thought that the creativity would go on forever. It didn’t.
For her finale Carmon used a strangely haunting and heavy cover version of “The Sounds of Silence” by The Disturbed as the background for a selection of her images in an AV presentation – brilliant!
She mentioned that she has recently a personal project to produce and published a book of photographs of one hundred people from one to one hundred years old, one of whom is the legendary Joss Naylor the fell runner extraordinaire, with proceeds going to the Mountain Rescue.
Before finally signing off she reiterated that for landscape, a tripod should be used, take one’s time, use back button focussing, plan your visit, use a long lens, direct the viewers eyes to what you want them to see, look around to find the best position, get on your knees, finally have fun.
Covid-19 has heaped an abundance of curses upon society as a whole, but also surprisingly just a few beautiful blessings have emerged and last night’s talk qualified spectacularly as the latter. Carmon’s website address is carmonnorman.co.uk and is well worth a visit.
After John’s initiative to kick start the Zoom lecture programme, I eventually rose through the gloom to complete the programme. Realising that travel was no longer a restraining issue, I decided to take the unique opportunity to try to reverse the predominance of male speakers available to book as live speakers listed by the L&CPU. So far as was possible I tried to apply discrimination in favour of females in my Zoom bookings. I do believe that the ladies so far have been excellent speakers and I hope that those booked for 2021 prove to be equally so.
Tuesday 24th November 2020
Improve Your Photography
Martin Patten DPAGB, LRPS, BPE4*, AFIAP, OPSA
Martin is currently the Chairman of the Chilterns Association of Camera Clubs (CACC) and the past President of Watford Camera Club. Twenty-seven member’s terminals joined the Zoom meeting, though more than one member was present at some terminals, so probably about thirty actually attended.
Martin provided a well-considered and thoroughly comprehensive treatise for the elements that contribute to the production of outstanding images: those images which in an exhibition stand out from the rest. He offered it as assistance to beginners, but actually there was much to take on-board for photographic workers at all stages of development, such was the power of his presentation. He defined photography as an art and as a science and for success, both need to be right. A key element for those who compose images using a viewfinder, is to identify one’s master eye. A finger viewed directly central in front of the nose, remains central when viewed through the master eye when the other is closed. However, viewed through the other single eye, the finger is dramatically displaced to one side. Clearly the master eye must be used for composing the picture or the image will not be aligned as intended. A loupe was recommended as an essential kit item for scrutinising the camera’s image display, which in bright light is difficult to examine at the time of taking. Any detected shortcomings can be readily corrected on location to rescue the situation, rather than suffer disappointment with the down-loaded image is viewed.
Planning is an essential contribution to success. Deciding what you wish to achieve before you go to site. What equipment is required, lighting conditions, time of day, weather conditions and many other considerations were emphatically projected as key prior to travelling and pressing the shutter button. Practice, practice, practice was advocated to hone one’s skills. Spend time becoming proficient in the use of and familiar with the range of available controls, which are provided on your camera.
Most photographic projects were individually examined; landscape, seascape, portrait, candid street work, architecture, wildlife and for each, examples of less good images and excellent images were contrasted. Even those considered to be deficient didn’t look too bad to me!
Thankfully Martin followed up by providing a pdf overview of his talk, because I was finding it difficult to keep up with my scribbled notes, such was the sheer quantity of well thought out good practice information delivered. The pdf has now been forwarded to all club members with an email address.
It is pleasing that this dreadful plague cannot prevent some good things occurring amongst all of the despair. Martin Patten is a part of the antidote and he provided an inspiring lecture for all aspiring photographers.
Tuesday 17th November 2020
P.I.M.S.- An interactive presentation using a series of indoor photography challenges.
Pat Couder CPAGB BPE1 and Ian Brash CPAGB BPE2
Our Zoom meeting this week featured two guest speakers, both joining us from their own homes in the London borough of Bromley. Pat Couder CPAGB, BPE1 and Ian Brash CPAGB, BPE2 presented their talk entitled P.I.M.S. (which stands for the Pat, Ian and Mike Show). The presentation was something a bit different – a collection of close up photography images taken as part of monthly challenges they set themselves, each one on a different theme – and only shot indoors.
They showed their ‘before’ (raw) and ‘after’ (finished jpeg) images for each theme; explained how each of them had approached the subject and the Photoshop techniques used to produce the final picture. Club members were encouraged to ask questions and everyone made a note of which of each pair of images they thought was the best. At the end of the evening everyone was asked to use the zoom chat facility to send in their votes to our Zoom-master, Rob Gough. Pat’s and Ian’s interpretations of the themes were imaginative, so it wasn’t an easy task – someone had to be the winner on the night and Pat took top honours.
It was a very successful evening’s meeting; this year’s set subject is Up Close, so there is no doubt that the wide variety of creative close up images shown will have been an inspiration to many of our club members.
Tuesday 10th November 2020
Coastal Photography – Alison Taylor ARPS
Alison was the president of York photographic Society for the past three years and is still a member. Unusually her photography is almost exclusively based on seascapes mostly on the east coast of the north of England or Scotland where she has researched those special coastal places, which she finds very special and exciting. She values planning for her photography, weather forecast, tide height, wind strength and direction and is not averse to rising at 4.30 to catch dawn light or being around for that special sunset. Her local hunting ground is the Yorkshire coast, Whitby, Scarborough, Saltburn, Flamborough Head, Selwicks Bay and further afield along the Northumbrian coast to Hartlepool for Vera country. The Outer Hebrides also figured strongly, with an occasional venture to the west coast for Cumbria, the Wirral and Arnside. A keen study of sea wave behaviour, its interaction with the shore and horizon, enabled anticipation of the creative possibilities in natural surroundings or when interfacing with manmade items, lighthouses, piers, seawalls and defensive groins. The swash of waves is a fascination; that action when a receding wave sucks shells sand and pebbles towards the sea just before the next wave crashes in, dragging patterns into the shore line. Mindful of the corrosive effect of brine and blown sand on equipment, she rarely changes lenses on location and meticulously cleans everything after each session. She mentioned using a DSLR usually on a tripod with a fairly short focus zoom lens and carries a full set of Lees filters, big stoppers, little stoppers etc for serious sessions and a Canon G7 X for more speculative occasions. A pair of wellingtons are considered to be essential photographic equipment.
The onset of named storm conditions are welcome to Alison as dramatic photographic opportunities for waves breaking over seawalls or lighthouses all to be captured from a safe position, but all conditions were acceptable, even the rain.
Alison aimed to secure the image in camera with minimal tweaking in Photoshop. Her work was very inclusive with dramatic scenes as mentioned, right through from pastel colour palette calm scenes and all places in between, including black and white.
Zoom presentations by definition are projected images, but her original media is print, so an opportunity to see the superior subtlety of the print version would be most welcome. She has built a relationship with an agency to produce her prints, because her photographic interest lies in camera work, wishing to minimise computer and printer activity so far as is possible.
The mono-culture talk captured the attention for the entire evening with ease. Without Zoom we would be denied such an evening from travel considerations and we would have been so much the poorer. An excellent presentation.
Tuesday 20th October 2020
IN THE MAKING – Gareth Martin AWPF CPAGB – Postponed
Everything was in place for Gareth Martin AWPF CPAGB to present his “IN THE MAKING” talk to the club from his home in Port Talbot, when a last minute complication arose as we were about to open his Zoom link with our camera club members. After a very short delay, our Zoom meeting did commence and club members were able to enjoy a few minutes of happy chatter – almost like a normal club night.
We decided to have a group review of the previous week’s competition entries and thanks are due to David Hoyle for quickly organising a run through of them for us. Everyone had the opportunity to chip in with helpful comments and advice; so the evening proved to be a welcome respite from the continuing lock-down restrictions.
We know that Gareth is a very busy and popular camera club speaker, so hopefully arrangements can be made to rebook him for one of our future online meetings.
Tuesday 6th October 2020
Chasing the Light – Kieran Metcalfe
Kieran’s professional background in graphic design shone through in his Zoom presentation on landscape photography – which he subtitled Confessions of a Sunburst Junkie. Landscape and Natural History are the subjects that Kieran likes to concentrate on, and apart from a few glimpses of some excellent photos of birds and insects, we were treated to an evening of landscape photographs; many of which had been taken in places that our club members can reach in a little over an hour’s drive from home.
Kieran told us about the conditions he actively seeks out for his landscape photography; the opportunities and pitfalls they present, and how some of his favourite images were taken in unexpected, or less-than-ideal situations. To demonstrate the effects of different lighting conditions he arranged his images in a series of themes; including Golden & Blue Hours, Low Light, Mid-day, Night-time and others. Advice on how to plan photo shoots in specific locations was freely given, including recommendations for a number of phone apps developed for landscape workers – cloud cover, sun position, and detailed local weather forecasts.
Nearly every image was accompanied by interesting information about the location and reasons for the choice of viewpoint, the exif data was discretely shown on the screen, together with the processes used to achieve the final result. Big stopper filters, heavily bracketed (very) long exposures to suit blending of stacked images were a common feature.
If you missed the meeting a visit to Kieran’s website is highly recommended www.kieranmetcalfephotography.co.uk
Tuesday 29th September 2020
The Photographic Sublime –Thomas Peck CPAGB LRPS
This was our first online Zoom club night with a ‘visiting’ lecturer; Tom presented the talk from his home in Loughton in Essex. The full title of the talk was The Photographic Sublime – how artistic traditions of the Sublime influence photography of the past, present and future….
Tom is a Photojournalist and he also runs Quest Photography tours and workshops, his talk illustrated how the traditions of the 18th Century concept of the sublime influenced early landscape photographers through to the modern day. With examples from painters such as JMW Turner, the German painter, Caspar David Friedrich & photos from Carleton E Watkins to Michael Kenna to Sebastião Salgado to Ansel Adams to Hiroshi Sugimoto – and of course the Tom’s own excellent pictures. It was a fascinating insight into a cultural trend; not only it’s history but also how photography and the Sublime might interact in the 21st century.
In normal times we would not have contacted Tom to ask him to present his lecture to us at Nantwich – the Internet made it possible and we all learned a lot about what has influenced our own enjoyment and appreciation of landscape photography.
FIRST CLUB MEETING USING ZOOM
Tuesday 8th Sep 2020
CALL YOURSELF A JUDGE – An introduction to Zoom. Club members
chose their top NCC competition image from 2018 to 2020.
Our first club night meeting of the season took place in a ‘virtual’ environment rather than in our usual meeting room, using Zoom – the internet-based video communications application that is widely used by both businesses and consumers for bringing groups of people together. The main purpose of the meeting was to give everyone the opportunity to see other members; most of us hadn’t seen each other since March, and to ensure NCC members had the chance to use Zoom before experiencing a club competition involving an external judge.
Call Yourself A Judge gave every club member the opportunity pick their Shortlist from a selection of more than 20 images – all of the top scoring competition photographs from the last two years. The top ten images chosen by the members attending the meeting were then shown and five ‘volunteers’ each gave a critique on one of these pictures. The meeting participants then voted for The Winner.
Congratulations to Paul Topham for winning the competition with this beautifully constructed and photographed picture –
SEPTEMBER 2020
ALL NANTWICH CAMERA CLUB MEETINGS WILL BE ONLINE UNTIL THE END OF 2020
We are still unable to hold our usual weekly meetings at Regents Park so a number of online virtual club nights have been organised using Zoom. They will take place on Tuesday evenings, commencing at 07.30 pm prompt – see our Online Programme for the meeting dates.
Club members will receive a personal invitation to attend each meeting by email, together with a link and password.
The club is very grateful to the lecturers and judges that have agreed to ‘visit’ Nantwich via a Zoom link, and share their individual expertise and creativity; thus allowing camera club members to continue to increase their knowledge and enjoyment of photography.
Fred Speed (1930 – 2020). Founder Member of Nantwich Camera Club
We are sorry to announce the sad loss of one of our founder members, Fred passed away on Thursday 30 April 2020. Fellow founder member, David Nicholls, recalls attending the club’s first meeting:
Fred and I joined the fledgling club on the first meeting in 1981, it had been arranged by our current President, John Dodd, to see if there was sufficient local interest to start up a photographic society in the town – the club then became Nantwich Camera Club.
Fred’s interest in photography was mainly cine – not surprising as we were both projectionists at the local cinema. Fred was every clubs ideal member, happy to use his joinery skills to supply print and projector stands until, as he once said, the club could afford better. He was a regular at the club’s evening meetings, as well as the inter-club events. Although not a competition man, he always supported them.
Fred’s health began to fail in 2010, so many of our more recent club members will not have met him. He went into a residential care home in 2014 as he was suffering from dementia He is survived by his two children.
Fred will be sadly missed by many who have enjoyed his company over the years.
David Nicholls
MONDAY 16th MARCH 2020
ALL NANTWICH CAMERA CLUB MEETINGS CANCELLED FOR THE REST OF THIS SEASON
As we all know, the situation with this Coronavirus outbreak has been rapidly evolving and the government advice on what we should all be doing to minimise the risk of infection has been updated on an almost daily basis. In view of the Prime Minister’s announcement this evening, it has been decided to cancel all of the camera club’s meetings shown in the rest of this seasons programme (7 club nights + the Inter-club competition at Crewe PS). All being well, the new 2020/21 meetings season will commence in September, but these are highly unusual times, so who knows?
We have contacted the lecturers and competition judges that were booked to visit us during March and April, to advise them of our decision to close the meetings season at this juncture, and to tell them that we hope they will be able to attend one of our club meetings in happier and more settled times. I know quite a few members have already prepared prints and / or submitted projected images for Competition 6 on the 31st March. That competition will not take place now, however you will be able to resubmit your Comp 6 mages in one of next season’s competitions.
Our AGM is scheduled for the 28th April, your committee will be looking at how we handle that in the present circumstances of restricted group contact. For the time being the existing committee members will each continue to look after their areas of responsibility
Please do not turn up to Regents Park tomorrow night!
I will keep you updated when we have any NCC news to pass on. Keep well and take care
Very best wishes
John Kay (Chairman)
Lancashire and Cheshire Photographic Union Annual Club Competition
To read a full report about this competition, please see the “Competitions” pages
Tuesday 10th March 2020
PAGB 2019 Inter-federation Print Competition and Exhibition
The evening received a low level of support in terms of numbers attending, probably due to concerns related to the current virus problem.
The PAGB now provide the annual issue as a zipped download, upon payment of £5; a bargain compared to the previous arrangement, where a DVD was posted for £15, which had to be returned by post immediately after showing. Some consternation was experienced when the digital projector persisted in projecting the club’s banner, when the laptop was showing the content of the folios. None of the regular projectionists were present to advise and salvation eventually emerged by swapping the VGA connection for a HDMI cable and restarting the laptop, which solved the mysterious discrepancy. The vice president managed to keep talking during this hiatus, but I suspect our panic was noticed.
Four folios were available for showing, Colour Prints, Mono Prints, Nature PDIs and Open PDIs. In previous years the presentation was provided as an automated slide show, but now the showings are progressed manually. This does allow the opportunity for appraisal and comment from members. The credits for each image however are still provided using quite a small font size and located beneath the image, are difficult to read for those not on the front rows of seating. With seventy or eighty images in each folio, viewing all of the images was not possible. In fact the mono prints, the open PDI and the Nature PDI folios were shown. The first two folios contained the usual gamut of images ranging from creative, bizarre to excellent. All in all, the nature folio provided the higher degree of honesty, through imposed restriction and included a high degree of excellent work.
Our thanks to Paul for filling in as projectionist and for resolving the initial problems.
After the tea break, the usual informal review of the previous week’s competition print entries was arranged.
Nantwich Camera Club Special Event.
Nantwich Camera Club are hosting their annual ‘special’ lecture on Tuesday the 24th March featuring award winning natural history photographer, author and writer Paul Hobson.
Originally from Manchester, Paul gained a degree in Environmental Science at Sheffield University and worked as a wildlife and conservation lecturer there for twenty years, before becoming a full-time wildlife photographer. His photography started 40 years ago using a Pentax camera and slide film, which launched a path of learning, leading to his current expertise using Canon EOS equipment. A university project in the Peak District National Park, included a session in a bird hide and resulted in a consuming affair with natural history photography, which eventually embraced plants, insects, mammals and reptiles as well as birds.
He produces a monthly wildlife article for Derbyshire Life and was Amateur Photographer wildlife photography masterclass expert in 2010/11. He is a contract holder for Natural England and has a responsibility on their behalf, for wildlife photography throughout the East Midlands and Peak District. Though he has worked far and wide, best of all he finds the challenge of Britain’s dark dank conditions, the most rewarding. He has won acclaim nationally and internationally and regularly gained recognition in British Wildlife Photographer of the Year events. He has published three wildlife photography books and is now working on his fourth. In addition, he regularly lectures, holds workshops and leads wildlife holidays.
His talk is entitled ‘The Best of the Last, Warts and All’ in which he will review his photographic exploits during the last year.
The talk will be held on Tuesday 24th March at Nantwich Camera Club’s usual meeting room at Regents Park, London Road, Nantwich, CW5 6LW. Non-members are most welcome to attend.
The £5 entrance fee is payable at the door. The event will start at 7:30 and the talk will last about 2 hours with a tea / coffee break in the middle.
Examples of Paul’s work can be found on his website at www.paulhobson.co.uk
For more information about the talk, e-mail nantwichcameraclub@hotmail.co.uk or look on the website at nantwichcameraclub.org.uk
TUESDAY 03 MARCH 2020
5th CLUB COMPETITION – MONOCHROME PRINTS AND PROJECTED IMAGES
JUDGED BY TONY PIOLI FRPS, FBPE
To read a full report about this competition, please see the “Competitions” pages
Tuesday 25th February 2020
Portrait Practical Evening, Graham Currey
Drawing on his theatrical experience, Graham dressed as a Dickensian figure, provided a studio set-up with back-drop and lighting and proceeded to pose for and supervise club members in capturing dramatic images. Cameras were required to be set in manual mode, with ISO of 100, aperture f6.3 and shutter speed of 1/160 of a second, with white balance set to auto. A small turn-out of members probably helped the occasion, in that virtually everyone took part. The studio flash lights were operated by a hot shoe mounted electronic trigger device which was passed rapidly from member to member. A great deal of appreciation was expressed for the sheer energy of Graham in prompting participation, particularly surprising in that he had taken a return flight earlier in the day. It was clear that setting up the camera for manual operation was an alien experience for many of us, a place that we don’t visit often, but most managed to get there.
Those who chose not to attend missed an excellent practical evening.
Tuesday 11th February 2020
Table Top Photography
This inclusion in the programme provides an opportunity for members to be in the initiative in providing photographic subjects and lighting set-ups to share with other members and hopefully encourage participation to possibly venture into new areas of photography.
On the night, four tables were manned.
Wray demonstrated his camera’s ability to be programmed to produce multiple images with incremental progressive shifts to the point of focus. A lily was the photographic subject against a black background, with camera tethered to a laptop computer and illumination from a backlit brolly photoflood. In excess of forty images were produced, which were then stitched into one image using Helicon Focus software. This software uses the small critically sharp portion of each of the forty plus images to assemble one image with cumulative sharpness from foreground to background to combat the minimal depth of field possible from a normal single macro image. This image stacking technique, probably represents a development, which so far as I can recollect, was not even dreamed of or was possible prior to the era of digital photography.
David Foster, who kindly chaired the evening in the absence of both the chairman and vice chairman, provided a diffused tent with external illumination, for photographing a pair of mini daffodils. The same set-up was appropriated for a spirited study by John Dodd: a bottle of Famous Grouse and two miniatures, which remained steadfastly sealed at the end of the day, despite a degree of alternative encouragement.
Similar to Wray, David Luker illustrated the feature in his Fujifilm XT3 camera, for producing images for stacking to combat restricted depth of field, with an Emperor Hawkmoth as the subject.
David Hoyle and Paul Topham manned the fourth table, where Paul provided an insight into how he produces the various images of suitably lit constructs of A4 paper sheets, which have proved to be very successful in competitions. David provided a bundle of drinking straws, which when back lit, resulted in interesting pattern pictures. This set-up was illuminated by very affordable LED light sources, which have been introduced to the photographic scene in recent years. They are very versatile, with adjustable intensity and often include colour filters and various methods of mounting.
The evening was fairly well supported and scored on a social level, with extensive networking around equipment, particularly shared appreciation of camera capabilities. Our thanks are extended to all those who made it possible.
Tuesday 4th February 2020
A Panel of Prints, Alison and Wendy
The night’s ever-popular programme inclusion, originally introduced to provide an easy introduction into competitive print production for less experienced members, whereby four small thematic images are mounted on a standard 50 x 40 cm mount board, this time attracted twenty-four entries. The format also provides a basic opportunity to appreciate the considerations of the judging process, in that each member is allowed to vote for the one panel which they consider to be the best entry, in a secret vote, not knowing the identity of the author. From some impressive entries, the top three panels were produced by, in third place “Folkestone Beach” by Bryan Averill, second place “Characters of the Caribbean” by Wray Douglas and in first place “Winter Landscapes” by Brian Sankey, unsurprisingly some of our most experienced members, but then the intentions are good!
The tea-break was followed by an opportunity to view the entries for the previous week’s print competition. After a period of networking around the exhibits, the authors of the prints awarded the top three places were asked to provide the story behind the prints. This proved to be both insightful and entertaining and worthy of inclusion on future similar occasions, providing that it does not deter the less forthright from entering competitions.
Thanks are extended to Wendy and Alison for once more playing host to the panel of prints initiative, to every-one who supported the evening by providing a panel entry and to our stand-in chairman, who is making a pretty good fist of things.
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Tuesday 28 January 2020
4th Club Competition Judge:- Graham Currey
To read a full report about this competition, please see the “Competitions” pages
Tuesday 21st January 2020
A Few Happy Snaps Mike Sharples, ARPS, MPAGB, AFIAP, BPE5,
Mike revealed that he always uses photo paper from the Permajet range and his camera equipment comes from the Nikon stable. Normally he worked with available light, often accompanied by fellow photographers on photo missions, who obliged by holding a reflector to soften shadows. Recently he has added a couple of hand held LED lights to his kit, to supplement lighting for difficult situations. Alien elements were pasted into images for composition considerations and others erased using Photoshop tools. Black and white layers were extensively used to correct the tonal range and more suitable backgrounds were often injected. Plug in filters from Nik and Topaz were extensively used, particularly for monochrome conversions.
He provided a commentary for a prolific range of print images displayed on the illuminated print easel, often with colour and monochrome versions for comparison. His work mostly encompassed landscape, architectural and portrait images. His quest for photographic opportunities, took him to many locations. For landscape, images from Eigg, Rannoch Moor, The Burren, The Dingle Peninsular, Newborough sands Anglesey, Burnham-on-Sea, and Yosemite. For portraits, much use was made of the heritage parks, including Blists Hill Telford, Black Country Living Museum Dudley, Crich Tram Museum where he sought to cement relationships with staff as potential models, through regular visits. He also visited the theatrical haunts including the Edinburgh fringe festival, the zombie event at Lincoln to capture the exotically made up characters, who are pre-disposed to posing for photographers and with whom he found it easy to strike up a rapport. He found that the people met in India and Georgia to be very obliging in this way too. Recent forays into London yielded tall building images for which he used a wide-angle lens to compress converging verticals. A brief foray into a photographer’s bird hide with bated prey, provided some convincing natural history shots
Mike presented in a light hearted way which was appreciated and readily engaged with our members. His presence was initially jeopardised by being trapped by a traffic incident en-route. We would have missed a rich experience had he not made it.
Tuesday 14th January 2020
My Eye in the Sky, Ian Stewart DPAGB, ARPS.
Ian opened his talk on drone photography by acknowledging the impact that the Gatwick airport incident had exerted on the perception of drones and revealed that there is now doubt in some quarters that a drone had ever been present and some ulterior motive was the true basis of the disruption.
His interest in drones started in 2015, reduced to second best from an earlier aspiration to fly a helicopter. He traced the sequence of acquiring progressively better models as the technology developed, leading to his current collection. He reviewed the current market availability providing an indication of the price and capability for each model, many of which originate from America, which enjoys the largest market share. The lead manufacturer is DJI with a large range of constantly evolving models with increasing technological sophistication, prices ranging from £500 to £5000. Following the Gatwick chaos, a range of legislation has been brought into force to control dangerous and anti-social use and further legislation is constantly being put into place. Prier to flying a drone it is now necessary to register ownership with the Civil Aviation Authority. Operations are restricted to always being in the sight of the operator, with strobe light assistance if required, maximum height of 400 feet, maintaining a 50 feet distance from people and 150feet from buildings, five kilometres from airfields and not during the hours of darkness. For commercial operation a CAA pilot’s licence is required, earned by completing a training course and being passed to fly, typically costing £1000. It was noted that in cases where estate agents did not comply, they were fined £2000 per incident. Public liability insurance is required in case of flight failure resulting in damage to people or property. Before flying a thorough check of the security of the drone components and the condition of the rotors, is essential. Those with five rotors are capable of continued flight with the loss of one rotor, whereas, a four-rotor model would probably not survive such an incident. Control may be exercised using a smart phone app or a dedicated control unit using GPS and radio with live image streamed back to the operator. Flight is only possible in dry calm conditions, with battery power monitored and limited to about 30minutes. Familiar names like Leica and Hasseelblad provide high- resolution cameras, some with interchangeable lenses and having all the usual controls, with which we are familiar. It was recommended that setting an ISO value appropriate to the prevailing conditions is preferable to using the auto setting. Neutral density filters are often used, Many examples of good practice were advised, like pre-identifying a safe area for a crash landing and taking into account the height of adjacent trees to ensure that they are exceeded by at least ten metres. Lots of good advice is available on the internet and smart phone apps can provided crucial local information related to local flying conditions and bylaws.
A series of videos were shown, produced using the drone’s camera, showing numerous areas of the Wirral coast, out to Hilbre Island, Meols, Leasowe and new Brighton. It was evident that the drone provides a remarkably stable platform for photography. Still images were also shown and it was revealed that competitions are held for drone still images and Ian has participated with some success. It is quite possible that drone photography has already ventured into club competition photography without our realisation.
This was the club’s first drone related talk to date and Ian provided a very comprehensive overview of the subtleties of this new area of photography and Ian ably illustrated what may be achieved.
Tuesday 7th January 2020
Member’s AV Night
Our new year opened with the now traditional member’s audio-visual presentation. Within the ranks of members there are accomplished workers, who well know how to exploit the full capability of the magic toolbox which Pictures to Exe provides, ranging to those who only produce sequences for this programme inclusion, through to those making a first attempt. Either way the event never fails to provide a full and entertaining evening, providing oxygen to justify those images which fill our hard drives, but are never going to make it in individual competitions. Below is a listing of the contributions.
- Coastal Express – Hurtigruten, By Trevor Clowes. A record of the classic sail along the Norwegian coast.
- Scottish Highlands – Bryan Averill. Captured during a Fort William holiday was a landscape record of the surrounding outstanding scenes unique to Scotland.
- Iron Works – John Dodd. Somewhere on the A5 road between Oswestry and Shrewsbury in a rural setting is a display of metallic animal sculptures which formed the basis of this sequence.
- Africa -Brian Sankey. A special holiday of a lifetime touring South Africa, Botswana and Zambia provided the opportunity to record the native animal species and landscape.
- European Excursions – Graham Dodd. Reaching into his archive of colour slide work, acquired over the last fifty years a sequence was assembled of Graham’s favourite European cities.
- Canoes, Canoes and More Canoes – Bryan Averill. A visit to a kayak slalom course at Bala, provided a myriad of images which were presented utilising the full range of P to E animation possibilities.
- Northumberland – Brian Sankey. An annual springtime visit to the Farne Isles for the nesting birdlife, was allowed to overflow into Scotland to include the Bass Rock at North Berwick, catching Lindisfarne on the way to provide material for this presentation.
- Sunrise and Sunsets – Alison Wood. A delve into her hard disk allowed a sequence to be assembled precisely in accord with the title. Alison confessed that she is biologically more suited to the ‘sets’ than the ‘rises’.
- Brussels Highlights – David Hoyle. A chance opportunity in Brussels allowed, with the help of advice from the local tourist office, the capture of architectural images around the Grand Place et al for inclusion in this sequence.
- DIY in the Garage – Martin Watson. A sequence assembled during the construction of an elegant circular table with radial sectioned top, within his highly specified woodworking workshop garage was the catalyst for Martin’s first venture into club AV.
- Kew Gardens Glass sculpture – Alison Wood. Visiting a friend in the big city provided the opportunity to record the extraordinary glass sculpture display which has been injected into the already amazing botanicals which is Kew.
- Three Blokes and Four Museums – Nick Hutt. A fast-paced presentation in tribute to beautiful metal working exhibited in each the three Mulhouse museums dedicated to trains, automobiles and electricity formed a basis for this sequence.
- Sometimes When We Touch – Paul Topham. Paul chose to provide images to interpret Tammy Wynette’s title song. He hinted that he had a friend in Google during the production process.
- Dumfries and Galloway – Bryan Averill. A landscape record of this largely neglected part of Scotland which is the closest to our doorstep was the basis for this offering.
A very full well supported evening bears testament to the popularity of this jump into the new year. With a little effort any member could find the material required to assemble an entry for next years event which will come along all too soon, so why not start now. It would be particularly pleasing if a situation arose in which members were restricted to only one entry.
Our thanks is extended to all those who made an effort to provide support and particularly David Hoyle for assembling entries and making the whole presentation possible and further suitably enhanced by the provision of his HI Fi system.
Tuesday 10th December 2019
3rd Club Competition (Set Subject – Bent, Broken or Busted)
Judge:- Nick Hilton EFIAP, DPAGB, BPE5*
To read a full report about this competition, please see the “Competitions” pages
Tuesday 3rd December 2019
The Dragons Journey
Margaret Salisbury, FRPS, MFIAP, FIPF, APAGB, FSITTP, FSNWP, AWPF.
For the last of our lectures of 2019, we closed the decade in style with good attendance levels for the eleventh presentation from Margaret the Welsh dragon. As usual she mesmerised her audience. This girl definitely knows how to play a crowd! For those making a first acquaintance with Margaret, it was a revelation with much expressed appreciation.
Margaret traced her journey in photography with words and images, starting from her initial darkroom steps in the 1970s, where she was captivated by the magic of the emerging image which grew in a dish of chemical wizardry up to the present day, in which the all-pervading digital revolution enables exactly the same capabilities, but with greater speed and comfort. Both industries recognised her qualities, originally being sponsored by Ilford and now by Fotospeed, from whom attendees were invited to pick up a voucher which allowed a 15% discount on their inkjet printing papers.
She provided much evidence to prove that the judgements meted out in competitions is only an opinion of an individual, which should not be allowed to deflect one from following one’s own path in photography. All the so-called rules are just generalisations, which can and are often ignored to great effect. Be true to yourself at all times. Margaret glories in breaking the rules
Images came thick and fast, starting in her beloved Wales, Snowdonia, Blaenau Ffestiniog slate fields and much travelled, they were collected from around the world always perceptive of the common humanity for which she engineered inimitable, often irreverent contact. We learnt that the gypsies at Appleby were fine, the mannequins in Venice may well be a male drag artist from Yorkshire, the Taj Mahal only has mist from Photoshop, New Zealand has amazing natural photographic light and we were invited to share her love of animals. The humble sheep of Wales, lead to elephants in Sri Lanka, alpha-male Orangutans, whale sharks in the Mexican seas and laughing monkeys in India. The children of Ethiopia and an African wedding were used to emphasise that eyes and hands can have a massive photographic impact. Horses are another love which lead to her providing illustrations for a friend’s equine book. To capture a photo of an architectural size earth-work size horse rendition in South Wales for the book it was arranged for a four seat light aircraft to provide Margaret with a photographic platform, all-be-it only possible when banked on its side to enable window shots.
Her photographic mantra is expressed as try anything that you can get away with and see if it works. She believes in photography as an emotional artform through which self-expression is facilitated.
In Singapore, photography’s red dragon was awarded a golden dragon, well amber really, to join her many accolades.
We closed our twentieth century second decade lecture programme on an unsurpassed high.
Tuesday 26th November 2019
Back Garden Naturalist by Paddy Ruske
Paddy opened with a passionate, clear message related to the importance of insects for the sustainable world and explained how everyone can contribute to their existence and well-being. Insects play an essential role in the environment, from performing as mini refuse collectors, pollinating the crops upon which we depend to in turn being a food supply for other creatures. To this end came a plea to not cover gardens with concrete, decking and tarmac or a significant area of our congested planet becomes more sterile than necessary. Having worked on BBC wildlife productions he cautioned about assuming that similar photographic opportunities are available to the holiday tourist, explaining that two or three seconds of stunning imagery, is usually the product of months of preparation and some deception.
Now in semi-retirement, following some moments of anxiety in which his laptop repeatedly crashed, he showed a sequence of images explaining how he has set up his garden to attract and photograph the many visiting creatures, which are not evident to the casual glance. He showed and explained the plants and shrubs, multiple bird boxes and insect hotels. Water is an essential feature in every wildlife garden, even a very small pond attracts a colony of frogs, one of his favourite creatures and different insects. Toads were also provided with potential homes.
A knarled post provided a perch in the proximity to bird food for avian photography was supplement by various diffused backdrops. The camera was mounted on a tripod, pre-focussed on the post and controlled from a comfortable position within his home by radio remote control. A UV moth trap was included in the garden for more diversity. For macro work with insects, a hand held Fuji Finepix bridge camera was used. This was highly recommended due to the quality of the lens, very affordable at around £25 second-hand on ebay and much preferred to an expensive Canon 100mm macro lens, recently made available to him for test purposes. For macro work, it was recommended that dull soft light is preferable to strong directional light. You can even have success in the rain. A further sequence of impressive images illustrated his home garden work with this equipment
After the break a set of images were shown from when he spent several months in Namibia, where heat haze can be a photographic problem. Many animal species were shown and landscape scenes from the famed desert featured.
Thursday 21st November 2019
Alan Challinor Trophy
Judge:- Christine Widdall FBPE MPAGB EFIAP APAGB HonLCPU
To read a full report about this competition, please see the “Competitions” pages
Tuesday 19th November 2019
Shooting the Inside of my Head, Rev. Dr. Richard Hainsworth
Richard explained that the first session of the talk would be about his approach and involvement in photography at various stages of his life, through starting as a teenager in 1998/99 with a heavy Russian camera which had no metering system or aids to focussing. Persevering through mixed results brought an enforced discipline of careful consideration prior to pressing the shutter button. In 2000 he discovered the magic of the darkroom and slide material and was convinced that the infant digital movement would never compete! 2001 was consumed with technological study, superseded by becoming a vicar and marriage which precluded photography until holiday opportunities brought a resurgence in camera work.2014 parental duties caused another break. Now a lecturer at a university he has become an active member of Mold photographic society. Acknowledging the value of the comments of competition judges and recognising how subjective encouraged him to seek self-satisfaction by going his own way regardless, which has been vindicated by photographic qualifications acquired and acceptance in salons, both nationally and further afield, features in Amateur Photography magazine and winning various awards in National competitions. To his surprise set subject competitions brought an expansion of his area of operations by being thrust into types of photography which he previously found of no interest, but which subsequently were viewed with a new sense of pleasure. Quoted was landscape and street photography, but in all areas the wish to do it in his different way was preserved, ideally not considering what the reaction of any judge might be. Digital now of course is the only way and illustrated were many examples of creative and composite images shown from ‘as taken’ contrasted with their developed version. Meticulous attention to ensuring the direction of light was consistently applied to introduced elements. For those not wishing to take out a monthly subscription fee for Photoshop or Lightroom he recommended Affinity Photo from Serif, which costs a £48.99 one off payment for Windows or Mac. Having the majority capability of Adobe products, he often uses Affinity to blend black and white and colour layers to preserve clarity. Topaz Clarity plug-in was also recommended. Attention to the histogram to ensure the highlights were exposed correctly at the taking stage was paramount, with the knowledge that the latitude in mid- range and shadow elements could be corrected in the PC for an image shot in RAW. When inserting human elements into landscape work to fill empty space, it emphasized that it is essential to soften the edges of the cut-out figure if it is to look credible. In reality clothing and features always have a degree of fuzziness. Much valuable advice was extended.
After the tea break, a very full explanation and viewing of his many areas of photographic work was illustrated, ranging through creative, enhanced reality, composite, travel, street, city scenes, HDR, landscape, sport, natural history, portrait using his wife at her request and records of his growing family. They were headlined by Richard as “well I like them” and much wisdom was simultaneously offered for each.
Personal birthday gift enquiries were invariably met with a request for a train ticket to a city and an overnight stay providing an opportunity for exploration with a camera. Debenhams iconic building in Birmingham caught his attention. A Liverpool busker shot generated follow up opportunities, yet to be completed.
My words cannot capture the shear depth and value of the presentation, fortunately a large proportion of members were present to benefit from and enjoy a very special evening. Rex Kingsley brought proceedings to a close with a thoughtful and beautifully composed vote of thanks.
I hope that Richard can be drawn back to Nantwich on a future programme.
Saturday 16th November 2019
L & CPU Annual Knockout Competition
Judge:- Malcolm Kus ARPS, DPAGB,EFIAP/b
To read a full report about this competition, please see the “Competitions” pages
Tuesday 11th November 2019 L&CPU Folio
Tuesday 11th November 2019 L&CPU Folio
In common with other local societies, this year we withdrew from the circulation path of the actual print folios due to the deteriorating transport logistics. Instead we now receive a DVD containing projected image versions of the prints, which is a digital, easily facilitated alternative. The presentation now is rather regimented with a brief showing of each image within an AV sequence, carrying the image title and authors name, sometimes above sometimes below the image. Familiar names appear but they are no longer associated with clubs within the federation. So slick is the presentation that there is no real opportunity for comment, no narrative and not even, background music, resulting in a pretty sterile feeling. As a result, appreciation of print quality and subtlety is now impossible. Purely a personal perspective of course, but change is not always for the better.
The first folio was a natural history one, which was generally to a very high standard. In recent years, high quality natural history photography was not a sufficient qualification for gaining entry to these folios. It was essential that the creatures were displaying some form of dramatic behaviour. Raptors had to be devouring prey, aquatic birds similarly were portrayed catching or swallowing fish, other species needed to be mating or exhibiting courtship displays etc, This folio was different in that there seemed to be some recognition and appreciation of the difficulty of simply photographing some species. Hence a simple image of a Cetti’s Warbler gained inclusion. Their presence is usually limited to an incredible explosion of song from the depth of some thicket; sightings limited to flitting to the adjacent thicket. Similarly, a rare sighting of a bittern was ably captured, again a bird that normally skulks in dense reedbeds. Beyond that however simple portraits of goldfinch and greenfinch, together with a singing robin, which is present in everyone’s garden, made it into the folio. Perhaps things are changing or maybe this folio was judged by more perceptive judges.
The second folio shown was the Annual Individual Competition Open Digital 2019. This included the whole gamut of straight photography, through creative to the work of fantasy graphic artists, Adobe Photoshop was triumphantly created exactly to fulfil precisely this range of activity and exponents of all extremes featured in the folio Perhaps it is revealing that the three images judged to be the best in competition appeared to be pretty much straight photography. Hooray!
Our thanks to volunteer projectionist Paul, who managed to chase the VGA/HDMI gremlins from the projection system to make proceedings possible.
Tuesday 5th November 2019
2nd Club Competiton
Judge:- Diana Magor EFIAPb, MPSA, CPAGB, LRPS, BPE3*
To read a full report about this competition, please see the “Competitions” pages
Tuesday 29th October 2019
Interclub Competition Nantwich v Whitchurch
Judge:- Rob Hockney CPAGB, BPE3*
To read a full report about this competition, please see the “Competitions” pages
Tuesday 29th October 2019
Inter Club Competition at Chester PS
To read a full report about this competition, please see the “Competitions” pages
Tuesday 15th October 2019
“From Here to Eternity” by Peter Siviter
Peter revealed that he and his wife do an awful lot of travelling, In fact he has visited all seven continents in the last five years. The places visited provided the source material for the nineteen AV sequences presented, as listed below.
- I was born in Smethwick – images from the Black Country Museum Dudley with local folk group vocals.
- Send in the Clowns – Venice Festival images to the music of the title.
- Cathedral of Spilt Blood – St Petersburg, Russia, highly decorated by mosaics.
- Bryce Canyon US National Park – Utah hoodoos, music from Pink Floyd.
- Victoria Falls – Zambezi River, Zambia/ Zimbabwe.
- Rio Carnival – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
- Thessus Hot Springs – New Zealand geothermal springs.
- Cape Horn – An Antarctic cruise around the cape with high seas, snow, ice and bergs.
- Snow monkeys – Japanese aquatic monkey study.
- Madeira – A portrait of the rugged product of its volcanic origins.
- Tenerife Carnival – less well known than Venice with prominent use of children.
- Gaudi – Homage to Barcelona’s work in progress.
- Notre Dame Cathedral – this was the Montreal one.
- Buenos Aires – Argentine is the world capital for graffiti.
- Evita – Still in Argentine with a tribute to the life, times and death of Eva Peron.
- Hawaii – Views from a helicopter of the hostile mountain territory.
- Iguazu falls – Dramatic falls between Argentine and Brazil.
- Brothers in Arms – A tribute to soldiers from around the world.
- Peter – An animated presentation featuring himself and others with music from a Queen tribute band with Bohemian Rhapsody.
When asked how long it took for him to produce his videos, he said he normally knocks one off in a day and sits watching television at the same time, with a laptop on his knee – incredible! The choice of music was generally unusual and inspired. He admitted that he does listen to a lot of music, which sometimes provokes an AV creation. The presentations were fast moving and extremely impressive without there being too much emphasis on the complexities which reside within Pictures to Exe the software of choice. The sound tracks were handled by Audacity, available as a free download. He used a range of cameras, from Canon DSLRs to upmarket compact models for his high-quality images.
The evening was very well attended by an appreciative audience. Hopefully we may get Peter back at some point after he has completed further globe-trotting.
Tuesday 8th October 2019
A Basic Intriduction to Lightroom
Jeremy Malley-Smith LRPS<DPAGB< BPE2*
Jeremy mentioned that he had been keen on photography since his teens as an avid colour slide worker and had transitioned to digital in 2005, when he bought a very expensive Canon 5D with 12MP resolution. With the camera came a Canon image editing programme, which had a serious disability in that it did not auto-save editing work and a wrong move could result in many hours work being lost causing great frustration. This propelled him to seek safety in Lightroom. He still uses Canon equipment, now a full frame model and even more expensive, but he acknowledged that other brands offered similar capability. He revealed that his aim was always to adjust his camera menu settings for any project in order to get the best image possible downloaded from the camera in order to minimise work in Lightroom. It is a necessary pre-disposition therefore to have a very good understanding of your camera’s control capabilities. Attention also needs to be directed to ensuring that adequate back-up precautions are in place for your library of images. Though less common nowadays, it is still possible for hard drives to crash with the loss of all content. Insurance may be secured from a selection of built in duplicate hard drives, external USB drives and cloud storage resources.
The pre-break section of the talk dealt with the facilities within the Lightroom Library module to import images to Lightroom storage and to simultaneously assign meaningful file names and other useful information to each file. For this, random images taken within Regents Park were used to illustrate the process. In passing for those who download using a card-reader, it was recommended that obtaining a modern USB3 version greatly accelerates the process.
After the tea break the Lightroom Develop module was demonstrated for editing images in order to enhance many areas. Thoughtfully, Jeremy had produced a hand-out print of the talk content for issue to every one in attendance, in acknowledgement of the difficulty experienced in remembering the many techniques and capabilities contained and demonstrated within Lightroom, which I’m sure will be of value to existing and new workers.
The task which Jeremy addressed within one evening was immense. I do feel that he was able to achieve a great deal by revealing the many effects which can be obtained very quickly, which hopefully will provide inspiration to many.
We would wish to welcome Jeremy back so that we are able to appreciate the natural history work which impressed in his pre-talk slide show.
To download Jeremy’s notes from this lecture, please click on the link below:
A Basic Introduction to Lightroom
Tuesday 1st October 2019
1st Club Competition
Judge:- Mike Sharples ARPS, MPAGB, EFIAP, BPE5*
To read a full report about this competition, please see the “Competitions” pages
Tuesday 10th September 2019
AVs from Around the World, Sheila Giles DPAGB
Sheila plucked a random selection of AVs from her large portfolio. She explained that a constant inclusion in her camera bag is a recorder used to capture material for inclusion in the soundtrack of her AVs, all of which are produced using Pictures to Exe software
- “Out of the Blue” was assembled from a visit to Alaska with dramatic landscapes, snow ice and bergs together with the resident wildlife, bears, whales etc.
- “321 News” was a record of a tornado which occurred during a coastal holiday in Turkey which wreaked havoc and devastation not seen in the previous 100 years.
- “The Oasis” was produced whilst on a photography course with Charley Waite, when a temporary mobility problem, restricted activities to a wet day in a garden. Charley suggested an exercise in intentional in-camera movement blur. The images resulted in a diffused greenery sequence, with the odd sharp element.
- “Arthur’s Secret” assembled a poignant presentation reaching back to the second world war in which an account of a soldier’s endurance following capture by the Japanese in Java, remained unrelated until artefacts were revealed after his death.
- “Grand Slalom” was an action-packed account of the success of the British kayak team members in qualifying at Cardiff and eventually winning in the Commonwealth games at Lea Valley.
- “A Very Special Job” related an extraordinary story of a Blackpool couple who after a holiday in Kenya gave up their guest house and established a “Happy House” sanctuary for a very large number of orphaned homeless children at Turtle Bay, Watamu, Kenya. The soundtrack was largely spoken by Sue Hayward, who established the purpose-built home.
- “The Engine Room” was a compilation tribute to dance and drumbeat gathered in various places including Indonesia, Alaska, Kenya and Madagascar.
- “A Mind of Winter” originated from a Christmas visit to Canada to visit her son. Advantage was taken to record the snow scenes for a sequence backed by a poem read by a Canadian.
- “12 Unrelated Images” were matched to music with slow fades to illustrate how a very simple concept can combine to form an interesting sequence.
- “Microlite Experience” resulted from a special birthday celebration for Sheila in which she flew as a passenger in a two seat microlite aircraft for trip along the Fylde coast at three thousand feet. Daryl provided back-up images from a light aircraft in close proximity.
- “The Human Seasons” resulted from a club event in which members provided random images and Sheila was tasked with producing an AV sequence from them, backed by a Keats’s poem.
- “Elkhorn Slough” was assembled from California coastal wildlife images, with terns, pelican, egrets, cormorants, shags, seals and sea otters.
- “The Birds of Ewe” provided images for a dramatized sequence influenced by Hitchcock’s Birds film. In this case a specially arranged photographic visit to this small Scottish island was met by the resident tern colony, who during the breeding season fearlessly dive-bomb intruders in defence of their ground level nests. The photographers sought refuge in a tin hut until the boat rescued them some hours later.
- “Las Vegas by Night” captured all of the unique colour and razzamatazz. An amazing place which is constantly recreated regardless of cost.
During proceedings Sheila offered some guidance for AV workers. Music is often preferable to songs because lyrics can lead to a perceived need to interpret them, which may not help. Avoid recognisable music because it can provide a detraction from the sequence. Copywrite is not generally an issue for not for profit club work, but an annual licence can be bought for about £8. Individual tracks can be purchased, you don’t have to pay for a complete album. Credits for music should not be included in the sequence. Restrict sequences to a duration of four or five minutes.
Sheila got our new season off to a very full and informative start. An excellent evening.
Societies Day July 2019
