The Southampton International Exhibition 2020 | 11 August 2020 |
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The Art of Travel Photography by Chris Upton | 28 July 2020 |
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'The Power of Personal Projects' | 14 July 2020 |
On 14th July, Glyn Dewis joined us on Zoom! to give his presentation on The Power of Personal Projects. |
Polina Plotnikova FRPS EFIAP – 'Starting from a Blank Canvas' | 30 June 2020 |
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Mark Pain - Award Winning Sports Photography at the Olympics and Beyond | 16 June 2020 |
In the second of our Zoom! Summer Programme, Devizes Camera Club welcomed Mark Pain to deliver a presentation on Sports Photography. A Nikon Ambassador, Mark is a multi-award winning sports photographer, having won the Sports Photographer of the Year Awards in 2005 and 2011. He covers a wide range of sports including football and rugby World Cups, golf Ryder Cups and athletics World Championships. He has also been involved in 4 Olympic Games, winning the Olympic Photographer of the Year award from British Airways in 2012. |
An evening of Photoshop Tuition with Clive and Joan Ryder Rathband | 2 June 2020 |
Members thanked Clive and Joan for showing them how their images could be brought to life using the tools in Photoshop 2000. |
Annual General Meeting | 19 May 2020 |
The club AGM was rather different this year as members could not actually meet face to face as usual but had to meet up in a rather different 'virtual' world. |
A win for the Ladies - again! | 12 May 2020 |
Almost the end of the 2019-2020 season and the last competition was a ‘battle’ between the ladies and the gents of the club. Billed as a ‘fun’ event, nonetheless members do take it very seriously and both genders are all out to win! |
Print & Projected Image of the Year 2019-2020 | 5 May 2020 |
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'What Aperture for Antarctica' | 28 April 2020 |
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‘The Sea and Me’ | 21 April 2020 |
In a first for Devizes Camera Club, on Tuesday 21st April we used the Cloud Meetings App, Zoom!, to host Roger Crocombe ARPS and his presentation entitled 'The Sea and Me' as the Coronavirus lockdown prevents us all from travelling. |
AV Competition & Outdoor Photography under Lockdown | 14 April |
Again the club was able to have a ‘virtual meeting’ to show the sequences entered in the club Audio-Visual competition. Postponed from earlier members were able to view and hear the comments of the judge Tony Byram ARPS DPAGB APAGB. |
Open PI Competition 3 - results | 7 April 2020 |
The Open PI Completion 3 turned out to be a new experience as because of the lockdown it had to be judged remotely but due to the wizardry of the internet members could view the images and hear the judges comments from their own homes. |
Quad Battle Results | 17th March 2020 |
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Creative Competition 2020 |
![]() Kindly the judge Beryl Heaton ARPS, EFIAP, CPAGB has sent her comments and given the awards. ![]() The trophy was presented to the club in 2011 to encourage more creative images which are so popular with many clubs and are often the winners in the National & International competitions. Maybe next year members might find a bit more creativity!! The 9 creative images and the judges comments will be shown below. Anyway we have the results – in first place was ‘Bolt from the Blue’ by Pam Mullings. The judge liked the scared look on the models face, the hair standing on end and the way the lightning streamed down. In second place was ‘Nesting Time’ by Pam Mullings – described by the judge as a fun image. She said that she enjoyed the model’s expression with the eyes looking up in the direction of the ‘hat’ and the pigeon. The hat has been expertly constructed to resemble a nest. The judge commented that she didn’t normally pick out images in the same genre for awards like this but felt that these two portraits were first class. In third place was ‘Knock Knock’ by David Eagle. The judge said it was a nice idea with well-chosen elements showing all types of doors from modern to old fashioned with different colours. The woodpecker using the knocker is fantastic. ![]() Well done everyone who entered and at least had a go! A very special thanks to the judge for sending her comments. Thanks to the competition secretaries who have had so much to do sorting out these cancelled meetings and changes of judges. The results of the Audio Visual competition which was also changed should be with us after the next competition. Keep smiling and maybe try a bit of creativity if you have some spare time on your hands! PM All the entries and the judges comments Awarded Image Gallery
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Open Print Competition 2 - results |
At this unprecedented time the competition print entries were with the judge but unfortunately our meetings are cancelled. Very kindly the judge Beryl Heaton ARPS, EFIAP, CPAGB agreed to judge the competition and send us notes on each image and give us the awards. In the Beginners section first place went to ‘Dawn Breaking, Winter Solstice’ right by Bridget Codrington. The judge enjoyed the dramatic with very clear silhouettes of all the dramatic with very clear silhouettes of all the observers and the symmetry. She said it was a ‘wow’ sort of sky with colours ranging from pale yellow to navy blue.
In the Advanced section there were just 11 entries. First place went to ‘Camelias’ by Pam Mullings. The judge liked the composition with flowers on the diagonal. She wrote - they are lovely and sharp and the grainy background adds to the effect as does the unusual way the photographer has framed the image. She said that she always has a border around hers but this is something a bit different and it really works Very well done everyone and a special thank you to the judge for sending us the useful notes as we were unable to have the usual meeting. Thanks to the Competition Secretaries who sorted the entries and arranged for the club to get the results. All the very best to everyone – keep safe. PM |
No meetings for the rest of the Season |
The Committee has been following developments on the Coronavirus outbreak, and has now reluctantly concluded that we must cancel our meetings for the rest of the season with immediate effect. Our competition secretary team are looking at possible ways we can continue with the remaining competitions using remote judging. We will keep you informed about progress on these, but please submit your entries for the Open Projected Image 3 competition by Tuesday 24th March as currently scheduled. |
'iPhone Photography' | 10 March 2020 |
![]() Bob gave us a few tips on using the camera, such as how to access the camera quickly, that the volume button will act as a shutter button, and that keeping your finger pressed on the button will take images in burst mode for as long as you hold it there.
![]() Bob ran through the app’s icons on the screen, giving a detailed account of the various facilities available, but not necessarily well known. For example, when taking images in Portrait mode, the camera will detect faces, allow you to change the lighting and the aperture for the shot. Furthermore, all these settings can be changed after the shot using Edit! He also demonstrated how to use Panorama mode both horizontally and vertically.
After the break, Bob showed us some of his images of animals, relating how he had taped his camera to a window and used his bluetooth key ring as a remote shutter release to take a load of images of a blue tit which kept landing in his hedge!
![]() Finally, Bob introduced us to the Lightroom mobile app through which images can be shot in RAW. Again, he ran through the various options and icons to show us what can be achieved. He concentrated on Professional mode to show just how much control one can have over the images taken with his phone.
It was a fascinating talk during which many of the audience had their phones out trying everything he demonstrated.
Our Chairman thanked Bob for an enlightening evening, adding that he felt he was now going to have to buy a new phone to access all the facilities! DF Images © Bob Holman |
'That's Not a Landscape Photograph!' | 3 March 2020 |
![]() Sometimes Huw uses Creative Camera Movement to create an image he feels captures the feeling he had when taking the image. He suggests looking back at your images and recalling why you took the image and what was the feeling that you tried to capture. ![]() ‘Rules’ of composition help when you start out in photography but if everyone follows the ‘rules’ there is no self-expression. In time a personal style is develops and a photographer’s images become instantly recognisable. Look for something different rather than the flock to well-known photogenic scenes – look for a different view. If you break the ‘rules’ then know how or why. Take photographs to please yourself and don’t allow the opinions of other to stifle your interpretation. Looking through his favourite images Huw found that he was drawn to straight lines and they continue to feature in many of his images. ![]() Another favourite destination visited time and time again is Cumbria with its lakes and Castlerigg stone circle. Huw advises - plan in advance by researching the area using maps, check on the expected weather conditions and the position of the sun but also be prepared to keep an open mind and be responsive to the situation that you find. Plans can go awry, so take any opportunity that arises and be open to new ideas. Images can be taken at any time of day or in any conditions. Huw advocates keeping photographic equipment simple – the latest expensive camera and gismo’s do not give necessarily get you better images! He finds that an Olympus mirrorless four thirds camera with top quality zoom lenses (12-100 and 40-150) cover all his photographic situations. The camera is lightweight and the 20 megapixels adequate for up to A2 printing and the zoom lenses allow precise framing. Although Huw almost always uses a tripod so that he can set up his image precisely but, when the occasion calls for it, the cameras good image stabilisation allows it to be handheld. Huw holds group and 1 to 1 workshops for those who would like to learn more about landscape photography. Steve Hardman thanked Huw for his very entertaining, informative, thought and action provoking presentation. PM Images © Huw Alban. Images of Minnis Bay, Kent See website for more information on Photographic workshops, equipment etc. |
'It Rained in Namibia’ | 18 February 2020 |
![]() Simon is a highly regarded and award winning photographer who has developed a passion for conservation and works closely with a number of charities in Namibia, in particular The Africat Foundation which is committed to the long-term conservation and survival of Namibia's large carnivores in their natural habitat. ![]() ![]() All in all, a most informative, thought provoking and enjoyable evening and we wish Simon and all his colleagues at the charity continued success in helping to save such wonderful animals whose numbers are becoming alarmingly low. Raising money through the sale of this photographs and him donating his time is a remarkably selfless way too support such great work. KS
Images © Simon Palmer |
DPIC, Warminster & GB Cup Battles | |
February is the month of interclub battles, though 2020 has not been particularly fruitful for Devizes Camera Club.
DPIC (Digital Projected Image Competition) saw entries from 56 clubs across the Western Counties Federation, in which Devizes came a reasonable 14th=, though we have done better. Results of the competition had to be recalculated after it emerged that the initial winner, Bristol Camera Club, had included 2 ineligible images in their entry. Further scrutiny showed that no less than 11 images had been entered into previous DPIC competitions, and points which had been awarded were annulled. Congratulations go to joint winners Dorchester and Frome Wessex.
More locally, the Warminster Multi-Club Print Battle consisted of entries from 7 clubs, with Devizes coming a disappointing 6th with 176 points, although only 3 more points would have lifted us to 2nd=. Congratulations again go to winners on the day Frome Wessex.
Finally, we have the GB Cup, which is judged behind closed doors as the entries are drawn from the whole of the UK. In this, Devizes finished a disappointing 65th out of 71 in the Open Section, and 61st= out of 86 in the Nature Section, although in the latter, Tim Tapley’s image ‘Water Boatman’ was accepted for inclusion in the slideshow of ‘best images’ of the competition. Congratulations to Tim on this achievement.
It looks like it’s back to the drawing board for our selection committee, to try to fathom out what judges are looking for in multi-club competitions such as these. Many of the successful images were post-processed to a greater degree than we are used to, although not many were ‘Creative’ montages made up of several images, and clearly we have ground to make up in the traditional GB Cup Nature competition.
Thanks to all of our members whose work made up our entry for these competitions. Dave Gray- DCC Battle Secretary
Full results Some of the images that did well in the Battles were 'Getting to the Point' by David Eagles, 'Water Boatman' by Tim Tapley, 'Close Knit Band of Brothers' by Dave Gray & 'Osprey Bringing Nest Material' by Gill Cardy. |
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Members' Speed Critique | 11-February 2020 |
![]() Having searched through many photographs and said 'right that is the final list' about 10 times, I finally decided on a dozen, representing a range of topics including landscapes and wildlife and took my place at one of the 4 tables set up for the evening. In the first half, with 10 minutes allowed at each table, my fellow victims, sorry, participants were Bridget Codrington, Mark Somerville and
![]() Bridget presented a range of images including wildlife, landscapes, interesting skies and even an award winning photo showing the effect of deliberate camera movement. Mark's images included motorbikes and aircraft, mainly in monochrome and cleverly capturing movement. Gerald presented some wonderful shots of African Wildlife which were very interesting indeed. The second half saw Dave Dowding present a range of photos from a steam fair featuring engines and various characters at the event and Megan Boardman showing her lovely photos of wildlife and others from a day in London watching the trooping of the colour.
![]() Finally, Peter Tasker showed us a selection of shots of mist over a valley and cunningly decided to use the time to ask Dave Gray how he might improve them in Lightroom. Dave very helpfully obliged and Peter was proud of his success at the art of delegation!. I thought, darn, why didn't I think of that! Having survived the ordeal my fellow participants agreed that over all it had been a very useful process, from which we can all learn something. It was interesting to see such a range of subjects presented and we were relieved that the critics had been gentle and constructive, for which we were all very grateful - thank you! Kate Stephens Images: Kate, Peter and Jennifer discussing their images with members |
Landscape Print & PI Competitions | 4 February 2020 |
![]() John is a very experienced photographer himself and explained that judging was subjective and each judge has to make decisions on which images are given the awards. Everyone responds to images in different ways and he personally wants to feel the emotion in the image. After looking at the images John felt he had been on a fabulous tour of the British Isles and with so many splendid images entered he found it very difficult to choose the winners. ![]() Starting with the 26 print entries John gave helpful comments on each image pointing out the good points and also where he felt the photographer might have improved the image – sometimes by choosing a better viewpoint when taking the image or by cropping in post-production. Many prints were held back for further consideration and then John finally chose the winners. ![]() In second place was ‘Cherhill Down’ top left another print by Chris. ![]() John described ‘Broken’ by David Eagle right as an intimate landscape with a moody atmosphere and gave it third place. Six other prints were awarded Highly Commended. All the prints were displayed for members to be able to get a close look. After the break the judge commented on each of the large number of projected images entered. John said again that there were so many wonderful images that he found it difficult to choose a winner. By chance a monochrome image also by Chris Wilkes-Ciudad was chosen as his favourite to win the second trophy of the evening. John said he must be on the same wavelength as Chris as he liked the same simple but dramatic style. The title of the image was ‘Sligachan, Skye’ left with its well-toned landscape and moody sky. The Landscape Competitions include entries from all 3 sections of the club and in the Beginners section and a newcomer to the club Jennifer Skjoldbro was awarded both the second and third places. Very well done to Jennifer who was entering her very first club competition. ![]() ![]() Many congratulations to Chris Wilkes-Ciudad who was presented with both the Silver Birches Trophy for the best landscape print and the Derrick Turner Memorial Trophy for the best Projected Image. The judge was thanked warmly for his helpful comments and for choosing the winning images by chairman Steve Hardman. Thanks to the 3 competition secretaries who between them organised the entries. |
Landscape Group Trip to the Purbeck Coast | 1 February 2020 |
The Landscape Group’s latest trip saw 11 members and friends go to Purbeck for some winter coastal landscapes. The Dorset coast benefits from being photographed in the winter, for that is the time of year when the sun both rises and sets over the sea, giving low angled light illuminating the many interesting coastal features.![]() The forecast for dawn was for cloud and possibly rain, so a leisurely start was made from Studland at 10am. The sun was now shining strongly as the group headed up the South West Coast Path to photograph the chalk stacks of Old Harry Rocks and adjacent cliffs of Handfast Point. Brilliant white chalk gleaming in the sunshine is not the easiest subject to expose correctly, but careful bracketing and merging as an HDR (High Dynamic Range) image on the computer greatly ease the task nowadays. The group spent well over an hour at this location, probably enjoying the winter sunshine as much as the photography, but eventually hunger called and we returned to Studland. ![]() Those who had brought packed lunches then headed over the Purbeck hills to Worbarrow Bay, a dramatic bay contained within the Lulworth Army ranges and so untouched by hotels, restaurants and other typical seaside facilities. The others, perhaps with hunger calling more strongly, sought out Fish and Chips in Swanage. At Worbarrow Bay, the main target involved a 200m trudge over the pebble beach, to reach an area of red, orange and yellow rocks, their colours enhanced by the low angled sunlight. These are Wealdan Sandstone formations which are perhaps more usually associated with Alum Bay on the Isle of Wight. The sea was also putting on a good show of spray in the stiff South Westerly breeze, challenging our photographers to ‘catch the moment’. Meanwhile, some of the Swanage Fish and Chips group had decided to go to Kimmeridge Bay instead, to photograph the angular ledges leading out to sea in a falling tide. Both groups had hoped for a good sunset, but persistent haze out to sea meant that the sun was obscured long before it actually set. It had however been a wonderful day to photograph interesting features, and to banish the memory of so many dull and wet winter days. DG Images: Old Harry Rocks & Sandstone Formations at Worbarrow Bay by Dave Gray |
Studio Portrait Evening | 28 January 2020 |
![]() Three sets of lights and backgrounds were expertly set out in the hall and Kyra and two other re-enactors came with their colourful costumes and patiently posed as club members photographed them from all angles. ![]() The models brought along various props – Kyra set herself up making lace (right) and the two men brought along guns, swords and a drum to help set the scenes for the photographers. There was much discussion amongst members as they took their photos about which camera settings worked best and whether to use flash or not. Members very much enjoyed the evening and for many it was a new experience and a chance to try something different. There were some very good images as a result and many of those can be seen on the club facebook for members to compare. Many thanks to Kyra for arranging the practical session, David Eagles who brought along his equipment and to all those who helped set up and take it all down again. Many thanks to the models who posed so patiently during the evening. PM Some photos of club members taking their photos and discussing the results. |
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Landscape Group visit to Northumberland | |
This year’s Landscape Group weekend trip saw 12 members and partners travel to Northumberland to photograph iconic coastal and moorland locations. We are very pleased to say that the ladies outnumbered the gents on this occasion, and also that three of the party have only joined the club in the last 12 months. The story of the trip is best told through the eyes of Kate Stephens, one of our new members to both Landscape Group and Devizes Camera Club:![]() “I joined the club in September 2019 as an inquisitive but amateur photographer and was delighted to learn after just a couple of weeks that the club was organising a trip to Northumberland to visit and photograph some of its most beautiful places. As it is a county I have long yearned to see i eagerly signed up and on the 10th January 2020 a number of us set off in the early hours with a rendezvous time of 6.00pm at the hotel in Alnwick. Some had travelled the previous day as the weather was set fair and indeed proved to be just right for almost every day. After a very clear run accompanied in the first part by the setting beautiful full Wolf moon. we arrived in Northumberland at approximately 12.30 and keen to get started went to Druridge Bay for our first Northumberland photographic experience. Here we found an interesting snaking estuary making its way to the sea amongst gentle sand dunes with soft tones of blues and yellows. I for one felt like we had definitely arrived!. From here we went to Amble and found the wonderful photogenic features of a pier, a castle across the estuary, pastel coloured beach huts and a lighthouse! As the light started to fade we continued to Alnwick and met our fellow travelers as arranged. ![]() ![]() Day 4 and another early start in order to photograph Dunstanburgh Castle at sunrise. It was very cold and the intrepid amongst the group ventured out across very slippery boulders in the half light to reach an advantageous position. Those of us who didn't feel up to that found our own angles and greatly enjoyed the spectacular location. We then enjoyed the castle from the southern side as the sun came up and we walked along the coastal path to Craster. Craster was 'closed' so we returned to Alnwick and the wonderfully cosy location of Barter Books where we all enjoyed brunch next to the open fires. The afternoon was our own and we took the opportunity to photograph Alnwick Castle and then have a relaxing afternoon in our hotel rooms. The final day saw us up early to return to either Bamburgh or Dunstanburgh Castles for the promised colourful sunrise and it did not let us down. The group of us that went to Bamburgh were treated to one of the most beautiful sunrises I have ever seen in the most stunning location. We all stood poised with our cameras and took repeated photographs until the 'show' was finished. I don't think it was possible to take a poor photo of this amazing occasion. Making tracks for home we stopped once more at Whitely Bay to cross the causeway to St Mary's and I was so pleased we did because we got the chance to photograph a colony of Atlantic seals which were languishing on the rocks behind the lighthouse. This brought to an end a hugely enjoyable, interesting, instructive and fascinating trip to Northumberland. Thank you to all who planned it for us and guided us to so many beautiful locations and to the experienced members who were very amenable to sharing photography tips and I'm quite amazed and proud to say that 90% of my photographs were taken on manual!!” KS Images by Kate Stephens |
'From Psychologist to Photographic Artist' | 21 January 2020 |
And now for something completely different!
Kirsteen Titchener travelled up from Newton Abbot to present her story, entitled 'From Psychologist to Photographic Artist'.
She explained that she regards herself as an artist who uses ![]() Having studied Psychology to PhD level, specialising in Audio Perception, she started using a camera while working in Australia. Having been to night school to learn how to use her camera, she soon found that she preferred working in a studio environment and started photographing friends’ dogs. She also started using Photoshop to tidy up images and began to experiment with developing composite images.
She read extensively and researched online for sources to improve her knowledge of Photoshop and her understanding of Art. Back in the UK, she attended a workshop in 2014 that changed her approach and set her on a road to discover a personal style. She illustrated her journey with several composite images, One showed a woman who appeared to be swimming inside a bottle of Gin. Another told her version of the Merlin and Vivien legend where Merlin becomes trapped in a tree.
Kirsteen shared a number of images from her two main projects to date - 'Missing' and 'Floral'.
In her Missing series she took a series of self-portraits, meticulously standing in the same studio position with the same lighting. She then removed herself, manipulated the clothing artistically and added in different paraphernalia, such as autumn leaves, sparkles or even animals. Her latest project, Floral, concentrates on macro images of flowers which she gives a surreal interpretation blending other images of, for example, smoke or clouds.
Kirsteen has won many awards in competitions, principally with the Society of Photographers and her images have graced the covers of magazines, including the Royal Photographic Society’s Visual Art. Her presentation, which will enthuse those of us who are interested in progressing our creative photography, was warmly received by those present. DF
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'Audiovisual Spectacular' | 14 January 2020 |
This evening’s presentation showcased the winning entries from the Western Counties Photographic Federation AV competition that was held on the 6th April 2019. The WCPF competition was judged by Colin Harrison (FRPS: FIPF: FBPE: MFIAP: MPAGB: EFIAP/d1: MPSA: AWPF: APAGB) and hosted 37 entries from 13 different WCPF clubs from across the south west (Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Dorset, Gloucester, Wiltshire). The competition comprised of four sections :- • The President’s Salver for the Best ‘Long’ Sequence (over four minutes) • The Coote Challenge Cup for the Best ‘Short’ Sequence (less than four minutes) • The Photo Harmony Trophy for the best ’Photo Harmony’ sequence. • The Innovation Award for the most innovative entry Our evening featured the Commended, Highly Commended, 3rd, 2nd and 1st place AVs for each section of the WCPF competition, with the President’s Salver section viewed first. The opening AV ‘Why I gave up Slide Shows’, was a spoof of a Slide Show presentation where all the things that can go wrong with slides, did go wrong. This varied from slides with dust-spots, through slide jams, and popping slides. Judging from the laughter from the audience this brought back memories for some. The longer AVs tended to have more of a story to them, and possibly as a consequence more voice-over narration, certainly the 1st placed ‘Fortescue Cup’ was of that ilk, with fewer pictures, but a very entertaining story. After a break for teas and coffees we watched the remaining AVs. Possibly being shorter, these tended to be a little more dynamic, although still with a strong story element. From the Coote Challenge Cup, the 1st placed ‘Shoes on the Danube’ although fairly simple from a photographic point of view, had a very poignant story line, and a well-deserved first place. The next section ‘Photo Harmony’ concentrated less on the story element, and more on the blending of images in sequence, the Commended ‘Landscape Odyssey’ featured some very strong landscape images, that flowed very well through the sequence. The winning entry in the ‘Photo Harmony’ section, ‘Yellowstone Winter’ blended so well, it was difficult to tell where the blends started and finished, and which was the actual image, very well done. Finally, the ‘Innovation Award’ featured a very short AV, with some fairly odd images, prompting the comment from the judge “What the hell is going on here? “, it was a great AV to finish on, and certainly provided food for thought. The Club’s AV competition is on the 25th February, with a cut-off date of the 11th February, so it will be interesting to see what the WCPF Audio-visuals have inspired. If you feel sufficiently inspired to enter the WCPF AV competition for this year, it is to be held on Saturday 4th April 2020, 10:00 am, at Woodbury Village Hall, Flower Street, Woodbury, Devon Entry details The Judges will be:- Clive Rathband FRPS FPSSA EFIAP and Joan Ryder Rathband FRPS FPSSA AFIAP. DE |
'Beyond the Summit' | 7 January 2020 |
![]() ![]() Always trying to set his own style and not copy other photographers, his images are deceptively simple. Each image is carefully considered and a lot time is taken looking around the location and finding the best viewpoint before carefully setting up the camera and pressing the shutter at just the right moment. Chris presented a large selection of his excellent prints on a wide range of subjects descibing why he had taken the photograph. Trees were among the subjects he gets drawn back to and has photographed them many times both in UK and abroad with the images often converted to monochrome – very simple but effective. Stormy skies and tranquil beech scenes, misty landscapes, close-ups of eroded rocks and pebbles showing subtle colours and interesting shapes are among his favourites. ![]() ![]() Very close up images of peeling paint from the hulls of boats which can look like interesting landscapes – an example left looks like an aerial view flock of sheep on a beach. In landscape photography the lighting is very important to show the form of the terrain and to make the image look 3 dimensional when printed. He says what is left out is as important as what is left in an image. Nature has many shapes, forms and textures that make interesting photographs if you look hard enough – even marks in the sand or a few blades of grass can make an award winning image. Before printing Chris takes great care to bring out the tones in his images and says that the paper used is important as it can change the appearance of the print. Colours are sometimes de-saturated to give overall harmony to the image. He enjoys the whole process of photography - the search to find the image that satisfies his creativity then enhancing the image to its best and finally the printing. Chairman Steve Hardman thanked Chris for his excellent presentation and summed up the evening as both fasinating and inspiring. PM Images © Chris Palmer More images can be seen on his website |
2019 Christmas Knock-out & Party | 17 December 2019 |
![]() Suitably attired and with a ho ho ho Santa arrived to preside over the annual event and make sure all was fair and square – no cheating or bribing allowed. There was a very good entry – so large this year that the numbers had to be reduced or we might have still been exercising our arms ‘til the next day. Instead of 6 entries from each member the number needed to be reduced to a more manageable 4, making 120 images altogether. ![]() The first 60 pairs were shown with in some cases difficult decisions to be made if they liked both images equally. Subjects were varied but being Christmas there were several robins and snow scenes, also Silbury Hill and Caen Hill Locks were popular local subjects. Sometimes the pairings caused a laugh with similar or converse subjects against each other, but finally 30 images were sadly rejected and 30 went on to the next round. After some clever shuffling using the computer software the random pairings were projected but this time you could have 2 images by the same photographer against each other (but then at least you knew one would get through the round! ) Then we were down to 15 and with a little bit of juggling down to 8 for the next round. Then final four images that had avoided the knock-out were declared. The winner was the delightful ‘Beech woods’ by Caroline Wright. In second place was ‘Japanese Macaque Bathing’ by Gill Cardy which had caused a laugh with its laid- back expression as it got through each round. ![]() ![]() Thanks to all who entered. Club Chairman, Steve Hardman thanked Santa - alias Frank Collins for organising the entries and Dave Gray for operating the computer. The 3 Competition Secretaries were thanked for their work organising all this season's competitions. Thanks went to Caroline Wright for organising the spread of Christmas goodies that members were about to enjoy and thanks also to the members who contributed some extras. Thanks were also given to Mike Saunders for setting out the hall every week and Bridget Codrington for organising the weekly refreshments. Finally, Steve wished everyone a Happy Christmas and all the best for the next decade, the bar was opened and the feasting began. PM See you all again in 2020! |
Monochrome Print & Projected Image Competitions | 10 December 2019 |
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'Every Step I Take' | 3rd December 2019 |
![]() Now that their children have grown up, she and her husband, a predominantly wildlife photographer and fellow camera club member, treat their holidays and days out as photography workshops. These, and camera club outings, formed the basis of her presentation.
![]() The next section of Heidi’s talk centred on a camera club visit to Iceland. Accompanied by several amusing anecdotes of the trip, she showed us some wonderful images of waterfalls, mountains and volcanic beaches. Stand out images were a series of shots of a red farmhouse in the landscape with a full rainbow, and monochrome shots taken at Vik beach and Diamond beach of black sand and lumps of ice. Heidi also shared a wonderful series of images of the Northern Lights.
![]() Her journey continued back to Wales and images of the Elan Valley, Tintern Abbey, the Brecon Beacons and Nash Point. In Cornwall, she went to St Michael’s Mount, Porthleven and Mevagissey and on to various tin mines on the coast, including Crown Mines at Bottalack. And finally she showed us images of her trip to Scotland, taking in Ullapool, Sligachan and Elgol on Skye, Ardrech Castle, Glen Torridon and Wester Ross.
Heidi’s amusing stories to accompany her wonderful photography made for a highly entertaining evening for which our chairman thanked her enthusiastically to a round of applause from the members. DF
images © Heidi Stewart |
Open Print Competition 1 | 26 November 2019 |
The judge for the first Open Print Competition of the season was Tony Byram EFIAP, ARPS, AWPF, DPAGB who was welcomed by Steve Hardman.
Tony has visited the club many times before both as a judge and a speaker and said that the standard of prints entered was generally very high and particularly mentioned the very good work in the Beginners section. ![]() There was a good entry in the Beginners section and Tony took time to comment on each print and pointing out the good points as well as in some cases how it could have been improved. By taking note of the judges’ comments should help members improve their images. There was wide range of subjects from speeding motorbikes to close up insects with lots of impressive landscapes in between. Tony commented that some images were rather small in the frame so members might like to think about cropping off unnecessary areas before printing. First place in the Beginners section went to David Eagle with a striking image ‘Deep in the Forest’ left The judge liked the contrast between the straight trees in the background making the only curved branch stand out in the foreground. In second place was another woodland scene titled ‘Bluebells at Westwood’, This time the photographer Mark Somerville used the technique of deliberately using camera movement to blur the image. ‘Broad-bodied Chaser’ was a superb close up by David Evans and was placed 3rd. Four other prints were awarded Highly Commended. ![]() Second place went to a very different subject with ‘Fox Portrait’ by Steve Hardman. The image was sharp, the colour good and the subject well placed. Another landscape was in third place, this time impressive image of Avebury titled ‘Stones and Stars’. ![]() Last but not least were the 20 Advanced prints with another large range of subjects. In first place was a portrait by Pam Mullings titled ‘Fantasia’ right The judge liked the pose and the creative treatment which picked up the colours around the subject’s eyes. An image by Robert Harvey ARPS EFIAP taken on a visit to Jordan was titled ‘Overlooking Petra’. The judge said the colours and composition were excellent and the man sitting on the rocks gave a good impression of the scale of the building below which was carved from the solid rock of the mountain and awarded it second place. In third place was a delightful image of a dog running towards the camera by Tim Pier titled ‘Bertie and his Ball’ Four other prints entered in the Advanced section were awarded Highly Commended. Thanks to Tony for looking at the print entries so closely and giving his helpful comments. Thanks to David Wilkinson who ran the competition and to all those who entered their prints – especially the Beginners as it takes courage to enter your work for the first time for judging. Hopefully more members will have a go and print and mount their images for Open Print Competition 2 in February. PM |
Calne Multi-Club Annual Digital Battle | |
Calne Camera Club held their annual multi club Battle on the evening of 21 November at the Beversbrook Centre, Calne. Nine local camera clubs were invited to enter – each submitting 10 digital images. The judge for the evening was local commercial photographer Darren Luschover. ![]() ![]() At half time Devizes was just one point behind first placed Calne CC so hopes were high! However, that all changed after the second half when the final scores were announced and Devizes had slipped to seventh place with a total of 151 points. Warminster CC, Swindon PS and Corsham PC all tied on 152 points, Calne CC were third with 158, in second place were Highworth CC with161 and in first position were Frome Wessex CC with 164 - so many congratulations to Frome. Alan Denison from Frome Wessex CC was awarded best image for his monochrome image ‘Window Dancer’ As the judge said - judging is a personal choice and if the results are compared to our results in the Battle with Frome Wessex held a few weeks ago that judge had a completely different opinion. Hopefully we have better luck in our next competition! DCC Battle Secretary Dave Gray was unfortunately unable to attend but about nine members went to Calne on a very cold evening to represent the club. Thanks to Calne CC for their hospitality and for organising the event, thanks to Dave Gray for sending in our entry and thanks also to members whose images were selected – well done. PM Devizes results |
'Shooting People and Other Stuff" | 19 November 2019 |
![]() ![]() Props of various sorts are used – backgrounds and costumes convey all sorts of scenarios and anything else can be used to make an interesting image. Mike carries around various items which might come in useful for adding the right colour or effect such as pieces of fabric and says he finds ‘gaffer’ tape often comes in useful to hold things in place. He even arranges for snakes and other reptiles, tarantulas and even scorpions to be used to great effect and models may even have paint dripped on them if Mike feels it creates an interesting effect. Many of the prints shown were monochrome and with his colour prints he takes great care to make sure the overall tones were harmonious. Often the colours are de-saturated in post-production and great care taken to edit the whole image to his taste. Mike showed several examples of panels of 3 images where the subject and the colours must work well together as a set. ![]() ![]() After the break Mike let us into the secrets of how many of his images we had just seen were created. Using projected images he showed the ‘before and after’ which appeared very different. The advice is to simplify and show only the parts of the image that appeal, think why you took the image and eliminate or disguise everything else. This is sometimes done by cropping, blurring or darkening unwanted areas. Using masks, blend modes, textures and many other techniques the original image can be transformed into something completely different. Combinations of several images were imaginatively used to create something unique. Mike likes to feel the images have his signature on them and are not similar to any other photographers. Even working alongside others on a group shoot with the same model he can edit his images to look completely different. Mike was thanked by club chairman Steve Hardman for giving members such an inspiring insight into the creative side of portrait photography and said he expected he might possibly see more creative work from club members in future. PM Images © Mike Martin |
Light Painting | 12 November 2019 |
In a change to the scheduled programme, we welcomed Michelle Essenson to Devizes Camera Club for a presentation and practical session on Light Painting. Introduced as an enthusiastic speaker and regular presenter at the Royal Photographic Society, we had all been advised to bring our cameras (with Manual mode and Bulb function), sturdy tripod and plenty of batteries.
![]() Michelle told us a bit about her own photography journey, saying that she does some nature photography as well as shooting landscapes, astrophotography and likes to work with water, although she said she did not do much people photography. She started using Light Painting in January 2014 using just a torch and became hooked straight away. She now spends a lot of her time doing light painting photography with a vast array of tools, including light sabres, bicycle wheels and one, her favourite, that she described as a “rave whip”!
Many of her tools are homemade, using acrylic rods with torches attached using adapters made from plumbing accessories. Michelle recommended Hindleys Ltd for the inexpensive purchase of acrylic rods, tubes and sheets. She advocated using strings of LED lights, like Christmas decorations, attached to old bicycle wheels, curtain rails and skipping ropes. Specialist tools can also be bought from lightpaintingbrushes.com and elwirecraft.co.uk. Torches are essential and she recommended those with a memory mode and an on/off switch at the end. Variable intensity, multi-coloured features and strobe effects are also desirable.
Michelle then gave us a list of issues to consider for our own Light Painting activities. These included:
![]() • work out the width of your work area, mark it out; move your tripod or zoom as need while the lights are on • use Manual Mode and Bulb mode • F8 and ISO 200 is a good starting point - vary according to the strength of the light source • use autofocus initially and switch to Manual focus to fine tune • take account of the usual long exposure considerations • use Mirror lock-up or a mirrorless camera • use a cloth to cover the lens while changing tools or during idle periods of exposure • use a cable release or remote shutter trigger • and then remove all other light sources (switch out the lights) - and always be aware of SAFETY while working in the dark. To emphasize the importance of safety, Michelle told us how she had been badly hurt when she tripped and fell near the canal on one of her many Light Painting forays.
After a quick cup of tea, Michelle led a fast-paced workshop, giving those who had brought their cameras a chance to capture images using a variety of her tools. Her enthusiasm was infectious and everyone really enjoyed the process. Both photographers and watchers were impressed with the results and inspired to do more.
Our Chairman was profuse in his thanks to Michelle for standing in at such short notice and providing us with a very memorable evening. DF
Images by David Fraser |