Last Week

On Thursday we had a Timed Exposure session. We were treated to a variety of outstanding presentations. This was the best attended event of the programme so far this season with 33 members present. These are always challenging to programme as we often have only some details as to who will be bringing something to present. On this occasion we had more offerings than time. Thanks to all who prepared something, even if they did not get a chance to present it. Frustrating, but for those who did prepare a presentation and did not have the opportunity to show it, I will try to ensure that they have an opportunity later in the season to show them all. Details will follow.

Next Week

On Monday the Focus Group will meet up for fire painting. Details have been circulated by Will. Any club member is welcome to attend. These are good fun and result in some interesting images; and it looks like the weather will be OK. See photo at the end of the newsletter.

On Thursday we have the second bi-monthly and details have been circulated by Linda and John. I would encourage everyone to enter, it is a great opportunity to learn how to improve. The judge is Adrian Herring. I feel that I must remind everyone that as this is a formal competition, members must not speak unless the judge asks a specific question and you are the right person to answer it. No cries of indignation or witty comments – please save those for the mix and match evenings, where they are not only welcomed but encouraged.

Coming Soon

Thursday 5 December we have a guest speaker, Matt Doggett a former British Wildlife Photographer of the Year. He will present on Marine Wonders of Dorset and Hampshire. This promises to be a fascinating presentation and one not to be missed. You are welcome to bring a guest.  12 December we have our annual Christmas social event and themed competition, which this year is “Food and Drink”. The requirement is for a panel of 4-6 images. As there is a general election on the same day, we will be in the Lounge Bar of the Enham Club (the room sometimes called the back room).

Technique Tip

This clip explains some of the techniques you can use in light painting and is by Eric Paré, one of the real experts in this field: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVcenNkNUo4

Wire Wool Spinning Photo from Last Year

Distinctions

Part 1: RPS

Over the next few editions I will be including some information about the various distinctions that photographers can achieve. This week, I will provide some details about the Royal Photographic Society distinction; the LRPS. Next year we will programme some opportunities for members to find out more and to be helped to reach the required standard.

The Royal Photographic Society is probably the best known Photographic Society in the country if not the world, the patron is HRH The Duchess of Cambridge.

The RPS was founded in 1853 as The Photographic Society of London, with the objective of promoting the art and science of photography, and received royal patronage from Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. The RPS is a charity and currently has over 11,000 members across the world. Membership is open to all, for an annual fee (currently £120 per year for a standard UK based member). Licentiate of the RPS (LRPS) is the first level of 3 distinctions. It requires a panel of 10 prints reflecting your ability as a photographer. The panel must demonstrate a variety in approach and techniques but not necessarily subject matter. It is demanding but achievable for most experienced club level photographers. More information, including

Last Week

The Mix and Match at Salisbury was great fun and very well supported by the club, almost outnumbering our hosts. Sadly, that did not result in a win, but it was a fun evening. On Thursday we had Phill Fisher lead us in a practical on Light Painting. This was a thoroughly enjoyable evening, and resulting in some excellent images.

Next Week

On Thursday we have a Timed Exposure. I have had a handful of offers, but we still have room for more. If you are able to contribute to the evening by showing some images, an AV or just sharing some thoughts, please let me know. These evenings are very informative and interesting

Coming Soon

On 28 November we have our second bi-monthly competition. Enter a couple of images (print and/or PDI) and get some constructive critique from a knowledgeable judge.

12 December is our final meeting of 2019 and features a Panel Competition on “Food and Drink”, and a buffet. Each member is welcome to bring a guest without charge. More details will follow (We are unable to use the hall as it is an election station)

Technique Tip

Adobe has just updated Photoshop and there are new features (or upgrades to existing features). Last week I highlighted a YouTube video by Photoshop Cafe on the update. Colin has just released another one, showing how to deal with some of the issues that have arisen as a result. For example why some of the plugins no longer work and how to fix them. So if you are facing any issues with the Photoshop 2020, check out his video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urUAeuwDpzI

Non-APC Opportunities

(Inclusion in this part of the newsletter does not imply endorsement by the committee or any member of it; the items are for your own consideration).

Winchester Photographic Society has an autumn lecture by David duChemin on Tuesday 26 November at the Discovery Centre in Winchester. See John Randall’s email from Friday 8 November for details…

Last Week

The final Committee meeting for 2019 was held on Monday. On Thursday the Club hosted Basingstoke, Newbury and Hungerford clubs in a four way battle. It was quite close, but we ended up fourth. It was a good evening and we benefited from some constructive critiques from Nick Scott. The raffle raised over £50, so thanks to those who contributed items or bought tickets.

Next Week

On Monday we have the mix and match at Salisbury. A separate email has been distributed showing where the venue is. There is limited parking there, so it is best to car share. The more supporters the club has at this fun event the better, so please try to attend if you can. Thursday we have a return visit by Phill Fisher. This is a practical session, so please bring your camera, tripod and cable release. We will be doing Light painting in the hall. This will be a great opportunity to try out this genre to see if you like it. I have tried it out, really enjoy it, but have a long way to go to get anywhere near Phill’s standard. You can see his work at: https://www.instagram.com › phill_fisher and https://www.flickr.com/photos/131334074@N04

Coming Soon

On 21 November we have Timed Exposure. It is a good opportunity to share some images/AV or thoughts on any photographic subject you wish. Also a great opportunity to see and hear other members’ images and views. It would be helpful (though not essential) to get an idea of who is planning to contribute to the evening, so could you please drop me an email, or just let me know between now and the night.12 December is our final meeting of 2019 and features a Panel Competition on “Food and Drink”, and a buffet. Each member is welcome to bring a guest without charge. More details will follow (We are unable to use the hall as it is an election station).

Technique Tip

Adobe has just updated Photoshop and there are new features (or upgrades to existing features). I sometimes watch videos by Photoshop Cafe. The presenter produces a new video each week, and I have found them useful and informative. He covers his six favourite updated features in this video clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRvORonxhTA

Non-APC Opportunities

(Inclusion in this part of the newsletter does not imply endorsement by the committee or any member of it; the items are for your own consideration).

The annual Christmas Light Switch on 2019 is confirmed for 5-7.30pm on Friday 15th November in Andover High Street. The most popular event of the year…

Last Week

The annual Fireworks photography event was held, and enjoyed by those fortunate enough to participate. The club met on Thursday as usual at the Enham Club, where we enjoyed a superb presentation by Robert Harvey on the Art of Audio Visuals. As always his images were very impressive and the AV presentations he shared with us were of a very high standard. Not only that, he is very good in sharing his insights and we picked up some good ideas for our own work.

Next Week

On Monday 4 November is the next Committee Meeting at Enham, in the club backroom; details have been sent to committee members separately. On Thursday 7 November we host the 4-way Battle: Hungerford-Newbury-Basingstoke-Andover in the Landale Wilson Hall. This is a great opportunity to see other clubs’ work and see how we get on. The judge is Nick Scott. I regret that the heating has not yet been fixed, but the Enham Trust are trying to resolve this as soon as possible. We will hold a raffle and a few prizes would be very welcome to add to the two books held back from the last one

Coming Soon

Monday 11 November will see the next Focus Group meeting and details will be issued by Will Delves in due course.

Thursday 14 November we have a practical on Lightpainting with Phil Fisher. He gave a thoroughly enjoyable presentation to the club last year and this time we should have an opportunity to try Lightpainting in practice. It should be good fun, and even if you do not intend to pursue it in future, it is a good opportunity to give it a go

Non-APC Opportunities

The National Trust property at Stourhead will have Christmas Illuminations from 29 November to 30 December. Details can be found at https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/stourhead/features/christmas-at-stourhead-2019

Wildlife: the skies will start to fill with birds, geese will start to arrive from the frozen north and shortly the starling will start their murmurations, which will be at their best from mid-December to mid-January

Last Week

The club met on Thursday as usual at the Enham Club, but used the back room as the main hall was freezing cold due to broken heating system. Fortunately Bill came to the rescue and offered us use of the backroom. The session was a practical one featuring a range of exotic animals from the Reptile Ranch. Jess and Cara were brilliant and it was a thoroughly enjoyable evening for those taking part. The animals were different to those brought along on previous Reptile Ranch visits and we introduced a new style of background, with natural images being projected providing a realistic setting for the animals. Many thanks to Gavin, who had the idea and then followed it through to a successful conclusion.

Next Week

Monday 28 October is the annual fireworks photography opportunity. A separate instruction has been issued by Will Delves. These have always been fun and well supported. Thursday 31 October is the date for Robert Harvey’s presentation on “The Art of Audio Visual”. Robert is a brilliant photographer, he gave us the lecture last season called ‘Stumbling about in the Dark‘. This is Robert’s take on creating Audio Visual films. Guaranteed to be a good evening. (https://www.naturalworldphotography.net/) + Bring a guest. This is a good opportunity to get some ideas for the AV competition later in the season.

Coming Soon

On Monday 4 November is the next Committee Meeting at Enham, in the club backroom;details to follow. On Thursday 7 November we host the 4-way Battle: Hungerford-Newbury-Basingstoke-Andover at the Enham Club. This is a great opportunity to see other clubs’ work and see how we get on. The judge is Nick Scott.

Last Week

The Focus Group met on Monday, when we saw and discussed various interpretations of images sent out by Will Delves. On Thursday the Club had a wonderful presentation by Sue Morris “Wings and Whiskers” featuring some fantastic images of air displays and wildlife. We were honoured to have the Mayor and Mayoress of Test Valley attend the evening and present the Sandy Wilson award.

Next Week

On Thursday we have a return visit by the Reptile Ranch. This is a practical session, so please bring your camera. We will have the opportunity to photograph a range of reptiles, and perhaps other beasties. This will be their third visit, and the members who attended previous sessions really enjoyed them and were able to capture some interesting images. Eric may be there as a model. Flashguns are not allowed, but if you have something like an LED ring light, you may find it useful.

Coming Soon

On 31 October we have Robert Harvey presenting “The Art of Audio Visual”. This aspect of photography has been growing in popularity and is a great way to show your photographs. We have an AV competition later in the season so this is timely. You are welcome to bring a guest. On 7 November we host a 4 way battle, this is a great opportunity to see images from other clubs and see how we match up.

Technique Tip

The third of my favourite YouTube tutors is Serge Ramelli, in this clip he demonstrates how to edit in Lightroom. There are lots of good tips in this short video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGVZpce7hYg

Polo Shirts

The orders for Polo shirts have been made and polo shirts may be available as soon as
Thursday.

Last Week

There was a Committee Meeting on Monday. On Thursday the Club held its Monochrome competition.  This was well supported with 35 PDI images and 8 prints. There were some great images, and the judge commented on the high standard.  The results are attached.

Next Week

On Monday the Focus Group will meet in the club backroom.  Any member can come along.  Will will run the session which is Your Interpretation.  He has sent out 3 images for you to have a go at processing.  These have been very interesting in the past with some of the artistic members producing some very impressive interpretations.

On Thursday we have a special occasion.  The mayor of Test Valley will attend.  Sue Morris is our guest speaker and she will present “Whiskers and Wings II”.  Sue is an accomplished, Andover based, photographer who is always good to listen to.  Her images can be seen at:  (http://www.suemorriswildlifeimages.co.uk) (http://www.suemorrisphotography.co.uk).   You are welcome to bring a guest. During the evening the Mayor will present the Sandy Wilson Trophy.

Coming Soon

The Reptile Ranch visit again on 24 October.  This is a great opportunity to photograph some exotic animals so bring a camera.  Flash cannot be used, so we will have two stands set up with continuous lighting.  The week after we will have Robert Harvey presenting “The Art of Audio Visual”.  This aspect of photography has been growing in popularity and is a great way to show your photographs. We have an AV competition later in the season, so this is timely.

Flash Tip – Balancing Flash and Ambient Light

Look as if it were shot at night.  There are lots of good tips in this short video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1MFgB6D2aQ

Anyone Interested in AV Competitions

SCPF have asked if clubs are interested in a league for AV presentations. We need to respond soon and so I would like to hear from anyone who would be interested in entering such a competition in addition to the club’s own internal AV competition.  Please let me know by Thursday.

Last Week

The club met on Thursday as usual at the Enham Club, but used the back room as the main hall was being prepared for a function. The session was a practical one featuring table top photography. There were several stands with a variety of subjects to photograph and lighting arrangements. All those who took part enjoyed the evening.

Next Week

Monday 7 October is the next Committee Meeting, commencing at 8 p.m. In the club backroom. Tuesday 10.00 a.m. The photos at the exhibition need to be taken down, if anyone can help please come along.

Thursday 10 October is the date for the Monochrome competition. Rules and guidance are on the website. In the absence of the PDI secretary, Steve Lindley has offered to check the submissions so the deadline is now Tuesday 8 October. Any entries after that date, may be included in the competition, but only if they are submitted correctly in the first place. For prints, the normal presentation rules apply (i.e. in mounts up to 500x400mm; name of the author and the title to be clearly displayed on the back – please do not use hard pencils as the subdued lighting make it difficult to read. Titles for prints, should be emailed to the Competition Secretary by Tuesday 8 October

Coming Soon

On Monday 14 October the Focus Group will meet at Enham, in the club backroom; details to follow. On Thursday 17 October we have a guest speaker: Sue Morris will present “Whiskers and Wings II”. Sue is a professional photographer with some outstanding images to share. You are welcome to bring a non-paying guest.

Non-APC Events and Opportunities

From 21 September The National Trust will hold an exhibition at Mottisfont entitled ‘Lichfield, Duffy and Donovan: Snapping The Sixties’.

Flash Tip – Balancing Flash and Ambient Light

Gavin Hoey is one of my favourite tutors. He has a large number of videos on YouTube, this one is an inspiring practical demonstration/tutorial on balancing flash and ambient light, and then processing the images. Follow this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPWw68Cyrrc

Last Week

The club met on Thursday as usual at the Enham Club. This was the first of the bi-monthly competitions for this season, and the first in the new format. There were enough entries for an enjoyable evening, and it was good to see new members entering. Congratulations to all those scoring 10’s, especially to Jan who entered for the first time. Congratulations also to Gavin, who dropped only ½ a point. The Focus Group met on Monday 23 September, and had a very informative ‘Digital Surgery’.

Next Week

On Thursday 3 October the club will meet at Enham, but this may be in the club backroom. This is a practical session, and we will provide a range of interesting items for you to photograph. You will need to bring a camera, tripod (if you have one) and if you own a flashgun/continuous lighting setup bring that too. Come along and see what images you can get. If you have any items that you think club members would enjoy photographing, feel free to bring them along

Coming Soon

Monday 7 October is the next Committee Meeting, commencing at 8 p.m. In the club backroom. Those committee members who normally provide reports are asked to send them out to the committee by tomorrow if possible.Thursday 10 October is the date for the Monochrome competition. Rules and guidance are on the website. However, as the PDI secretary will be away prior to the competition, please get your PDI entries in by Wednesday 2 October. Any entries after that date, maybe included in the competition, but only if they are submitted correctly in the first place. For prints, the normal presentation rules apply (i.e. in mounts up to 500x400mm; name ofthe author and the title to be clearly displayed on the back – please do not use hard pencils as the subdued lighting make it difficult to read. No need to email titles for prints, just bring them along on the night

Non-APC Events and Opportunities

From 21 September The National Trust will hold an exhibition at Mottisfont entitled ‘Lichfield, Duffy and Donovan: Snapping The Sixties’.

Software Tip – Lightroom

Many photographers have heard of lightroom, but do not know what it is. There is a useful online course by Phil Steele. The attached clip explains a bit about it without going into details (nor does it really mention the cataloguing aspects of the programme, although it is covered in the course). If you want to know a bit about Lightroom, this free clip may help: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7wxQ_zBzZA&t=16s