Last Week

On Thursday we hosted our round of the SCPF PDI league competition. We came third on the night. This was unfortunate as we were leading until the judge awarded one of our images only 4 out of 10. This was underserved, but the judge simply did not get the image. However, the good news is that after 4 rounds, we are now leading the league.

Next Week

On Monday there will be a Focus Group meeting. The first half of the evening will be an opportunity for participants to show what they did with the images made available by Will.  The second half will be a digital surgery, any member can bring in an image that they want help with developing.

On Thursday we have one of the informal, fun competitions. Participants will be take part as teams and there will be stands with items to photograph. Please bring your camera.

Coming Soon

On Thursday 20 February we have Matt Emmett delivering the talk which he was unable to give earlier in the season.

If you plan to enter the AV competition later in the season, please do not leave it until the last minute to start work on it. AV presentations are time consuming to put together, but very rewarding.

SCPF Championship

For the first time in years we plan to enter the SCPF Championship. To do so we need 15 high quality PDIs and 15 High Quality prints. We need to upload our entries by the end of the month, and I do not want to leave it until the last minute. A small panel of committee members will select the images from those entered on 13 February. Any PDI scoring 10 so far this season will automatically be entered. If you have other PDI images that you would like to be considered, please send them to the PDI secretary in the normal way, in the normal format by 10 February. Please remember that the PDIs must be a maximum of 1600 pixels wide by 1200 pixels high. For example, 1600w x 1200h is obviously fine, but so is either 1600w x 993h or 993w x 1200h.The required filename format is [Title]_[Author].jpg.

If you have prints that you would like to be considered please deliver them to John or me by 13 February. It would be best if they were already mounted in a 400x500mm mount, however if you have suitable images, but have not mounted them correctly or at all, you can still have them considered. Later we will also need a digital image of each print selected for the championship, formatted as if a PDI entry. Please do not forward them unless requested. Each member may submit up to 3 prints and 3 DPIs.

The images must not have been entered in previous years. Full rules can be found at https://southerncountiespf.org.uk/championships/championship-rules/

Technique Tip

Two clips from Gavin Hoey on film noir portraits.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qx7b4eqCgM0 Gavin Hoey Film Noir

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9o1Pc6uDRU Gavin Hoey Film Noir

Non-APC Photo Opportunities

The Hawk Conservancy Trust opens again on 8 February.

Last Week

On Thursday we had the annual Christmas social event along with a panel competition with the theme of “Food and Drink”. As before there was a small number of entries, only 8, but if the number of entries was a little disappointing, the quality was excellent. There were some first class macro images. The prize, voted on by those attending the evening was won by Linda Gates with a superb panel. Today we had the last of the displays in the Artisan market, run by Jim and volunteers from the club, and there was a good response.

Next Week

There are no organised club activities until after the Christmas Break. No further newsletters until after the break.

Coming Soon

The first session after the break is on 9 January where we will have Will and Chris’s Post Christmas Lecture.

Technique Tip

As we are in winter it seems appropriate to have a winter themed tip. Here is a clip by Gavin Hoey exploring winter and snow portraits in the studio – you don’t even have to get cold! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5QU9Jvc7v8Merry

Christmas One and All

Last Week

On Thursday we were due to have a guest speaker Matt Doggett and we were disappointed that he had to cancel on the morning due to ill health.  We moved the planned session from 23 January “You’re the Judge”.  Our very own judge, John Randall gave an interesting brief on the challenges of judging and then each member who wanted to critique an image had the opportunity to do so.  It was interesting, and there was a robust exchange of views on some images and on competition images in general.

Next Week

No focus group on Monday, instead members are encouraged to support the club in the Mix and Match competition at Oakley commencing at 7.30pm.  There is limited parking and car sharing is advisable.  This is a great fun evening.

On Thursday we have our annual Christmas buffet and panel competition.  The subject for the panel is “Food and Drink”.  Bags of scope for interesting panels.  The requirement is for a panel of 4-6 images.  Images can be individually presented or mounted on a board maximum size A1.  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).

Coming Soon

Christmas!  Swiftly followed by New Year. The first session after the break is on 9 January where we will have Will and Chris’s Post Christmas Lecture.

SCPF League Update

We are competing in the PDI league and Print League within the SCPF.  We are in League

5 (of 5) in the Print competition.  So far success has eluded us and we have come last in both rounds held so far.  We are in League 6 (of 7) of the PDI competition, we are doing better here and are lying in 2^nd place after one round.

Technique Tip

Photographing birds is not something that appeals to everyone, but I like it! I have come across a series by Tim Boyer. First one is Photographing Birds in Flight, which I found useful, if interested it can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5118DRKbp4

Distinctions

Part 3: RPS

The image below shows a summary of judges’ comments at RPS distinction submissions.

Last Week

On Monday a small group assembled to do some fire painting.  Some excellent images have been posted on Facebook.  On Thursday we had the second of the bi-monthly competitions.  The judge was not afraid of awarding scores of 6 and 61/2.  Quite unusual, but it gives the judge a wider range of scores allowing him/her to differentiate between images.  The important thing is to take note of the judge’s critique and learn from that.  When I first started in the club I assumed that judges were infallible and all judges would score an image the same.  I was soon put right when one of Phil Evans’s wonderful images scored 61/2 and 9 (or was it 91/2 in the league).  At that point I realised judges did not all have the same tastes, and when it comes to photography as an art, it can be very subjective.  Some images scoring 10 on the night are reproduced at the end of the newsletter.

Next Week

No focus group on Monday.

On Thursday we have Matt Doggett presenting on “Marine Life of Dorset and Hampshire”.  As he was British Wildlife Photographer of the Year in 2012, we can be sure that the standard will be very high, and if you check out the images on his website http://www.mattdoggett.com, you will get a taste for what is in store for us.  I am looking forward to this very much.  You are welcome to bring a guest.

Coming Soon

On Monday 9 December we have an away Mix and Match at Oakley.  These are great fun and the more supporters (hecklers) we have the better.  Parking is limited so please car share if you can.  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).  We were a little light on entries last year, so please make an effort to produce a panel. 

Technique Tip

This clip is a little more ethereal than being simply a “how to do” some technique.  I was fortunate enough to hear David Duchemin speak recently and he was brilliant.  In this clip he is talking about vision and it is well worth viewing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFe4YdMS3oc.

Distinctions

Part 2: RPS (ARPS)

The second level of RPS distinction is the ARPS, the A being Associate.  This involves a slightly different approach to the LRPS.  The candidate must produce a panel of 15 images, with a statement of intent in one of the following categories: Applied, Conceptual & Contemporary, Fine Art, Natural History, Travel, Documentary. 

Associate Criteria

• A Statement of Intent that defines the purpose of the work, identifying its aims and objectives.
• A cohesive body of work that depicts and communicates the aims and objectives set out in the Statement of Intent.
• A body of work that communicates an individual’s vision and understanding.
• A high level of technical ability using techniques and photographic practices appropriate to the subject.
• An appropriate and high level of understanding of craft and artistic presentation.

There are specific criteria for each category.  More detailed information can be found at:  https://rps.org/qualifications/arps/

2^nd BiMonthly Competition.

Images from the second bi-monthly competition scoring 10:

PDI

An Autumn Stroll by Steve Randall

Chipmonk by Richard Mason

Pembrokeshire sunset by Melanie Fisher

Prints:

Tulips by Linda Gates

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