NEWS 2022-2023
(Publicity Officer's correspondence)
(Publicity Officer's correspondence)
Meeting 13th April 2023 - Set Subject, Print and Projected Digital Images (PDI) competitions & Print of the Year Trophy
Judge - Jim Pascoe ARPS BA ABIPP
Judge Jim Pascoe had the enviable, enjoyable, if difficult task of judging for the Society's Print and PDI set subject competition in addition to the finals of the Print of the Year. This was the culmination of the various earlier print competitions with Members winning prints now being assessed alongside each other.
The first part of the evening consisted of judging Prints entered from the Set Subject competition, the chosen topic for this year being 'Seasons'. Jim provided an excellent, detailed ,fair and constructive critique of each Print entered prior to announcing his final choices as follows:
1st. Autumn Harvest by Jon Daly
2nd Summer on the beach by Diane Bickerstaff
3rd Winter sunrise by Richard Goldsmith
The Projected Digital Images competition on the subject of 'Seasons' saw a large entry of 26 images (a judge's life is never easy). Jim found that, in holding back 12 for further detailed assessment he still had a difficult task to arrive at his final decision as to first, second and third place in addition to awarding Highly Commended ( HC ) to three other images as followss:
!st Changing Lane by Dave Brooker
2nd New and Old by Jack Taylor
3rd The four Seasons by Richard Goldsmith
HC Autumn by Colin Chrismas
HC The Rainy Season by Jack Taylor
HC Spring, new life by Wendy Chrismas
Print of the Year for the Gay Biddlecombe Trophy
With a choice to be made from prints that had been successful in the eyes of judges from earlier competitions the overall standard of work did not make judging any easier. After careful consideration and much deliberation Jim's choices were:
1st Out of Africa by Paul Shilliam
2nd Winter sunrise, Birling Gap by Piers Hamilton
3rd Autumn Harvest by Jon Daly
Congratulations to everyone who entered and especially those awarded places or commendations.
Meeting 6th April 2023 - My life as a Photo Journalist - Andrew Hasson
The first Part of Andrew's presentation provided a fascinating insight into the life of a successful photo journalist and a wistful look back at the heady days of the 1970's and 80's when news photographers enjoyed a lifestyle of fast cars, fat pay cheques and seemingly unlimited expenses accounts. Emphasising that he wasn't moaning (too much) about this now vanished lifestyle Andrew's account of what life had been like was a real eye opener when some National newspapers emplyed as many as 70 full-time salaried photographers scattered around the globe. Those days were now long gone and most Regional Stringers, as they were termed, worked freelance. Nevertheless this approach had furnished the speaker, in his own words, "with a decent living without being a rich man".
Andrew's work had taken him all over the World - from Africa, India, South America and Europe to more localised situations and events. His work had appeared in pretty well all of the National newspapers; The Times, Telegraph, Guardian, Sun, Mail and Express as well as features for the BBC, Autocar, Women's magazine, Time and Newsweek. His talk was accompanied by a slideshow of his many cuttings from numerous publications and the many anecdotes behind these stories provided great insight into what Photo Editors were looking for and how to succeed in getting pictures on the front page, or even published.
With a specialism in Street and Portrait photography, Part 2 of Andrew's presentation provided a number of basic tips and hints as to how to improve your Portrait photography and overcome the natural reluctance that many people have when having their photograph taken. It was important to ensure beforehand that the photographer knows what camera settings they intend to use to suit the lighting conditions, framing considerations and avoid distractions in the background to detract from the main subject.
In concluding Andrew confirmed that after almost 40 years in the profession he still got a buzz from having his pictures published or receiving compliments about his images and could not think of a more exciting and interesting way to earn a living.
Meeting 2nd March 2023 - Projected Digital Images ( PDI ) Competition Round 4 - Judge - Gary Carter CPAGB
For this the 4th round of the Society's Projected Digital Images Competition we welcomed back Gary Carter CPAGB, an old friend of the club and local judge. Gary's familiar, helpful and easygoing style of assessment was particularly apparent in his critique of the images submitted in the Development Class. The advice, comments and suggestions offered should prove invaluable to those wishing to develop their photographic skills. Gary's repeatedly humorous asides to his old friend Ray Beckwith (former Chairman of HPS) provided a wonderful image of the latter seeking to evade Gary at every turn in their respective forays around Eastbourne's Sovereign Harbour - whilst it was obvious from this longstanding and close friendship that nothing could be further from the truth.
Gary certainly had his work cut out on the evening with no less than 26 entries in the Development Class and 50 in the Advanced. After much mulling over and eventually holding back a number of images for further assessment his final selection of those that were successful in proceeding to the PDI Finals is as follows.
Sussex Shield - Development Class ( 26 entries )
1. Albino deer in East Sussex - Paul Dryer
2. Laughing - Luke Shepherd
3. Could be a problem - Chris Bartlett
4. Long tailed tit - Brian Gell
5. Trevarwith beach - Terry Harrington
Albert Hillman Cup -Advanced Class ( 50 entries )
1. Reflections - Jonathan Close
2. Approaching Druids - Roy Marriot
3. Sand Martins - Andrew Burns
4. Holy Ghost - Wendy Chrismas
5. Light on leaf - Jack Taylor
6. Dusky large blue, egg laying - Andrew Burns
7. Misty woodland walk - Jonathan Close
8. Nutcracker spat - Alan Cork
Congratulations to all those who entered images for consideration - those selected to proceed can be seen on the Society's website at www.hailshamphotographicsociety.co.uk
Meeting 23rd February 2023 - Print Competition Round 4
Judge - Jack Taylor EFIAP DPAGB
Owing to the sudden non - availability of the expected judge on the night, esteemed and experienced Member Jack Taylor kindly stepped (or was he pushed ?) into the breach to undertake the role for the night. Jack's meticulous and considered approach shone through in the advice offered on each image and in his assessment of all entries in this Round 4 of the Society's Print Competition.
Emphasising the extreme difficulty faced by any judge in endeavouring to compare and assess images of very different subjects and genres Jack's final selection of those Prints going through to the finals later in the year is set out below.
Development Class
Neighbourhood Watch: Street Art - John Daley
Long tailed tit - Brian Gell
Iris and friend - Brian Gell
Advanced Class
Feed me - Jonathan Close
Common blue damselflies - Phil Smith
Duke on the Downs - Liz Scott
Metro reflection : City of Birmingham - David Mills
Morton Loch & Castle : Dumfries and Galloway - Dave Brooker
Church of the Good Shepherd - Bob Bell
Through the window - Roger Scott
Meeting 16th February 2023 - Strong Trophy - Panel Competition for prints Judged by Paul Parkinson - ARPS CPAGB BPE3*
The Strong Trophy invites Members to submit six prints, presented as a "Panel" and aiming to provide an overall result where, in terms of impact, the effect is greater than the sum of the individual images. This year's Competition attracted no less than 15 Panels with a total of some 90 images. Judge Paul Parkinson had the difficult if delightful task of assessing and critiquing each in order to arrive at his final placements.
Paul emphasised that he was looking particularly at cohesion and balance, the specific arrangement of prints within the panel as well as individual image quality in order to provide that overall synergy. He would be looking for camera craft, printing and sharpness to assess whether the submitted panel "hung together" and whether individual images were all strong enough in their contribution.
Explaining that his comments might not always come across as "nice" he nevertheless emphasised that they would be fair and frank - and ultimately aimed at being of help to the photographer. This approach, coupled with Paul's excellent sense of humour and comedic delivery was a delight. In concluding, Paul stressed that he was pleased to have been challenged to "work hard" in arriving at his final choices owing to the very high quality of Panels submitted.
Overall results
1st - Out of Africa - Paul Shilliam
2nd - Head On - Jack Taylor
3rd - Tree Bark - Phil Smith
Highly Commended - Floral wonder - David Hoad
Highly Commended - Maui Hawaii - Dave Brooker
Highly Commended - Cascades and rapids - David Mills
Meeting 9th February 2023 - "Tools not Rules" - Caroline Preece
Caroline's presentation, in the form of a well planned and meticulously structured lecture, provided a fascinating analytical insight into how and why the human brain responds to any particular image. In summarising her approach beforehand to explain what was to come Caroline's aim was to provide a guide to the consequences of compositional decisions, understanding the choices available to the photographer of post processing possibilities and more importantly why these could have an empowering and emotional impact upon those viewing any particular image.
This talk was to help understand why certain rules of photography existed but more importantly why, and what were or could be the consequences of breaking those rules - particularly to ensure that the desired sense of feeling or emotion was adequately conveyed to the viewer of an image. In essence there were no rules - just tools which provided choices and came with visual consequences.This was about making the viewer feel as you want them to feel - sharing another way of looking at things. Photography as a visual language.
Utilising a myriad of quotes and images from such photographic luminaries as David duChemin, Don McCullen, and Elliot Erwin to encourage members to truly "engage in what you photograph " - coupled with strong messaging that successful images are about feeling rather than looking. Referencing a number of the principles of Gestalt theory, of closure, proximity and continuation, which further helped to explain and emphasise how the photographer could manipulate an individuals experience and relationship to any particular image.
In concluding this veritable Tour de Force Caroline showed how a greater awareness of photographic choices around the simple elements of composition, choice of moment, simplification of components, light, orientation, cropping, use of colour and scale could successfully convey how we want our image to feel for the viewer. An excellent and thought provoking evening.
Meeting 26th January - Members Lecturettes presented by David Hoad, Jean Mills and Chris Underhill
David Hoad - darkroom printing
David presented a wonderful array of monochrome prints, drawing upon the highs of using traditional darkroom approaches to printing and refusing to be seduced by the convenience of current digital workflows. David was passionate about this now less favoured approach, explaining how the chemicals one used and how you used them could make the difference between a good image and a great one. Shooting, developing and printing your own images from film gives a level of control and pictures gain a depth and feel that does not always come across in a digital print. His skill was amply displayed in his many prints using the three traditional steps to producing a final product - Developer, Stopbath and Fixer.
Wonderful portraits, citiscapes, still life subjects and everday items, beautifully lit, with many shot in studio provided an impressive and persuasive message that the traditional methods and "age of Pyro-Metal-Kodalk" could still deliver in this digital age.
AV - Jean Mills
Jean's audio video (AV), beautifully narrated by the author; expertly enunciated the tragedy of a young girl drowning and the romance and unique manner in which her mother had ensured that her memory would live on forever. This is the story set out in the stained glass windows of Capel United Church, Tudeley. A fabulous memorial to Sarah d'Avigdor-Goldsmid who drowned aged 21 in a sailing accident. After her death in 1963 her parents commissioned the famous Russian artist Marc Chagall to design the Church's magnificent east window as a commemorative to their beloved daughter. So taken by the church when he first saw it, Chagall decided to do all twelve windows. As an experienced exponent of AVs Jean's softly spoken, informative storytelling was a wonderful example of this genre of photography.
Chris Underhill - The story behind the photograph
In addition to the subject matter as expressed in the title the presentation also provided something of the story behind the photographer. Joining the club in 2018 and with a self held belief that he knew a lot about photography Chris confessed that joining the Club had actually taught him so very much more - through the many evident skills and techniques of it's Members. Beginning his photographic journey with a Fuji finepix bought at Duty Free he was a firm believer in the adage "Don't buy kit but invest in your knowledge and skill". Chris neverless did concede that he reached a point where his then camera was holding back his development as a photographer (a well known excuse for spending the housekeeping money ?).With a particular penchant for people, street photography, and creative effects, this PDI presentation provided a wide range of enjoyable images together with accompanying back stories ranging from his 12 hr London walk for the children's charity Kangaroos to his first solo photography trip to Amsterdam.
Meeting 19th January 2023 - The Monopoly Project - Peter Merry
Peter began his presentation with a brief description of how he became interested in photography including with a number of pictorial self confessed failures at wildlife photography before eventually deciding that his main interest probably lay in the genre of Street Photography. He had been influenced in his decision by such works as Andrew Bush's "Drive" project and also the work of Mostyn Parr's "Last Resort". Taking inspiration from a father and son team who had set out to simply spend time together by visiting all destinations on the Monopoly Board, Peter had set himself a photographic Project based upon the same - and so The Monopoly Project was born.
The scope of the Project required a set of rules in order to achieve success including his walking the entire route which, for Peter, had entailed some 75 miles in total. Other rules included the use of a variety of photographic techniques and subjects, an ethical approach and finally the selection of three images from each monopoly square to help present the very feel of that particular location.
The chosen excellent images displayed a wide variety of photographic styles and techniques including use of reflections, movement, silhouettes, detail, shape and multiple exposure. Leading his audience around the Monopoly Board by his chosen images, Members were transported to such diverse locations as Whitechapel, Old Kent Road, Fleet Street, Park Lane and Mayfair. Peter's choice of three concurrently displayed images and narrative captured the essence of each location beautifully; from the glitz and glamour of Bond Street, the grime and graffiti of Coventry Street, through to the glamour and galleries of Mayfair.
Although still finishing the Monopoly Project, Peter has held a number of exhibitions of the work including - West End Christmas, Lost Souls, and the rather less auspiciously entitled "London Grime". In concluding an exceedingly enjoyable evening, Peter recommended others take on similar Projects and to then share, blog about, exhibit or simply enjoy this project approach. Members will undoubtedly wish to take up this challenge. Indeed Peter has already lined up at least five others projects to keep himself busy.
12th January meeting - Print Competition Round 3. Judge David Smith LRPS CPAGB
David had kindly agreed to return for a second week (following his excellent African Safari presentation) to judge Round 3 of the Society's annual Print Competition. However he was at pains to point out from the very start that in respect of judging "this was one person's view on one particular night".
A total of 59 prints had been entered overall and the very high quality and range of images submitted certainly provided the judge with a difficult task. Indeed by holding back so many entries for a second assessment prior to deciding which images should go forward to the final later in the year David confirmed that he had indeed made a rod for his own back.
David's careful consideration of each image and the guidance and advice offered in respect of each was, in the words of the Society's Chairman, a fine example of masterful judging. Ultimately his choice, especially in choosing just seven prints from the 52 entries in the advanced class, was based upon selecting those images that that afforded him a sense of feeling. This, he conceded, was the most subjective part of the evening. The judge's selection of those prints going forward together with the successful photographers are:
Development Class -7 entries
1.War torn car, Oradour sur Glane, France 10th June 1944 - John Daly
2."Seven " - Luke Shepherd
Advanced Class - 52 entries
1.Rock sculptures, Spittal - Pat Broad
2.Trapped - Chris Coates
3.Common But Still Pretty - John Evans
4.Peacock Feather - Colin Chrismas
5.Dancing leaves - Liz Scott
6.Morning glow, Birling Gap - Piers Hamilton
7.Silver Birches, Footland Wood - Roger Scott
Congratulations to all those who entered their images for this competition and especially to those whose images were selected to progress through to the Print Finals later in the year. All successful images can be seen on the Society's website at www.hailshamphotographicsociety.co.uk
Meeting 5th January - African Safari Photography - David Smith LRPS CPAGB
What do the following items have in common - a pillowcase, a stuffed toy ( a rat in this case albeit other varieties are available ) and a head torch ? Answer - in the eyes of David Smith LRPS CPAGB and HPS's presenter for the evening, they are all prerequisites for a successful African photo safari : in order, by preventing dust from entering your camera whilst being bounced across the Savannah in an open top truck; as a device upon which to rest any over long and expensive lenses to avoid camera shake and thirdly, to enable you to re set your camera to its desired settings having inadvertently altered these in the excitement of your first night drive.
David's easy going and humorous style of delivery was a perfect foil for the many wonderful images displayed. What better way to lift the spirits on a wet and dark January evening than to enjoy photographic examples of exotic African animals and birds taken in glorious sunshine, coupled with the ubiquitous promise of an accompanying sundowner of your choice while sitting and enjoying a sunset in the Masai Mara ?
From delightful poses of performing pachyderm 'Boswell' who had naturally evolved a skill of standing on his hind legs to reach those parts that other pachyderms cannot reach, to the languid, languorous lionesses sleeping off dinner under the shade of Acacia trees, every image exuded sunny warmth and wildness. From Africa's classic Big Five (Elephant, Rhinoceros, Buffalo, Lion and Leopard), through the often overlooked but equally wonderful many antelope species - Sable, Impala, Kudu, Thompson's gazelle, Puku and Bushbuck to the lesser seen mammals such as porcupine and genet, David generously shared his experiences from his many visits to Africa.
Not to be outdone by the mammals, David's photographs of birds also featured highly with resplendent colours of Carmine and White Fronted Bee Eaters, Superb Starlings, Wattled Plover, Sacred Ibis, Pelicans, Hammerkop and water thick knee. Also starring in this ornithological extravaganza were the Vultures - Lappet Faced, White backed and Hooded, along with the iconic African Fish Eagle and the rather more cosmetically challenged Ground Hornbills and Maribou Storks. Overall, a wonderful evening which no doubt will have brought back fond memories of this special continent for some and hopefully bucket list aspirations for others.
Meeting 8th December - Stafford Trophy - Monochrome Print Competition. Judge - Ken Scott ARPS APAGB MBPsS
Although this was indeed a monochrome competition, selecting the eventual winners was certainly no easy black and white decision for our judge Ken Scott owing to the very high quality of the fifty-three excellent prints entered by Members. Ken's gentle observation; calm and careful style of critique exuded encouragement for each photographer. Indeed, in opening, he stressed that for him the competition element was almost incidental to his principal aim of encouraging and developing each photographer whose image he assessed. Monochrome success was much about the context of the image and the cohesion of elements with lighting. Holding back many prints for further scrutiny Ken stressed that his final selections were made on the basis of narrow margins and subjectively centred upon his personal interaction with the image in question. Details of final Placements and Highly Commended images are set out below.
Stafford Trophy - Monochrome Prints - Results
1st Cornish Cove - Jonathan Close
2nd Walking on Sunshine - Piers Hamilton
3rd Alfie and his dog Ben - Ray Beckwith
Highly Commended
Castle Staircase - Jonathan Close
Freezing Harbour - Alan Cork
Paris - John Daly
Rock Ledge Kimmeridge - Alan Cork
Congratulations to all who entered images and especially to those who were awarded commendations or places. All winning images can be seen on the Society's website at www.hailshamphotographicsociety.co.uk
Meeting 1st December 2022 - Projected Digital Images (PDI) Competition - Round 2
Judge David Eastley LRPS
This, the second round of the Society's Projected Digital Images competition, proved as popular as ever with Members - attracting over 65 images in total with 24 in the Development Class and 44 in the Advanced.
Judge David Eastley certainly had his work cut out, holding back a number of images for further scrutiny before deciding which ones should ultimately proceed to the finals of the competition later in the year. David's quiet, careful, considered and clear critiques provided solid suggestions and advice for Members whose images fell under his gaze. His final selections of those images to go forward are set out below.
Sussex Shield - Development Class (24 images)
1.A nut cracker - Diane Bickerstaff
2.Wise Old Horse - Andrea Irvine
3.The Acrobat - Brian Gell
4.Fireworks - Richard Noon
Albert Hillman Cup -Advanced Class (44 images)
1.Tram Lines - Jack Taylor
2.Mountain Hare - Andrew Burns
3.Still Arctic Water - Peggy McKenzie
4.Blue Demoiselle - John Evans
5.Robber Fly with Ascalaphid - Andrew Burns
6.Not my best look - Roy Broad
7.Evening Light - Jonathan Close
Congratulations to all those who entered images and especially to those whose images were selected to progress through to the finals.
Meeting 3rd November 2022 - "Judge versus Club " - Judge Paul O'Toole
This interactive evening with Paul followed the format of a similarly successful event held with him during the now hopefully banished "Zoom " years of the Pandemic lockdowns. The underlying premise of Paul's invited participative approach by his audience was to request HPS Members to submit their images which he would then, prior to the meeting, endeavour to match with images of his own of a similar genre.
Paired images were then displayed for comparison and assessment / critique by Paul who was at pains to both elicit and encourage comments, advice and suggestions from Members as to their own views on the images displayed. Since all images shown were displayed anonymously there was (supposedly) no scope for partisan voting on which, if either, of the two images was considered their favourite.
Paul's easy-going humour and general bonhomie, delivered in his gentle Irish brogue, ensured an enjoyable and instructive evening for all coupled with a light hearted competitive edge in keeping an informal running total as to whose images were deemed the winner of each pair. His repeated references to the need for a "duck on a tray" or something similar to fill unwanted space or add interest to an image provided general if not genuine advice on more than one occasion.
His adopted "quasi barristerial" approach in suggesting amendments and improvements to his own (anonymously displayed) images to hopefully lead people up the garden path and throw Society Members off the scent, or at least shed doubt as to whose image it was before they cast their vote, was evident throughout - and often successful in its aim.
In concluding the evening and in his inimitable amiable and diplomatic style, the last pair of images displayed was adjudged by Paul to be in Hailsham's favour, leading to an honourable draw overall.
Meeting 27th October - Natural History Competitions - Judge Richard Sharman ARPS
The Society's Natural History competitions are always a great favourite with Members and this year's competitions were no exception. Although there was a relatively modest total of 19 images submitted in the Print competition 53 entries were submitted as Projected Digital Images ( PDIs ). Judge Richard Sharman had the enjoyable, if testing task of selecting overall placements and commendations. Richard's professional, and carefully considered approach of providing instructive and constructive advice in respect of each image shone throughout. As indeed did his general understanding of and passion for the subject. Overall placements and commendations for both Prints and PDIs are listed below.
Print Competition - 19 entries
1st Phil Smith - A beautiful Demoiselle
2nd Peggy McKenzie - Rainbow Lizard
3rd Ray Beckwith - Common Seal
Highly commended - Keith Deverson - St. John's Wort
Highly commended - Blackcap - John Evans
Highly commended - Emperor dragonfly - Phil Smith
PDI Competition - 53 entries
1st Tom Haley - Wolf (Canis lupus lupus )
2nd Alan Cork - Hoopoe feeding chick a field cricket
3rd Alan Cork - European bee eater tossing moth
Highly commended - Jonathan Close - Common Frog
Highly commended - Terry Harrington - Waterbuck resting
Highly Commended - Roy Broad - Common Darter
Highly commended - Colin Chrismas - Stinkhorn (Phallus impudicens)
Highly commended - Bob Sherrard - Guillemot (Uria aalge )
Highly commended - Richard Goldsmith - Common Darter
Highly commended - Colin Chrismas - phallus impudicus
Congratulations to all those who entered images and in particular to those who achieved judge's placements and commendations. All of these images are available to view on the HPS website at www.hailshamphotographicsociety.co.uk
Meeting 13th October - Projected Digital Images (PDI) Competition, Round 1
Judge June Sharp - ARPS
The Society's internal photographic competitions always prove popular with Members and this first round of the Projected Digital Images competition ( PDI ) was no exception.
In the Development class a total of 27 images were submitted whilst within the Advanced group no less than 44 images had been offered up for scrutiny. Judge June Sharp had the difficult task not only of selecting those images from each class to go through to the PDI finals but also to critique each image within the time available. This, as she admitted, would be no mean feat for someone who (confessed) had a tendency to talk "rather a lot " - and in the face of the many excellent images before her.
Notwithstanding this challenge, June's strong but certain views, advice and critique of each subject were excellently and generously applied to each of the images shown. Her firm, forthright yet fair approach provided for an enjoyable evening with helpful suggestions and advice for everyone.
The results of each class are detailed below together with the names of successful photographers and their images.
Congratulations to all who entered their images for scrutiny under the Judge's "Moscow eye" with particular plaudits to those whose entries were selected to go through to the finals later in the year.
Development Class - Sussex Shield
1.Flame tulips - Alan Cork
2.Water lilies - Jonathan Close
3.Kingfisher - Derek Gell
4.Puffin - Andrew Burns
5.Silver Birches - Liz Scott
6.Treescape at night - Roger Scott
7.Belfast Northern Ireland - Jack Taylor
Meeting 6th October 2022 - An evening of Distinction - Clive Tanner FRPS, MPAGB, APAGB FIPF
Clive confirmed that the focus of his presentation would centre upon the various trials and tribulations he had experienced in achieving his various distinctions.
His early remembrances of picking up a camera were simply to photograph his new-born son. However, photography rapidly became a hobby that tured into a near obsession - with Clive paying an especial and no doubt well-deserved tribute to his long-suffering other half who also happened to be his biggest critic. Beginning in Class III at Tonbridge camera club his seminal moment came when, to fulfil his wish to get a perfect score for a print, a colleague suggested that he get himself a proper camera.
Assisted in those early years by a mentor who happened to be an architectural photographer, his Fellowship Panel, submitted in 1990, was made up of 'silver prints" lovingly, patiently and painstakingly created in the darkroom and using the techniques of the time - multiple negatives, dodging and burning. This was helped in no small way by use of a technical camera allowing greater control over depth of field and geometry. Clive's unbridled enthusiasm for ecclesiastical edifices shone through in his panel of images of Cathedrals from the UK -including Ely, Canterbury, Winchester, Gloucester, Wells, Canterbury and Norwich.
These wonderful buildings displaying incredible levels of skill, craftsmanship and quality have remained the focus of much of Clive's work. Later distinctions panel prints were displayed and remained true to this subject theme. Gaining these awards was not easy with Clive explaining the nerve-wracking process of awaiting the PAGB assessor's marks and indeed, on one occasion, upon seeking advice, being advised it was not his pictures that needed changing but rather learning how to print! Now in the digital age it was possible to adjust in post-production to accentuate the falling of light on a particular detail, reducing or increasing contrast where appropriate or toning down areas not critical to the message of the photographer.
Many of these grand ecclesiastical buildings had received his particular and perfection seeking approach using only natural light. From the ornamented pillars of Durham, the font at Salisbury, the famous "Strainer" Arches of Wells, the judgement day frieze at Winchester, through to the monk's lavatorial at Gloucester. These had all been given an assiduous and loving treatment to provide not only excellent studies of these exceptionally fine buildings but also images of an almost 3D quality emanating peace and tranquillity.
Meeting 8th September 2022 - " My photographic journey" - Lawrence Homewood EFIAP,BPE**,CPAGB
Lawrence began his presentation with a brutally honest account of his early days in photography, and the mistakes associated with those early efforts, after purchasing his first DSLR camera in 2014. Unashamedly charting the lack of success and low judge's scores of some of those early images to illustrate basic mistakes in lighting, composition and depth of field Lawrence moved through his somewhat meteoric journey in respect of building skills, techniques and experience to the current day.
Initially placed in the development class of his local club and somewhat reluctant to enter competitions because of the high standards displayed by others he eventually decided to take the plunge and was rewarded with some early successes - having one image pronounced as print of the week in the local paper. During these developing years his early focus upon Travel, Street Photography and Events also began to notch up successes in Club competition entries.
During the period 2016-17 Lawrence moved into other genres of photography such as Nature, Modelling and Creative work as well as branching out into the realms of Press Photography. This period also saw self-teaching on the fast-developing field of software editing of images. Various awards were soon to follow with portrait of the year as well as nature print of the year from his local East Grinstead Camera Club.
Encouraging others to enter their images into the various Federation Internationale d'L'Arte Photographique (FIAP) Salon Competitions covering for example Open, Monochrome, Nature and Set Subjects, Lawrence showed a number of his more successful images in reaching these various milestones. His striking examples of composite, multiple layered images, showing a variety of fantastical fruits (eg. Clockwork Orange , Poison Ivy) had a surrealism more usually associated with Dali or Magritte, whilst his models "Ballerina Assassin", the ghost of Charlwood church and Viking warrior princesses were heavily reminiscent of the LP covers of the 1970's.
Constantly developing other photographic projects and events as well as his own style of camera work, Lawrence now runs a number of Project Photography events and workshops seeking to innovate and inspire in the creative field of photography. Lawrence concluded with a message of reassurance to all that "whatever the judges may think of your work, providing you enjoy your photography and your images then that is all that matters".
Meeting 1 September 2022 - "I can't see the wood for the trees"- (an introduction to woodland photography) by Dr. Edward Hyde FRPS
For the Society's first meeting of the season Members were treated to an enjoyably eloquent exposition of the art (and pitfalls) of woodland photography by Dr. Edward Hyde, FRPS. Edward confirmed that whilst he enjoyed all genres of photography, landscape was top of the pile for him but reminding all that in the words of the American photographer Ansel Adams that-
Landscape photography was the supreme test of the photographer and often the supreme disappointment.
Edward was also kind enough to warn that if Members did not like trees that they should " look away now" before embarking upon a presentation where every image shown was of a tree, trees, or components of a tree.
Beginning with a section on Key Criteria, Edward ran through numerous examples of Composition and of Lighting/Atmosphere to underline his messages for successful photography but emphasising that Composition was not necessarily a matter of rules but of taste. He was clearly an advocate of using a zoom lens in order, as he described it, to take key "bites" out of a more complicated or confused scene and stressed the success (generally) of keeping images simple, tidy and clean.
Numerous sylvan examples to illustrate these points came from images of single trees, small groups of trees, recession lines of trees in the wider landscape, parts of trees, and use of trees for framing images. Being bold and embracing the often overgrown chaos of woodlands with the opportunities this offered to seek out order and design, different viewpoints, patterns of light and colour was also encouraged and explored.
The importance of re visiting locations to maximise the use of changing seasons, light and weather conditions was ably demonstrated by the many wonderful images displayed - including a particular encouragement to Members to visit during times of mist, fog, rain and snow in order both to explore and maximise the chances offered to obtain images exuding mood, atmosphere and a sense of place.
Edward concluded his presentation with the example of his successful FRPS panel of woodland images to show how such a set should work cohesively and complementarily to illustrate the undoubted photographic attraction and impact of trees. After the summer we have all enjoyed a number of Members will maybe now be awaiting the first mists / fogs of Autumn to get out into their local woods and put theory into practice.
Judge - Jim Pascoe ARPS BA ABIPP
Judge Jim Pascoe had the enviable, enjoyable, if difficult task of judging for the Society's Print and PDI set subject competition in addition to the finals of the Print of the Year. This was the culmination of the various earlier print competitions with Members winning prints now being assessed alongside each other.
The first part of the evening consisted of judging Prints entered from the Set Subject competition, the chosen topic for this year being 'Seasons'. Jim provided an excellent, detailed ,fair and constructive critique of each Print entered prior to announcing his final choices as follows:
1st. Autumn Harvest by Jon Daly
2nd Summer on the beach by Diane Bickerstaff
3rd Winter sunrise by Richard Goldsmith
The Projected Digital Images competition on the subject of 'Seasons' saw a large entry of 26 images (a judge's life is never easy). Jim found that, in holding back 12 for further detailed assessment he still had a difficult task to arrive at his final decision as to first, second and third place in addition to awarding Highly Commended ( HC ) to three other images as followss:
!st Changing Lane by Dave Brooker
2nd New and Old by Jack Taylor
3rd The four Seasons by Richard Goldsmith
HC Autumn by Colin Chrismas
HC The Rainy Season by Jack Taylor
HC Spring, new life by Wendy Chrismas
Print of the Year for the Gay Biddlecombe Trophy
With a choice to be made from prints that had been successful in the eyes of judges from earlier competitions the overall standard of work did not make judging any easier. After careful consideration and much deliberation Jim's choices were:
1st Out of Africa by Paul Shilliam
2nd Winter sunrise, Birling Gap by Piers Hamilton
3rd Autumn Harvest by Jon Daly
Congratulations to everyone who entered and especially those awarded places or commendations.
Meeting 6th April 2023 - My life as a Photo Journalist - Andrew Hasson
The first Part of Andrew's presentation provided a fascinating insight into the life of a successful photo journalist and a wistful look back at the heady days of the 1970's and 80's when news photographers enjoyed a lifestyle of fast cars, fat pay cheques and seemingly unlimited expenses accounts. Emphasising that he wasn't moaning (too much) about this now vanished lifestyle Andrew's account of what life had been like was a real eye opener when some National newspapers emplyed as many as 70 full-time salaried photographers scattered around the globe. Those days were now long gone and most Regional Stringers, as they were termed, worked freelance. Nevertheless this approach had furnished the speaker, in his own words, "with a decent living without being a rich man".
Andrew's work had taken him all over the World - from Africa, India, South America and Europe to more localised situations and events. His work had appeared in pretty well all of the National newspapers; The Times, Telegraph, Guardian, Sun, Mail and Express as well as features for the BBC, Autocar, Women's magazine, Time and Newsweek. His talk was accompanied by a slideshow of his many cuttings from numerous publications and the many anecdotes behind these stories provided great insight into what Photo Editors were looking for and how to succeed in getting pictures on the front page, or even published.
With a specialism in Street and Portrait photography, Part 2 of Andrew's presentation provided a number of basic tips and hints as to how to improve your Portrait photography and overcome the natural reluctance that many people have when having their photograph taken. It was important to ensure beforehand that the photographer knows what camera settings they intend to use to suit the lighting conditions, framing considerations and avoid distractions in the background to detract from the main subject.
In concluding Andrew confirmed that after almost 40 years in the profession he still got a buzz from having his pictures published or receiving compliments about his images and could not think of a more exciting and interesting way to earn a living.
Meeting 2nd March 2023 - Projected Digital Images ( PDI ) Competition Round 4 - Judge - Gary Carter CPAGB
For this the 4th round of the Society's Projected Digital Images Competition we welcomed back Gary Carter CPAGB, an old friend of the club and local judge. Gary's familiar, helpful and easygoing style of assessment was particularly apparent in his critique of the images submitted in the Development Class. The advice, comments and suggestions offered should prove invaluable to those wishing to develop their photographic skills. Gary's repeatedly humorous asides to his old friend Ray Beckwith (former Chairman of HPS) provided a wonderful image of the latter seeking to evade Gary at every turn in their respective forays around Eastbourne's Sovereign Harbour - whilst it was obvious from this longstanding and close friendship that nothing could be further from the truth.
Gary certainly had his work cut out on the evening with no less than 26 entries in the Development Class and 50 in the Advanced. After much mulling over and eventually holding back a number of images for further assessment his final selection of those that were successful in proceeding to the PDI Finals is as follows.
Sussex Shield - Development Class ( 26 entries )
1. Albino deer in East Sussex - Paul Dryer
2. Laughing - Luke Shepherd
3. Could be a problem - Chris Bartlett
4. Long tailed tit - Brian Gell
5. Trevarwith beach - Terry Harrington
Albert Hillman Cup -Advanced Class ( 50 entries )
1. Reflections - Jonathan Close
2. Approaching Druids - Roy Marriot
3. Sand Martins - Andrew Burns
4. Holy Ghost - Wendy Chrismas
5. Light on leaf - Jack Taylor
6. Dusky large blue, egg laying - Andrew Burns
7. Misty woodland walk - Jonathan Close
8. Nutcracker spat - Alan Cork
Congratulations to all those who entered images for consideration - those selected to proceed can be seen on the Society's website at www.hailshamphotographicsociety.co.uk
Meeting 23rd February 2023 - Print Competition Round 4
Judge - Jack Taylor EFIAP DPAGB
Owing to the sudden non - availability of the expected judge on the night, esteemed and experienced Member Jack Taylor kindly stepped (or was he pushed ?) into the breach to undertake the role for the night. Jack's meticulous and considered approach shone through in the advice offered on each image and in his assessment of all entries in this Round 4 of the Society's Print Competition.
Emphasising the extreme difficulty faced by any judge in endeavouring to compare and assess images of very different subjects and genres Jack's final selection of those Prints going through to the finals later in the year is set out below.
Development Class
Neighbourhood Watch: Street Art - John Daley
Long tailed tit - Brian Gell
Iris and friend - Brian Gell
Advanced Class
Feed me - Jonathan Close
Common blue damselflies - Phil Smith
Duke on the Downs - Liz Scott
Metro reflection : City of Birmingham - David Mills
Morton Loch & Castle : Dumfries and Galloway - Dave Brooker
Church of the Good Shepherd - Bob Bell
Through the window - Roger Scott
Meeting 16th February 2023 - Strong Trophy - Panel Competition for prints Judged by Paul Parkinson - ARPS CPAGB BPE3*
The Strong Trophy invites Members to submit six prints, presented as a "Panel" and aiming to provide an overall result where, in terms of impact, the effect is greater than the sum of the individual images. This year's Competition attracted no less than 15 Panels with a total of some 90 images. Judge Paul Parkinson had the difficult if delightful task of assessing and critiquing each in order to arrive at his final placements.
Paul emphasised that he was looking particularly at cohesion and balance, the specific arrangement of prints within the panel as well as individual image quality in order to provide that overall synergy. He would be looking for camera craft, printing and sharpness to assess whether the submitted panel "hung together" and whether individual images were all strong enough in their contribution.
Explaining that his comments might not always come across as "nice" he nevertheless emphasised that they would be fair and frank - and ultimately aimed at being of help to the photographer. This approach, coupled with Paul's excellent sense of humour and comedic delivery was a delight. In concluding, Paul stressed that he was pleased to have been challenged to "work hard" in arriving at his final choices owing to the very high quality of Panels submitted.
Overall results
1st - Out of Africa - Paul Shilliam
2nd - Head On - Jack Taylor
3rd - Tree Bark - Phil Smith
Highly Commended - Floral wonder - David Hoad
Highly Commended - Maui Hawaii - Dave Brooker
Highly Commended - Cascades and rapids - David Mills
Meeting 9th February 2023 - "Tools not Rules" - Caroline Preece
Caroline's presentation, in the form of a well planned and meticulously structured lecture, provided a fascinating analytical insight into how and why the human brain responds to any particular image. In summarising her approach beforehand to explain what was to come Caroline's aim was to provide a guide to the consequences of compositional decisions, understanding the choices available to the photographer of post processing possibilities and more importantly why these could have an empowering and emotional impact upon those viewing any particular image.
This talk was to help understand why certain rules of photography existed but more importantly why, and what were or could be the consequences of breaking those rules - particularly to ensure that the desired sense of feeling or emotion was adequately conveyed to the viewer of an image. In essence there were no rules - just tools which provided choices and came with visual consequences.This was about making the viewer feel as you want them to feel - sharing another way of looking at things. Photography as a visual language.
Utilising a myriad of quotes and images from such photographic luminaries as David duChemin, Don McCullen, and Elliot Erwin to encourage members to truly "engage in what you photograph " - coupled with strong messaging that successful images are about feeling rather than looking. Referencing a number of the principles of Gestalt theory, of closure, proximity and continuation, which further helped to explain and emphasise how the photographer could manipulate an individuals experience and relationship to any particular image.
In concluding this veritable Tour de Force Caroline showed how a greater awareness of photographic choices around the simple elements of composition, choice of moment, simplification of components, light, orientation, cropping, use of colour and scale could successfully convey how we want our image to feel for the viewer. An excellent and thought provoking evening.
Meeting 26th January - Members Lecturettes presented by David Hoad, Jean Mills and Chris Underhill
David Hoad - darkroom printing
David presented a wonderful array of monochrome prints, drawing upon the highs of using traditional darkroom approaches to printing and refusing to be seduced by the convenience of current digital workflows. David was passionate about this now less favoured approach, explaining how the chemicals one used and how you used them could make the difference between a good image and a great one. Shooting, developing and printing your own images from film gives a level of control and pictures gain a depth and feel that does not always come across in a digital print. His skill was amply displayed in his many prints using the three traditional steps to producing a final product - Developer, Stopbath and Fixer.
Wonderful portraits, citiscapes, still life subjects and everday items, beautifully lit, with many shot in studio provided an impressive and persuasive message that the traditional methods and "age of Pyro-Metal-Kodalk" could still deliver in this digital age.
AV - Jean Mills
Jean's audio video (AV), beautifully narrated by the author; expertly enunciated the tragedy of a young girl drowning and the romance and unique manner in which her mother had ensured that her memory would live on forever. This is the story set out in the stained glass windows of Capel United Church, Tudeley. A fabulous memorial to Sarah d'Avigdor-Goldsmid who drowned aged 21 in a sailing accident. After her death in 1963 her parents commissioned the famous Russian artist Marc Chagall to design the Church's magnificent east window as a commemorative to their beloved daughter. So taken by the church when he first saw it, Chagall decided to do all twelve windows. As an experienced exponent of AVs Jean's softly spoken, informative storytelling was a wonderful example of this genre of photography.
Chris Underhill - The story behind the photograph
In addition to the subject matter as expressed in the title the presentation also provided something of the story behind the photographer. Joining the club in 2018 and with a self held belief that he knew a lot about photography Chris confessed that joining the Club had actually taught him so very much more - through the many evident skills and techniques of it's Members. Beginning his photographic journey with a Fuji finepix bought at Duty Free he was a firm believer in the adage "Don't buy kit but invest in your knowledge and skill". Chris neverless did concede that he reached a point where his then camera was holding back his development as a photographer (a well known excuse for spending the housekeeping money ?).With a particular penchant for people, street photography, and creative effects, this PDI presentation provided a wide range of enjoyable images together with accompanying back stories ranging from his 12 hr London walk for the children's charity Kangaroos to his first solo photography trip to Amsterdam.
Meeting 19th January 2023 - The Monopoly Project - Peter Merry
Peter began his presentation with a brief description of how he became interested in photography including with a number of pictorial self confessed failures at wildlife photography before eventually deciding that his main interest probably lay in the genre of Street Photography. He had been influenced in his decision by such works as Andrew Bush's "Drive" project and also the work of Mostyn Parr's "Last Resort". Taking inspiration from a father and son team who had set out to simply spend time together by visiting all destinations on the Monopoly Board, Peter had set himself a photographic Project based upon the same - and so The Monopoly Project was born.
The scope of the Project required a set of rules in order to achieve success including his walking the entire route which, for Peter, had entailed some 75 miles in total. Other rules included the use of a variety of photographic techniques and subjects, an ethical approach and finally the selection of three images from each monopoly square to help present the very feel of that particular location.
The chosen excellent images displayed a wide variety of photographic styles and techniques including use of reflections, movement, silhouettes, detail, shape and multiple exposure. Leading his audience around the Monopoly Board by his chosen images, Members were transported to such diverse locations as Whitechapel, Old Kent Road, Fleet Street, Park Lane and Mayfair. Peter's choice of three concurrently displayed images and narrative captured the essence of each location beautifully; from the glitz and glamour of Bond Street, the grime and graffiti of Coventry Street, through to the glamour and galleries of Mayfair.
Although still finishing the Monopoly Project, Peter has held a number of exhibitions of the work including - West End Christmas, Lost Souls, and the rather less auspiciously entitled "London Grime". In concluding an exceedingly enjoyable evening, Peter recommended others take on similar Projects and to then share, blog about, exhibit or simply enjoy this project approach. Members will undoubtedly wish to take up this challenge. Indeed Peter has already lined up at least five others projects to keep himself busy.
12th January meeting - Print Competition Round 3. Judge David Smith LRPS CPAGB
David had kindly agreed to return for a second week (following his excellent African Safari presentation) to judge Round 3 of the Society's annual Print Competition. However he was at pains to point out from the very start that in respect of judging "this was one person's view on one particular night".
A total of 59 prints had been entered overall and the very high quality and range of images submitted certainly provided the judge with a difficult task. Indeed by holding back so many entries for a second assessment prior to deciding which images should go forward to the final later in the year David confirmed that he had indeed made a rod for his own back.
David's careful consideration of each image and the guidance and advice offered in respect of each was, in the words of the Society's Chairman, a fine example of masterful judging. Ultimately his choice, especially in choosing just seven prints from the 52 entries in the advanced class, was based upon selecting those images that that afforded him a sense of feeling. This, he conceded, was the most subjective part of the evening. The judge's selection of those prints going forward together with the successful photographers are:
Development Class -7 entries
1.War torn car, Oradour sur Glane, France 10th June 1944 - John Daly
2."Seven " - Luke Shepherd
Advanced Class - 52 entries
1.Rock sculptures, Spittal - Pat Broad
2.Trapped - Chris Coates
3.Common But Still Pretty - John Evans
4.Peacock Feather - Colin Chrismas
5.Dancing leaves - Liz Scott
6.Morning glow, Birling Gap - Piers Hamilton
7.Silver Birches, Footland Wood - Roger Scott
Congratulations to all those who entered their images for this competition and especially to those whose images were selected to progress through to the Print Finals later in the year. All successful images can be seen on the Society's website at www.hailshamphotographicsociety.co.uk
Meeting 5th January - African Safari Photography - David Smith LRPS CPAGB
What do the following items have in common - a pillowcase, a stuffed toy ( a rat in this case albeit other varieties are available ) and a head torch ? Answer - in the eyes of David Smith LRPS CPAGB and HPS's presenter for the evening, they are all prerequisites for a successful African photo safari : in order, by preventing dust from entering your camera whilst being bounced across the Savannah in an open top truck; as a device upon which to rest any over long and expensive lenses to avoid camera shake and thirdly, to enable you to re set your camera to its desired settings having inadvertently altered these in the excitement of your first night drive.
David's easy going and humorous style of delivery was a perfect foil for the many wonderful images displayed. What better way to lift the spirits on a wet and dark January evening than to enjoy photographic examples of exotic African animals and birds taken in glorious sunshine, coupled with the ubiquitous promise of an accompanying sundowner of your choice while sitting and enjoying a sunset in the Masai Mara ?
From delightful poses of performing pachyderm 'Boswell' who had naturally evolved a skill of standing on his hind legs to reach those parts that other pachyderms cannot reach, to the languid, languorous lionesses sleeping off dinner under the shade of Acacia trees, every image exuded sunny warmth and wildness. From Africa's classic Big Five (Elephant, Rhinoceros, Buffalo, Lion and Leopard), through the often overlooked but equally wonderful many antelope species - Sable, Impala, Kudu, Thompson's gazelle, Puku and Bushbuck to the lesser seen mammals such as porcupine and genet, David generously shared his experiences from his many visits to Africa.
Not to be outdone by the mammals, David's photographs of birds also featured highly with resplendent colours of Carmine and White Fronted Bee Eaters, Superb Starlings, Wattled Plover, Sacred Ibis, Pelicans, Hammerkop and water thick knee. Also starring in this ornithological extravaganza were the Vultures - Lappet Faced, White backed and Hooded, along with the iconic African Fish Eagle and the rather more cosmetically challenged Ground Hornbills and Maribou Storks. Overall, a wonderful evening which no doubt will have brought back fond memories of this special continent for some and hopefully bucket list aspirations for others.
Meeting 8th December - Stafford Trophy - Monochrome Print Competition. Judge - Ken Scott ARPS APAGB MBPsS
Although this was indeed a monochrome competition, selecting the eventual winners was certainly no easy black and white decision for our judge Ken Scott owing to the very high quality of the fifty-three excellent prints entered by Members. Ken's gentle observation; calm and careful style of critique exuded encouragement for each photographer. Indeed, in opening, he stressed that for him the competition element was almost incidental to his principal aim of encouraging and developing each photographer whose image he assessed. Monochrome success was much about the context of the image and the cohesion of elements with lighting. Holding back many prints for further scrutiny Ken stressed that his final selections were made on the basis of narrow margins and subjectively centred upon his personal interaction with the image in question. Details of final Placements and Highly Commended images are set out below.
Stafford Trophy - Monochrome Prints - Results
1st Cornish Cove - Jonathan Close
2nd Walking on Sunshine - Piers Hamilton
3rd Alfie and his dog Ben - Ray Beckwith
Highly Commended
Castle Staircase - Jonathan Close
Freezing Harbour - Alan Cork
Paris - John Daly
Rock Ledge Kimmeridge - Alan Cork
Congratulations to all who entered images and especially to those who were awarded commendations or places. All winning images can be seen on the Society's website at www.hailshamphotographicsociety.co.uk
Meeting 1st December 2022 - Projected Digital Images (PDI) Competition - Round 2
Judge David Eastley LRPS
This, the second round of the Society's Projected Digital Images competition, proved as popular as ever with Members - attracting over 65 images in total with 24 in the Development Class and 44 in the Advanced.
Judge David Eastley certainly had his work cut out, holding back a number of images for further scrutiny before deciding which ones should ultimately proceed to the finals of the competition later in the year. David's quiet, careful, considered and clear critiques provided solid suggestions and advice for Members whose images fell under his gaze. His final selections of those images to go forward are set out below.
Sussex Shield - Development Class (24 images)
1.A nut cracker - Diane Bickerstaff
2.Wise Old Horse - Andrea Irvine
3.The Acrobat - Brian Gell
4.Fireworks - Richard Noon
Albert Hillman Cup -Advanced Class (44 images)
1.Tram Lines - Jack Taylor
2.Mountain Hare - Andrew Burns
3.Still Arctic Water - Peggy McKenzie
4.Blue Demoiselle - John Evans
5.Robber Fly with Ascalaphid - Andrew Burns
6.Not my best look - Roy Broad
7.Evening Light - Jonathan Close
Congratulations to all those who entered images and especially to those whose images were selected to progress through to the finals.
Meeting 3rd November 2022 - "Judge versus Club " - Judge Paul O'Toole
This interactive evening with Paul followed the format of a similarly successful event held with him during the now hopefully banished "Zoom " years of the Pandemic lockdowns. The underlying premise of Paul's invited participative approach by his audience was to request HPS Members to submit their images which he would then, prior to the meeting, endeavour to match with images of his own of a similar genre.
Paired images were then displayed for comparison and assessment / critique by Paul who was at pains to both elicit and encourage comments, advice and suggestions from Members as to their own views on the images displayed. Since all images shown were displayed anonymously there was (supposedly) no scope for partisan voting on which, if either, of the two images was considered their favourite.
Paul's easy-going humour and general bonhomie, delivered in his gentle Irish brogue, ensured an enjoyable and instructive evening for all coupled with a light hearted competitive edge in keeping an informal running total as to whose images were deemed the winner of each pair. His repeated references to the need for a "duck on a tray" or something similar to fill unwanted space or add interest to an image provided general if not genuine advice on more than one occasion.
His adopted "quasi barristerial" approach in suggesting amendments and improvements to his own (anonymously displayed) images to hopefully lead people up the garden path and throw Society Members off the scent, or at least shed doubt as to whose image it was before they cast their vote, was evident throughout - and often successful in its aim.
In concluding the evening and in his inimitable amiable and diplomatic style, the last pair of images displayed was adjudged by Paul to be in Hailsham's favour, leading to an honourable draw overall.
Meeting 27th October - Natural History Competitions - Judge Richard Sharman ARPS
The Society's Natural History competitions are always a great favourite with Members and this year's competitions were no exception. Although there was a relatively modest total of 19 images submitted in the Print competition 53 entries were submitted as Projected Digital Images ( PDIs ). Judge Richard Sharman had the enjoyable, if testing task of selecting overall placements and commendations. Richard's professional, and carefully considered approach of providing instructive and constructive advice in respect of each image shone throughout. As indeed did his general understanding of and passion for the subject. Overall placements and commendations for both Prints and PDIs are listed below.
Print Competition - 19 entries
1st Phil Smith - A beautiful Demoiselle
2nd Peggy McKenzie - Rainbow Lizard
3rd Ray Beckwith - Common Seal
Highly commended - Keith Deverson - St. John's Wort
Highly commended - Blackcap - John Evans
Highly commended - Emperor dragonfly - Phil Smith
PDI Competition - 53 entries
1st Tom Haley - Wolf (Canis lupus lupus )
2nd Alan Cork - Hoopoe feeding chick a field cricket
3rd Alan Cork - European bee eater tossing moth
Highly commended - Jonathan Close - Common Frog
Highly commended - Terry Harrington - Waterbuck resting
Highly Commended - Roy Broad - Common Darter
Highly commended - Colin Chrismas - Stinkhorn (Phallus impudicens)
Highly commended - Bob Sherrard - Guillemot (Uria aalge )
Highly commended - Richard Goldsmith - Common Darter
Highly commended - Colin Chrismas - phallus impudicus
Congratulations to all those who entered images and in particular to those who achieved judge's placements and commendations. All of these images are available to view on the HPS website at www.hailshamphotographicsociety.co.uk
Meeting 13th October - Projected Digital Images (PDI) Competition, Round 1
Judge June Sharp - ARPS
The Society's internal photographic competitions always prove popular with Members and this first round of the Projected Digital Images competition ( PDI ) was no exception.
In the Development class a total of 27 images were submitted whilst within the Advanced group no less than 44 images had been offered up for scrutiny. Judge June Sharp had the difficult task not only of selecting those images from each class to go through to the PDI finals but also to critique each image within the time available. This, as she admitted, would be no mean feat for someone who (confessed) had a tendency to talk "rather a lot " - and in the face of the many excellent images before her.
Notwithstanding this challenge, June's strong but certain views, advice and critique of each subject were excellently and generously applied to each of the images shown. Her firm, forthright yet fair approach provided for an enjoyable evening with helpful suggestions and advice for everyone.
The results of each class are detailed below together with the names of successful photographers and their images.
Congratulations to all who entered their images for scrutiny under the Judge's "Moscow eye" with particular plaudits to those whose entries were selected to go through to the finals later in the year.
Development Class - Sussex Shield
- Quiet morning - Clare Hamilton
- Belle tout - Brian Gell
- Spitfire start up - Martin Rumery
- Daughter - Luke Shepherd
- Garden wren - Brian Gell
1.Flame tulips - Alan Cork
2.Water lilies - Jonathan Close
3.Kingfisher - Derek Gell
4.Puffin - Andrew Burns
5.Silver Birches - Liz Scott
6.Treescape at night - Roger Scott
7.Belfast Northern Ireland - Jack Taylor
Meeting 6th October 2022 - An evening of Distinction - Clive Tanner FRPS, MPAGB, APAGB FIPF
Clive confirmed that the focus of his presentation would centre upon the various trials and tribulations he had experienced in achieving his various distinctions.
His early remembrances of picking up a camera were simply to photograph his new-born son. However, photography rapidly became a hobby that tured into a near obsession - with Clive paying an especial and no doubt well-deserved tribute to his long-suffering other half who also happened to be his biggest critic. Beginning in Class III at Tonbridge camera club his seminal moment came when, to fulfil his wish to get a perfect score for a print, a colleague suggested that he get himself a proper camera.
Assisted in those early years by a mentor who happened to be an architectural photographer, his Fellowship Panel, submitted in 1990, was made up of 'silver prints" lovingly, patiently and painstakingly created in the darkroom and using the techniques of the time - multiple negatives, dodging and burning. This was helped in no small way by use of a technical camera allowing greater control over depth of field and geometry. Clive's unbridled enthusiasm for ecclesiastical edifices shone through in his panel of images of Cathedrals from the UK -including Ely, Canterbury, Winchester, Gloucester, Wells, Canterbury and Norwich.
These wonderful buildings displaying incredible levels of skill, craftsmanship and quality have remained the focus of much of Clive's work. Later distinctions panel prints were displayed and remained true to this subject theme. Gaining these awards was not easy with Clive explaining the nerve-wracking process of awaiting the PAGB assessor's marks and indeed, on one occasion, upon seeking advice, being advised it was not his pictures that needed changing but rather learning how to print! Now in the digital age it was possible to adjust in post-production to accentuate the falling of light on a particular detail, reducing or increasing contrast where appropriate or toning down areas not critical to the message of the photographer.
Many of these grand ecclesiastical buildings had received his particular and perfection seeking approach using only natural light. From the ornamented pillars of Durham, the font at Salisbury, the famous "Strainer" Arches of Wells, the judgement day frieze at Winchester, through to the monk's lavatorial at Gloucester. These had all been given an assiduous and loving treatment to provide not only excellent studies of these exceptionally fine buildings but also images of an almost 3D quality emanating peace and tranquillity.
Meeting 8th September 2022 - " My photographic journey" - Lawrence Homewood EFIAP,BPE**,CPAGB
Lawrence began his presentation with a brutally honest account of his early days in photography, and the mistakes associated with those early efforts, after purchasing his first DSLR camera in 2014. Unashamedly charting the lack of success and low judge's scores of some of those early images to illustrate basic mistakes in lighting, composition and depth of field Lawrence moved through his somewhat meteoric journey in respect of building skills, techniques and experience to the current day.
Initially placed in the development class of his local club and somewhat reluctant to enter competitions because of the high standards displayed by others he eventually decided to take the plunge and was rewarded with some early successes - having one image pronounced as print of the week in the local paper. During these developing years his early focus upon Travel, Street Photography and Events also began to notch up successes in Club competition entries.
During the period 2016-17 Lawrence moved into other genres of photography such as Nature, Modelling and Creative work as well as branching out into the realms of Press Photography. This period also saw self-teaching on the fast-developing field of software editing of images. Various awards were soon to follow with portrait of the year as well as nature print of the year from his local East Grinstead Camera Club.
Encouraging others to enter their images into the various Federation Internationale d'L'Arte Photographique (FIAP) Salon Competitions covering for example Open, Monochrome, Nature and Set Subjects, Lawrence showed a number of his more successful images in reaching these various milestones. His striking examples of composite, multiple layered images, showing a variety of fantastical fruits (eg. Clockwork Orange , Poison Ivy) had a surrealism more usually associated with Dali or Magritte, whilst his models "Ballerina Assassin", the ghost of Charlwood church and Viking warrior princesses were heavily reminiscent of the LP covers of the 1970's.
Constantly developing other photographic projects and events as well as his own style of camera work, Lawrence now runs a number of Project Photography events and workshops seeking to innovate and inspire in the creative field of photography. Lawrence concluded with a message of reassurance to all that "whatever the judges may think of your work, providing you enjoy your photography and your images then that is all that matters".
Meeting 1 September 2022 - "I can't see the wood for the trees"- (an introduction to woodland photography) by Dr. Edward Hyde FRPS
For the Society's first meeting of the season Members were treated to an enjoyably eloquent exposition of the art (and pitfalls) of woodland photography by Dr. Edward Hyde, FRPS. Edward confirmed that whilst he enjoyed all genres of photography, landscape was top of the pile for him but reminding all that in the words of the American photographer Ansel Adams that-
Landscape photography was the supreme test of the photographer and often the supreme disappointment.
Edward was also kind enough to warn that if Members did not like trees that they should " look away now" before embarking upon a presentation where every image shown was of a tree, trees, or components of a tree.
Beginning with a section on Key Criteria, Edward ran through numerous examples of Composition and of Lighting/Atmosphere to underline his messages for successful photography but emphasising that Composition was not necessarily a matter of rules but of taste. He was clearly an advocate of using a zoom lens in order, as he described it, to take key "bites" out of a more complicated or confused scene and stressed the success (generally) of keeping images simple, tidy and clean.
Numerous sylvan examples to illustrate these points came from images of single trees, small groups of trees, recession lines of trees in the wider landscape, parts of trees, and use of trees for framing images. Being bold and embracing the often overgrown chaos of woodlands with the opportunities this offered to seek out order and design, different viewpoints, patterns of light and colour was also encouraged and explored.
The importance of re visiting locations to maximise the use of changing seasons, light and weather conditions was ably demonstrated by the many wonderful images displayed - including a particular encouragement to Members to visit during times of mist, fog, rain and snow in order both to explore and maximise the chances offered to obtain images exuding mood, atmosphere and a sense of place.
Edward concluded his presentation with the example of his successful FRPS panel of woodland images to show how such a set should work cohesively and complementarily to illustrate the undoubted photographic attraction and impact of trees. After the summer we have all enjoyed a number of Members will maybe now be awaiting the first mists / fogs of Autumn to get out into their local woods and put theory into practice.