News 2024-2025
Hailsham Photographic Society ( HPS ) - Meeting 6th February
Understanding Art Photography - Lecture by Steve Kingswell ARPS AFIAP
Steve runs a number of photography workshops through The Imaging Room where his approach is essentially to provide inspiration, education,coaching and mentoring in various photographic genres and techniques.His presentation to HPS certainly proved to be an educational one and provided a fascinating insight into, as well as a better understanding of, Art in Photography.
Photography has long used techniques of manipulation, double and multiple exposure, composites etc in presenting a finished image - often to better convey a particular message or feeling. This was ably demonstrated by use of an 1857 example from the pioneering Victorian Art Photographer Oscar Gustave Rejlander to show how use of some 30 negatives had been used to create the final image and that Art in Photography was certainly not just a recent phenomenon.
Continuing with a fascinating explanation of the evolution of Art in Photography through various photography movements - from the realist Pictorialism, the anti establishment Dadaiism, the purist sharply detailed F64 movement,through to the German Bauhaus which attempted to merge a number of artistic mediums.Moving through examples of more recent styles - from Modernism and post Modernism movements , Steve's detailed explanations of the purposes and messages behind various images were both enlightening and fascinating.
With yet more references and examples from Abstract and Photo Journalism as well as Typologies, working in a series of images to portray stories, or on a particular Project to project a stronger message Steve's lecture ably displayed both the power and prescence of Art in Photography.An evening that was both educational and inspirational, in addition to helping further a basic understanding of the subject.
Understanding Art Photography - Lecture by Steve Kingswell ARPS AFIAP
Steve runs a number of photography workshops through The Imaging Room where his approach is essentially to provide inspiration, education,coaching and mentoring in various photographic genres and techniques.His presentation to HPS certainly proved to be an educational one and provided a fascinating insight into, as well as a better understanding of, Art in Photography.
Photography has long used techniques of manipulation, double and multiple exposure, composites etc in presenting a finished image - often to better convey a particular message or feeling. This was ably demonstrated by use of an 1857 example from the pioneering Victorian Art Photographer Oscar Gustave Rejlander to show how use of some 30 negatives had been used to create the final image and that Art in Photography was certainly not just a recent phenomenon.
Continuing with a fascinating explanation of the evolution of Art in Photography through various photography movements - from the realist Pictorialism, the anti establishment Dadaiism, the purist sharply detailed F64 movement,through to the German Bauhaus which attempted to merge a number of artistic mediums.Moving through examples of more recent styles - from Modernism and post Modernism movements , Steve's detailed explanations of the purposes and messages behind various images were both enlightening and fascinating.
With yet more references and examples from Abstract and Photo Journalism as well as Typologies, working in a series of images to portray stories, or on a particular Project to project a stronger message Steve's lecture ably displayed both the power and prescence of Art in Photography.An evening that was both educational and inspirational, in addition to helping further a basic understanding of the subject.
Hailsham Photographic Society - Meeting Thursday 30th January
Print Competition Round 3 - judge Cherry Larcombe EFIAP ARPS DPAGB BPE*5
The Society was extremely grateful to judge Cherry Larcombe ( also an HPS Member ) for volunteering to stand in for the programmed judge who was unfortunately unable to attend on the evening for this the third round of the Society's Print Competition.Especially kind since this meant that Cherry had had, for obvious reasons, to withdraw her own images from this round of the competition.
With 16 prints submitted within the Development Class and 31 in the Advanced Class Cherry had a very busy though enjoyable evening.Extremely thorough in approach,she was not swayed from holding back a considerable number of Prints for further detailed scrutiny and assessment prior to making her final decision on which images should progress.Cherry did a splendid job giving each image equal time and thought dispensing praise, constuctive comment and advice where appropriate.
Never an easy task to choose which images to progress when,especially as Cherry emphasised, the quality of Prints was so high and covered such a diverse range of subjects.
Final selections within both Classes ( Development and Advanced ) were as follows...
Development Class
West Pier awaiting it's fate - by Ben Cottingham
It's chilli outside - by Paul Dryer
Spitfire over Cuckmere Haven - by Nicola Stone
Light in the Pines - by Peter Nest
Advanced Class
Jackals squabbling - by Paul Shilliam
Estuary, Bigbury, Devon - by Jack Taylor
Last from the Autumn border - by Colin Chrismas
Emily - by Bob Bell
Black Crake on the run - by Paul Shilliam
Congratulations to everone who entered their images and especially to those whose Prints were selected to progress through to the finals.
Print Competition Round 3 - judge Cherry Larcombe EFIAP ARPS DPAGB BPE*5
The Society was extremely grateful to judge Cherry Larcombe ( also an HPS Member ) for volunteering to stand in for the programmed judge who was unfortunately unable to attend on the evening for this the third round of the Society's Print Competition.Especially kind since this meant that Cherry had had, for obvious reasons, to withdraw her own images from this round of the competition.
With 16 prints submitted within the Development Class and 31 in the Advanced Class Cherry had a very busy though enjoyable evening.Extremely thorough in approach,she was not swayed from holding back a considerable number of Prints for further detailed scrutiny and assessment prior to making her final decision on which images should progress.Cherry did a splendid job giving each image equal time and thought dispensing praise, constuctive comment and advice where appropriate.
Never an easy task to choose which images to progress when,especially as Cherry emphasised, the quality of Prints was so high and covered such a diverse range of subjects.
Final selections within both Classes ( Development and Advanced ) were as follows...
Development Class
West Pier awaiting it's fate - by Ben Cottingham
It's chilli outside - by Paul Dryer
Spitfire over Cuckmere Haven - by Nicola Stone
Light in the Pines - by Peter Nest
Advanced Class
Jackals squabbling - by Paul Shilliam
Estuary, Bigbury, Devon - by Jack Taylor
Last from the Autumn border - by Colin Chrismas
Emily - by Bob Bell
Black Crake on the run - by Paul Shilliam
Congratulations to everone who entered their images and especially to those whose Prints were selected to progress through to the finals.
Hailsham Photographic Society - Meeting 23rd January
Members workshops
The evening meeting was run as a series of tutorials / workshops led by individual Members with a level of expertise or interest in a particular genre or aspect of photography. Participants were encouraged to visit as many of the workshops as was possible during the evening - with each being allocated a suggested 20 minutes for each. With a wide range of subject matter to choose from and with the support, advice and encouragement from those Members running the workshops this proved both an enjoyable as well as an educational evening.
With thanks to our Programme Officer Ray Beckwith for setting this up - together with those who had volunteered, or been persuaded by him to head up each workshop. Particular mentions to Ray for his workshop on the use of camera settings and post production software, to Chris Underhill on the trials, tribulations and possibilities of Street Photography, Dave Brooker on the increasing use of and capabilities of mobile phone photography, Daniel Trangmar for a fascinating insight to 3D photography, Wendy and Colin Chrismas on the art of cutting and mounting images for competition and to Andrea for arranging for the lovely Amy to come and pose for model and studio photography.
A thoroughly enjoyable evening with opportunity to increase confidence and knowledge in a wide range of photographic skills.
Members workshops
The evening meeting was run as a series of tutorials / workshops led by individual Members with a level of expertise or interest in a particular genre or aspect of photography. Participants were encouraged to visit as many of the workshops as was possible during the evening - with each being allocated a suggested 20 minutes for each. With a wide range of subject matter to choose from and with the support, advice and encouragement from those Members running the workshops this proved both an enjoyable as well as an educational evening.
With thanks to our Programme Officer Ray Beckwith for setting this up - together with those who had volunteered, or been persuaded by him to head up each workshop. Particular mentions to Ray for his workshop on the use of camera settings and post production software, to Chris Underhill on the trials, tribulations and possibilities of Street Photography, Dave Brooker on the increasing use of and capabilities of mobile phone photography, Daniel Trangmar for a fascinating insight to 3D photography, Wendy and Colin Chrismas on the art of cutting and mounting images for competition and to Andrea for arranging for the lovely Amy to come and pose for model and studio photography.
A thoroughly enjoyable evening with opportunity to increase confidence and knowledge in a wide range of photographic skills.
Hailsham Photographic Society - 12th December meeting.
Stafford Trophy for Monochrome prints
Judge - June Sharp ARPS
With an excellent entry of 46 prints to critique and assess, visiting judge June Sharp had a difficult if professionally enjoyable task before her in coming to her final selections for placements and commendations.
Her frank but forensic analysis of each image, coupled with her advice and suggestions for possible improvements and or alternative approaches was both refreshingly honest and helpful.Explaining her approach to judging generally- by looking at what added weight, emotion and impact to an image - as well as querying whether each included element was actually needed was particularly helpful. In respect of judging successful monochrome prints she considered it important to have a range of tones that included punchy, darker blacks rather than just a range of greys.
Adding immensely to the enjoyment of the evening was June's sense of humour with her many dry and acerbic one liners delivered with precise comedic timing throughout the evening.To the end June maintained her application to the task by even holding back the very last image to add to the large number already held for her further assessment.
June's final decisions are set out below. ( Placements as shown ,Highly Commended - HC )
!st Hilltop - by Jack Taylor
2nd Light of dark winter - by Piers Hamilton
3rd Watch with mother - by Paul Shilliam
HC The Blitz - by Marston Hart
HC Honister Pass - by Peter Nest
HC Watching - by Bob Bell
HC Underground walk - by Chris Underhill
Hailsham Photographic Society - meeting 5th December
Presentation : " More than just a bird on a stick"
Incorporating behaviour and action to improve your wildlife photography.
Bob Webzel - ARPS EFIAB
In what was a nod to the somewhat overly dismissive comments made on occasion by some individuals, Bob's presentation was an honest and refreshing take on how to take better and more interesting wildlife images. He has judged and lectured on wildlife photography across the South East and all too often has come across the phrase that was the title of his talk - his aim was to help others avoid this cliché in their efforts at photographing wildlife..
Starting with some basic conventions regarding composition, positioning within the frame, space around the subject etc. Bob's dry delivery and laconic sense of humour made for a great evening. Fundamental decisions such as whether to include the whole of the animal/bird within the frame or aim for a tight portrait were explained and illustrated with many of Bob's images - using both successful and unsuccessful examples. Of particular note was Bob's advice to set oneself a project - a quest to get that longed for image of a particular subject. His own beautiful example of a swallow taking a sip of water from a puddle, inspired by a famous wildlife photograph taken by Stephen Dalton, was a great example of how fieldcraft and many hours of patience and hard work could pay off handsomely.
Trying to get a "bit more" into the final picture by seeking out action, behaviour, artistry, creativity or a feeling for the environment in which the subject lived was key to taking better pictures. Utilising images both from the UK and far-flung places as the Gambia where Bob had been fortunate to live for some period, his audience was treated to a wide ranging, informative and entertaining evening with numerous excellent images and a wealth of advice.
Presentation : " More than just a bird on a stick"
Incorporating behaviour and action to improve your wildlife photography.
Bob Webzel - ARPS EFIAB
In what was a nod to the somewhat overly dismissive comments made on occasion by some individuals, Bob's presentation was an honest and refreshing take on how to take better and more interesting wildlife images. He has judged and lectured on wildlife photography across the South East and all too often has come across the phrase that was the title of his talk - his aim was to help others avoid this cliché in their efforts at photographing wildlife..
Starting with some basic conventions regarding composition, positioning within the frame, space around the subject etc. Bob's dry delivery and laconic sense of humour made for a great evening. Fundamental decisions such as whether to include the whole of the animal/bird within the frame or aim for a tight portrait were explained and illustrated with many of Bob's images - using both successful and unsuccessful examples. Of particular note was Bob's advice to set oneself a project - a quest to get that longed for image of a particular subject. His own beautiful example of a swallow taking a sip of water from a puddle, inspired by a famous wildlife photograph taken by Stephen Dalton, was a great example of how fieldcraft and many hours of patience and hard work could pay off handsomely.
Trying to get a "bit more" into the final picture by seeking out action, behaviour, artistry, creativity or a feeling for the environment in which the subject lived was key to taking better pictures. Utilising images both from the UK and far-flung places as the Gambia where Bob had been fortunate to live for some period, his audience was treated to a wide ranging, informative and entertaining evening with numerous excellent images and a wealth of advice.
Hailsham Photographic Society - Meeting 28th November
Print Competition Round 2
Judge Steve Kingswell - ARPS AFIAP
During what was Steve's first invitation to the Club as a judge he was keen to emphasise how much he enjoyed his task and also the high quality of prints entered for this Round 2 of the Society's Print Competition. His unhurried and analytical approach to assessing each image, coupled with his carefully considered and constructive comments was extremely helpful to all whose prints had been submitted and indeed to the wider audience.
After due deliberation and a further look at those Prints which he had held back for a second look the following images were selected by Steve to progress through to the Print finals later in the year.
Development Class (14 Prints entered )
Brighton on Film - by Ben Cottingham
Beautiful Arches- Salisbury Cathedral - by John Daley
Female Common Darter - by Brian Gell
Advanced Class ( 34 Prints entered )
Tree in the park - by Jack Taylor
Nigella - by Wendy Chrismas
Green backed heron - by Paul Shilliam
No loading - by Colin Chrismas
Cautious stonechat - by Bob Bell
Tudor window - by Jack Taylor
Hailsham Photographic Society - Meeting 28th November
Print Competition Round 2
Judge Steve Kingswell - ARPS AFIAP
During what was Steve's first invitation to the Club as a judge he was keen to emphasise how much he enjoyed his task and also the high quality of prints entered for this Round 2 of the Society's Print Competition. His unhurried and analytical approach to assessing each image, coupled with his carefully considered and constructive comments was extremely helpful to all whose prints had been submitted and indeed to the wider audience.
After due deliberation and a further look at those Prints which he had held back for a second look the following images were selected by Steve to progress through to the Print finals later in the year.
Development Class (14 Prints entered )
Brighton on Film - by Ben Cottingham
Beautiful Arches- Salisbury Cathedral - by John Daley
Female Common Darter - by Brian Gell
Advanced Class ( 34 Prints entered )
Tree in the park - by Jack Taylor
Nigella - by Wendy Chrismas
Green backed heron - by Paul Shilliam
No loading - by Colin Chrismas
Cautious stonechat - by Bob Bell
Tudor window - by Jack Taylor
Hailsham Photographic Society - Meeting 21st November
Print and Projected Digital Image ( PDI ) competition with Seven Sisters Camera Club
Judge Lawrence Homewood EFIAP, BPE2, CPAGB
In a spirit of camaraderie and neighbourly rivalry the evening meeting was advertised as a Print and PDI battle v our neighbours at Seven Sisters Camera Club. Each Club had selected 12 Prints and 12 PDI's for our independently appointed Judge to assess, critique and award marks to each submitted image. These were presented in random order and anonymously for Lawrence's scrutiny and comments before he awarded each a mark out of a possible maximum of twenty.
Commenting a number of times upon the extremely high quality of both Prints and PDI's submitted he confirmed that this was indeed a "tough call " for him whilst also expressing his great pleasure in being invited to judge such an event. His careful, considered and analytical style was well received along with his ideas, creativity and advice - described by HPS Chairman Bruce Broughton as a masterful critique.
Whilst underlining the friendly nature of such rivalry, within the Print section of the competition the results were Seven Sisters 196 points - Hailsham Photographic 211. The PDI section was even closer with Seven Sisters awarded 201 points to Hailsham's 207.
Congratulations to Members of both Clubs whose photographs were selected for the battle and particular congratulations to those whose images were awarded a maximum 20 points by Lawrence. Namely, in the Print section - Martin Heaps of Seven Sisters and Wendy Chrismas and Phil Smith of Hailsham. In the PDI section - Paul Spink and Giles Smith of Seven Sisters and Marston Hart and Alan Cork of Hailsham.
Print and Projected Digital Image ( PDI ) competition with Seven Sisters Camera Club
Judge Lawrence Homewood EFIAP, BPE2, CPAGB
In a spirit of camaraderie and neighbourly rivalry the evening meeting was advertised as a Print and PDI battle v our neighbours at Seven Sisters Camera Club. Each Club had selected 12 Prints and 12 PDI's for our independently appointed Judge to assess, critique and award marks to each submitted image. These were presented in random order and anonymously for Lawrence's scrutiny and comments before he awarded each a mark out of a possible maximum of twenty.
Commenting a number of times upon the extremely high quality of both Prints and PDI's submitted he confirmed that this was indeed a "tough call " for him whilst also expressing his great pleasure in being invited to judge such an event. His careful, considered and analytical style was well received along with his ideas, creativity and advice - described by HPS Chairman Bruce Broughton as a masterful critique.
Whilst underlining the friendly nature of such rivalry, within the Print section of the competition the results were Seven Sisters 196 points - Hailsham Photographic 211. The PDI section was even closer with Seven Sisters awarded 201 points to Hailsham's 207.
Congratulations to Members of both Clubs whose photographs were selected for the battle and particular congratulations to those whose images were awarded a maximum 20 points by Lawrence. Namely, in the Print section - Martin Heaps of Seven Sisters and Wendy Chrismas and Phil Smith of Hailsham. In the PDI section - Paul Spink and Giles Smith of Seven Sisters and Marston Hart and Alan Cork of Hailsham.
Hailsham Photographic Society - Meeting 14th November
Projected Digital Images ( PDI ) Competition Round 2
Judge - Gary Carter CPAGB
Our invited judge Gary Carter had the enviable if daunting task of assessing and critiquing over eighty images in the Society's second round PDI Competition. Always popular with Members, there were 26 entries in the Development Class and an impressive 56 in the Advanced Class. Gary's patience and commitment in offering sufficient time to asses each image and offer his advice was both commendable and of benefit to Members. His humour and his anecdotes outlining his personal experiences of taking similar images or visiting similar locations further helped make for a very enjoyable evening. After much soul searching the following images were selected by Gary to progress through to the PDI finals later in the year.
Sussex Shield - Development Class
1.Frozen - Chris Bartlett
2.Hong Kong Harbour - Graham Wilkinson
3.Vintage Beauford - James Verona
4.Into the Blue - Christine Puttock
5.Singapore Skyline - Chris Hall
Albert Hillman Cup -Advanced Class
1.Evening Surfer - Jonathan Close
2.Emerald - Emma Henchie
3.White Rhino - Marston Hart
4.Green underside blues - Andrew Burns
5.Early morning fishing, Dubai - Dave Brooker
6.Westminster Underground - Chris Underhill
7.Flamenco Dancer from smoke - Marston Hart
8.Juvenile African Elephant - Paul Shilliam
Hailsham Photographic Society - Meeting 14th November
Projected Digital Images ( PDI ) Competition Round 2
Judge - Gary Carter CPAGB
Our invited judge Gary Carter had the enviable if daunting task of assessing and critiquing over eighty images in the Society's second round PDI Competition. Always popular with Members, there were 26 entries in the Development Class and an impressive 56 in the Advanced Class. Gary's patience and commitment in offering sufficient time to asses each image and offer his advice was both commendable and of benefit to Members. His humour and his anecdotes outlining his personal experiences of taking similar images or visiting similar locations further helped make for a very enjoyable evening. After much soul searching the following images were selected by Gary to progress through to the PDI finals later in the year.
Sussex Shield - Development Class
1.Frozen - Chris Bartlett
2.Hong Kong Harbour - Graham Wilkinson
3.Vintage Beauford - James Verona
4.Into the Blue - Christine Puttock
5.Singapore Skyline - Chris Hall
Albert Hillman Cup -Advanced Class
1.Evening Surfer - Jonathan Close
2.Emerald - Emma Henchie
3.White Rhino - Marston Hart
4.Green underside blues - Andrew Burns
5.Early morning fishing, Dubai - Dave Brooker
6.Westminster Underground - Chris Underhill
7.Flamenco Dancer from smoke - Marston Hart
8.Juvenile African Elephant - Paul Shilliam
Hailsham Photographic Society Meeting 24th October
Making sense of the landscape - Dr.Edward A. Hyde FRPS
In a beautifully illustrated presentation Edward delivered his personal take on what helped make successful landscape photography. Whilst acknowledging that there were no hard and fast rules there were nevertheless conventions that usually led to an enhanced chance of success such as the "rule" of thirds, use of diagonals,leading lines etc.
Confirming that "Landscape photography was the supreme test of the photographer-and often the supreme disappointment " ( Ansell Adams ),Edward ran through various examples of Composition.Searching for compositional devices in designing a successful image,shapes,patterns,light and shadows,a sense of mystery - all elements which could help result in a worthy image.
Edward is a strong advocate of the use of telephoto and zoom lenses to extract bites from an otherwise perhaps average landscape image and hone in on points of particular interest and drama. Using examples from as far afield as the Maasai Mara to his local stamping grounds of Box Hill in Surrey these points were well made and well illustrated. Slides illustrating the power of light in photography, the use of Atmosphere ( eg. of fog, mist, snow, ice etc ), different viewpoints, and revisiting favourite locations to ensure a right place right time philosophy all provided excellent advice and encouragement.
Concluding with a brief look at processing and his own panel of images for his FRPS fellowship Edward accepted that we may all be disappointed with the results on occasion but to simply enjoy the experience and be ever hopeful.
Making sense of the landscape - Dr.Edward A. Hyde FRPS
In a beautifully illustrated presentation Edward delivered his personal take on what helped make successful landscape photography. Whilst acknowledging that there were no hard and fast rules there were nevertheless conventions that usually led to an enhanced chance of success such as the "rule" of thirds, use of diagonals,leading lines etc.
Confirming that "Landscape photography was the supreme test of the photographer-and often the supreme disappointment " ( Ansell Adams ),Edward ran through various examples of Composition.Searching for compositional devices in designing a successful image,shapes,patterns,light and shadows,a sense of mystery - all elements which could help result in a worthy image.
Edward is a strong advocate of the use of telephoto and zoom lenses to extract bites from an otherwise perhaps average landscape image and hone in on points of particular interest and drama. Using examples from as far afield as the Maasai Mara to his local stamping grounds of Box Hill in Surrey these points were well made and well illustrated. Slides illustrating the power of light in photography, the use of Atmosphere ( eg. of fog, mist, snow, ice etc ), different viewpoints, and revisiting favourite locations to ensure a right place right time philosophy all provided excellent advice and encouragement.
Concluding with a brief look at processing and his own panel of images for his FRPS fellowship Edward accepted that we may all be disappointed with the results on occasion but to simply enjoy the experience and be ever hopeful.