News 2024-2025
Hailsham Photographic Society - Projected Digital Images ( PDI ) Finals : Thursday 3rd April
Judge Paul O' Toole
The Society's eagerly awaited Finals of the PDI Competition certainly didn't disappoint with some 30 entries
to be assessed in the Development Class and 49 within the Advanced Class. An evening when the very best images
from four previous rounds of competition fall under the eye of their assessor.
Paul O'Toole has been a regular visitor to the Society and has proved ever popular as both an entertaining and experienced judge. His constructive advice and clinical analysis was evident in his painstaking assessment of all images. Nevertheless, he certainly had a tough time assessing both categories in light of both the very wide range of subject matter and especially the very high quality of images. Final placements in both classes were as follows with highly commended images shown as HC.
Sussex Shield ( Development Class ) - 30 entries
1st place - Fighting the waves - by Terry Harrington
2nd place - Singapore skyline - by Chris Hall
3rd place - Traces - by Ben Cottingham
HC - Sunrise behind the church on the marsh - by Peter Nest
HC - Wren ( Troglodytes troglodytes ) - by Peter Nest
HC Into the mist at the Golden Gate - by Christine Puttock
Albert Hillman Cup ( Advanced Class ) - 49 entries
1st place - Iris detail - by Louise Pemberton
2nd place - The Harpist - by Bruce Broughton
3rd place - Lion hunting - by Paul Shilliam
HC Early morning fishing, Dubai - by Dave Brooker
HC - Focussed - by Bob Bell
HC Flamenco Dancer from smoke - by Marston Hart
Judge Paul O' Toole
The Society's eagerly awaited Finals of the PDI Competition certainly didn't disappoint with some 30 entries
to be assessed in the Development Class and 49 within the Advanced Class. An evening when the very best images
from four previous rounds of competition fall under the eye of their assessor.
Paul O'Toole has been a regular visitor to the Society and has proved ever popular as both an entertaining and experienced judge. His constructive advice and clinical analysis was evident in his painstaking assessment of all images. Nevertheless, he certainly had a tough time assessing both categories in light of both the very wide range of subject matter and especially the very high quality of images. Final placements in both classes were as follows with highly commended images shown as HC.
Sussex Shield ( Development Class ) - 30 entries
1st place - Fighting the waves - by Terry Harrington
2nd place - Singapore skyline - by Chris Hall
3rd place - Traces - by Ben Cottingham
HC - Sunrise behind the church on the marsh - by Peter Nest
HC - Wren ( Troglodytes troglodytes ) - by Peter Nest
HC Into the mist at the Golden Gate - by Christine Puttock
Albert Hillman Cup ( Advanced Class ) - 49 entries
1st place - Iris detail - by Louise Pemberton
2nd place - The Harpist - by Bruce Broughton
3rd place - Lion hunting - by Paul Shilliam
HC Early morning fishing, Dubai - by Dave Brooker
HC - Focussed - by Bob Bell
HC Flamenco Dancer from smoke - by Marston Hart
Hailsham Photographic Society - Print Competition Round 4
Judge - Alan Lomakin CPAGB BPE4* AFIAP
This final round 4 of the Society's Print Competition attracted a large number of entries with 17 in the Development Class and 41 in the Advanced Class. Judge Alan Lomakin certainly had his work cut out in looking to select just 3 from the development section and 7 from the advanced class. He nonetheless approached his task with enthusiasm - affording ample time to each image, pointing out where and how images had successfully provided him with particular points of interest, impact and emotion. Alan was equally candid in pointing out those little things within other images which had detracted from its overall impact and would thus not be going forward. Holding back a number for further deliberation prior to making his final selection of those prints going forward into the Print Finals later in the year Alan's final choices were as follows.
Development Class - 17 entries
Bird on Feeder - by Brian Gell
Pond in the woods - by Ben Cottingham
Spitfire over Beachy Head - by Nicola Stone
Advanced Class - 41 entries
Reaching for life - by Cherry Larcombe
Whitby East lighthouse - by Dave Brooker
House of cards - by Denise Hart
Kori Bustard displaying - by Marston Hart
Orchid - by Dave Brooker
Elephants at waterhole - by Paul Shilliam
White City wanderers - by Chris Underhill
Congratulations to all of the above successful photographers.
Judge - Alan Lomakin CPAGB BPE4* AFIAP
This final round 4 of the Society's Print Competition attracted a large number of entries with 17 in the Development Class and 41 in the Advanced Class. Judge Alan Lomakin certainly had his work cut out in looking to select just 3 from the development section and 7 from the advanced class. He nonetheless approached his task with enthusiasm - affording ample time to each image, pointing out where and how images had successfully provided him with particular points of interest, impact and emotion. Alan was equally candid in pointing out those little things within other images which had detracted from its overall impact and would thus not be going forward. Holding back a number for further deliberation prior to making his final selection of those prints going forward into the Print Finals later in the year Alan's final choices were as follows.
Development Class - 17 entries
Bird on Feeder - by Brian Gell
Pond in the woods - by Ben Cottingham
Spitfire over Beachy Head - by Nicola Stone
Advanced Class - 41 entries
Reaching for life - by Cherry Larcombe
Whitby East lighthouse - by Dave Brooker
House of cards - by Denise Hart
Kori Bustard displaying - by Marston Hart
Orchid - by Dave Brooker
Elephants at waterhole - by Paul Shilliam
White City wanderers - by Chris Underhill
Congratulations to all of the above successful photographers.
Hailsham Photographic Society - Meeting 13th March
Projected Digital Images ( PDI ) Competition - Round 4
Judge - Ray Beckwith
The evening began with the news that the programmed judge had unfortunately not been able to make it and so a judge needed to be found asap from amongst HPS Members for this 4th round of the Projected Digital Images ( PDI ) competition. Step forward President Ray Beckwith who confirmed that he was willing to stand in at this last minute and, having confirmed that he had no entries in for judging himself, was happy to help out at such ( very ) short notice.
Ray's task was made all the more difficult, as he explained, by the fact that whilst all images are displayed anonymously for judging his inside knowledge of many of the Members individual styles and tastes meant that in many instances, he nevertheless had a reasonable idea of the photographer was whose image was displayed. Absolute objectivity was thus essential throughout together with an ability to fairly critique notwithstanding the sensitivities of commenting upon and judging the images of colleagues.
The task however was accomplished with aplomb with Ray providing extremely fair analysis, together with concise, clear comments and advice upon all images. Indeed, both in the Development Class ( 24 entries ) and Advanced Class ( 35 entries ) Ray found the overall quality of images such that he held many more back for further consideration before confessing that he found it extremely difficult to come to his final choices. Those images eventually chosen and now going through to the PDI finals are as follows.
Development Class
Sand and Seaweed -by Liz Cottingham
Tree in the car park - by Ben Cottingham
Tranquillity - by Chris Hall
Dahlia - by Elaine Rumary
Into the mist at the Golden Gate - by Christine Puttock
Advanced Class
Dunstanburgh morning - by Bob Bell
Sarah - by Carole Lewis
Through the buttercups - by Andrea Irvine
Focussed - by Bob Bell
Foxglove - by Marston Hart
Underground isolation - by Chris Underhill
Douro reflection - by Jack Taylor
Projected Digital Images ( PDI ) Competition - Round 4
Judge - Ray Beckwith
The evening began with the news that the programmed judge had unfortunately not been able to make it and so a judge needed to be found asap from amongst HPS Members for this 4th round of the Projected Digital Images ( PDI ) competition. Step forward President Ray Beckwith who confirmed that he was willing to stand in at this last minute and, having confirmed that he had no entries in for judging himself, was happy to help out at such ( very ) short notice.
Ray's task was made all the more difficult, as he explained, by the fact that whilst all images are displayed anonymously for judging his inside knowledge of many of the Members individual styles and tastes meant that in many instances, he nevertheless had a reasonable idea of the photographer was whose image was displayed. Absolute objectivity was thus essential throughout together with an ability to fairly critique notwithstanding the sensitivities of commenting upon and judging the images of colleagues.
The task however was accomplished with aplomb with Ray providing extremely fair analysis, together with concise, clear comments and advice upon all images. Indeed, both in the Development Class ( 24 entries ) and Advanced Class ( 35 entries ) Ray found the overall quality of images such that he held many more back for further consideration before confessing that he found it extremely difficult to come to his final choices. Those images eventually chosen and now going through to the PDI finals are as follows.
Development Class
Sand and Seaweed -by Liz Cottingham
Tree in the car park - by Ben Cottingham
Tranquillity - by Chris Hall
Dahlia - by Elaine Rumary
Into the mist at the Golden Gate - by Christine Puttock
Advanced Class
Dunstanburgh morning - by Bob Bell
Sarah - by Carole Lewis
Through the buttercups - by Andrea Irvine
Focussed - by Bob Bell
Foxglove - by Marston Hart
Underground isolation - by Chris Underhill
Douro reflection - by Jack Taylor
Colour show 2025 Report by Andrea Irvine
Hailsham Photographic Society hosted the annual Colour Show Friday 7th of March in the evening and Saturday afternoon and evening on the 8th March. The show was a great success presenting multiple Audio Visuals showcasing our members images and creativity. Within the show there was an introduction sequence by David Brooker who does the most incredible job producing the show, Natural History by Jean mills, a finale and a Charity sequence from our chosen charity the East Sussex Wildlife Rescue Ambulance Service showing the great work they do.
HPS held an AV competition on 3rd February (results below) which is then featured in the show, when presenting these Audio Visuals to the audience they could vote on their favourite with voting cards handed to them upon arrival. Jack Taylor won the audience over with his AV titled ‘Where have all the flowers gone’ this was a beautifully put together piece which really bought out emotions to all that watched. Congratulations Jack. Two additional sequences were also shown which due to covid were not presented previously ‘Victorian photography album’ by Richard Goldsmith and ‘In wonder of’ by Jack
Taylor.
During the interval we held a raffle which is always a great hit and made for an entertaining break with tea and coffee all round and prizes kindly donated by our members. Our MC for the showings was Ray Beckwith who did a great job keeping things fun with lots of laughter.
From the show we were able to donate £1000 to our charity deeming our fundraising successful. The East Sussex Wildlife Rescue Ambulance Service were in attendance with a
information stand and presented an insightful Sequence about the tough job they do for our wildlife.
Our annual Colour Show has been running for many years and would not be possible without all the members who contribute either by showcasing their work, presenting prints for our print display which runs alongside the show and of course all members who step up and volunteer for each position to allow for the smooth running of the show!
Special thanks to David Brooker our Producer, to Susan Trangmar with help from Daniel Trangmar for being our excellent new Coordinator. Thanks again to Ray Beckwith for being our MC, Jenifer George for looking after the ticket sales, Shaw Freeborn and his team for arranging the print display, Pam Maclay and Nicola Stone for the raffle, Diane Bickerstaff and Christine Puttock and their team for the all-important refreshments, David Phillips for the publicity and placing a number of A3 posters around the town, also a big thanks to Graham Wilkinson for arranging the placement of the A2 posters in A frames around the town.
Thanks to all the volunteers who formed the important welcoming team at the entrance, Bob Sherrard for setting up and taking down the screen and to Sally for all the help and support.
So much hard work goes into the show and the club works so hard to make sure it’s an enjoyable event.
Below you will find the results from the Audio-Visual competition, a total of thirteen entries from ten entrants including three new members. The Competition was judged by Philip Smithies of Tonbridge Camera Club.
The results were:
First place - Dumfries and Galloway by Dave Brooker
Second place - Inside the Arctic Circle by Richard Goldsmith
Third place - My Friend Mr Robin by James Verona
Highly Commended - The Threads That Bind Us by Susan Trangmar
Highly Commended - The Four Corners by Dave Brooker
Highly Commended - Everything and Nothing by Ben Cottingham
Best Soundtrack - Bonfire Night Fun by James Verona
Congratulations to you all
Hailsham Photographic Society hosted the annual Colour Show Friday 7th of March in the evening and Saturday afternoon and evening on the 8th March. The show was a great success presenting multiple Audio Visuals showcasing our members images and creativity. Within the show there was an introduction sequence by David Brooker who does the most incredible job producing the show, Natural History by Jean mills, a finale and a Charity sequence from our chosen charity the East Sussex Wildlife Rescue Ambulance Service showing the great work they do.
HPS held an AV competition on 3rd February (results below) which is then featured in the show, when presenting these Audio Visuals to the audience they could vote on their favourite with voting cards handed to them upon arrival. Jack Taylor won the audience over with his AV titled ‘Where have all the flowers gone’ this was a beautifully put together piece which really bought out emotions to all that watched. Congratulations Jack. Two additional sequences were also shown which due to covid were not presented previously ‘Victorian photography album’ by Richard Goldsmith and ‘In wonder of’ by Jack
Taylor.
During the interval we held a raffle which is always a great hit and made for an entertaining break with tea and coffee all round and prizes kindly donated by our members. Our MC for the showings was Ray Beckwith who did a great job keeping things fun with lots of laughter.
From the show we were able to donate £1000 to our charity deeming our fundraising successful. The East Sussex Wildlife Rescue Ambulance Service were in attendance with a
information stand and presented an insightful Sequence about the tough job they do for our wildlife.
Our annual Colour Show has been running for many years and would not be possible without all the members who contribute either by showcasing their work, presenting prints for our print display which runs alongside the show and of course all members who step up and volunteer for each position to allow for the smooth running of the show!
Special thanks to David Brooker our Producer, to Susan Trangmar with help from Daniel Trangmar for being our excellent new Coordinator. Thanks again to Ray Beckwith for being our MC, Jenifer George for looking after the ticket sales, Shaw Freeborn and his team for arranging the print display, Pam Maclay and Nicola Stone for the raffle, Diane Bickerstaff and Christine Puttock and their team for the all-important refreshments, David Phillips for the publicity and placing a number of A3 posters around the town, also a big thanks to Graham Wilkinson for arranging the placement of the A2 posters in A frames around the town.
Thanks to all the volunteers who formed the important welcoming team at the entrance, Bob Sherrard for setting up and taking down the screen and to Sally for all the help and support.
So much hard work goes into the show and the club works so hard to make sure it’s an enjoyable event.
Below you will find the results from the Audio-Visual competition, a total of thirteen entries from ten entrants including three new members. The Competition was judged by Philip Smithies of Tonbridge Camera Club.
The results were:
First place - Dumfries and Galloway by Dave Brooker
Second place - Inside the Arctic Circle by Richard Goldsmith
Third place - My Friend Mr Robin by James Verona
Highly Commended - The Threads That Bind Us by Susan Trangmar
Highly Commended - The Four Corners by Dave Brooker
Highly Commended - Everything and Nothing by Ben Cottingham
Best Soundtrack - Bonfire Night Fun by James Verona
Congratulations to you all
Hailsham Photographic Society - Meeting Thursday 27th February
Strong Trophy ( Panel Competition ) - Judge David Eastley LRPS
The Society's annual Panel Competition for the Strong Trophy requires entries of six images on any subject matter but where the required essential elements of cohesion and complimentarity display a sense of belonging and harmony between all images.
Sadly this was to be David Eastley's last visit to judge at Hailsham with him having taken the decision to retire from judging after some twenty years in the business .An extremely popular and experienced judge David was at great pains to emphasise just how impressed he was with the very high technical quality of all eleven panel entries. In providing his detailed assessment of each panel David confessed that with such a high standard on display he was having to be incredibly pernickety in order to move towards any final decision as to placements and commendations .
After further detailed comments, scutiny and assessment - searching for and pointing out the smallest of areas for improvement in those that were not selected, David's final choices were as follows..
1st Place - Sandstone landscapes - by Liz Scott
2nd Place - Grasses in the snow - by John Lewis
3rd Place - Still life with a hint of Art Deco - by Cherry Larcombe
Highly Commended - Street Art - by John Daley
Highly Commended - Garden Birds - by John Evans
Hailsham Photographic Society Meeting 20th February
"10 in 10 minutes - Stories behind the image " - Members presentations
In a change to the usual format for internal lectures, and following suggestions from the Members themselves, ten individuals had been invited to select and submit ten images for presentation and to then speak to each of their chosen photographs for about a minute. This was intended as a photographically themed but essentially fun event and where the story behind the image, rather than the image per se, was the real focus for the evening.
In what proved to be an immensely enjoyable and fascinating evening and indeed one where one learnt as much, if not more, about some of our Members as one did about the photography itself, a huge range of skills, interests, approaches and projects were uncovered. In what was an exceedingly honest and enlightening approach to their photography and photographic journey each presenter ( just about ) managed to keep to their allotted time - with the last arriving in the nick of time following a journey back from the Midlands via that largest of all UK car parks - the M25.
Presentations ranged from, and explained in detail, the approaches to capturing each of the displayed images, from the comedic through the creative and indeed also the "cock up" - together with personal stories of particular quests and projects, frustrations, achievements and successes. Huge thanks go to Ray Beckwith as Programme Officer for organizing and compering the event and to Mike Hammerton for projection on the night.
Particular congratulations to all of those presenting their personal photographic stories ... Wendy and Colin Chrismas, Andrea Irvine, Mike Powell, Andrew Burns, Chris Underhill, Jonathan Close, David Phillips and Daniel Trangmar.
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.