News 2025/2026
Hailsham Photographic Society - Meeting Thursday 11th December
Stafford Trophy for Monochrome Prints
Judge - David Smith - LRPS CPAGB
The Society's annual Stafford Trophy for judging the best Monochrome Print was certainly not an easy task for judge David Smith - indeed, in spite of the title of the competition, it proved to be far from a black and white decision. David's sincere, careful, and considered critique of each Print was evident - as indeed was his thoughtfulness for the photographer in the delivery of his various comments and advice. Showing considerable dedication to the task in hand, David held no less than 21 of the 71 Print entries for further detailed consideration before deciding upon his final placements and commendations - Highly commended ( HC ).
1st place - Rock life - by Liz Scott
2nd place - Stillness in white - by Cherry Larcombe
3rd place - Trees in the snow - by Carole Lewis
HC Windswept tree, Dinorwic - by David Mills
HC Dance of the zebras - by Marston Hart
HC Falls at Cwmorthin - by David Mills
HC Early morning mist - by David Mills
Congratulations to everyone for entering their images in such a wonderful selection of high-quality Prints, with special mentions to those who achieved placements and commendations. Selected images can be viewed on the Society's website at www.hailshamphotographicsociety.co.uk
Hailsham Photographic Society - Meeting 27th November
Print Competition - Round 2.
Judge Malcolm Bull : Steyning Camera Club.
Visiting judge was Malcolm Bull from the Steyning Camera Club. His relaxed style and gentle humour - facilitating interaction with his audience, made for an enjoyable and interesting evening. Malcolm's carefully considered views and suggestions on each displayed Print offered both advice and support to the photographer whilst holding back many images for his further scrutiny and deliberation. His final choices of prints going forward to the finals later in the New Year were as follows.
Development Class - Keith Donald Shield ( 13 entries )
Attitude - by John Daly
Creeping thistle - by John Daly
Reflections - by Nicola Stone
Advanced Class - Founder's Cup ( 43 entries )
Where the Mountains breathe cold - by Piers Hamilton
Wren collecting moss for his nest - by Phil Lavender
Tree Impressions - by Liz Scott
The Art Critic - by Jack Taylor
Oriental whisper - by Cherry Larcombe
Go away birds - by Paul Shilliam
Rhino bond - by Marston Hart
Print Competition - Round 2.
Judge Malcolm Bull : Steyning Camera Club.
Visiting judge was Malcolm Bull from the Steyning Camera Club. His relaxed style and gentle humour - facilitating interaction with his audience, made for an enjoyable and interesting evening. Malcolm's carefully considered views and suggestions on each displayed Print offered both advice and support to the photographer whilst holding back many images for his further scrutiny and deliberation. His final choices of prints going forward to the finals later in the New Year were as follows.
Development Class - Keith Donald Shield ( 13 entries )
Attitude - by John Daly
Creeping thistle - by John Daly
Reflections - by Nicola Stone
Advanced Class - Founder's Cup ( 43 entries )
Where the Mountains breathe cold - by Piers Hamilton
Wren collecting moss for his nest - by Phil Lavender
Tree Impressions - by Liz Scott
The Art Critic - by Jack Taylor
Oriental whisper - by Cherry Larcombe
Go away birds - by Paul Shilliam
Rhino bond - by Marston Hart
Hailsham Photographic Society - Meeting 20th November
Print and PDI Battle v Seven Sisters Camera Club : Judge Ken Woods
As keenly contested as any Ashes Test, Hailsham's regular Print and Projected Digital Image " head to head " with Seven Sisters Camera Club always makes for an enjoyable and exciting evening. The competition requires each club to submit a total of 12 Prints and twelve Projected Digital Images ( PDI's ) with each image being assessed and scored out of a possible 20 marks.As the Independent judge for the night, Ken Woods easy going style and sense of humour was well received by all present albeit many were still showing their competitive edge by trying to keep a running total of all scores as the evening progressed ! Ken's comments and advice on each of the submitted entries were also well directed, holding back a number for more detailed thought prior to awarding final scores to each. Throughout the whole exercise he was of course unaware which of the two Clubs had entered any particular image.
Within the Print Section Seven Sisters scored a total of 211 to Hailsham's 208 whereas the PDI Section favoured the home team with Hailsham scoring 217 to Seven Sisters 209 thus giving a narrow overall victory to Hailsham with 425 points to Seven Sisters 420 points.
Congratulations to everyone whose images were chosen to represent their Club. Special mentions to those whose photographs achieved maximum ( 20 ) marks from the judge - David Hammond and Giles Smith from Seven Sisters; Bob Bell and Paul Shilliam from Hailsham.
Print and PDI Battle v Seven Sisters Camera Club : Judge Ken Woods
As keenly contested as any Ashes Test, Hailsham's regular Print and Projected Digital Image " head to head " with Seven Sisters Camera Club always makes for an enjoyable and exciting evening. The competition requires each club to submit a total of 12 Prints and twelve Projected Digital Images ( PDI's ) with each image being assessed and scored out of a possible 20 marks.As the Independent judge for the night, Ken Woods easy going style and sense of humour was well received by all present albeit many were still showing their competitive edge by trying to keep a running total of all scores as the evening progressed ! Ken's comments and advice on each of the submitted entries were also well directed, holding back a number for more detailed thought prior to awarding final scores to each. Throughout the whole exercise he was of course unaware which of the two Clubs had entered any particular image.
Within the Print Section Seven Sisters scored a total of 211 to Hailsham's 208 whereas the PDI Section favoured the home team with Hailsham scoring 217 to Seven Sisters 209 thus giving a narrow overall victory to Hailsham with 425 points to Seven Sisters 420 points.
Congratulations to everyone whose images were chosen to represent their Club. Special mentions to those whose photographs achieved maximum ( 20 ) marks from the judge - David Hammond and Giles Smith from Seven Sisters; Bob Bell and Paul Shilliam from Hailsham.
Hailsham Photographic Society - Meeting Thursday 13th November
Projected Digital Images ( PDI ) Competition Round 2
Judge - Lawrence Holmwood EFIAP BPE2 CPAGB
As a regular visitor to the Society and an extremely experienced judge Lawrence had the monumental task of critiquing almost 100 entries - 33 in the Development Class and 60 in the Advanced Class.His enthusiasm for,and application to assessing every image and offering advice, recommendations and suggestions on each was evident throughout. Emphasising the very high quality of entries in both classes and holding a number back prior to making his final selection Lawrence was especially pleased to see a wide range of genres featured in his choices of those going through to the PDI finals.
Sussex Shield ( Development Class ) 33 entries
Ships on the horizon - by Chris Hall
The Undertaker - by Steve Grace
The Passion in glass - by James Verona
Health and Safety - by Richard Moon
Lets dance - by Paul Dryer
Lest we forget - by James Verona
Albert Hillman Cup ( Advanced Class ) 60 entries
Rutting season - by Richard Goldsmith
Porecelain fungus - by Ray Beckwith
Preparing to dive - by Alan Coole
Fuschia - by Louise Pemberton
Kyle of Durness, Scotland - by Dave Brooker
From life we take - by Piers Hamilton
A proper mouthful - by Bob Bell
Decanter - by Wendy Chrismas
Congratulations to everyone who entered their images to make for a thoroughly interesting and entertaining evening.
Hailsham Photographic Society - Meeting 30th October.
Landscape Competition - Judge Caroline Preece LRPS
An ever popular subject, the Society's Landscape Competition attracted some 23 entries as prints and an impressive 38 as Projected Digital Images ( PDI's ). As judge for the evening Caroline emphasised the role of photography as a means of " communication without words" and explained her approach to judging in terms of how seeing how successsfully an image could convey not merely what something looked like but how it felt - through it's portrayal of mood, atmosphere and emotion. Providing an informative and detailed analysis of each image Caroline held a number of images back for further consideration before making her final selections.
Print Competition results
HC Wanderers in the Wildwood : by Cherry Larcombe
HC Mist rising over barley fields : by Cherry Larcombe
3rd Quiet Dusk - Lake Iseo : by Piers Hamilton
2nd Tree at Mammoth Springs : by John Lewis
1st The last Forest : by Piers Hamilton
PDI Competition results
HC Sheep may graze safely : by Wendy Chrismas
HC Cattle in the morning mist : by Phil Lancaster
HC Old barn - Dumfries and Galloway : by Dave Brooker
3rd Reflections on Elterwater : by Peter Nest
2nd Approaching storm : by Jonathan Close
1st Moisture and rocks : by Richard Moon
Congratulations to everyone who entered images and especially to those who gained placements or commendations.
Landscape Competition - Judge Caroline Preece LRPS
An ever popular subject, the Society's Landscape Competition attracted some 23 entries as prints and an impressive 38 as Projected Digital Images ( PDI's ). As judge for the evening Caroline emphasised the role of photography as a means of " communication without words" and explained her approach to judging in terms of how seeing how successsfully an image could convey not merely what something looked like but how it felt - through it's portrayal of mood, atmosphere and emotion. Providing an informative and detailed analysis of each image Caroline held a number of images back for further consideration before making her final selections.
Print Competition results
HC Wanderers in the Wildwood : by Cherry Larcombe
HC Mist rising over barley fields : by Cherry Larcombe
3rd Quiet Dusk - Lake Iseo : by Piers Hamilton
2nd Tree at Mammoth Springs : by John Lewis
1st The last Forest : by Piers Hamilton
PDI Competition results
HC Sheep may graze safely : by Wendy Chrismas
HC Cattle in the morning mist : by Phil Lancaster
HC Old barn - Dumfries and Galloway : by Dave Brooker
3rd Reflections on Elterwater : by Peter Nest
2nd Approaching storm : by Jonathan Close
1st Moisture and rocks : by Richard Moon
Congratulations to everyone who entered images and especially to those who gained placements or commendations.
Hailsham Photographic Society - Meeting 25th September
"The Wonder of Woodland- bringing order to the chaos" - presenter Jamie Fielding
Jamie began his presentation by confirming that he was self-taught and certainly not, in his own words any self confessed "camera geek".However, particularly during the pandemic he had determined to develop his photography to high standard.His images have won prizes and commendations in many competitions including UK landscape photo of the year, in Astro photography, with the Sussex Wildlife Trust and with the South Downs National Park ( people's choice winner ). The first part of Jamie's presentation was by way of a portfolio of his work, delighting his audience with many stunning photographs showcasing his favourite locations. Based in Angmering, West Sussex many of his eyecatching and award winning images were from places as familiar as Cissbury and Chanctonbury Ring, Corfe Castle,and Durdle Door.
Within part two Jamie's focus was determinedly on the title of his presentation. Using yet more beautiful images to provide advice, tips and encouragement to get the very best from woodland photography throughout the four seasons. Particular emphasis was given to pre planning, location selection,composition and especially the use of fog and mist to convey mood - and to the use of "Komorebi" ( filtered sunlight through trees) to deliver best results. Exhorting all to occasionally make those very early starts to make the best of the light Jamie's images more than proved that particular point.His enthusiasm for the natural world and its undoubted benefits to our wellbeing shone throughout - as did his love of foggy and misty conditions to deliver feeling, emotion and mystery to his images.. A wonderful evening and an encoragement to everyone to get out in the woods. More info.at https://www.jamiefieldingphotography.com/
"The Wonder of Woodland- bringing order to the chaos" - presenter Jamie Fielding
Jamie began his presentation by confirming that he was self-taught and certainly not, in his own words any self confessed "camera geek".However, particularly during the pandemic he had determined to develop his photography to high standard.His images have won prizes and commendations in many competitions including UK landscape photo of the year, in Astro photography, with the Sussex Wildlife Trust and with the South Downs National Park ( people's choice winner ). The first part of Jamie's presentation was by way of a portfolio of his work, delighting his audience with many stunning photographs showcasing his favourite locations. Based in Angmering, West Sussex many of his eyecatching and award winning images were from places as familiar as Cissbury and Chanctonbury Ring, Corfe Castle,and Durdle Door.
Within part two Jamie's focus was determinedly on the title of his presentation. Using yet more beautiful images to provide advice, tips and encouragement to get the very best from woodland photography throughout the four seasons. Particular emphasis was given to pre planning, location selection,composition and especially the use of fog and mist to convey mood - and to the use of "Komorebi" ( filtered sunlight through trees) to deliver best results. Exhorting all to occasionally make those very early starts to make the best of the light Jamie's images more than proved that particular point.His enthusiasm for the natural world and its undoubted benefits to our wellbeing shone throughout - as did his love of foggy and misty conditions to deliver feeling, emotion and mystery to his images.. A wonderful evening and an encoragement to everyone to get out in the woods. More info.at https://www.jamiefieldingphotography.com/
Hailsham Photographic Society - Meeting 18th September
Projected Digital Images ( PDI ) Competition Round 1
Judge : Paul Parkinson ARPS CPAGB BPE3
With an impressive number of entries to judge Paul's task was never going to be easy.However his dry sense of humour and easy-going nature ( plus the occasional self deprecating comments about judges in general ) made for a very enjoyable evening. Showing himself to be as supportive of a large "crop" as many farmers, his comments, advice and suggestions on each image were both concise and extremely helpful.Paul's final selection of images to go through to the PDI Finals were ...
Sussex Shield ( Development Class ) - 24 entries
Farmers Gold - by James Verona
Greylag goose - by Paul Dryer
Hoi An street vendor - by Steve Grace
Beach Art - by Ben Cottingham
Albert Hillman Cup ( Advanced Class ) - 48 entries
Kid's attitude - by Carole Lewis
Through a window - by Jack Taylor
How long have you been waiting? - by Roy Broad
Tube travellers - by Chris Underhil
Short eared owl flypast - by Bob Bell
Now open wide please - by Nick Ryan
Nigella and clover in blue vase - by Cherry Larcombe
Congratulations to everyone who entered their photographs for the competition.
To view the images please head to the PDI 2025/2026 results via the button below
Projected Digital Images ( PDI ) Competition Round 1
Judge : Paul Parkinson ARPS CPAGB BPE3
With an impressive number of entries to judge Paul's task was never going to be easy.However his dry sense of humour and easy-going nature ( plus the occasional self deprecating comments about judges in general ) made for a very enjoyable evening. Showing himself to be as supportive of a large "crop" as many farmers, his comments, advice and suggestions on each image were both concise and extremely helpful.Paul's final selection of images to go through to the PDI Finals were ...
Sussex Shield ( Development Class ) - 24 entries
Farmers Gold - by James Verona
Greylag goose - by Paul Dryer
Hoi An street vendor - by Steve Grace
Beach Art - by Ben Cottingham
Albert Hillman Cup ( Advanced Class ) - 48 entries
Kid's attitude - by Carole Lewis
Through a window - by Jack Taylor
How long have you been waiting? - by Roy Broad
Tube travellers - by Chris Underhil
Short eared owl flypast - by Bob Bell
Now open wide please - by Nick Ryan
Nigella and clover in blue vase - by Cherry Larcombe
Congratulations to everyone who entered their photographs for the competition.
To view the images please head to the PDI 2025/2026 results via the button below
Hailsham Photographic Society - meeting 11th September
Through the eyes of Wildlife : capturing connection and character. Presenter Corinne Pardey
In what was a late departure from the published programme of speakers Corinne's presentation on wildlife photography was an absolute delight. Her unbridled enthusiasm and passion shone throughout as did knowledge of her subject. Illustrated with many wonderful images she regaled members with the stories behind them adding additional information about the behaviours and characteristics of her various subjects. With a degree in conservation and a background of having worked for the RSPB it was evident that she was both well placed and comfortably in her element when out taking photographs of wild creatures.
Corinne's view of the importance of wildlife photography in helping re connect people with nature and the natural environment, and the reliance that we all have on the natural world for both our physical and mental wellbeing was a message that came across strongly. As an individual it seemed she was never happier than when out in the natural world, eye level in the mud with her chosen subject. No discomfort, not even 4.30 am starts, seemed too great in her endeavours to secure her photographic goals.This was ably illustrated by images of a number of key UK wildlife sites and their inhabitants, conveying connection and character with the animals and birds the subject of her photography.
Emphasising the importance of developing key skills to enable one to be in a position to anticipate rather than merely react to a situation was a key part of her success. Now running a number of popular photography workshops based at the UK Owl and Raptor Centre Corinne concluded with her five top tips for successful wildlife photography -
1.Ensuring that the welfare of the wildlife comes first
2. Developing knowledge of your subject
3. Development of fieldcraft and field skills
4. to generally aim to shoot at eye level
5. thinking about composition.
More Information at https://www.corinnepardeyphotography.com/
Hailsham Photographic Society
Chairman's meeting - 4th September . " The Chairman entertains "
Chairman Bruce Broughton began the evening with a warm welcome to all Members and especially to those members new to the Society. The format for what was essentially an informal and social meeting to start the season consisted of presentations from three of the club's longstanding Members - Liz Scott, Dave Brooker and Paul Shilliam.
Liz provided a memorable and fitting tribute to the photography of her late husband Roger through the display of a number of his prints. Each had it's own backstory of places visited together, early sunrises, misty mornings, photographic goals and techniques. Whilst described by her perhaps principally as a landscape photographer Roger's particular sense of humour and love of the surreal in his photography provided Members ( and in Liz's own words occasionally the judges ) with an undoubted element of mischief,humour and head scratching in addition to a wide variety of excellent photographs . The " head scratching " element not only through the images themselves but also through the frequent insertion of surrealistic forms and elements and in some instances from the titles Roger gave them. A wonderful reminder of a talented photographer who was never afraid to try something different irrespective of what the judges might think.
Dave Brooker's talk took Member's on a journey around the M25 - often vilified as Europe's biggest car park.
He had logically concluded that many will have spent unhappy hours stuck in traffic on London;s orbital nightmare and as a professional cartographer considered mapping the many sites visible from the motorway itself. He had therfore designed a fold out, illustrated version with images available from key M 25 junctions. His quest was to then visit some of these distant landmarks, to explore them in more detail before inserting images and information about them into his fold out map. Fate,allegedly largely in the inappropriate timing of publicity surrounding publication of this map, unfortunately had meant that Dave did not become a millionaire overnight through sales of this somewhat niche publication although his idea and the presentation of it was indeed both novel and entertaining.
Paul Shilliam's talk was on the subject of photographic accreditations, carefully taking Members through the number of photographic bodies who award these accreditations and the various processes and means of obtaining them. In detailing his own photographic journey in acheiving these Paul encouraged Members to embark on a similar path for a number of reasons. Principally because this would make one a better photographer, not merely in the production of images but in developing their thinking about matters such as printing, mounting , locations and pre planning. In many instances aiming for a particular accreditation also helps provide a clear focus and objective to one's photography.Paul concluded by detailing the wealth of support available on the internet , through mentoring by judges or simply by experiencing how images and panels were assessed - concluding by emphasising that many of the Society's own accredited members would be more than happy to support others through the process.
David
Publicity Officer HPS
Chairman's meeting - 4th September . " The Chairman entertains "
Chairman Bruce Broughton began the evening with a warm welcome to all Members and especially to those members new to the Society. The format for what was essentially an informal and social meeting to start the season consisted of presentations from three of the club's longstanding Members - Liz Scott, Dave Brooker and Paul Shilliam.
Liz provided a memorable and fitting tribute to the photography of her late husband Roger through the display of a number of his prints. Each had it's own backstory of places visited together, early sunrises, misty mornings, photographic goals and techniques. Whilst described by her perhaps principally as a landscape photographer Roger's particular sense of humour and love of the surreal in his photography provided Members ( and in Liz's own words occasionally the judges ) with an undoubted element of mischief,humour and head scratching in addition to a wide variety of excellent photographs . The " head scratching " element not only through the images themselves but also through the frequent insertion of surrealistic forms and elements and in some instances from the titles Roger gave them. A wonderful reminder of a talented photographer who was never afraid to try something different irrespective of what the judges might think.
Dave Brooker's talk took Member's on a journey around the M25 - often vilified as Europe's biggest car park.
He had logically concluded that many will have spent unhappy hours stuck in traffic on London;s orbital nightmare and as a professional cartographer considered mapping the many sites visible from the motorway itself. He had therfore designed a fold out, illustrated version with images available from key M 25 junctions. His quest was to then visit some of these distant landmarks, to explore them in more detail before inserting images and information about them into his fold out map. Fate,allegedly largely in the inappropriate timing of publicity surrounding publication of this map, unfortunately had meant that Dave did not become a millionaire overnight through sales of this somewhat niche publication although his idea and the presentation of it was indeed both novel and entertaining.
Paul Shilliam's talk was on the subject of photographic accreditations, carefully taking Members through the number of photographic bodies who award these accreditations and the various processes and means of obtaining them. In detailing his own photographic journey in acheiving these Paul encouraged Members to embark on a similar path for a number of reasons. Principally because this would make one a better photographer, not merely in the production of images but in developing their thinking about matters such as printing, mounting , locations and pre planning. In many instances aiming for a particular accreditation also helps provide a clear focus and objective to one's photography.Paul concluded by detailing the wealth of support available on the internet , through mentoring by judges or simply by experiencing how images and panels were assessed - concluding by emphasising that many of the Society's own accredited members would be more than happy to support others through the process.
David
Publicity Officer HPS