And Light is Everything.

My ears pricked up when a discusion on the radio between a couple of photo journalists began to describe the technicalities needed when taking pictures in some very chalenging/unusual situations. The household chores ground to a halt while I listened more closely (Ignore the household chores bit if it's too painful a concept) and the remark 'llight is everything' got me thinking of how important light is in photography. Often the difference between a great landscape shot and a flat/ordinary picture is how the light is at the time. As we know, getting up early to capture the daawn light or staying out in the evenng for that gentle glow can reap enormous rewards, adding it's own magic of atmosphere and mood to a shot. We regularly use Photoshop tools to improve our pictures to highlight features not so well defined, and conversely darken down glarey or somewhat burnt out areas. The light coming through at certain points onto an image can trasnform a previously ordinary picture, for example, when it highlights a tree or the side of a buiding. I needn't go on, you all know loads more than me about how to use light to your advantage. Perhaps it's time to stop ponificating to the converted and get out and practise!

Awards

A hearty congratulations to Tony Potter on being awarded a PAGB ribbon from the annual print competition for his picture 'YOU'.

And again to Bill Stephens for getting a FIAP silver medal in the experimental section in the 10^th Certamen Photographic Internacional Majorca, for his picture '3 Boats At Rest'.

Meeting

Yours truly wasn't able to be at the last supper meeting (that is the last meeting, not the last supper) because of grandma duties, but I understand it was a lively evening with lots of comments and exchanges of views. Christine Widdall (accompanied by husband John) shared with the group a wide variety of pictures, from landscape to contemporary studies.Her individual approach came over in all her pictures and she was full of stories of when, where and how the pictures had been both taken and produced. A series of stiunning pictures and it was another of those meetings when the enjoyment of the event was evident from all. Unfortunately on their way home, Christine slipped and fell in the service station car park. She was sent to Kendal hospital for a check up, and they eventually got home sometime after 3am. Jihn tells us that Christine was bruised but fine. After such a great evening we are sorry that had to happen and ssend our thanks to both of them for coming to be with us, whilst extending a heaty invitation to join us again, but without stopping at the service station next time.

Tony's Tip of the Week

Camera needing cleaned or serviced?

Tony came across a company in Glasgow called AJ Johnstone, 'Photographic Engineers', whose premesis are diectly across the road from the Central Station in Central Chambers on Hope Street. Sounds good so far After making a telephone call (presumably to AJ Johnstone and not the bookies) he tookthe train from Carlisle to Glasgow. They had a look at the camera and promised to have it done and cleaned within the hour. true to their word it was ready after the said time and a very good job had been done at a reasonable charge of £32 plus VAT. The whole round trip Carlisle to Carlisle plus lunch in Glasgow took less than three and a half hours and no posting or packaging to be bothered with.

His Recommendations

First Great British Small Print Circuit (GBSPC) Catalog.

Wade Clutton from the PSA sent a very complimentary email congratulating those involved with putting together the caalog from the circuit. Outstanding and Excellent were his words. To quote him further, 'To have a print entry of about 525 in color, 400 in monochrome, 250 in nature and 250 in travel says at least 2 things: the concept of no-return small print entry exhibition is meeting an unmet and perhaps unknown need and that the exhibition must have been marketed reallt well. The huge entry was not only from Britain but succeeded in reaching the world.' He goes on to say the catalog is world quality and how impressed he has been with the selection of judges. He feels the acceptance rates were such that exhibitions should be encouraged next time. Good encouraging stuff, thank you Wade for that feedback.

WCPG Members Who's Who

Helen Herbert FRPS AFIAP:Helen has been a member of the group since it's inception around 10 years ago, and for the last 9 years has been the treasurer. She also has a very practical role, when she has a hugely important part to play in making sure the pie and peas are organised on supper eveings! During the last year, like many other volunteer members of the group, she has with the work involved in the newly started GBSPC.

Not only that, she takes some very good pictures.

Her interest in photography began some years ago, (some coyness when trying to determiine exactly how many years) when she was given a Canon A1 from hubbie as a chritmas pressie. She joined a camera club, learned how to use it and started entering competitions. Her interest and skills grew and with encouragement she applied for and gained a Licentiate with the RPS in 1985, and an Associate in 1986. She gained her Fellowship in 1992 with a project entitled 'The Seventh Age of Man' The biggest thrill for her came from winning 'Photographer of the Year' award in1987 for the then SLR magazine, for which she was presented with Hassleblad equipment in London. Like many others she has conquered the transition to digital photography, producing some really good images and continues to be a full, active and supportive member of the group, whilst also having the onerous task of eliciting coffee monies out of the rest of us! Sorry Helen, we should pay up without you having to threaten us!!

Her postscript is: One of the greatest pleasures she has derived from photography is being fotunate to meet so many nice people and enjiy their camaraderie and friendship.