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28th March 2009
He gave us eyes to see them and lips that we might tell.
- News and views by Christine Hodgson
I recently attended our local Mothering Sunday church service and heartily sang along with the Brownies, the hymn 'All Things Bright and Beautiful'. This took me right back to my infant school days, but also felt pertinent to today, as we go about our lives and more particularly, with oour picture taking. Whatever your views aboiut the 'Maker', most of us do have the eyes to see all the beauty around us, but also to view the sadness, poverty or difficulties of oour world, and perhaps our cameras can be the way we 'tell what we see'. The seeing bit seems to me the crucial part of capturing what we want to record in the way we want to tell the story.
How often I've said, 'I didn't see that picture' when seeing someone elses snap, or'I would never have thought of recording that in such a way that gives it more impact'. I guess we all go through this in our photography journey, and as well as our own 'trying new things out', the experiences of others can be invaluable in opening our eyes to help us see things in a more enhancing light or in a different way.
Anne Grienercame down from Dunfries to pay us a visit this month, and among her pictures revealed some interesting aspects of Georgia, a country probably not many have had the opportunity to visit, or even know much about. Tony joined Anne in reminiscing about their experiences in Georgia and left an impression of a country that has a lot to entice photographers, given as they are currently planning a third, or in some cases fourth return trip. During the evening, Anne went on to describe her own progression and growth through photography, and coupled with her competitiveness, she can now cope with taking people face forward, rather than back views only.
Accompanying Anne was Rod Wheelans. Tony used the opportunity to present Rod with the John Thorpe Award from the Great British Small Print Circuit. This award is given in memory of John, to a photographer who is a member of the Northern Counties Federation, and who was most successful overall with their entries to the circuit.Congratulations to Rod
The Great British Small Print Circuit has proven to be very popular and successful, and a number of complimentary comments have come from exhibitors. One such comment came via email from Derek McGinn,President of the Inverness Camera Club. He wrote:
- "Just a brief note to thank everyone who made this event possible, for a stimulating, and for me, new experience. Every aspect of the event seemed to work so smoothly. It must have meant a lot of hard work for all the clubs, judges, and organisers. The website was excellent in providing prompt feedback to a tight timetable. Inverness Camera Club members were encouraged to enter their work by John Ross, our vice president, and all are delighted to have had so much of their work acceoted. For several, including myself, this was the first foray into such an event, and for so many of us to have had the various degrees of success we did, is most encouraging for the club. Very best wishes for future endeavours.
And thank you Derek for your encouraging sentiments.
Sunday 15 March saw a West Cumbrian trio heading for the NCPF Annual General Meeting. Not my cup of tea usually, (especially on a sunny spring-like day), but it was interesting to meet folks there and get a sense of how it all works. The meeting concluded with the federation being thanked and informed of who were the recipients of the ribbons donated to the GBSPC and then Tony throwing in an idea about the nature of the AGM andhow it might be invigorated to attract other members to attend. Jane Black did explain that this has been discussed at length, and that the committee would welcome any suggestions from members. Ian Woodley is taking over as secretary, and is very happy to hear from anybody regarding suggestions or indeed any federation matters. Ian has offered his email address as contact:
ian.woodley@talktalk.net
14th March
FOOTIE OR FOTOGRAPHY?
- News and views by Christine Hodgson
Interclub Competition Update:-
The group has had a very busy start to the year with entries for competitions, exhibitions and not least our first Great British Small Print Circuit, the initial round of which was held here in West Cumbria.
Despite all this added activity, the lead person of each section of the PSA Interclub Competition has been asked to submit a synopsis of WCPG's position in the interclub competition.
So where are we positioned and how are we doing currently?
David Stephenson goes first as he chose to phone in with his summary and because I'm not yet completely converted to the advantages of computerism, and have a hard, if somewhat scribbled copy from which to transcribe. It's OK and suits me well!!
He reports that last year we acheived second place in D division of the I.C.I.C. section and as the top three scorers in this division gain promotion, we are now up into the C division and are lying joint second. If I start mentioning strikers and goalies, you know I have slipped into football speak, not that I know anything about footie, (Give me tennis any day) but I'm sure it wouldn't stop me!
Also whilst in 'D', three of our members were given 'Images of the Year' awards.These are Bill Herbert with Harbor Storm, Les Ayres with Spirit of Winter, and David himself with Dubmill Point Waves.
Graeme Webb, computer wizard extroadinaire, as expected, responds quickly and via email with the current standings of the I.C.P.C.
Info at your fingertips, think I could learn a thing or two here!
After 3 of the 4 rounds so far, WCPG are in
3rd position for Mono (out of 5 clubs)
5th position for Color(out of 10 clubs)
3rd position for Creative(out of 7 clubs)
Graeme informs us that 6 awards have been gained - 1 first place, 2 second places, 1 third place, and 2 honorable mentions. Thanks Graeme, apologies for teasing, am only jealous of your computer skills!
Word came through from our rising star Bas Montgomery. This lad is doing ever so well. Bas leads the Interclub Creative Section for us. 2009 is the second tear the CPID divisio has run an Interclub Creative Section and the first year our group has entered along with 26 other clubs.
After the first round in January, we are lying 3rd. Bob Hodgson's picture 'Fun at the Fair' and Bill Herberts 'And for my Next Trick' got well deserved Honorable Mentions. The rest of the scores being also very good. The next round is this month with the final round in May. Any images awarded HM's in the 3 rounds will be shown at the PSA conference, held in September, at Yellowstone.
The Travel section is led by Pax Garabedian. Six members entered pictures, scoring well and ending with a total score of 71 points. John Williams came second and received a perfect score of 15 with 'Two String Fiddlers', and Les Ayres received an HM for his picture 'Early Sun Bryce Canyon'. We understand the top club scores are in the 70's but haven't a precise position available.
Further section reports to come!
New Face
A warm welcome to Rosie Mathison, new member of our group who joined us recently at Camerton. We hope you enjoy being with us.
AND FINALLY
after all the fun/hard work, here are the West Cumbria Photo Group Members Awards from the Great British Small Print Circuit:-
Graeme Webb gained 2 FIAP Gold medals, 3 HM's, and the NCPF Ribbon for the top color exhibitor.
David Stephenson gained 2 FIAP Ribbons, and 2 HM's.
Jan Dockwray gained a Judges Award and a Jessops Special Award.
Tony Potter gained a Judges Award and 2 HM's.
Bas Montgomery gained 2 HM's.
HM's were also awarded to Les Ayres, Helen Herbert, Bob Hodgson, Christine Hodgson, and Kate Willmer.
Very well done to everyone for their contributions and achievements, but most of all to wish you well and hope you continue to get out there and enjoy your picture taking.