MALMO

Malmo results becoming available: so far word has reached us that Keith Greggain and Kate Willmer have each had an acceptance for this exhibition, with Graeme (on a roller) Webb getting a FIAP Silver Medal. Well done and keep them coming.

______________________________________________________________________________________________ 29th September

A 'Bird's' Eye View

News and Views by Christine Hodgson

Potter WOWS America

Date: September 2008 Venue: Marriot Hotel, Downtown, Portland, Oregon Event: PSA Confeerence
Intrepid traveller, venerable photographer and our very own Tony Potter was received with great acclaim on his recent visit to the PSA conference, held this year in the state of Oregon.

Portland has never, I'm sure, seen the like of it before. Word quickly spread that Potter was in town and apart from the lack of red carpet, one might have been mistaken in thinking that royalty or at least a Coronation Street star was around. It seemed that everyone wanted to shake hands, say Hi, or to Tony's great pleasure, give him a hug.

A warm welcome indeed.

Tony aside, the organization of this conferennce was first rate, congratulations to all involved, sessions regularly started in the early morning, and continued throughout the day, offering a huge range of topics of interest, making the choices of what to attend difficult at times. The programme included exhibitions, workshops, film slide shows and presentations, 50 presenters in all.

New attenders at the conference had their own welcoming session which was a useful time to find out who's who, ask questions etc. but also valuable to realise how many newcomers there were, which hadn't been initially obvious due to the number of delegates present, in spite of sporting a brightly colored first timer label around the neck.

Guess it was preferable to being labelled an old timer!

West Cumbria Photo Group was well represented photographically, and made us proud when we saw our group's images up on the screen or on display, Tony getting quite excited each time it happened, almost to the point of needing a rescue remedy.

Whilst there, Tony was presented with his PPSA, a well deserved award and the result of hard work, many submissions, grasping at stars and some added grit and determination such as you would expect from this Lancashire lad. An example to us all!

______________________________________________________________________________________________ 21st September

IN FOCUS

A fish and chip supper may have been the temptation which led to the recent visit from Hunter Kennedy of Carluke to the group. After this Northern delicacy, Hunter provided those present with the opportunity to see some first class prints and to hear from him about his inspiration for particular pictures. He presented a diverse selection of pictures, each with their own appeal and quality, which included some very beautiful and moody landscapes. At the same time, he shared with us,the techniques and tools he used to improve the finished print, and particularly captured our interest when showing his use of the Irene Froy method to enhance/soften images. His talk was very informative and I think inspiring to many who will go on to try some of the things he described. Hunter's easy manner, spiced with humour and a fair smattering of Scottish wit, made the evening a very enjoyable one. Thank you very much Hunter, and long may Hadrian's wall remain down!

RECENT SUCCESSES

Odlot 2008

Exhibition results revealed more success for Bas Montgomery, having gained three acceptances with his pictures "Running Late", "Escape" and "Coming up for Air". Well done Bas.

Buenos Aires, 62nd Exhibition

Kieth Greggain's "Flamenco Dancers" gained him two acceptances, Chris Hodgson got acceptances with "Single Tree" and "Evening in Havana". Kate Willmer achieved a Silver Medal for her picture "Reeds", and Graeme Webb gained an acceptance for "Balcony Life" and an Honorable Mention for his picture "Jetty". Congratulations to Kate and Graeme, and well done everybody.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST

WCPG would like to extend a warm welcome to our newest member, Joy Collins. Welcome on board Joy, we hope you have a great time being a part of this group.

______________________________________________________________________________________________

Editorial