Thursday 31 March 2011

DPS DIGITAL-APRIL 2011

PRACTICAL IMAGE PROCESSING NIGHT

All members welcome. Wednesday 6th April, County Hall, 7 to 9 pm

Alan Clarke: Photoshop – by popular demand (really!), everything you need to know about layers, layer masks and adjustment layers. Likely to include unknown unknowns

John Gordon: Photoshop – mono conversions tutorial

Open Session: if time allows, requests and problem images.

(ex) layers converted to mono

Wednesday 30 March 2011

++NEWS FLASH: SIDE GALLERY’S FUNDING AXED BY ARTS COUNCIL!++

What has happened? At 7.40am this morning, Side was informed that it will not be included in the Arts Council's National Portfolio Funding strategy and therefore, from 2012 onwards they will no longer receive revenue from their main funding source.

The reasons for the decision, Side’s response and more are in today’s e-letter from Amber. There will undoubtedly be a massive reaction to this news. You can obtain a copy by contacting:

side.gallery@amber-online.com

EXHIBITION NEWS – Side Gallery

A LUTA CONTINUA! / THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES!

Opening event Saturday 2 April 2pm

An exhibition of classic and new photography from the Side Archive and 'open call' online submissions, capturing demonstrations, resistance and revolution curated by Dean Chapman who will introduce the work on display and talk about his own practice and experience of photographing resistance, struggle and protest.

Information about this exhibition, Dean Chapman and more, including image galleries, are in Amber’s March e newsletter. You can subscribe free to the newsletters by contacting:

side.gallery@amber-online.com

Members will recall Dean giving the Harry Holder Lecture at Durham Photographic Society back in 2007. Pictured: Dean Chapman with the late Harry Holder.

Dean Chapman and Harry Holder. TG 2007 Dean at the opening of his exhibition at the DLI museum 2009. JA

ASSIGNMENT RICHMOND DE-BRIEF

Correct date

The review date is Wednesday 20th April not as previously stated. 7.00 pm, County Hall. Apologies for the error.

Still time to fine tune your selection of four prints and eight gallery images.

It's definitely Wednesday

IN SEARCH OF DRACULA

Pictures from the Whitby Goth Fest

Tony takes it easy while John does the work Concentration Front row from left, Stephen, Neil, Ian, Mad Mike and Lilian share a joke Ian Stafford (left) with the legendary Arnold Hubbard of Sunderland PALovely  view from the graveyard Lilian multi-tasking

Tuesday 29 March 2011

FROM THE FRONT LINE OF THE WHITBY GOTHIC FESTIVAL.

 A report by Neil Maughan

Twice a year in late March / early April and at Halloween, Goth folk (plus people from the Steampunk and Cyberpunk communities - do a Google search if you want to know more about Steampunks and Cyberpunks!) arrive in numbers in Whitby. This year the event is staged over two weekends: last weekend and this forthcoming weekend (2nd/3rd April).

Going to bed at midnight on Friday night didn't seem such a good idea when the alarm went off at 5.30 am on Saturday morning….however, I quickly shook off the fatigue when my tired brain realised that the reason I was getting up so early on a weekend was because I was heading off to the Goth Festival at Whitby for a day's photography. I'd packed the camera bag the night before so after a reviving shower, a slice of toast, cup of coffee and a quick check on the Internet for the latest weather forecast, I was soon reversing the car off the drive to pick up Tony Griffiths and Ian Stafford.

The advantage of the early start meant that the roads to Whitby were quiet and we were able to get parked in some of the free spaces at West Cliff, near to the Pavilion Theatre, so avoiding the rather hefty parking charges in Whitby town centre. As the first Goth's don't normally start appearing on the streets until about 9:30 ish, we headed off to a town centre cafe for a fortifying bacon buttie and cups of fresh coffee. As Tony, Ian and I entered the cafe at 8:30am, we found our President David Trout holding court with members of the Pentax User Forum. David, a leading light in the Pentax Club, had already scoffed a bacon sarnie and was calling out to the waitress for more coffee as well as chatting about all things Pentax. We hadn't been there long when fellow Durham members Tony Devlin and Barrie Forbes turned up and the conversation turned to what we were hoping to photograph plus the odd bit of banter with the Pentax people about the merits of Nikon, Canon and Olympus cameras! A great start to the day!

As 9:30am approached, we all left the cafe and headed in separate directions, armed to the teeth with cameras, lenses and empty memory cards, in search of Goths, each of us hoping to capture some great images. I headed back to West Cliff to meet Stephen Bell who had very conveniently brought his own Goth - daughter Samantha - at the Pavilion Theatre. The weather was grey and overcast, which was great for portraits as there were no harsh shadows to deal with. But it was cold and the wind blowing in off the sea made it feel even cooler than it was. I made a mental note not to have the Goths I was photographing standing around for too long in the cold while I fiddled with the camera controls!

After spending the morning taking pictures of Sam in her new Goth outfit, Stephen and I headed down into the town to meet up with Tony and Ian for fish and chips. We're creatures of habit and always head to the same fish and chip shop on the harbour front. After all, photography does make you hungry so it's especially vital to keep re-fuelling. Or maybe it's just that we're pigs! Whilst we were standing there stuffing our faces, other Durham members wandered past and stopped for a chat. After the fish and chips were demolished, we headed up the 199 steps to St Mary's Church and St Hilda's Abbey for a final couple of hours.

St Mary's graveyard really is a great place to take pictures of Goths as the background setting is so much more dramatic and evocative than the town centre. Plus of course, it seems appropriate as St Mary's and the graveyard gave Bram Stoker the inspiration to write his book, Dracula. The only problem of course is the number of other photographers and it can get a bit hectic as people try and grab the shots they want. Fortunately Goth folk are very patient and willing to pose for quite a long time so every photographer can get the pictures they want. It is extremely rare for anyone to refuse to have their picture taken. I've been going now for over 5 years to both the Spring and Halloween event and have taken thousand's of pictures and in all that time I can count on one hand the number of times a request for a picture has been refused. Every Goth who goes to Whitby knows that they will be asked numerous times during the day for their picture so there really is no reason to be shy and not ask. Some of the costumes that people wear - and the makeup - is very photogenic and it's rare not to get a good picture.

For those who haven't been before, why not give it a go this forthcoming weekend or at the Halloween event later in the year? All you really need is one camera and a lens that covers a focal range from about 28mm (for group shots) up to about 85mm/100mm for head shots, plus plenty of empty memory cards. If you only have a few hours, head up the steps to St Mary's church, that's where you'll probably get the best shots - just be prepared for the number of photographers! One other essential piece of "equipment" you'll need is a pen and paper (or your card) so you can take the e-mail details of the people you photograph as they will always appreciate a copy of any pictures that you take of them.

It really is a good day. Not only can you get some great photographs but if you are with other members of Durham PS, it’s also a great social event. If you want more details about this forthcoming Saturday and Halloween, point your browser at www.darkdaisypromotions.co.uk. Also keep an eye on Stephen Bell’s "Hot Dates" section of the Blog. Alternatively, if you have a word with any Durham member who was there last weekend, I'm sure they will be willing to offer advice and help. Enjoy!

CYBERPUNK. Neil Maughan TEAR OF THE VAMPIRE. Neil Maughan THE UNHOLY. Neil Maughan

Monday 28 March 2011

CLUB NIGHT PREVIEW, March 31st

An Evening with Anne Swearman, ARPS, DPAGB, APAGB, EFIAP

Anne is a member of Whitley Bay Photographic Society and a well known and popular figure in the northern photographic club world. She is recognised as one of the top photographers around. We have yet another great night to look forward to. There is a profile of Anne on the NCPF website: http://www.ncpf.org.uk/index.php?id=northern-focus-personal-profiles

Sunday 27 March 2011

UPDATES to the NCPF WEB SITE

The following updates have been made to our web site since the last update message and all can be accessed via:-

www.ncpf.org.uk

1. Diary Page and Competitions/PAGB Competitions Page:-

17th July 2011:- PAGB PDI Club Championship at Warwick – Ticket Application Forms now available for Downloading.

2. Diary Page:-

1st April to 31st May:- Details and poster of Exhibition by Whitley BAY PS at Britannia Picture Company.

3. News Item-

Information about some new FREE software for Club Competitions.

I would be obliged if you could bring them to the attention of your fellow members and if possible ensure that the information is displayed on your club notice board.

Best wishes,
Dave Coates
(NCPF Webmaster)

The Northern Counties Photographic Federation site is continually being updated, especially the News, Diary and Events Pages. Details of all events and competitions organised by the NCPF as well as Area events and competitions are contained there.  You can join an e-mailing list that itemises updates to the web site so that you can more easily keep up to date.

If you want to keep up to date in this way email your request to:

webmaster@ncpf.org.uk

Friday 25 March 2011

CLUB NIGHT NEWS 24.3.11

2nd PROGRESS SLIDES AND DIGITAL

Closing date is next Thursday, 31st March with no extension possible this time. As always, it helps if you email your (up to three) entries to Roger Culpin ahead of time if you can.

INTERVAL

Jim Horne has taken over the organisation of the break. He still relies on volunteers to do the work, which is surprisingly enjoyable, so please step up to the plate. The refreshment break greatly adds to the fun of the evening and raises funds for continuing great speakers. Thanks!

INTERNATIONALS

Following on from the Tony Potter night, quite a few members are expressing interest in taking the plunge. Our own Neil Maughan has written a couple of articles for members (see International Salons of Photography – some basics and Internationals – The London Salon on this Blog recently) and is willing to offer advice to like-minded members if needed.

CLUB NIGHT OPENING TIMES

Thanks to John Attle, the doors are now open from around 6.30 each club night. This means you can extend the time for chat, exchanging ideas, showing pictures, seeking advice etc. Yes there are a few chairs to put out too! This means more of the incredible, addictive, club night buzz before the main attraction even starts.

ASSIGNMENT RICHMOND

What a great location for intrepid assignmenteers! A great time was had by all. The review meeting, where we bring 4 prints for discussion and 8 images for the Assignment Gallery, is on April 19th. 7.00 pm at County Hall.

Colin frames up Lilian on the wild side

STEAM FAIR PHOTOGRAPHY NIGHT, BEAMISH

5.30 to 8.00 pm Saturday 16th April. A special out of hours opportunity for photographers. £10 at the door.

http://www.beamish.org.uk/exclusive-after-hours-photo-session/

email marketing@beamish.org.uk to register interest and receive further information.

Results-Trio Projected Images. Judged by Phil Bennison.

Dunelm Trophy.

1st Place.

Durham Cathederal. Michael Watson 

2nd Place.

 Cloister. Jed Wee

3rd Place.

Cathedral Panorama. John Attle

Leazes Bowl.

1st Place.

 Head-up Shoulders back.Les Travis 

2nd Place.

 Mr Shoe Shine. Angy Ellis

3rd Place.

Marrakech Water Seller. David Forster

Sterling Award.

1st Place.

 Dandelion Dreams, Paul Travis

2nd Place.

Inner Beauty, Angy Ellis

3rd Place.

Little Big Planet, Jed Wee

Thursday 24 March 2011

INTERNATIONALS: The LONDON SALON

Following on from my article on International Salons posted last week, it's worth bringing to your attention that entries can now be made to the Centenary Exhibition for The London Salon. The London Salon was founded in 1910 and has held an annual exhibition for every year but one in its history. The Salon only accepts PRINTS. Photographers can enter up to 4 prints made with any photographic process and the fee is £8 per person. This is one of the most prestigious Salons going and it would be a great achievement to get a print accepted. To be in with a chance of getting an acceptance you need to demonstrate an artistic and creative feeling in your submitted images. I've had a go on numerous occasions to have an image accepted but so far, I've had no luck. The two images attached are from my unsuccessful submission last year. Further information from www.londonsalon.org. Closing date is April 25th. Good luck!

Neil Maughan

EQUUS, Neil Maughan CHANGING AGES, Neil Maughan

Tuesday 22 March 2011

e-news of the PAGB issue 42

The latest issue of enews of the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain contains:

1       "Why Sponsorship?" article plus a Link to the Free Draw
         for an A3 box of PermaJet Smooth Art Silk Inkjet paper
2       The PAGB Nature Photographer of the Year with pictures
3       GB Cup 2011 - Illustrated Nature Awards
4       More Nature Awards, Notice of a new Sponsor and a Notice
         of the next PAGB Awards Adjudication for Audio Visual
5       "Do Clubs Record Your Lecture?" & other articles plus
         the Winner of the Permajet Distinction Paper for March
6       Exhibition Notices & a preview of the Next Issue

Click on this link to view: http://www.pagbnews.co.uk/e-news/en42230311.pdf
The PAGB database of e-news recipients is on a secure and confidential facility. If you would like to subscribe, you can do so on: http://www.pagbnews.co.uk

Monday 21 March 2011

CLUB NIGHT PREVIEW, March 24th

Results, Trio Projected Images

Judge: Phil Bennison. For new members, all will become clear on the night! Three trophies will be awarded - for architectural or landscape within 2 miles of Durham City centre, digital portrait of the year, and the Sterling for imagination or innovation. So there’s something for everyone. It will be fascinating to see the latest work from members across three very different categories.

For anyone interested in the finer points of judging club competitions, there is a series of 12 articles on the subject on the NCPF website: http://www.ncpf.org.uk/index.php?id=judging

Eagerly Awaiting the Trio

Friday 18 March 2011

CLUB NIGHT NEWS 17.3.11

RICHMOND HERE WE COME!

Saturday 19th March 2011

“Richmond is one of the most beautiful towns in England” Lonely Planet

Those members who haven’t been on assignment before are invited to join us on our latest, and who knows greatest, outing. Colin Armitstead said, “Simply turn up, meet in the Market Place by the obelisk at 10.00 am, enjoy the photography, enjoy good company, enjoy the lunch!”

http://www.richmond.org/guide/history.html

20110305_029_e

See separate Blog for parking information.

Wednesday 16 March 2011

Hot Dates Update for March

Welcome to new Hot Dates Blogger, STEPHEN BELL!

BRICK AND STEEL BORDER COUNTIES RALLY: Kielder 19th March www.bordercountiesrally.co.uk

WHITBY GOTHIC WEEKEND: 25th- 27th March also 1st-4th April.http://wgw.topmum.co.uk

PETERLEE TATTOO ARTS FESTIVAL: Peterlee Leisure Centre 27th March

HARROGATE SPRING FLOWER SHOW: Harrogate 14th-17th April www.flowershow.org.uk

TAYLOR WESSING PHOTOGRAPHIC PORTRAIT PRIZE: Sunderland Winter Gardens Museum 16th April-26th June

DRAGON BOAT RACING: Teeside 17th April www.dragonboat.org.uk

BIKEWISE EASTER EGG RUN: Durham 24th April www.bikewisenews.org.uk

MORPETH NORTHUMBRIA GATHERING: 29th April to 1st May www.northumbriana.org.uk/gathering

KITEIVAL: Redcar 6th-8th May www.britishkitesurfingassosiation.co.uk

TORNADO, N Yorkshire Moors Railway, 7th and 8th May **CANCELLED**

HAWORTH 40’s WEEKEND: 14th & 15th May www.haworth-village.org.uk

BRITISH SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP: Croft Circuit, 14th & 15th May www.croftcircuit.co.uk

EVOLUTION FESTIVAL, Newcastle Gateshead Quayside: 28th and 29th May

NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY SHOW: BH 30th May www.northcountyshow.co.uk

BRAMHAM INTERNATIONAL HORSE TRIALS: Wetherby 2nd-5th June www.bramham-horse.co.uk

APPLEBY HORSE FAIR: 2nd to 8th June www.applebyfair.org

JETSKI (JSRA) BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP, Doncaster 4th and 5th June www.jsra.co.uk

BLAYDON RACES: 9th June

PICKERING 60’s FESTIVAL: 10th and 11th June www.pickering60sfestival.co.uk

DURHAM REGATTA: 11th and 12th June

THE HOPPINGS TRAVELLING FAIR: Town Moor 17th-25th June

NCPF BEAMISH MEMBERS WEEKEND: 18th, 19th, 20th June www.ncpf.org.uk/index.php?id=ncpf-events

BRITISH TOURING CAR CHAMPIONSHIP: Croft Circuit, 18th &19th June www.croftcircuit.co.uk

NORTHUMBERLAND PLATE FESTIVAL: Newcastle Racecourse 23rd to 25th June

NORTHERN ROCK CYCLONE: 24th to 26th June

BRASS: Durham International Festival: July TBA www.brassfestival.co.uk

DURHAM MINERS’ GALA: 9th July

LADIES DAY, Newcastle Racecourse 23rd July

BIKEWISE 2011: 24th July (tbc)

GATESHEAD SUMMER FLOWER SHOW: 29th to 31st July

SUNDERLAND INTERNATIONAL AIRSHOW: 30th, 31st July

EDINBURGH FRINGE: 5th to 29th August

PICKERING TRACTION ENGINE RALLY: 4th to 7th August www.pickeringsteam.com

BILLINGHAM INTERNATIONAL FOLKLORE FESTIVAL: Billingham 5th-13th August. (Check website for photo competition details) www.billinghamfestival.co.uk

NEWCASTLE MELA: August TBA

WOLSINGHAM SHOW: 3rd and 4th September

BUPA GREAT NORTH RUN WEEKEND: 17th and 18th September

PICKERING WARTIME WEEKEND: 14th to 16th October

TURNER PRIZE AT BALTIC: 21st October 2011 to 8th January 2012

WHITBY GOTHIC WEEKEND: 4th to 6th November

BOXING DAY DIP: 26th December, Seaburn, Sunderland

New postings in red with lots more to follow. Dates subject to confirmation

If you have details of anything of interest to photographers please contact Stephen.

 Events are like Quality Street, made for sharing.

Tuesday 15 March 2011

INTERNATIONAL SALONS OF PHOTOGRAPHY – some basics

From our Internationals Correspondent

Do you enjoy competitions at the club? Do you want your work to be seen by fellow photographers across the Globe? Do you fancy the challenge of competing with some of the best photographers in the World? If the answer to those questions is "Yes" then why not have a go at entering an International Salon?

An International Salon of Photography is basically a competition arranged by a photographic organisation that is open to anyone in the World to enter. For example, our own Photographic Federation, Northern Counties (NCPF) arrange the Northern Counties International Salon of Photography (entries for this normally open in August, with a closing date normally in September – see www.ncpf.org.uk for further details) as do other photographic federations and camera clubs throughout the World. All of these Salons are open to you to enter. For example, as well as entering Salons organised in the UK, I've entered Salons held in the Middle East, the Far East and the USA.

As all Salons of Photography are run with the patronage of the RPS (Royal Photography Society), FIAP (Federation Internationale de l’Art Photographique and PSA (Photographic Society of America), a quick search on their websites will give you a list of Salons, their opening & closing dates and the cost of entry: in most cases normally between £7 to £13 depending on how many "classes" you enter.

Most Salons allow you to enter 4 images per class and for the majority of Salons there are 3 classes: open or general, travel and nature. However, there are some Salons, such as the Al Thani Award for Photography (based in Qatar) that only has two classes: a general section and a set subject section, so it’s important to read the rules of the organising committee carefully to see what is required. Some Salons take both prints and projected digital images (pdi’s), others may only take prints or pdi’s. Again, you need to read the rules carefully before entering. I’ve noticed however, that in recent years, a lot of Salons no longer accept slides. With the case of pdi’s, more and more Salons allow you to enter via the Internet, so it really is easy to enter. Most also allow you to pay by credit card or via Pay Pal, again, this makes life very easy.

So, once you’ve entered, what can you win? Well, let’s make no bones about it, you are competing with some excellent photographers throughout the World and most Salons are looking for about 200 images to “accept” – and these images will be very good, so only your best work should be entered. As most Salons attract around 10,000 to 20,000 entries, if you get an acceptance, then you can be very proud of that, it is a super achievement. Moving up the scale, if your image is judged as one of the “best in class” you could also win a medal or ribbon and your work will be printed in the Salon Catalogue (this is sent to every entrant) and also shown in any public showings of the Salon. Keep an eye out for one or two Salons who also award big cash prizes – for example the prize in the Al Thani Award in 2010 was $10,000 plus a Leica M series camera.

Well I hope this short article helps whet your appetite. If you want more information, please ask me on a Club night. Alternatively look at the FIAP and PSA websites for details of upcoming Salons and see what grabs your attention. FIAP are at www.fiap.net/ and PSA are at www.psa-photo.org, the RPS at www.rps.org.  And if you are really quick, you can enter the Bristol Salon at www.bristolsalon.org.uk. The closing date for this is March 19th.

Pictures:

“Schizophrenia” by David Trout - accepted and awarded Certificate of Merit in the 2009 NCPF International Salon of Photography and accepted in the 2011 Welsh International Salon

Schizophrenia, David Trout

"Among The Fields Of Gold" - accepted in the 2010 Al Thani Award for Photography.

AMONG THE FIELDS OF GOLD. Neil Maughan

"Arctic Tern" - awarded a medal in the Nature section, Welsh International Salon.

ARCTIC TERN. Neil Maughan

Neil Maughan

NEWS: FOCUS ON IMAGING

Picture Tony G Katie Green. Picture Ian Stafford

Along with photographers from all over the world, many Society members headed for Europe’s largest annual imaging show at the NEC, Birmingham in earlier this month.

focus07. Picture Jed Wee focus03. Jed Wee

Check out this link for the latest news:

http://www.focus-on-imaging.net/news/index.php

For an individual take on the show and more pictures, check out member Jed Wee’s Blog:

http://jedwee.com

Monday 14 March 2011

CLUB NIGHT PREVIEW, March 17th

Close Encounters of the Furred Kind, Ann and Steve Toon

Yet another great night with visiting photographers to look forward to:

Ann and Steve Toon are a husband and wife team of wildlife photojournalists, who share a deep love for Southern Africa, its amazing wildlife and wild places. Both had successful careers in print journalism before turning to professional wildlife photography. As well as many magazine and newspaper articles, they have published three books, two about the techniques of wildlife photography, and one about rhinos. They also run wildlife photography workshops about which at least one of our members is very enthusiastic.

They live on the edge of Kielder Forest but their favourite place on the planet remains the Kalahari.

Find out more and check out the amazing galleries on:

www.toonphoto.com

 Ann Toon  Steve Toon

EXHIBITION NEWS – Side Gallery

Last chance to see:

'Lodz Ghetto Album' by Henryk Ross comes down after Saturday 26th March. This powerful and moving exhibition is one not to be missed. 4000 visitors cannot be wrong.

You can subscribe to the Amber’s e newsletter by contacting:

side.gallery@amber-online.com

It includes other North East photography happenings as well as Side Gallery and Amber Films news and events.

Saturday 12 March 2011

ASSIGNMENT RICHMOND - Directions

Saturday 19th March 2011

Here are some things useful to know:

PARKING

All over Richmond, including the Market Place and surrounding streets, there is on street parking. However, the town is busy and you are restricted to 2 hours. You need a parking disc which is available from local shops. There are also some short term paying car parks.

There is one large, long term car park off Victoria Road. Directions: travelling from the north on the A1, take the Scotch Corner turn off and follow the signs to Richmond along the A6108. At the roundabout close to the town centre, continue along the A6108. You will see the Information Centre on your right and the Turf Hotel on your left. A short distance further there is a short term car park on your right. The long term car park is the next turning right opposite the Texaco garage and is clearly signposted.

An alternative for the energetic is the Round Howe car park about another mile along the A6108. From here you can cross over a pedestrian bridge and walk through National Trust woodlands and along the river ending with a fine view of the castle and a short climb up to the town.

MEETING PLACE

Early birds can do their own thing much earlier of course as long as we all meet up in the Market Place near the obelisk (former Market Cross) at 10.00 am.

The_Obelisk,_Market_Place,_meeting_point_10.00_am

LUNCH

The Turf Hotel has been recommended for good food and good value. It is a short distance from the Market Place, on Victoria Road opposite the Information Centre. Meeting at 1.00 pm.

The_Turf_Hotel,_meeting_place_for_lunch

All members welcome as long as you are keen to do the follow up review session (all part of the fun). Email Colin Armitstead if you would like to be on the Assignments mailing list.

Friday 11 March 2011

COMPETITION COUNTDOWN: A FEAST OF PHOTOGRAPHY

2nd Progress

With 20 or so members in the points so far, and still wide open, closing dates for the next stage for projected images is 31st March and prints 21st April. Why not take a flyer and enter a picture the like of which is not normally seen in club competitions? Surprise us!

Hon Members Cup (prints) and Iris Trophy (digital)

Closing date is not until 12th May but many a happy hour can be spent planning and shooting for these great comps. They are for a set of up to six images constituting a theme. There can be up to three entries in each per member.

Ponderingn his Hon Members Cup entry. TG_

FILLINGHAM TROPHY 2011 – set subject Juxtaposition

The Fillingham is a popular digital competition which has a different subject each year. The subject is set by the President. David Trout announced that for 2011 it would be “Juxtaposition”. Members can enter up to three images which have to be taken between 18th November 2010 and the closing date of 12th May.

David said, “Juxtapositions work well in stills photography because of the ability to freeze frame a poignant moment in time. Street photography is just one opportunity to create pictures depicting people, or even things, set against a contrasting or complimentary background portraying humour, making a statement, or just observing an absurd situation. There are many ways you can photograph the subject, just keep your eyes open as you wander around looking for ideas.”

juxtaposition is an act or instance of placing two things close together or side by side, in order to show unlikeness or differences, to note the opposite qualities of the two

Prenuptual Cover. Picture David Trout The Photographer.Picture Stephen Bell

CLUB NIGHT NEWS 10.3.11

TRIO PRINTS COMPETITION

The prints are now all in and the competition is closed. Please email digital copies to Print Comp Sec Alan Stott. They will be projected during results night so everyone can see more clearly during the judge’s commentary. There are yet more fascinating and challenging competitions to look forward to - see forthcoming Competition Countdown on this Blog.

ASSIGNMENT RICHMOND

Saturday 19th March 2011

Richmond is one of the most beautiful towns in England Lonely Planet

Richmond has a vast array of attractions to appeal to photographers across most genres. The historic Market Place, the largest in England, is surrounded by fine Georgian buildings and has been compared, by Prince Charles no less, to Sienna. There are numerous historic attractions such as Richmond Castle, the Station and Green Howards Museum. There are thriving local traders not often seen these days. There is also a Farmers Market on the 19th.

There are riverside and woodland walks like the one mentioned below and another in the other direction to Easby Abbey. Swaledale is a short drive away.

http://www.richmond.org/guide/history.html

See separate Blog for parking and meeting up information.

MEMBER PROFILES ON THE WEBSITE

New profiles are appearing on this new look website. To take part, email your request to Tony G or put your name down on the notice board. All members welcome.

NCPF ANNUAL COMPETITIONS

Extract from the NCPF website:

APPEAL FOR WORKERS @ ANNUAL COMPETITIONS

Last year the band of workers that helps to run your Annual Competitions was very nearly overwhelmed by your support for the event.  We therefore need more volunteers. The other advantage for helpers is that they have a chance to see the competitions taking place.

If you feel you could help out at Tynemouth Club Rooms, on one or more of the days, over the weekend of Fri/Sat/Sun 1st/2nd/3rd April 2011 then please contact us by email at: competitionsorganiser@ncpf.org.uk

Thursday 10 March 2011

MEMBER PROFILES ARE BACK

The member profile section of this website is being re-built. Here’s a taster to wet your appetite – pictures from three of our featured members.

Mobile Phone. Picture Rob Birrell Another Place. Picture Chris Mills Camden Girl. Picture Joanne Gray

Put your name down at the club if you too would like to feature and have your own mini gallery.

Wednesday 9 March 2011

EXHIBITION NEWS

Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize 2010: Sunderland Winter Gardens Museum 16th April-26th June

Fresh from the National Portrait Gallery, London and sponsored by Taylor Wessing, the Photographic Portrait Prize has firmly established itself as the leading showcase for new talent in portrait photography.

http://www.taylorwessing.com/about-us/corporate-social-responsibility/charitable-giving-and-fundraising/national-portrait-gallery.html

Stephen Bell

Olly Burton ‘Inspiration and Humour’

Galilee Chapel, Durham Cathedral 3rd March to 31st March

Olly was a regular on our three points of view nights. This exhibition of Olly’s work summarises his unique style and the influence of the Cathedral and Durham has had on him as an artist.

IMGP9986 IMGP9987

JA

Tuesday 8 March 2011

GOTHFEST+++HOT DATES 2011 +++ STOP PRESS

***Important news for anyone intending to go to the Whitby Goth Weekend 25th-27th March***

I have been made aware that, for reasons unknown to me, the Goth festival is being split and held over 2 consecutive weekends i.e. 25th-27th of March and also 1st-4th April. The 2 events are being promoted by 2 different promoters: Dark Daisy Promotions, and Top Mum Promotions(the regular promoters). Quite what effect this will have on the numbers attending are unclear but I am led to believe that the steampunk group who regularly attend will be at the April event only. It is hard to predict whether one weekend will be more popular or better than the other as official details are a bit sketchy. For more info members should try looking at the 2 promoters websites mentioned above.

SB

Monday 7 March 2011

Results 1st Round Progress- Prints

B Section Judged by our very own Chris Oliphant.

1st Place

Alan Sharp. Boat House

2nd Place

Joanne Gray The Castle  

3rd Place

Tom Heslop.What are you 

4th Place.

Sandra Hewitson. Electric blue sea holly

5th Place

Joanne Gray Best Friends

A Section judged by David Stout ARPS, EFIAP,DPAGB

1st Place

 Chris Oliphant. Fortified Foreshore

2nd Place.

Mavis Ord. Why,On his hand

3rd Place.

Jed Wee. Scottish Wildcat

4th Place

Robin Wallace. St Paul's Cathedral

5th Place.

John Shotton. In Dumfrieshire