CLUB NIGHT NEWS 28.7.11

DIGITAL NIGHT 3^rd AUGUST

This will be devoted to practical digital camera settings and will be outdoors. Meet at 7.00 p.m outside St Oswald’s Church Hall, our usual club night meeting place.

ASSIGNMENTS SOUTH SHIELDS & STANHOPE SHOW

The South Shields pictures are in the bag. Review date is 10^th August, usual place and time. There will be a gallery of the pictures on the Assignments page of this website soon afterwards. Next up, Assignment Stanhope Show, 10^th September. See separate Blogs for details. All members welcome.

BBC COUNTRYFILE PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION 2011

Closing date is 12^th August. There are twelve classes and an overall title, “Best in Show”. Winning pictures will appear in the Countryfile Calendar 2012.

http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/tv/countryfile/photocomp2011rules.pdf

32nd NORTHERN COUNTIES INTERNATIONAL SALON OF PHOTOGRAPHY

Open to all photographers world-wide, and organised by the NCPF, the Salon includes 5 Sections; 2 Prints (Monochrome and Colour) and 3 PDI (General, Nature and Photo-Travel). Closing date is 20^th August

http://www.ncpf.org.uk/index.php?id=32nd-salon-2011

TOWN HALL EXHIBITION: DURHAM

Setting up Monday 1^st August there will be an exhibition of members’ prints during the month depicting the architecture and landscapes of Durham City which will follow on from the popular Brilliance of Brass during July.

3^rd PROGRESS DIGITAL COMPETITION

The closing date is September 1^st, our first night back after the break and there can be no extension. As usual, you can email your entries any time now to Roger.

CAMERA SKILLS TUITION SURVEY– HAVE YOUR SAY

You can voice your ideas and opinions via an opinion survey available from Tony G. Please return by emailing Tony G by 7^th August

PHOTOGRAPHY OPPORTUNITIES THIS WEEKEND

GATESHEAD SUMMER FLOWER SHOW: 29^th to 31^st July

SUNDERLAND INTERNATIONAL AIRSHOW: 30^th, 31^st July

More, much more on Hot Dates, August update on this blog from 1^st August.

AUGUST BREAK

There will be no club night meetings during August as is tradition. Next club night is Thursday 1^st September – Peter Rees FRPS is the guest speaker. A night most definitely not to be missed.

PORT OF TYNE REFLECT AWARDS 2011

The Port of Tyne Reflect Awards 2011 photography competition is now open for entries, inviting entrants to show the North East as they see it, in films and in pictures.

Both photo and film entries are accepted, with a new youth category added to the film section. Anyone wishing to enter must register on line and upload their submission by 30th September.

There are three categories in the photography section: North East Places, North East Environment and North East People. Pictures have to be taken between Sept 2010 and Sept 2011

The chosen entrants will win a cash prize as well as see their masterpiece on display in the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art during Turner prize season.

You can find out more about the awards, as well view previous winners including your blog masters and current entries here:

http://reflect.portoftyne.co.uk/home/

DPS Assignmenteers will be delighted to know all the places we have been, including Teesdale, qualify as North East

ASSIGNMENT SOUTH SHIELDS – Review night

Wednesday 10^th August 7.00 to 9.00 p.m, County Hall

After yet another good day out on assignment it will be fascinating to see what fellow members have come up with. As usual, bring four prints up to A4 plus a couple of the challenge, “metallic detail, something different”

Email your 8 images for the Assignment Gallery to David Forster before 7^th August

Next up – Stanhope Show, 10^th September. It’s the big one! All members are welcome to join us especially if you have not yet been on assignment. Colin has all the information and you can be on his mailing list.

DIGITAL CAMERA CRAFT NIGHT

Wednesday 3^rd August, 7 to 9 pm

Enjoy a practical evening around Durham learning more about good camera technique with fellow members. Experienced photographers will be on hand to assist.

Meet outside St Oswald’s Church Hall

Organisers: JOHN GORDON, JOHN ATTLE, IAN STAFFORD

CLUB NIGHT PREVIEW, July 28th

Led by DPS doyenne, Mavis Ord, members will show digital Audio Visual presentations. This was the surprise hit of last year with many and varied approaches to AV which were both impressive and entertaining.

Mavis said, “Members AV evening is a night I always look forward to. It gives a chance for new members to come forward and surprise us with their talent in the not so easy picturestoexe or Pro Show software. Along with more advanced members it always makes an excellent & varied evening to end the season”.

News Report: BIKEWISE, Bike Show, 2011

Yet another great day out for DPS photographers, who, organised by John Attle, did their best to document this great event for BikeWise, a Durham Constabulary fund-raising and bike safety event. It was a chance to photograph everything from TT legend John McGuinness celebrating his recent 17^th Isle of Man TT victory, to Mini-Moto racing, to stunt riding and more. There were the latest, and vintage, motorcycles on show and several thousand of the Biker community in enthusiastic attendance. Altogether, an enjoyable, exciting day out.

www.bikewise.org.uk

The photographs taken by intrepid DPS photographers will appear on line soon. Meantime, here are some images of DPS members in action:

Le Blog à Lilian Blot

Profiling LILIAN BLOT:

Latest member profile to be posted is of our first and only member from France so far, Lilian Blot, who is an exceptionally talented photographer with a style all his own. Lilian enjoys DPS Assignments and says, “It's a great way to know a little bit more about other members and a good opportunity to try new things. Adding to that the review session where you can see what other have done on the same location is very interesting”.

www.lilianblot.com

Check out Member Profiles from the Home page of this website to view the whole story.

UPDATES to the NCPF WEB SITE

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

www.ncpf.org.uk

1. NCPF Events:-

The download information for the Beamish Trophy has been updated to include Print Label formatting.

Dave Coates
(NCPF Webmaster)

CLUB NIGHT NEWS 21.7.11

ASSIGNMENT SOUTH SHIELDS!

Come and join us! See separate Blog, Assignment South Shields, Directions, for details.

DURHAM CATHEDRAL Photography Evening: 25th July 2011

There will be a special photography evening from 6.30pm to 9pm. Tickets are £10.00 per camera which will include a cup of tea or coffee. Weather permitting,the Tower will be open, though there is an additional charge of £5.00 for adults and £2.50 for children to climb the Tower. No flash is permitted in the Cathedral but tripods are welcome.

http://www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/introduction/news/288

Some DPS members experienced in photography in the Cathedral, organised by John Attle, will be on hand to assist the public.

DPS ANNUAL EXHIBITION

By kind permission of the Cathedral Chapter, the exhibition in the Galilee Chapel will be extended by one day to 9.00 p.m. on the 25^th so as to be enjoyed by the throng of photographers that night.

Take-down will be at the end of the evening and prints will be returned to members on the 28^th

TOWN HALL EXHIBITION: DURHAM

For the month of August, there will be an exhibition of members’ prints depicting the architecture and landscapes of Durham City which will follow on from the current and successful Brilliance of Brass. For a last chance to have your work on display, bring it to the club on the 28^th July. There is space for 21 framed prints so yours may not make it this time, in which case apologies but thank you for taking part.

NCPF Beamish Trophy

Last chance to deliver your entry of two mounted prints to the club is club night next week. Details and entry form are here:

http://www.ncpf.org.uk/data/uploads/beamish-trophy.pdf

The entry form at the bottom of the page can be completed and affixed to the back of the mount

3^rd PROGRESS DIGITAL COMPETITION

The closing date is September 1^st, our first night back after the break and there can be no extension. As usual, you can email your entries any time now to Roger. Alternatively, bring slides or discs to the club any club night between now and then.

CAMERA CRAFT TUITION – HAVE YOUR SAY

You can voice your ideas and opinions via an opinion survey available at the club. Please return by the 28th or by emailing Tony G

DIGITAL NIGHT 3^rd AUGUST

This will be devoted to practical digital camera settings and will be outdoors. Meet at 7.00 p.m outside St Oswald’s Church Hall, our usual club night meeting place.

PHOTOGRAPHY OPPORTUNITIES THIS WEEKEND

Bikewise 2011 is on Sunday 24^th. Popular with DPS photographers, more info is here: http://bikewise2011.blogspot.com/

HOW DO YOU TAKE YOUR PORTRAITS??

Alan Clarke says, “Watch this video, as photographers, it will make you laugh”:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKpxd8hzOcQ&feature=player_embedded

And here’s another recommenced by Alan, arising out of the London Street Photography Festival 2011. Not funny but very informative:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJH9F7Hcluo&feature=share

More about the extraordinary London Street Photography Festival, July 2011, is here:

www.londonstreetphotographyfestival.org

CLUB NIGHT PREVIEW, July 21st

The 2011 Harry Holder Lecture in aid of Prostate Action

Greenland Ski Touring Expedition by Peter Talbot

Peter will talk and show extraordinary images about a 3 week expedition in Eastern Greenland, including 1st ascents, 100km of manhauling, camping and ski-planes.

Prostate Action is a merger of the charity Prostate UK with the Prostate Cancer Research Foundation. Peter’s fee will go to the charity and members may like to give further donations on the night.

www.prostateaction.org.uk

Harry Holder joined the Society in 1949, just two years after the club was re-formed after World War II, and was a distinguished, influential and much loved member for 59 years until his death in 2008. He personally endowed the annual Harry Holder Lecture for several years and particularly wanted them to be by photographers not normally seen on the club circuit. The Harry Holder Memorial Lecture, as it now is, will be carried on by the Society in memory of a great man who loved photography.

STREETS OF BRASS – Not Brassed Off

Rain on the Streets of Brass weekend, the finale of the hugely successful BRASS Durham International Festival, did not deter the performers and photographers alike who made the best of it along with a cheerful public.

These pictures, hot off the computer, are by DPS President David Trout.

Check out the Hot Dates feature on this Blog and enjoy more great days out with fellow DPS photographers.

ASSIGNMENT SOUTH SHIELDS – Directions

Saturday 23^rd June 2011

We will be meeting at the Pier Head car park at 10.00 a.m

Head for South Shields town centre and then follow the brown tourist signs to the coast. This takes you down Ocean Drive past the world famous Colemans fish and chip restaurant on the right (a great way to finish the day here!).

At the end there is a roundabout and you will see the Ocean Beach funfair ahead. Turn left towards Riverside and immediately right into the Pier Head car park.

Lunch will be in the bar at the Sea Hotel at around 1.00 p.m which is right on the roundabout. If that should be too busy, there is a sister establishment, the Sea Lodge, next door.

There is a wealth of photography enjoyment to be had in this part of South Shields which extends from the Riverside, along the coast and inland for the Marine Parks. Your blogger bumped into local pro Bill West who gave some good tips. Apparently a good spot to catch the sunrise at this time of year is from the Herd Groyne and its distinctive red lighthouse at the riverside.

Early birds can do their own thing as early as they like of course as long as we all meet up in the Pier Head car park at 10.00 am.

www.colmansfishandchips.com

www.billwestphotography.com

Profiling BARRY ARMITAGE

Popular Barry Armitage is the latest member to profiled (it’s painless!). More are to follow soon, including David Langley and Lilian Blot.

Check out Member Profiles from the Home page of this website for these and others.

UPDATES to the NCPF WEB SITE

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

www.ncpf.org.uk

1. News items:-

Results from this weekend’s PAGB Annual PDI Club Championship at Warwick.

Dave Coates
(NCPF Webmaster)

PAN.OPTICUM

BRASS Finale Sunday 17^th July

Shaping up to be a fantastic show. Audience are on Palace Green with staging all around. Picture shows dancers rehearsing. Includes four Co Durham brass bands and an amazing sound, music, dance and light show including projection. Should be good for photography.

CLUB NIGHT NEWS 14.7.11

DPS ANNUAL EXHIBITION, GALILEE CHAPEL

It is the final week of the exhibition and your last chance to do some stewarding. This enjoyable experience includes talking to visitors from all over the world about the club and the work on display. Please check your diary and put your name down on the list or simply turn up and share the experience if someone else is on duty.

Enjoy having a good look at the photography on display in this most glorious of settings

TOWN HALL EXHIBITIONS: BRASS

A display of DPS members’ photography, “Brilliance of Brass”, is on display in the Durham Town Hall entrance gallery during the month of July which will be particularly lively during the Streets of Brass weekend, Friday 15^th July (evening), Saturday 16^th and Sunday 17^th July. www.brassfestival.co.uk

Next up, for the month of August, will be an exhibition of members’ images depicting the architecture and landscapes of Durham City. If you would like to enter a print, perhaps an entry in the recent Des Kelly competition, bring to the club next week, 21^st July. Recent work is preferred.

ASSIGNMENTS

Members who enjoyed the fabulous Teesdale assignment may like to enter the Upper Teesdale Tourism Network photography competition.email theuttn@gmail.com for entry form. Closing date is 19^th August

Next up is Assignment South Shields, Saturday 23^rd July. See separate Blogs for details. News of which pub for lunch follows soon!

NCPF MEMBERS’ BEAMISH WEEKEND, Beamish Trophy

Only two club nights left to deliver your entry of two mounted prints. Details and entry form are here:

http://www.ncpf.org.uk/data/uploads/beamish-trophy.pdf

Joe Grabham will arrange for the entries to be delivered en masse to the NCPF executive meeting so bring them to the club before the end of July

3^rd PROGRESS DIGITAL COMPETITION

The closing date is September 1^st, our first night back after the break and there can be no extention. As usual, you can email your entries any time now to Roger. Alternatively, bring slides or discs to the club any club night between now and then.

CAMERA CRAFT TUITION – HAVE YOUR SAY

By popular demand, the club is looking at ways to provide this in addition to the myriad ways we learn by virtue of being a member already. You can voice your ideas and opinions via an opinion survey available at the club or by emailing Tony G

PHOTOGRAPHY OPPORTUNITIES THIS WEEKEND

The streets of Durham will by jumping to the sights and sounds of Streets of Brass as lively and entertaining street bands rotate around various hot locations. There will be a spectacular finale from PAN.OPTICUM culminating on Palace Green. Info from the website or Town Hall entrance.

In Newcastle, Northern Pride 2011 explodes into action on July 16^th with a street parade and stage performances in Leazes Park including X Factor’s sizzling senorita Ruth Lorenzo. www.northern-pride.com

ASSIGNMENT SOUTH SHIELDS!

Saturday 23^rd July 2011

Our next meeting is at South Shields, meeting for a head count at 10am in the car park on the front, next to the fairground on the river side.

As well as the fairground its self there are sand dunes, the views from the pier, the "rocket", some very photogenic buildings and the area around the ferry terminal. Lunch venue yet to be fixed.

A METALIC DETAIL is your challenge, especially something different.

All members are welcome to join us especially if you have not yet been on assignment. Colin has all the information and you can be on his mailing list.

From the Front Line of the BIG MEETING 2011

Arriving at 8.00 am at the Market Place, thinking to relax with a bacon roll, it was not long before the first of the 55 bands and banners started marching earlier than usual thus catching me on the hop. So it was, and it’s not often I multi-task, I could be seen photographing with one hand and eating my bacon sandwich with the other for some considerable time. Something had to give and the sandwich won.

I soon made my way past Magdelan Steps, with the usual enthusiastic crowd already in position. Pausing only to chat to fellow member Neil and his Dad for half an hour, I headed towards County Hotel by which time the processions from all points of the compass were starting to back up. Already, huge crowds, in great good spirits, had gathered in front of the balcony. Several DPS Gala enthusiasts were already at work including Hon Life Vice President Robin Wallace, a veteran of nearly 40 Galas. Over the years, we have mastered the best vantage points and I spent a happy few hours in the thick of it before moving onwards to the Racecourse which was a glorious sight, and the speeches from the platform, notably from a photographic point of view, from Dennis Skinner.

Meantime, designated fellow members were at the cathedral service photographing the dedication of 7 new banners and the commemoration of 2 others – a joyous task. Lucky for them too, the photographers’ favourite, Tony Benn, was in attendance (see Blog item, “Tale of Two Tony’s”).

Back on the Racecourse, half way through the speeches, the heavens opened and the deluge continued intermittently throughout the day. In seconds every scrap of protection by way of tents etc was very quickly jam-packed. My first thought was to pull rank as a senior citizen and push in for cover but, realising I was already soaked to the skin, decided to look good and continue taking pictures. I’m glad I did as they will add to my “What it is to be English” collection.

Long after the bacon sarnie, I finally made my way back, tired but happy. The streets of Durham were alive for 9 hours to the magnificent sights and sounds of the Big Meeting - the bands, the banners and, above all, the people, not least the good company of a host of fellow members. It was a great day.

Anon (after D. Hardingham)

CLUB NIGHT PREVIEW, July 14th

John Brown: Over My Shoulder

It is often said that the best nights at Durham Photographic Society are members’ nights. Take last week where 10 members entertained us with the quality and diversity of their work. Of course it’s a different order of challenge to fill a whole night and this week, John Brown is that man!

John is our award winning webmaster who has re-invented to great effect the DPS website in recent years, not once but twice. He is also an outstanding and original photographer. Is there no end to this man’s talents?

As to the content of his show and the meaning of the title, Over my Shoulder, your bloggers have been sworn to secrecy (In other words, you don’t know, Ed)

Suffice it to say it is eagerly anticipated. Don’t miss it!

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. About the Federation/Executive Minutes:-

Minutes of the Executive Meeting held on 24^th May 2011

2. News Items:-

“The Darkroom Still Lives!” – A far too rare, but a very well deserved story of success for one of our members.

Best wishes,
Dave Coates
(NCPF Webmaster)

WILD FLOWER FIELDS, DURHAM

Just south of the Cock of the North roundabout on the A167 are a couple of fields part sown with wild flowers, possibly by the Woodland Trust. Cornflowers, poppies and ox-eye daisies make for good photography opportunities. There is easy access via a layby on the left hand side.

DPS ANNUAL EXHIBITION – Opening Event

There was a large and enthusiastic gathering of members and guests taking a first view of the Society’s Annual Exhibition in the glorious setting of the Galilee Chapel in Durham Cathedral.

DPS President David Trout LRPS said that not many clubs are fortunate enough to have annual exhibitions in a World Heritage site. David thanked the organising team led by Colin Armitstead and the myriad of helpers and exhibitors. He pointed out that the work on show was from both experienced workers and members new to photography.

Distinguished guest, NCPF President Richard Spiers DPAGB, BPE2*, in a witty and entertaining speech, opened the exhibition, highlighting how much print quality has been transformed in the club world and what diversity of photography was being achieved at Durham. In awarding the Ted Mansell Trophy, Richard said it was impossible to choose the “Best” picture in the show, instead giving it to the one he liked the most. This was “Copse and Crops” by John Horner. John said, “I am very pleased to have been awarded this Trophy and I would like to thank the person who printed the picture so beautifully for me, Christine Oliphant”.

 

 

THE BIG MEETING: TALE OF THE TWO TONY’S

It was yet another great day out for Durham Photographic Society photographers, who were out in force to capture in photography this extraordinary event in the calendar - the Durham Miners’ Gala.

Look out for a Blog feature, “From the Front Line of the Big Meeting” soon.

Meantime, enjoy this great shot by John Carter of the meeting of the two Tony’s (Benn and DPS member Devlin). Both are much loved in their respective worlds and it was a meeting clearly enjoyed by both.

DPS ANNUAL EXHIBITION NOW ON

DPS ANNUAL EXHIBITION, GALILEE CHAPEL

Set up day is Friday July 8^th at 9.30 a.m. Volunteers welcome!

The opening event is between 6.00 and 7.30 p.m. that same night. Our distinguished guest, who will officially open the exhibition and choose the winner of the Ted Mansell Award, will be Northern Counties Photographic Federation President Richard Spiers DPAGB, BPE2*. Richard is invariably an entertaining speaker and will do the honours at around 7.00 p.m. All members and their guests are invited and there will be guests from other clubs around the Northern Federation as well. Get there as early as you can and enjoy seeing the prints in the beautiful setting of the Galilee Chapel.

During the two weeks of the exhibition, there is a rota of members doing the stewarding in two hour shifts. This enjoyable experience includes talking to visitors from all over the world about the club and the work on display. Please check your diary and put your name down on the list.

DURHAM MINERS’ GALA 9^th July

DPS members have photographed the Big Meeting since the 50’s. Current member, Hon Vice President Robin Wallace since Harold Wilson was Prime Minister, and many others for many years. Once again, members will be out in force for this colourful and exciting event. Some highlights include two of the Chilean Miners (expected to appear on the balcony and speaker platform, Kathryn Tickell with the Trimdon Concert Band and the 50 strong marching band from Ohio with the Bowburn banner. There will be 7 new banners dedicated in the cathedral and two others commemorated.

… and more, much, much more … the streets, Racecourse, cathedral will be alive to the amazing sights and sounds of the bands, the banners and the people. It’s the documentary event of the year.

Enjoy with your fellow members. If new to the Gala, ask the old hands for tips re vantage points etc. On the day you are bound to come across other members, particularly around County Hotel, Racecourse, Market Place, Magdalen Steps, Palace Green and in the connecting streets, and help is on hand if you need it

Members wanting to photograph inside the cathedral during the service can only do so if agreed with John Attle who has a limited number of places. We are grateful for the support of the Cathedral and the Durham Miners Association.

TOWN HALL EXHIBITION: BRASS

A display of DPS members’ photography on the theme, “Brilliance of Brass”, including some images previously shown in The Sage Gateshead, is on display in the Durham Town Hall entrance gallery during the month of July.

This co-incides with BRASS Durham International Festival which is now on and continues to the 17^th.

There will be photography opportunities galore during the festival, not least during the Streets of Brass weekend, Friday 15^th July (evening), Saturday 16^th and Sunday 17^th July. www.brassfestival.co.uk

Next up, for the month of August, will be an exhibition of members’ images depicting the architecture and landscapes of Durham City. More on this to follow.

 

 

FARNE ISLANDS – A PARADISE FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS

For a glorious day out and wildlife photography in close proximity to grey seals, puffins, Arctic Terns and other species there is little to beat a boat trip to the Farne Islands. There is still just time to catch the breeding birds but only until 31^st July when the season ends.

More information is here:

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-farnes

Boat timetables and prices are here:

www.farne-islands.com

32nd Northern Counties International Salon of Photography 2011

Invitation from the NCPF:

We would like to extend an invitation to all photographers, worldwide, to submit entries into our Salon. As in previous years ALL sections in this event are carried out under the patronage of FIAP, PSA and the RPS. Medals and Awards have been granted by all three patrons as well as our own NCPF awards. A full colour catalogue will be sent to all entrants.

This year’s event has FIVE Sections:-

Monochrome Prints (PPD)

Colour Prints (PPD)

Pictorial Digital Projected Images (CPID)

Nature Digital Projected Images (ND)

Photo-Travel Digital Projected Images (PTD)

The calendar for this year’s event is as follows:-

Closing date for all entries . . . . 20th August 2011

Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2nd/11th September 2011

Notification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21st September 2011

Catalogues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27th November 2011

All entries returned . . . . . . . . . 27th November 2011

Full details of all the rules, conditions of entry (including fees), and Entry Forms can be found in the “International Exhibition” pages of our web site at:-

http://www.ncpf.org.uk/index.php?id=32nd-salon-2011

ON-LINE entry and PayPal are available for the Digital Projected Images Sections.

Manual Entry Forms for both Prints and Digital Projected Images (for entry by CD-rom) are interactive PDF forms, which you can complete on your computer before printing off a copy, to send in with your entry and entry fee.

This year PRINTS should be entered UNMOUNTED. They will not be returned unless return postage is paid in addition to the Entry Fee.

PRACTICAL IMAGE PROCESSING NIGHT, July + extra+

Wednesday 6^th July County Hall, 7 to 9 pm

There will be a special guest appearance of Margaret Etherington, demonstrating Photoshop Layers, using some of her stunning macro photographs. Margaret will also go through the camera settings she uses. Come and join us.