Barrie Forbes and David Langley
Two new profiles of DPS members have just been posted.
Barrie is a keen Pentax User and has been a member for nearly two years. David, on the other hand, has been a member for 15 years (on and off!). Both have a fascinating story of their life in photography to tell.
Check out Member Profiles from the Home page of the website to view. You too can appear. Tell us your story. Simply contact Tony G for more information.
Just in, from our Internationals Correspondent:
Good luck to all DPS members who have entered our "local" International Salon, the 32nd Northern Counties.
If this has whetted your appetite, or you've not yet had a go at entering an International Salon, what are you waiting for? Here are 3 forthcoming Salons that are based in the UK.
· The Swansea International - closing date 9th October.
You can enter prints and projected digital images (PDI's). More info about categories and fees at www.swanseacameraclub.co.uk/inthome.html
· The Wrekin Salon - closing date 5th November.
This is for PDI's only. More info at www.wrekinarts.com
· The 37th Smethwick International Exhibition - closing date 24th November.
You can enter prints and PDI's. More info at www.spsinternationalexhibition.com
If anyone would like more information about entering International Salons, please don't hesitate to ask me on a Thursday night.
Neil Maughan
Our devoted Blog readers will have heard of the success of DPS President, David Trout, in having images accepted in the 2011 Royal Photographic Society's International Salon of Projected Images. Now comes news of more acceptances in the “Royal”, this time for DPS member Neil Maughan who has achieved great success in Internationals all over the world.
Neil had three acceptances, Morning Cuppa (award winner - RPS ribbon), Street People and Katrya
Watch out for more news and pictures of International acceptances of DPS members work coming to this Blog soon (fabulous it has to be said), this time in the prestigious Photographic Society of America 2011 International.
Our Internationals correspondent will also be reporting on three upcoming UK Internationals that members may be inspired to enter.
Peter Rees FRPS EFIAP/p MPAGB “A Printer’s Progress”
If you are suffering from withdrawal symptoms through missing club nights during our summer break, relief is nearly upon us. We can look forward to a very special night indeed on our first night back with the top flight photographer Peter Rees talking about his work and showing his highly regarded prints. As a bonus, Eileen Rees, a superb photographer in her own right will also be attending the club.
Peter works in both monochrome and colour with a broad base of subject matter which includes landscapes, especially Scottish landscapes, portrait and figure studies, environmental and documentary.
He is a Fellow of The Royal Photographic Society, which he was awarded in the category of Photographic Printing, and holds the distinction of “Excellence” from the International Federation of Photographic Art (EFIAP/platinum). He is also a “Master” of the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain (MPAGB).
Peter says, “Although I regard the image achieved at the taking stage, in-camera, as being of paramount importance, I nevertheless see the negative or slide or digitally captured image as only the first stage in an exciting creative journey”.
During his visit to the North East, Peter will also be judging the print section of the Northern Counties International Salon of Photography which many DPS members will have entered.
For a preview of the outstanding photography we have to look forward to, check out Peter’s website:
www.farcountryphotography.co.uk
The Fantastic Four go to The Steam Gathering
On Saturday 6th August, with weather looking ok, Lord Brancepeth, Mr Bell, Monsieur Blot and myself visited the Annual Steam Gathering at Pickering. We departed from Chez Griffiths at some ungodly hour (I thought weekends were invented for lie ins?) and speedily made our way down to find a suitable hostelry for coffee and breakfast. The sharp-eyed Mr Bell quickly spotted that it made financial sense to, indeed, order the ‘full Monty’ and promptly ordered four, along with various additions/omissions that easily confused the poor waitress! Said breakfasts arrived that bore no resemblance to the ‘individual’ orders but were nevertheless enjoyed and demolished. Next, find the parking field and onto the event. Ever the optimist I still felt the weather would hold out…
Suitably attired with brollies in tow (apart from one idiot…and I had two in the car, but did put the wellies on!), checked various photographic apparatus and with a spring in our step we crossed over the portable (by a big, big truck) aluminium bridge and into the field housing the event. And the weather held out.
Lord Griffiths and Mr Bell had experience of the gathering, Monsieur Bolt and I did not know what to expect and what I hadn’t reckoned on was the sheer size of it, it was massive! There was a field with stalls and vendors selling everything from what looked like something you’d throw in the trash (à la car boot) to antique furniture, a field with a travelling fair and rides, a field full of vintage (and not so vintage) vehicles and then the main field holding the steam machines, the food tents and the display itself.
It didn’t take long for that photographic apparatus to start earning its keep and we nervously kept an eye on each other to see if anyone had spotted that ‘killer’ shot we hadn’t thought of! From close ups of plastic trays with bric-a-brac (we still need to see that picture, Lilian) to portraits and candids, there were so many shooting opportunities. And the weather held out.
The field housing the steam tractors and traction engines was impressive. People lovingly cleaning and polishing the brass work, tweaking and feeding the various cogs and machinery ready to show their pride and beauty in the arena. The steam extracted from these monsters of industry held in the air like early morning mist to give a surreal effect that hadn’t gone unnoticed by the intrepid photographers. Conversations were struck up with owners, who lovingly described their ‘babies’ with age, pedigree etc etc, all with the aim of getting that ‘killer’ shot. And then the rain started.
Not heavily you understand. Just enough to get people to don waterproofs and erect brollies (mine in the car). The sky darkened and along with the steady drizzle of rain and the ever release of steam, the surreal look of the event heightened - more photographic opportunities. Watching the people, it looked like it hadn’t dampened their enthusiasm. Everyone was still looking at engines, eating, drinking and generally enjoying themselves- including us - with a few starting to shelter under the large canvas tents. And then it started raining…heavily.
Very heavily - and I’m talking the proverbial ‘cats and dogs’, ‘stotting’, ‘p*****g down’ type of rain. Indeed them heavens did open, everyone rushing around taking shelter where they could and goods and displays hurriedly being covered up. Did this dampen the four musketeers enthusiasm? Well probably a little but not their shooting ability! Waterproofed kids playing in puddles or looking out from their pram covers, people dashing for cover, umbrellas everywhere and that darkened sky and surreal feel; it was all fair game for us shooters. Lord Brancepeth mastered the ‘one hand brolly, one hand camera’ technique and was taking everything that moved, Monsieur Blot looking for the best ‘square’ shots and Mr Bell, very sporting of him, allowing me to share his umbrella whilst we too joined in the shooting. And then after what seemed like an eternity the rain died down…a little.
We walked onto the field with the fairgrounds and stage for the singers and dancers. We showed no mercy to the wet rides, despondent stall holders and colourful clowns and shot them all, finally arriving to see ‘Elvis’ banging out his last notes…surreal indeed. The can-can dancers had to cut their set short due to the waterlogged stage and so the Dorset Rats came on early to give us some fun takes on popular songs. Hopefully the kids didn’t understand some of the double entendres!
We left after a full day that we had all thoroughly enjoyed, the rain for each of us just added to the atmosphere. I for one though couldn’t help but think that this may be one of the last outings that Monsieur Blot would join us on, before departing for pastures new.
Bonne chance mon ami, il vous sera une grande perte pour le club et sera regretté par tous, revenez bientôt!
Wish I’d brought my brolly…
Ian Stafford
The following update has been made to our web site since the last update message and all can be accessed via:-
1. PAGB e-news:-
PAGB e-news 49 is now published.
2. Directory Updates Pages:-
There are now a total of 9 updates for your new copies of the NCPF Directory and PAGB Handbook.
Dave Coates
(NCPF Webmaster)
Congratulations to our President, David Trout LRPS, who has just had two images accepted in the 2011 Royal Photographic Society's International Salon of Projected Images: Bleak Outlook and Finished. Finished was also accepted into the Bristol International Salon earlier this year.
Technical information about the pictures and comments from Pentax User Forum members can be found here:
http://www.pentaxuser.co.uk/forum/topic/international-acceptances-30057
Members wishing to emulate David’s success can find more information in an article by DPS member Neil Maughan, who has himself been highly successful in Internationals from all over the world, International Salons of Photography which can be found via the Quick Links of this Blog (simply scroll to the bottom of this page to find) and in the Welcome to New Members info (Appendix 1) from the Home page of this website.
This special, in memoriam, issue contains sad news of the demise of a much photographed icon of the photographic world. Rod is requesting you send him pictures of said icon for publication in future e-news.
Click on this link to view:
http://www.pagbnews.co.uk/e-news/en49240811InMemoriamSpecial.pdf
This issue also announces appointment of the new Director General of the RPS, Dr Michael Pritchard. You can find his History Blog at http://britishphotohistory.ning.com/
Congratulations to Durham Photographic Society’s Barrie Forbes who has just won the Pentax User weekly set subject competition on the theme of Connections with this graphic shot called Stainless.
Around the world in 80 Photos
Travels and treks from the Andes to the Atlas.
A photographic slide show show in aid of Teesdale Mountain Rescue Team.
Friday 23rd September.
The Parish Hall, Barnard Castle - 7.30pm start
£4.00 pp to include refreshments.
If you would like to book tickets please contact your blog master.
The following update has been made to our web site since the last update message and all can be accessed via:-
1. Home Page:-
Urgent Update for PAGB Handbook, plus other minor updates.
2. Directory Updates Page:-
This has now been updated so as to carry regular updates and amendments to the new editions of the PAGB Handbook and NCPF Directory.
3. PAGB e-news:-
PAGB e-news 48 is now published.
4. About the Federation/Executive Minutes
The Minutes of the Executive Meeting held on Wednesday 6th July, 2011 are now published.
5. Events/Diary Page:-
Information about Cramlington Member’s Print Show this coming week.
6. International Salon Page:-
The page has changed to reflect the fact that entries have now closed for this year’s 32nd Salon.
Dave Coates
(NCPF Webmaster)
This latest issue contains the following:
News of alleged financial irregularities at the Welsh Photographic Federation
Inter-Club PDI Championship + charnockphotography.co.uk
NEW Recorded Lectures
Inter-Club Print Championship
Useful Notes - Applications for FIAP Distinctions in 2012
Notices and Exhibitions
Featured Photographers & Notices
Advert – onOne. Free Talks to Your Club
Advert – Clownfishphoto. Sell Your Photographs
Notices & Adverts & Link to Keith Naylor C&DPAGB entry
Click on this link to view:
http://www.pagbnews.co.uk/e-news/en48160811WarwickdetailsNewRLS.pdf http://www.pagbnews.co.uk/e-news/en48160811WarwickdetailsNewRLS.pdfhttp://www.pagbnews.co.uk/e-news/en48160811WarwickdetailsNewRLS.pdf
There is also a FREE DRAW for Permajet Paper.
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
The following update has been made to our web site since the last update message and all can be accessed via:-
1. Home Page:-
Reminder re handing in Prints for Beamish Trophy.
Dave Coates
(NCPF Webmaster)
There was yet another great day out for members on the South Shields Assignment with a great range and variety of pictures taken. To view a gallery of just a selection of images, click on Assignments on the home page of this website and then South Shields. The extra challenge was “Metallic Detail”.
Next up, for something completely different, we’re heading inland to Stanhope Show, 10th September, with lunch in the Black Bull, Frosterly. Members interested in taking part in Assignment outings can contact Colin Armitstead. All are welcome.
3rd Progress Slides and Digital
Closing date is our first night back after the August break, 1st September. Email your 3 entries to Roger ahead of time if possible. Slides and last call on digital entries is on the night. It matters not if you have no chance of winning the progress trophies – just to get into the points means being covered in glory! Also, why not take a flyer on something different?
3rd Progress Prints
Closing date is the following week, 8th September. Again, entertain us with some sparkling photography. This is no time for playing safe!
Digital and George Samuel Trophy
The digital Trophy will challenge us all – a set of three images demonstrating the versatility of the photographer. The George Samuel Trophy is for slide of the year which cannot go on for ever due to dwindling interest so let’s see some cracking slides that would help to prolong the life of this competition
Valente Cup &Leslie Buss Trophy
The Valente has massive prestige and is for an entry of three prints. There is no requirement to show versatility or for the prints to be linked by theme or content though members can choose to enter pictures that hang well together. The leslie Buss is awarded to the best single print in the Valente.
Please read the rules in your programme carefully, including General Competition Rules starting on page 8.
British Moto Cross Racing
Sunday 14th August bring the Maxxis British Moto Cross championships to Duns which is 15 miles west of Berwick. Top class action from the best riders in both this country and also from Europe and America. Racing starts at 9am till around 5pm.
Postcode for sat nav is TD11 3NS.
Beamish Revisited
I have just received an e mail confirming that Beamish Museum is to hold another night of photography after the success of the previous night a few months ago. The night is Saturday 3rd of September from 5:45pm to 9:00pm.Again this is a ticket only event limited to 200 tickets which are £10 and can be purchased by calling 0191 370 4000. See Beamish website for more info.
Stephen.
Sandra has been a member of Durham Photographic Society for only a short time but is already making her mark as a popular, and clearly talented, photographer. She says, “The biggest influence in my life as a photographer was my mum who always carried a small Kodak camera wherever we went. It had a flash cube and various taped up cracks on it, but thanks to her we have some stunning images of walking holidays in the Lake District and throughout the UK”.
Check out Members Profiles from the Home page of this website to view the whole story and see more of Sandra’s photography. Contact Tony G if you too would like to appear on this section which is second only to the Blog in visitor numbers.
1. Home Page:-
Invitation to enter the Northern Counties International Salon – reproduced in more detail here:-
32nd Northern Counties International Salon of Photography 2011
Closing Date - Friday 20th August 201 - Just 2 weeks away
We would like to extend this invitation to all members of the NCPF to enter your own salon. It is YOUR chance to showcase YOUR work to the whole photographic world, but also to support the efforts of your colleagues, who put so much effort into making this event respected worldwide.
Don’t miss out; don’t forget to submit your entry. THERE IS STILL TIME!
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. We expect that at least 1 in4 entries will be accepted. 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 2010
Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2nd/11th September 2010
Notification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21st September 2010
Catalogues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27th November 2010
All entries returned . . . . . . . . . 27th November 2010
Full details of all the rules and conditions of entry (including fees), together with 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
We look forward to receiving your entry to this prestigious event.
Dave Coates
(NCPF Webmaster)
On the first Wednesday night of most months in the DPS calendar, there is a meeting of digital enthusiasts where software demonstrations take place. There have been some requests for digital camera skills tuition as well. So it was that the August meeting was on location on the Durham riverside and peninsula. It was a balmy evening and members enjoyed a relaxing time, socialising and learning new skills from each other. It is hoped that there will be future such evenings with, for instance, specific techniques being demonstrated and practised. As always, these DPS Digital nights are open to all interested members.
At the September meeting there will be a chance to look at and discuss some of the pictures taken on the night. Simply email John Gordon with, say, five images that demonstrate a technique or simply ones that you like.
4th to 7th August
Members will be torn between two of the best photography and pure enjoyment opportunities of the year this weekend: the acres of steam traction engines, vintage and classic vehicles of every kind plus entertainment (the VPs favourite band, Dorset Rats, are playing) at Pickering Traction Engine Rally or the fabulous Stockton International Riverside Festival with its street performers, spectacular shows and the best carnival north of Notting Hill. Check out the websites to help you decide, and why not do both?
http://www.pickeringsteam.com/
Durham Town Hall Entrance Gallery
Now on for the month of August is an exhibition of photography by Durham Photographic Society members on the theme of Durham architecture and landscape. This follows our Brilliance of Brass exhibition during July which proved very popular with the public.
There were more entries than space will allow so there will be a change of prints on display half way through the month.
Photography ranges from traditional to contemporary.
Thanks to Dennis Hardingham and Barry Armitage for setting up
The following update has been made to our web site since the last update message and all can be accessed via:-
1. NCPF Diary:-
Details and poster regarding Consett & District PS’ Annual Exhibition on 13/08/11
2. PAGB e-news:-
The latest edition (number 47) of PAGB e-news is now available via the appropriate button on the right hand menu
Dave Coates
(NCPF Webmaster)
Compiled by your Hot Dates Blogger, Stephen Bell
Alnwick International Music Festival: 30th July to 6th August (Market Place)
STOCKTON INTERNATIONAL RIVERSIDE FESTIVAL: 3rd to 7th August
PICKERING TRACTION ENGINE RALLY: 4th to 7th August www.pickeringsteam.com
EDINBURGH FRINGE: 5th to 29th August
BILLINGHAM INTERNATIONAL FOLKLORE FESTIVAL: Billingham 5th-13th August. (Check website for photo competition details) www.billinghamfestival.co.uk
Middleton in Teesdale Carnival: 6th August
Ignition Festival, Newcastle: 6th to 7th August ++CANCELLED++
Folkworks Durham Gathering: 11th to 13th August
NewcastleGateshead Bridges Festival: 12th to 14th August (Swing Bridge to Millennium
SEDGEFIELD SHOW: 13th August
VINTAGE VEHICLE RALLY, RABY CASTLE: 21st August
VARIETY CLUB LADIES DAY, Sedgefield Races: 23rd August
STREETS OF … Summer Festival: Durham, 26th and 27th August
WEARDALE AGRICULTURAL SHOW, St John’s Chapel: 27th August
Military Vehicle Rally 28-29th August, DLI Museum. LINK
WOLSINGHAM SHOW: 3rd and 4th September
DURHAM BIG RIDE: 4th September
STANHOPE SHOW: 10th September +++ DPS Assignment Outing +++
Durham Big Ride, The Beast: 11th September
NEWCASTLE MELA: Sunday 11th September
WORLD SHEEPDOG TRIALS FOOD AND COUNTRY CRAFT FESTIVAL**1st TIME EVENT FOR THE UK**:15th-18th September Lowther Park Cumbria www.lowther.co.uk
BUPA GREAT NORTH RUN WEEKEND: 17th and 18th September
SUNDERLAND PRIDE: 25th 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
LUMIERE, Durham: 17th to 20th November
BOXING DAY DIP: 26th December, Seaburn, Sunderland
New postings in red. Dates subject to confirmation
If you have details of anything of interest to photographers please contact Stephen Bell
This latest issue contains the following:
Results from the Inter-Club PDI Championship (Warwick)
"Hail at Hampden" & Tallaght International Exhibition
Leo Rich – PAGB Vice President
GB Cup Judges & Inter-Federation Print Exhibition Venues
Winning pictures from the Inter-Fed. Print Competition
Advert
Special Book Offer and NCPF International Exhibition
Print Championship Clubs, Judges & Permajet Winners, past & present
Opening of the Inter-Fed. Print Competition
Click on this link to view: http://www.pagbnews.co.uk/e-news/en47310711PDIchamp.pdf
There is also a FREE DRAW for Permajet Paper.
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
