Durham PS

Club Night News: 9th February

2012-02-10T08:13:00.001-08:00

Assignment Hexham, Saturday 11^th Feb

At last! Assignment day is nigh. Meet at the bandstand 10.00 am. All members are welcome. There will be a follow up to view and discuss the stunning prints that will undoubtedly be produced. Prepare to have a good time

NCPF Championship, Sunday 12^th Feb

The championship, with clubs from all over the Northern Counties Photographic Federation, will be at Washington CC, Harraton Community Centre, Bonemill Lane, Washington, NE38 8BQ, Prints are handed in at 12.30 and the event starts at 1.30. See our team in action! There’s more to it than you might think. Join members of other NCPF clubs and see the images and prints coming up and being scored by three judges using electronic scoring devices. It’s a fascinating insight into club world competition. Entry is free and you can buy refreshments on site.

More about the event is here:

http://www.ncpf.org.uk/index.php?id=club-championships

Directions are here:

http://www.ncpf.org.uk/data/uploads/2012-directions.pdf

Members’ Web Gallery, deadline Thursday 16^th Feb

Only 7 days left! Please send your best 4 images from 2011 to John Brown by email (preferred) or on disc sized 1024x768 px and sRGB colour space. The world wide web awaits!

Town Hall Exhibition, on until 28^th Feb

The Valente is in town to popular acclaim. On display in the entrance of Durham Town Hall are superb sets of three prints by five members that had done well in the 2011 Valente Cup competition.

Botanic Gardens Exhibition, 3^rd to 30^th March

The exhibition will be in the cafe of the Botanic Gardens. Volunteers needed to help set up on the 3^rd.

Annual Exhibition, June 2nd

This will be in the glorious setting of the Galilee Chapel of Durham Cathedral in June, not July as in previous years. Details to follow

Sports Relief Mile, 25^th March

There are ten Sports Relief Mile events in the North East this year:

http://my.sportrelief.com/search/event/results?location=durham

This could be a golden opportunity to capture your Fillingham Trophy winner. Set subject, “This Sorting Life”

Give generously too!

Programme Changes, November

November 15^th – due to St Oswald’s hall being needed as a polling station, there will be no meeting and our AGM is moved to November 1^st, replacing the Northern Counties International Salon 2012 which will be shown at a later date. The programme section of the DPS website has been amended.

e-news of the PAGB issue 57

2012-02-09T11:06:00.001-08:00

Click on this link to see Issue 57 of e-news from the PAGB: http://www.pagbnews.co.uk/e-news/en57090212FebEC_Letters_Focus.pdf

IN ISSUE 57

Highlights from the February PAGB Meeting (Including Audio Visual APM)

“Men and Women of Distinction” An entertaining and interesting article by Bob Moore

Calling all MPAGB(request for images)

Notices

Featured Photographer (Bob Avery LRPS, Carluke CC) & Permajet winner

Awards of Photographic Merit - Advice on Facebook

Focus on Imaging Appendix - Visit the PAGB and or Sponsors at Focus

And Finally: Shadows by John McLean

Club Night Preview 9th February

2012-02-09T08:10:00.001-08:00

Beamish from the Inside

Julian Harrop of Beamish, a Durham Photographic Society member, will be telling us the inside story of Beamish, The Living Museum of the North. This is a golden opportunity to learn all about this amazing this venue so hugely popular with visitors and photographers alike.

http://www.beamish.org.uk/

INTERNATIONALS NEWS: RESULTS OF THE PORT TALBOT

2012-02-06T11:26:00.001-08:00

+ INFO ABOUT THE 66TH BRISTOL

Neil Maughan reports:

The results of the 1st Port Talbot International Salon of Photography were recently announced and Durham PS members collectively acquired an amazing 22 acceptances.

The results are as follows:

David Trout, 4 acceptances with "Blizzard" gaining a Highly Commended.

Joe Grabham, 4 acceptances

Rob Birrel, 3 acceptances

David Forster, 3 acceptances

Neil Maughan, 8 acceptances.

For those interested in trying their luck in the next UK based Salon, the 66th Bristol Salon, it closes 10th March. This is for digital images only and there are 3 sections. More details are at:

www.bristolphoto.org.uk

Assignment Hexham

2012-02-05T03:50:00.001-08:00

Saturday 11^th February

Set in fabulous Hexhamshire countryside, Hexham is a thriving market town dating back to medieval times. Enjoyable photography opportunities abound.

Parking: if you arrive via the A69, the main Hexham turnoff takes you to the large Wentworth car park which also accommodates Waitrose (Tesco is further along to the right). All day parking is only £2 pay and display and there is an information centre where you can pick up a free street map. There is a somewhat steep climb up to the town itself and if this is a problem there is plenty of street parking but it can be busy on a Saturday.

The Waitrose Hexham store post code for satnav is NE46 3PN

Good coffee and tea shops are all over the town centre.

We meet at 10.00 am by the bandstand which is in attractive park land next to the Abbey.

Photography in the Abbey is allowed and you can use a tripod but not flash.

Lunch will be in the Tap and Spile on the corner of Battle Hill and Eastgate at around 1 o clock.

Contact Colin Armitstead if you need more information.

News: Jack Gilmore wins VP Award

2012-02-04T11:35:00.001-08:00

The Vice President Award, given annually, is for outstanding service to the club. The 2011 winner is Jack Gilmore, particularly for his service as sound engineer for the club.

DPS Vice President, Ian Stafford said at the recent presentation dinner that in 2011 there were many members deserving of this special honour, “However only one person can be chosen, and this year’s recipient is one of our ‘un-sung heroes’. He has been a member for many years and it is not just his individual efforts that are being honoured, but rather his commitment and loyalty that typifies what this award is all about. He not only collect this award for himself but as a representative for that special breed of member that ‘go that extra mile’ to ensure our society remains the best there is”.

DPS President Tony Griffiths said, “It was only a while ago that Jack stepped up to the plate when a volunteer apprentice sound engineer was called for to assist John Attle on club nights. He quickly learned the ropes and has become a true pro in the tradition of pro sound engineers. Our club nights run very smoothly sound-wise thanks to Jack. He is a worthy winner and a very popular one”.

Eve Arnold 1912 – 2012 - An Appreciation

2012-02-04T07:07:00.001-08:00

By John Cogan

Durham Photographic Society member John Cogan has written a fascinating and moving appreciation of the iconic, 20^th century photographer Eve Arnold who died recently.

John writes, “If there were to be one photographer, regardless of gender, whom one should emulate as a exemplar for their rapport with their subject, their dedication to the humanity of the people they met regardless of colour or belief it would be Eve Arnold, the quiet and gentle little housewife from Long Island”.

A link to the full article, which includes stunning photographs sourced by John Brown, can be found on the home page of the Durham PS website.

http://www.d-p-s.org.uk/article_eve_arnold.htm

See also, John’s review on the Blog of the Jane Bown exhibition, Exposures, now on at the DLI Museum Art Gallery. This can be found in the Blog Archive on the right hand side of the Blog page. Simply click on 2012 January and scroll down to find.

Pictured: John Cogan, left, with fellow members Marie Predki and Tom Heslop

Club Night News: 2nd February

2012-02-03T01:56:00.001-08:00

Assignment Hexham

Saturday 11^th February. Meeting in at the bandstand 10.00 am. All members are welcome. A good time will be had by all. Great photography opportunities will abound. There may even be the chance of snapping a winner for the Fillingham Trophy which has the set subject, “This Sporting Life”. Images from previous assignments are in Assignments on the home page of the DPS website.

NCPF Championship

The championship, with clubs from all over the Northern Counties Photographic Federation, will be at Washington CC, Harraton Community Centre, Bonemill Lane, Washington, NE38 8BQ, 12^th February. Prints are handed in at 12.30 and the event starts at 1.30. All members of NCPF clubs can attend. You can see the images and prints come up and be scored by three judges using electronic scoring devices. It’s a fascinating insight into club world competition. Our entry will be organised by Joe Grabham and his team.

More about the event is here:

http://www.ncpf.org.uk/index.php?id=club-championships

Directions are here:

http://www.ncpf.org.uk/data/uploads/2012-directions.pdf

Members’ Web Gallery

Please send your best 4 images from 2011 to John Brown by email (preferred) or on disc by Thursday 16^th Feb sized 1024x768 px and sRGB colour space. Meantime check out the new Birds of Prey gallery

Town Hall Exhibition

Valente comes to town! On display in the entrance of Durham Town Hall are superb sets of three prints by five members (sorry only five but the space will not allow more) that had done well in the 2011 Valente Cup competition. On for the month of February.

Botanic Gardens Exhibition

Please bring in your print next week if possible so the team, led by Don Bennett and Dennis Hardingham, can plan and prepare. There will be 47 framed prints on display in the cafe of the Botanic Gardens 3^rd to 30^th March. Your choice of picture – does not have to be botanical!

Annual Exhibition

This will be in the Galilee Chapel of Durham Cathedral in June, not July as in previous years. Details to follow

Club Night Preview 2nd February

2012-02-01T10:26:00.001-08:00

Henrietta Byrne LRPS DPAGB

Land Light

Henrietta Byrne, who is from Richmond and a member of Richmond Camera Club, makes a very welcome return to Durham. An evening in the company of one of the foremost landscape photographers is yet another night not to be missed!

http://www.richmond.org/arts/henriettabyrne/index.html

Exhibition News: DPS at Town Hall

2012-02-01T09:49:00.001-08:00

The latest in a long series of exhibitions of photography by Durham PS members is now on for the month of February in the Town Hall entrance gallery, Durham.

Superb prints are on display, which were previously seen in the Society’s 2011 Valente Cup competition, the premier print competition of the year. The exhibition showcases the talents and diversity of photography just some of our members are achieving and will be seen and appreciated by the legion of visitors to this busy location which is in Market Place.

HOT DATES 2012 FEBRUARY UPDATE

2012-02-01T04:13:00.001-08:00

Compiled by your Hot Dates Blogger, STEPHEN BELL

CHINESE NEW YEAR LANTERN FESTIVAL: Durham Oriental Museum 6^th February. www.dur.ac.uk/events.

FREIGHT TRAIN DAY: Tanfield Railway 12^th February.www.tanfieldrailway.co.uk.

175 YEAR CELEBRATION OF THE THEATRE ROYAL: Newcastle 16^th-19^th February.www.theatreroyal.co.uk.

EIDER CHASE RACEDAY: Gosforth Park Racecourse 25^th February.www.newcastle-racecourse.co.uk.

FOCUS ON IMAGING: Birmingham NEC 4^th-7^th March. www.focusonimaging.co.uk

STOCK CAR RACING: Barford Raceway 11^th and 25^th March.www.barfordraceway.com.

BIKEWISE EASTER EGG RUN: Durham 8^th April. www.bikewisenews.org.uk

GREAT NORTH STEAM FAIR: Beamish Museum, 12^th-15^th April

MORPETH NORTHUMBRIAN GATHERING: Morpeth 13^th-15^th April. www.northumbria.org.uk/gathering

WHITBY GOTH WEEKEND: Whitby 26^th-30^th April. www.whitbygothweekend.co.uk

JETSKI RACING: Stockton 4^th-6^th May (provisionally).www.jsra.co.uk.

MARATHON OF THE NORTH: Sunderland 6^th May.www.sunderland.gov.uk/events.

HALFORDS CYCLE TOUR SERIES ROUND 2: Durham 17^th May.www.tourseries.co.uk.

HAWORTH 1940s WEEKEND: Haworth 19th-20^th May.www.haworth-village.org.uk.^-

NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY SHOW: Corbridge 4^th June. www.northcountyshow.co.uk

APPLEBY HORSE FAIR: Appleby 7^th-13^th June. www.applebyfair.org

DURHAM REGATTA: Durham 9^th-10^th June. www.thisisdurham.com/whatson

OLYMPIC FLAME: North East 14^th -20^th June. http://www.london2012.com/games/olympic-torch-relay/where-is-the-olympic-flame-going/locations-by-region-and-date.php?location=North+East&x=11&y=9

TOWN MOOR HOPPINGS FAIR: Newcastle 22^nd-30^th June. www.hoppingsfunfairs.com

BRASS INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL: Durham 6^th-22^nd July.www.brassfestival.co.uk

MOUTH OF THE TYNE FESTIVAL: North Shields/ Tynemouth 6^th-9^th July. www.northtyneside.gov.uk/festivals

GREAT YORKSHIRE SHOW: Harrogate 10^th-12^th July. www.greatyorkshireshow.co.uk

DURHAM MINERS GALA: Durham 14^th July. www.thisisdurham.com/whatson

SUNDERLAND INTERNATIONAL AIRSHOW: Sunderland 21^st-22^nd July. www.sunderlandevents.co.uk

EDINBURGH FRINGE FESTIVAL: Edinburgh 3^rd-27^th August. www.edfringe.com

PICKERING STEAM ENGINE RALLY: Pickering 2^nd-5^th August. www.pickeringsteam.com

STOCKTON INTERNATIONAL RIVERSIDE FESTIVAL: Stockton 4^th-7^th August. www.sirf.co.uk

ALNWICK INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL: Alnwick 4^th-11^th August. www.alnwickmusicfestival.com

PICKERING 1940S WAR WEEKEND: Pickering 12^th-14^th October. www.nymr.co.uk/events

BOXING DAY DIP: Seaburn 26^th December. www.sunderlandevents.co.uk

If anyone has any news or details of any event of interest to photographers please have a chat with me at the club or email me at stephenmbell1(at)talktalk(dot)net

Northern Focus – a young Paul Ritchie makes an impression

2012-01-30T04:49:00.001-08:00

In the spring 2012 edition of Northern Focus, the online magazine of the NCPF, there is a fascinating Personal Profile of our old friend from Hartlepool Photo & Digital Group, Dave Phillips who has done a great job for us as a competition Judge and lecturer many times. Dave relates how he went on a Judging course with the NCPF in Tynemouth:

“Just before I got my opportunity to comment on the images, a young gent took the stage hoping to impress, and impress he did. He addressed the audience in such an eloquent,

knowledgeable and almost poetic manner. He read each photograph beautifully. How could he extract that much information from each image? More importantly, how could I compete with that? Quite simply, I couldn’t ... and the name of the young man who made such an impression? Paul Ritchie of Durham P.S. Needless to say, he sailed through.”

Of course the young Dave Phillips was also invited on to the Judging Panel and has been one of the post popular and effective ever since. Meantime Paul, still on the NCPF judging and lecturer panels, went on to be President of Durham PS and is today one of the most highly regarded Programme Secretaries in the photography club world.

In the same issue of Northern Focus, NCPF President Richard Spiers announced there will be a seminar for prospective judges in the Autumn of 2012.

The full article by Dave Phillips can be found here: http://www.ncpf.org.uk/data/uploads/northern-focus-2012-spring2.pdf

From the Front Line of Chinese New Year

2012-01-29T12:21:00.001-08:00

Ian Stafford reports ...

Confucius he say ... arrive early for good position and be prepared for rain!

The north-east crowds, DPS photographers amongst them, were out in force in Stowell Street for this year’s Chinese New Year celebrations, this year being the Year of the Dragon. Only early bird photographers were able to be in prime position in front of the Chinese Arch. Ear-splitting firecrackers filled the air with smoke announced the arrival of the dragons (aka Longs). The Lion dancers then slowly meandered down the street, stopping at each restaurant to furnish them with luck for the coming year.

Most restaurants made an offering of lettuce (or should it be pak choy?!) which was ceremoniously chewed up into tiny pieces by the Lion dancers to the thrilling sound of Chinese drums, tambourines and cymbals. When two Lions met, they embraced in friendly manner and not in the more traditional, confrontational way.

There were stalls selling paper dragons and fortune cookies, along with the fair-ground rides and food sellers! Altogether a most enjoyable and colourful celebration and good day out for photographers. Well worth a return visit next year.

Check out Rob Birrell’s blog for more pictures: http://robbirrell.com/chinese-new-year-2012-newcastle-stowell-street/

UPDATES to the NCPF WEB SITE

2012-01-29T09:10:00.001-08:00

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. Competitions/Annual Competitions

All necessary downloads and information appertaining to the 2012 NCPF Annual Competitions are now available and should be accessed by Competition secretaries

2. Events/Diary:-

Details of NYSD’s 60^th Anniversary Lecture in March
(Posters are attached for Club Secretaries to display on Club Notice boards please).

3. Northern Focus:-

The Spring 2012 Edition of Northern Focus is now on line.

4. Directory Updates:-

And another update to be noted.

5. PAGB e-news

Issue 56 of PAGB e-news is now available and on line.

Dave Coates
(NCPF Webmaster)

Presentation Dinner Tonight, 27th January

2012-01-27T06:22:00.001-08:00

It has been belatedly noticed that the Programme section on the DPS website shows the wrong date, i.e. 28^th January. Apologies for that. The printed programme and various Blogs are correct – it is definitely tonight, Friday 27^th January!

Bowburn Hall Hotel, 7.30 for 8.00 pm

Club Night News: 26th January

2012-01-27T02:53:00.001-08:00

Members’ Web Galleries

Members’ 2012 gallery: your best 4 images from 2011 to John Brown by email (preferred) or on disc by Thursday 16^th Feb sized 1024x768 px and sRGB colour space!

For the Birds Gallery: images taken on Jed Wee’s Birds of Prey workshops are on line now in Galleries from the home page of the DPS website.

NCPF Fotospeed Spectacular

Sunday 29th: NCPF Fotospeed Spectacular: a day of photographic celebration with Des Clinton FRPS FIPF MFIAP, Rod Whelans FRPS MPAGB FIPF MFIAP and Anne Greiner MPAGB. Novatel Hotel Kenton

http://www.ncpf.org.uk/data/uploads/11-08-spectacular-2012.pdf

Digi Night is back!

Wednesday 1^st February, County Hall 7.00 p.m. See poster

Assignment Hexham

Saturday 11^th February. Meeting in at the bandstand 10.00 am. All members are welcome. See Colin for details.

NCPF Championship

The championship itself will be at Washington CC, Harraton Community Centre, Bonemill Lane, Washington, NE38 8BQ 12^th February. Prints are handed in at 12.30 and the event starts at 1.30. All members of NCPF clubs can attend. It’s a fascinating insight into club world competition.

More about the event is here:

http://www.ncpf.org.uk/index.php?id=club-championships

Directions are here:

http://www.ncpf.org.uk/data/uploads/2012-directions.pdf

St Cuthbert’s Hospice

St Cuthbert’s Hospice need images of Durham for their 2013 calendar and this year’s Christmas cards as before. For the calendar, landscape format through the seasons plus a portrait format stunner for the cover. Join top name photographers and contribute to this great cause. On CD to the club by 2^nd Feb or direct to St C please.

Durham Times

They too are needing good images of Durham. You and DPS will be credited if published. On disc to Robin Wallace please

Botanic Gardens Exhibition

3^rd to 30^th March.There is space for 47 20x16 mounted prints from 47 members. First come first served so put your name down asap if you want to take part. Your choice of picture – does not have to be botanical!

CLUB NIGHT PREVIEW, 26th January

2012-01-25T12:08:00.001-08:00

An evening with on Assignment

Members’ nights are hugely popular and this will be no exception. A packed house is expected! Images taken by members on the last eleven assignments will be shown and marvelled at. Eleven very diverse locations from North Shields fish quay to Richmond, Stanhope Show to Middlehaven, Metrocentre to Teesdale (pictured) and favorite images selected from the many thousands of photographs taken. Firmly established as one of the Society’s most popular and exciting activities, both from photographic and social points of view, this show will clearly demonstrate why.

For the Birds ... New DPS website Gallery

2012-01-24T11:25:00.001-08:00

A new gallery of fabulous birds of prey pictures has just opened in the Galleries section of the DPS website. The images were taken by members attending the For the Birds workshops run by DPS’ Jed Wee with Sophie Abbott of Swinton Park Birds of Prey. The photography workshops took place at the Swinton Park Hotel, Masham and the nearby Abbott family farm. There was good access to the fabulous birds and a good time was had by all.

http://jedwee.com/

http://birdsofprey.me.uk/

e-news of the PAGB issue 56

2012-01-24T10:39:00.001-08:00

Click on this link to see Issue 56 of e-news from the PAGB: IN ISSUE 56

http://www.pagbnews.co.uk//e-news/en56240112APAGB_AVconsult_Holland.pdf

Meritorious Service Awards APAGB, inc Libby Smith APAGB, MPAGB, EFIAP

Results of the AV Awards Consultation

Notices from FIAP & RPS

Ken Holland - Looking at Photographs

Notices ....... and Finally

More info about Ken Holland’s book is here: http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/2216671

Northern Lights over North East England

2012-01-24T07:01:00.001-08:00

Spectacular Aurora Borealis displays were seen as far south as Saltburn on Sunday with more displays due to solar activity possible tonight, Monday 23^rd Jan, and tomorrow night.

If you have photos and would like to share on this Blog, please email to John Attle

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-16681732

http://spaceweather.com/

Jane Bown..... “Exposures” at the DLI Reviewed

2012-01-24T02:25:00.001-08:00

In 1963, a mop-topped, 38 year-old woman entered the Beatles’ dressing room. She took a few photographs and was about to be thrown out when Ringo Starr intervened: “Oh no! We like her here!” When the woman, Jane Bown from “The Observer”, arrived John Lennon was strumming a guitar, Ringo was sat at a table playing with a pack of cards while McCartney and Harrison talked and remained close to the warmth of the Ascot water heater. By the 1960s Jane Bown had developed a style of approach to her subjects that was non-intrusive and friendly, especially after the customary “Observer” lunch. Study most of her portraits and only a few look her straight in the eye. A very young, smooth-face Boy George looks out of the frame, coyly. Not so Becket! Arriving at the Royal Court Theatre, Jane Bown waited and waited. Becket eventually sent her a message saying he was going and the photo-shoot was cancelled. Somewhat angry, Jane Bown raced to the stage door. When Becket emerged from the dark tunnel into the daylight Jane forced him to stop and managed to make 5 frames before he stomped off.

Born in 1925, after war service Jane Bown studied photography at Guildford College. Using a second-hand Rolleiflex she went to photograph Bertrand Russell for her first paid-for and commissioned photograph for the “Observer” Newspaper. This was in 1949 and without a break she has been photographing at the behest of the picture editors of “The Observer” ever since. For the past 40 years she has relied on her Olympus OM-1 and black and white film. Carrying all her equipment (the camera!) in a shopping bag she arrives often at the subject’s home or place of work and manoeuvres them to a position near a window. Using only natural light (though occasionally “borrowing” the editor’s Angle-poise for highlights) Jane eschews even a reflector.

The selection of 40 portraits on display at the DLI includes a rear-view of the late Labour leader Hugh Gateskell walking along the sea front during a Labour Party Conference. His companion is the tall Aneurin Bevan. The image is reminiscent of a monochrome Morecambe and Wise (or an Austerity-suited “Little and Large”). There are well-known actors and politicians, authors and artists. Both Lucien Freud and Francis Bacon stare out at you, angered, perhaps, by the intrusion. Orson Wells adopts a similar, challenging pose that he tried out on Robert Doisneau back in the late 1940s, the luminous Lauren Bacall is caught full of joy and that inner beauty she exudes while Eartha Kitt lets slip the outer shell and reveals a truer self. Some of the images are painful in their honesty and the humanity they capture while others are just full of humour and common sense.

In past exhibitions these photographs have been placed side-by-side and on top of each other: a veritable wall of faces. Thankfully, the staff at the DLI has placed a space for thought and reflection between each image. The low-ceilinged rooms with their starkness are the perfect ambience for time spent with Jane’s work. Well-lit and of a good size you are seduced into the sittings. However, whether deliberate or not the arrangement does mean you can see the reflection of one next to the face of another. Margaret Thatcher is opposite Her Majesty and the one intrudes upon the other:

There are other strange combinations, such as Anthony Burgess and Lord Longford:

Of all the images the one that haunts me the most and I find the most revealing is the capture of the Welsh poet RS Thomas as he stands, looking lost, at the base of a mountain of slate slag. The look in Thomas’s face explains the lilt and shape of so many of his poems.

For any ardent photographer or anyone interested in human nature this is an exhibition not to be missed. If, however, attending is impossible then why not buy the book: “Exposure” by Jane Bown and celebrate the work of an eccentric but a master of her craft who has one guiding philosophy: keep it simple and stick to what you know!

John Cogan

Jane Bown “Exposures” is on at the DLI Museum Art Gallery until Sunday 19^th February

UPDATES to the NCPF WEB SITE

2012-01-23T04:55:00.001-08:00

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. Events/Diary:-

Details of two Club events, at Ashington (starting in February) and at Stokesley (early March).
(Posters are attached for Club Secretaries to display on Club Notice boards please).

2. Directory Updates:-

Another update to be noted, especially by Programme/Syllabus secretaries please

NOTICE:- NCPF Spectacular – A reminder to book early, the majority of tickets have been purchased already, but there still a few left. Check out the “NCPF Events Page” on the NCPF Web site to get your tickets.

Dave Coates
(NCPF Webmaster)

Two London Exhibitions Reviewed

2012-01-21T12:40:00.001-08:00

2011 Veolia Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Natural History Museum.

Until 11th March 2012

Adults £9 Concessions £4.50

I recently visited this must see event. Although it does travel round the country, at the NMH it is displayed as large backlit transparencies. These really do the images justice. The range and quality is superb now. We have become so used to the incredibly high quality of David Attenborough’s programmes that anything less would seem inferior.

Some of the photographs by the younger entrants were amazing, even, or especially, the 10-14 age group.

It was also interesting to note the number of photographs taken at high ISOs and still looking razor sharp with no obvious noise. (Many of these on Nikon D3s)

It’s quite a large exhibition and on a Sunday was moderately busy, although we did not need to prebook and got in within 10 minutes. On a weekday it should be a leisurely and stimulating experience.

Next door the V & A have brought out some of their valuable original prints from some of Photography’s great exponents. The exhibition is free and worth a look while you’re in the vicinity. Most of the pictures will be familiar to keen photographers, but it’s good to see the originals.

Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Competition 2011

National Portrait Gallery Until 12th February 2012

Entry £2

This is the usual rather mixed bag, with some outstanding work and some which I found left me cold, but then I feel sure we would all have different opinions. I found that some marvellous work which should obviously have been awarded high placing was ousted by some rather less exciting efforts....but that’s my opinion. I did find the inclusion of a distant rear view of an African prostitute lying on a mattress strange..while it is documentary work of some merit, I would never call it a portrait, it spoke of the human condition but told me nothing of the girl herself.

The winning Guinea Pig was very pretty, but I felt that there was much stronger work present. However for £2 it’s worth a visit, and there are some rather good documentary pictures in the basement near the snack bar which are excellent and free to see while you visit the loo.

John Clarke

http://www.nhm.ac.uk/visit-us/whats-on/temporary-exhibitions/wpy/

Club Night News: 19th January

2012-01-20T02:19:00.001-08:00

Assignments

Superb prints were shown at the Assignment Tanfield review night last night. A gallery of images has been posted on the DPS website in Assignments.

Thursday 26^th January is members’ night and images taken on the last eleven assignment outings will be shown

Next up: Hexham, Saturday 11^th February. Meeting in at the bandstand 10.00 am. All members welcome. See Colin for details.

Presentation Dinner

Our annual awards dinner is next week, Friday 27^th January, Bowburn Hall Hotel. Our guest is NCPF President Richard Spiers DPAGB, BPE2* who is a superb after dinner speaker. As well as presentation of the 2011 trophies, including the Vice President’s Award for outstanding service to the club, there will be a fabulous show of 2011 competition entries and a “free” raffle conducted by the inimitable Angy Ellis. It will be a great night.

Members’ Web Galleries

Members’ 2012 gallery: your best 4 images from 2011 to John Brown by email (preferred) or on disc by Thursday 16^th Feb

For the Birds Gallery: images taken on Jed Wee’s Birds of Prey workshops. Up to 4 images per member to John Brown by Monday 23^rd January.

Ensure they are sized 1024x768 px and sRGB!

Closing date 1^st Progress Prints

Bring in your entries by 26^th January. Digital versions to Alan by email, 1024x768. Boxes are out now. There’s an A section for experienced workers and a B for less experienced. Full details are in your programme.

There is also a downloadable quick reference guide to competions, updated for 2012, which you can find in Downloads on the DPS website. NEW: also in Downloads, is an interactive spreadsheet by Angy Ellis to help you keep track of your entries (and keep within the rules).

NCPF Championship

Prints requested by organiser Joe Grabham are in and our selection panel are choosing our final entry.

The championship itself will be at Washington CC, Harraton, 12^th February. All members of NCPF clubs can attend. It’s a fascinating insight into club world competition.

Digi Night is back!

Wednesday 1^st February, County Hall 7.00 p.m. See poster

St Cuthbert’s Hospice

Durham Times

They too are needing good images of Durham. You and DPS will be credited if published. On disc to Robin Wallace please

Botanic Gardens Exhibition

NCPF Fotospeed Spectacular

Sunday 29th: NCPF Fotospeed Spectacular: a day of photographic celebration with Des Clinton FRPS FIPF MFIAP, Rod Whelans FRPS MPAGB FIPF MFIAP and Anne Greiner MPAGB. Novatel Hotel Kenton

http://www.ncpf.org.uk/data/uploads/11-08-spectacular-2012.pdf

Assignment Tanfield gallery

2012-01-19T08:03:00.001-08:00

Photographs from the Tanfield railway visit in December are now on line and can be viewed in Assignments on the home page of the DPS website. The special challenge was “Up close and interesting”. Organiser Colin Armitstead said, “It was a freezing cold day but that did not stop members from capturing superb images. It was good to see such a range of fresh interpretations from a location so popular with photographers”.

The next outing is to Hexham, Saturday 11^th February.

DIGI NIGHT IS BACK!

2012-01-19T07:44:00.001-08:00

PRACTICAL IMAGE PROCESSING NIGHT

Wednesday 1st February, County Hall, 7 to 9 pm

John Gordon will demonstrate all the essential, everyday skills and techniques you need to start the new year on a path of excellence. Tools and techniques will be covered from basic to intermediate level.

Includes image sizing and preparing your images for the web, competition and digital projection.

Includes Histograms – exposing to the right (as mentioned by Garry Brannigan)

And more, much more ...

News: Focus on Imaging 2012

2012-01-18T09:55:00.001-08:00

Registration now open

NEC Birmingham 4-7 March

Focus on Imaging is Europe’s largest annual imaging show, popular with pros and hobbyists alike. There will be over 200 exhibitors (including Canon who were absent last year) and products and demonstrations galore. You can register now which will save queuing on the day. You can keep up to date with fast moving news via the Focus on Imaging App, Twitter or the website:

http://www.focus-on-imaging.co.uk/home.htm

CLUB NIGHT PREVIEW, 19th January

2012-01-18T03:29:00.001-08:00

The London Salon of Photography Centenary Exhibition 2011

We can look forward with keen anticipation to Thursday night as the superlative London Salon of Photography Exhibition 2011 comes to Durham. This is special, not least because the London Salon celebrated 100 years of existence last year.

The aim of the London Salon “Is to exhibit only that class of photographic work in which there is distinct evidence of artistic feeling and execution”.

The London Salon of Photography is a unique body of photographers, from world wide membership (by invitation only), whose sole aim is to exhibit, annually, the very best of pictorial photographic imagery.

The original prints were shown in London and Smethwick last year and we will see a projected image version via our superb new projector.

http://www.londonsalon.org/

Fillingham promo #1

2012-01-17T11:05:00.001-08:00

This Sporting Life

Only 119 days before the closing date! Still time to turn your ideas into reality. Only one person can win the Fillingham Trophy in 2012 (and it could be you) but everyone who enters contributes massively to the enjoyment and entertainment of the results night evening in May. Astound us with your stellar imagination and/or stunning photography! You can be a hero ...

News: Lightroom 4 Public Beta Released

2012-01-17T09:53:00.001-08:00

With the recent release of the Adobe Lightroom 4 public beta, new and current users have the opportunity to try out free the latest additions to this editing and workflow software which is increasingly popular with members. Also to provide feedback to Adobe and help shape the final release.

More information:

http://labs.adobe.com/technologies/lightroom4/

http://www.dpreview.com/articles/7481161037/lightroom-4-public-beta-whats-new

NEWBIES! – Especially for you ...

2012-01-17T06:53:00.001-08:00

WebsiteWatch

Just become a member? Keen and eager but bamboozled and bewildered (there’s so much on offer)? Well, help is at hand. Help Desk has kindly, if belatedly, updated the Welcome to Durham Photographic Society info pack for 2012 and it can be viewed, or even downloaded from Downloads on the Durham PS website.

Keen website watchers will already know this because it’s been flagged in Latest Updates. All your questions (yes, all your questions – unless you know different) will be answered. You will have fast-track access to all the myriad activities and opportunities that Durham PS membership, and the wider club photography world, provides.

Thinking of joining? Been a member for a while? Either way, you too will find plenty of interest. Enjoy!

Latest Website Updates, January

2012-01-15T11:58:00.001-08:00

Reminder!

The Durham PS website now has a feature on the home page – Latest Updates – which lists all changes to the website so you can keep up to date. For instance, latest updates include:

A downloadable guide by Joe Grabham to external competitions we enter

A downloadable competition tracker spreadsheet by Angy Ellis

Both are in Downloads on the home page.

Club Night News: 12th January

2012-01-13T03:05:00.001-08:00

Garry Brannigan recommends ...

During his superb presentation, In Search of Wild Places, Garry spoke of his admiration for the work of photographer Michael Kenna. Interested members can find out more here: www.michaelkenna.net

Assignment Tanfield

Review night is next Wednesday 18^th January, County Hall, 7.00 pm when prints from the great day out will be shown. Also under discussion will be the assignment club night presentation, 26^th January as well as our next outing. All assignment regulars, plus anyone interested in knowing more about these hugely enjoyable days out, are invited to attend.

Members taking part in the assignment club night need to email their images as requested to David Forster ASAP or bring them in on disc next week.

Presentation Dinner

Our annual awards dinner is on 27^th January 2012 at Bowburn Hall Hotel. Our distinguished guest is NCPF President Richard Spiers DPAGB, BPE2* who is a superb after dinner speaker. As well as presentation of the 2011 trophies, including the Vice President’s Award for outstanding service to the club, there will be a fabulous show of 2011 competition entries and a “free” raffle conducted by the inimitable Angy Ellis. It will be a great night. All members and their guests are invited.

Jane Bown Exposures at the DLI

Highly recommended. Free preview night is Friday 13^th January, 6.00 pm.

Exposures is a Northumbria University Gallery touring exhibition. Currently showing at the NU Gallery is Keith Pattison: No Redemption until 27^th January – also not to be missed

Members’ Web Galleries

Webmaster John Brown will be setting up a new gallery of members’ photographs taken on one of the December For the Birds workshops run by Jed Wee. This is in addition to the 2012 gallery of members’ favourite pictures taken in 2011. Please send up to four of your best images for each to John following the instructions set out on the DPS website home page. Closing date is 16^th February

Closing date 1^st Progress Prints

It’s 26^th January but you can bring your prints in from next week. There’s an A section for experienced workers and a B for less experienced. Full details are in your programme.

NCPF Championship

Prints requested by organiser Joe Grabham have to be in to the club by next club night.

The championship itself will be at Washington CC, Harraton, 12^th February. All members of NCPF clubs can attend

Next Digital Night

Wednesday 1^st February, County Hall 7.00 p.m. The key Photoshop basics will be demonstrated by John Gordon.

St Cuthbert’s Hospice

St Cuthbert’s are requesting images of Durham for their 2013 calendar and this year’s Christmas cards as before. For the calendar, landscape format through the seasons plus a portrait format stunner for the cover. Info from Tony Griffiths

Durham Times

They too are needing good images of Durham – on disc to Robin Wallace please

Botanic Gardens Exhibition

This year will run from 3^rd to 30^th March (previous year’s have been for a fortnight). There is space for 47 20x16 mounted prints from 47 members. First come first served so put your name down soon if you want to take part

Town Hall Exhibition

Through February we will be show-casing members’ work from the Valente competition entries.

HELP DESK Next Week

There will be informal demos by Paul Travis of the ubiquitous i-Pad before the meeting and during the break -this for interested individuals or small groups. Also, anyone not sure how to re-size images for projection or the web can have one to one help.

CLUB NIGHT PREVIEW, 12th January

2012-01-11T09:27:00.001-08:00

Garry Brannigan In Search of Wild Places

Yet another great night to look forward to! Garry Brannigan is a professional landscape photographer who is as much a wonderfully creative artist as photographer.

Garry says, “I have a passion for being in wild, natural places and photography is how I express my feelings for those places ... what I try to express in the majority of the photographs I make is beauty in the natural world, often in the commonplace. The majority of the subjects I photograph are rarely spectacular and many would stroll past them without a second glance. But what extraordinary riches they miss!”

For a preview of Garry’s superb photography and more, check out here:

http://www.garrybrannigan.com/

e-news of the PAGB issue 55

2012-01-10T03:22:00.001-08:00

Click on this link to see Issue 55 of e-news from the PAGB:

http://www.pagbnews.co.uk/e-news/en55100111AVconsult-Edinburgh-Diary.pdf

IN ISSUE 55

AV Awards Consultation

Diary of events

Edinburgh P.S. – Celebrating 150 Years

Advertisements

How do you receive visitors?

NEW Recorded Lecture – PAGB Awards

APM Frequent Questions and Answers

David Stout & Paul Sanders

Example – "Judges & Lecturers Requirements"

Appendix GB Cup Entries received by 9 January

Exhibition Preview - Jane Bown - 'Exposures'

2012-01-09T13:09:00.001-08:00

A Life in Black and White - Sixty years of Jane Bown’s extraordinary portraits for The Observer

DLI Museum Art Gallery, Friday 13 January - 6.00pm.

Organised by Northumbria University Gallery, Exposures showcases 50 of Jane Bown’s best photographs across her career. Jane Bown’s first photograph for The Observer was published in December 1949, beginning a career with the newspaper that has spanned six decades and in which time she has photographed everyone from Bertrand Russell to the Beatles, to Samuel Beckett, and the Queen.

There is FREE admission for all to the preview evening.

http://county.durham.gov.uk/sites/dli/Pages/ArtGalleryEvents.aspx

UPDATES to the NCPF WEB SITE

2012-01-09T04:51:00.001-08:00

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. Events/Diary:-

Details of the 4^th British Small Prints Circuit, organised by West Cumbria Photo Group and its 5^th February Closing Date.

2. Competitions/Club Championships:-

The necessary ‘downloads’ consisting of:- i) a “Letter of Invitation” (to be replied to for registration), ii) entry rules and entry forms have now been posted on this page.

NB:- THE CLOSING DATE FOR REGISTRATION IS 17^th JANUARY 2012.

If your club wishes to enter these downloads should be used. They are NOT being sent out by post.

Club Secretaries:- If any of your Competition Secretaries do not have Email please ensure that they are made aware of this without delay.

NOTICE:- NCPF Spectacular – A reminder to book early, the majority of tickets have been purchased already, but there still some left. Check out the “NCPF Events Page” on the NCPF Web site to get your tickets.

Best wishes,
Dave Coates
(NCPF Webmaster)

Wanted – your best prints!

2012-01-07T15:36:00.001-08:00

The NCPF Championship is coming up shortly. It’s a competition where we have the opportunity to progress to the national finals later in the year, but to do so we’ll need to overcome some of the best clubs in the Northern Counties - and to do that we’ll need some top class pictures! As usual the projected images will mainly come from our collection of competition entries from last year, but any new images can be emailed to me with a view to selection. We also need an entry of twenty prints, colour and mono, so why not bring some of your best recent pictures along to the club where there will be a box ready to receive them – deadline 26^th January – and you could be part of the event!

Joe Grabham

News: Durham PS in North East Life magazine

2012-01-07T11:05:00.001-08:00

The January 2012 edition of the hugely popular magazine North East Life, features Durham Photographic Society in an article, Durham’s Delights – What makes the city a world class destination? As well as the Society being highlighted, there are photographs of Durham by DPS members David Trout, John Gordon and Neil Maughan.

“The Society marks it’s120th anniversary this year and the pictures on these pages show just how much talent exists among the current members”

http://northeast.greatbritishlife.co.uk/article/durham-photographic-society-marks-its-120th-anniversary-38009/

The January 2012 edition of North East Life is on sale now.

CLUB WORLD CALENDAR – January 2012 update Update

2012-01-06T01:08:00.001-08:00

6^th January

RPS Northern Region: Safari with Andy Rouse. 7.30 p.m, Old Town Hall Gateshead, £9

9^th January – closing date

PAGB Great British Cups 2012: club entries

22^nd January

RPS Northern Region: Ten Fellowship Panels on View. 2.00 p.m. Duke of Wellington, Kenton Lane Gosforth. £10

29^th January

NCPF: Fotospeed NCPF Spectacular, Novotel Hotel, Kenton, Newcastle. Reception 8.45 to 9.30 a.m

12^th February

NCPF: Club Championship, Washington CC, Harraton

11^th March

NCPF Annual General Meeting, Swalwell

22^nd April

RPS Distinctions Workshop: 10.00 to 5.00 p.m. Backworth Hall, Backworth

www.ncpf.org.uk

www.pagbnews.co.uk

www.rps.org/region/northern

INTERNATIONALS – CLOSING DATES

4^th February: 99^th Southampton Exhibition www.rps.org/155print

5^th February: 4^th GB Small Print Circuit www.westcumbriaphotogroup.co.uk

10^th March: 66^th Bristol Salon www.bristolphoto.org.uk

31^st March: 155^th RPS International Print Competition

www.southamptoninternationalexhibition.co.uk

Advice about entering Internationals, and non-UK International dates, can be obtained from our Internationals Help Desk guru, Neil Maughan

Club Night News: 5th January

2012-01-06T00:58:00.001-08:00

Awards Presentation Dinner

Our annual awards dinner is on 27^th January 2012 at Bowburn Hall Hotel. It will be a great night so sign up as soon as you can. Good food, good company and the warm feeling of awards being presented, including the Vice President’s Award for outstanding service to the club which will be announced on the night by new Vice President Ian Stafford.

All members and guests are invited to attend. Angy asks that you put your names down on the list at the club next week so we know how many to book for.

Members’ Web Galleries

Closing date 1^st Progress slides and PDI

It’s next Thursday, 12^th January but please email your digital entries to Roger any time from now. For competitions, remember, the new standard size is 1400x1050 px as detailed in your programme and on the website.

Next Digital Night

Wednesday 1^st February, County Hall 7.00 p.m.

Assignment Tanfield

Review night is Wednesday 18^th January, County Hall, 7.00 pm when prints from the great day out will be shown. Also under discussion will be the Assignment club night presentation, 26^th January

Opening Night of the New Year

2012-01-04T01:29:00.001-08:00

The new year kicks off with the traditional Presidents Night on January 5th. Our new president Tony Giffiths will provide the nights entertainment.

Don’t forget to bring along your subscriptions for the new year, Angy will be pleased to take cheques or cash.

HOT DATES 2012 PREVIEW

2012-01-01T01:25:00.001-08:00

By your Hot Dates blogger Stephen Bell

Hello everyone and welcome to the 1^st Hot Dates edition for 2012. Let me begin by wishing you all a happy new year for 2012. A warm welcome also goes out to the new members of the club or anyone looking at the blog for the first time.

As usual the beginning of the year is fairly quiet (hence this preview edition) but as more events are announced and confirmed over the next couple of month’s things should soon liven up for us photographers.

2012 brings two massive one off events to the country namely the Queens Diamond Jubilee and of course the Olympic Games. While most of the attention will be focused on London there will be things happening in this part of the country. The Olympic flame will be passing through various towns in the North East from 15th-17th of June and overnight celebrations will be held in Newcastle on the 15^th and Durham on the 16^th. St James Park is hosting 9 football matches including a quarter final from both the men’s and ladies tournaments. This could bring colour and culture especially if African or South American teams are involved. (Updates to follow soon).

Celebrations for the Queens Diamond Jubilee will be happening from 2^nd to the 5^th of June and updates will be posted when more announcements are made.

For anyone interested in cricket we have Australia and South Africa visiting Durham for International matches in July and September. It’s great to see Durham Riverside being used as an International venue.

Don’t forget, we also have Tony’s set subject challenge “This Sporting Life” to capture too, so get those lenses polished, batteries charged and memory cards cleared and “let’s get shooting”.

Stephen.

HOT DATES 2012 OVERVIEW OF MAJOR EVENTS

TURNER PRIZE AT BALTIC: Still on display until 8^th January 2012

KEITH PATTISON NO REDEMPTION EXHIBITION: Northumbria University until 27^th January. www.northumbria.ac.uk

DRAGON BOATS AND CHINESE FESTIVAL: Sunderland Winter Gardens 28^th January. www.twmuseums.org.uk/sunderland

CHINESE NEW YEAR: Newcastle 29^th January.www.newcastlegateshead.com/events