Stanhope Show assignment
The extra challenge for members on the outing was “winner or loser”. Colin has awarded two winners – Alan Sharp for best loser picture “Loser, Loser, Loser” as previously reported, and John Carter for the best winner picture, “Winners”.
See more in the Assignment Stanhope gallery on the DPS website.
DIGITAL AND GEORGE SAMUEL TROPHIES
Closing date for the intriguing and challenging Digital Trophy as well as the George Samuel Trophy is next week, 6th October. The Digital Trophy entries, a set of three images per member, have to demonstrate the versatility of the photographer, can be emailed to Roger between now and then, or brought in on memory stick or CD on the night
The George Samuel is for slide of the year for the members still enjoying the retro appeal of shooting in film.
ASSIGNMENT SUNDERLAND RIVERSIDE
Meeting at 10.00 a.m., Saturday 22nd October, in the car park of the National Glass Centre. Liberty Way, Sunderland, SR6 0GL.
http://www.nationalglasscentre.com/galleries.html
DIGITAL NIGHT
Wednesday 5th October, County Hall, 7.00 to 9.00 p.m. Bring images, perhaps ones where you applied techniques learnt at previous Digital Nights, including the August outing.
Details to follow.
TEES BARRAGE
The Tees Barrage International White Water Centre refurbishment is now complete reports Angy Ellis. Hot Dates supremo, Stephen Bell, has heard there is an event next weekend, 8th and 9th October (to be confirmed).
If confirmed, DPS members will be hot-footing it there after seeing Teesside’s Colin Hugill great pictures last night.
AU REVOIR à LILIAN BLOT
Sadly, our popular and charismatic friend from France, variously known as The French Ambassador, Monsieur le Nitpiceur, or just plain Frenchy, just as we get our heads round the correct pronunciation of his name, is leaving Durham to continue his travels, this time to London.
Oh how we will miss his glorious square pictures, triptychs and panels of four (and more!) and oh how we will miss his charm, elegance and mesmerizing French accent. There will be crying in the streets of New Brancepeth tonight!
Thankfully, Lilian is planning to remain a member of the Society and take part in the folios and competitions.
So, meantime … au revoir, notre bon ami, nous vous manquerons! Bon Chance!
Colin’s challenge, Stanhope Show
Colin has chosen Alan Sharp’s fabulous man and dog picture as his favourite of all the “winner or loser” challenge entries from the Durham PS Stanhope Show assignment outing. Colin said, “The contrasting expressions of the man and his dog are priceless and make this a great shot”.
See more in the Assignment Stanhope gallery on the DPS website.
Colin Hugill CPAGB “My Digital Prints
Yet another great night to look forward to! Colin is a member of Teeside based Gallery Photo Group: http://www.galleryphotogroup.co.uk/
For a preview of Colin’s superb photography, check out here:
http://www.galleryphotogroup.co.uk/images/Portfolio/Colin-Hugills-Collection/index.html
Images from the outing to Stanhope Show, eight per participating member, can now been viewed. From the homepage of the DPS website, pausing to admire Barrie Forbes great shot, click on Assignments.
Next up – back to the riverside, this time the banks of the Wear, Sunderland, taking in the International Glass Centre, on October 22nd. Details on the Blog or from Colin. It will be yet another grand day out!
From our Roving Reporter, Marie Predki
We arrived in Sunderland just after 1pm with good weather for photography, not too sunny or cloudy and dry for a welcome change. We had assumed the event would be situated in the park next to the Winter Gardens but when we turned the corner, it was rather quiet. We wandered a while and eventually heard music in the distance. We finally found what we were looking for in Park Lane. We have been to the Northern Pride event in Newcastle which is held in the Leazes Park and is a fabulous event. Tom was a little disappointed to see that this event was very close to the town centre and on first impressions looked a tad low key. We soldiered on regardless and within 5 minutes, we were surrounded by our rather more enthusiastic fellow DPS members - Tony Griffiths, Ian Stafford, George Chissell and Rob Birrell who had all been there since 11am and had followed the parade which was held from 12pm. They did a good job of firing up our enthusiasm and the lens caps were removed ready for action.
There were so many colourful characters in the crowd and most were happy to be photographed. I was very impressed that Ian knew all of their names! The main stage event was hosted by Ophelia B and Miss Trixie - fabulous frocks, makeup and hairdos. I'm sure these chaps could teach us girlies a thing or two about fashion, hair and makeup! The headline act was Scooch (Eurovision Song Contest entrants 2007 with "Flying the Flag"). Other acts included I'm So Pink (Pink tribute act), Envy (mega-tanned boy band) and Bears Aloud (Girls Aloud drag tribute act) who were absolutely hilarious.
I took a leaf out of Ian's book and managed to find out a few names myself. I met some amazing people - Frank, 62, always knew he was gay but coming from a mining community, he was afraid to admit to it and married and had two children. He "came out" at 48 when his wife died. And Tom, 58, who had a framed picture with him of his male friend who had died of cancer two years ago. His regret is that there weren't events like Sunderland pride when he was younger.
My husband Tom was encouraged by the ongoing mentoring of our fellow DPS members and was not only asking people if he could take a photograph of them but also getting them to move to a position where he had a decent background for his image. Surprising what people will do when you ask nicely. One young girl insisted he wait until she finished her cigarette because her mother didn't know that she smoked!
Ian, George and Rob disappeared mid-afternoon. Tom and I didn't leave until 6.15pm so although we were the last ones to get there, we were also the last to leave. Even diehard Tony's car had gone. We would declare the first Sunderland Pride event to be a great success and I am sure it will be bigger and better next year. Great atmosphere and a great people. If you want to check out more information about this event, the website is www.sunderlandpride.co.uk and also there is already a video clip on youtube with guest appearances from Ian, Rob, Tony and George - http://youtu.be/PHNi8DG-Zyk . Watch out for both Northern Pride and Sunderland Pride on next year's Durham PS Hot Dates list - you won't be disappointed.
Marie Predki
The following update has been made to our web site since the last update message and all can be accessed via:-
1. Events/Diary page:-
Details and Poster (attached to club secretaries) for a lecture by Andy Rouse by the RPS in January 2012
Also more details about the NCPF Spectacular in January 2012.
2. News Items:-
PSA gives Jane Black one of their highest awards when they make her a Fellow of their society.
Best wishes,
Dave Coates
(NCPF Webmaster)
Just posted on the DPS website:
An exciting glimpse into the treats we have in store in our 2012 programme. Click on 2012 Preview on the home page.
There will be celebrations on the streets of Durham tonight!
PORTFOLIO GROUPS
After the hugely enjoyable club night by members of the Durham PS portfolio group, i.Witness, other members may be interested in the idea. These folio, or photo forums, give you the opportunity to post pictures, receive constructive feedback and give your own comments on everyone else’s pictures. Thanks to DPS webmaster John Brown it is a simple matter to get involved. If you would like to set up your own portfolio group with like-minded fellow DPS members, you can get advice from Neil Maughan as to what is entailed. If you would like to know about Eyefetch (for mono photography enthusiasts) or Victoria, two of the other portfolios, please contact John Brown.
Meantime, any member can join the dpsdigital photo forum. You will need a password which you can obtain by emailing John Brown.
There is more information about folio groups in the New Member Info section of the DPS website.
ASSIGNMENT GROUP
Many of the i-Witness presenters mentioned how much they were getting out of going out on the assignment outings. For more information, contact Colin Armitstead and/or check out the Assignments page of the DPS website where you can also see gallerys of members’ images from recent assignments. Pictures from the trip to Stanhope Show, which was a huge success from both photographic and enjoyment points of view, will be posted soon.
COMPETITION COUNTDOWN
Coming up fast is the closing date for the intriguing and challenging Digital Trophy as well as the George Samuel Trophy on 6th October. The Digital Trophy entries, a set of three images per member, have to demonstrate the versatility of the photographer. The George Samuel is for slide of the year for the members still enjoying the retro appeal of shooting in film.
Next up is the big one! The Valente Cup 3rd November.
Meantime we have the 3rd Progress print, digital and slide competitions results nights coming up soon with four great trophies to be decided. Who will have their names engraved on the rolls of honour?!
i-Witness:
This is the much anticipated evening by Society members who are in the portfolio group known as i-Witness. 340 superb pictures have been posted and discussed so far and of great diversity.
The i-Witness organiser, Neil Maughan said, “Eight of the i-Witness group are showing pictures. In the various presentations there is a wide variety of subject matter: excellent pictures with something for everyone. I put the show together and I'm really impressed. Everyone should really enjoy the show!”
Any Durham PS member interesting in joining, or indeed forming, a portfolio group (situated under Photo Forums on the DPS website) can find out more in New Members Info, also on the main page of the site.
World Heritage Visitor Centre, 7 Owengate, Durham
'Moving Stones: A Dancing Portrait of Indian Heritage'
Evocative photography by Vishall Goyal with dancer Elena Catalano at famous heritage sites across Northern India
‘Durham Eternal’
A photography exhibition by Ignacio Moreno Flores
Not to be missed! On until Friday 14th October
Town Hall, Durham
John Chambers
On display in the Town Hall entrance gallery are large-scale, framed colour prints of iconic North East locations, including high impact, intricate montages, by local photographer John Chambers. On until September 30th
The results of the Northern Counties International Salon of Photography 2011, Projected Digital Image sections, have now been announced. The lists of acceptances, Award winners and gallery of medal winners, can be found online here:
http://www.ncpf.org.uk/index.php?id=32nd-salon-2011
There were 9185 entries from 60 countries with an acceptance rate of 26%. Eight Durham PS members had 18 acceptances between them, see pictures below. We have asked State Troupers on Route 66 to pull Angy over and send her back to Blighty so we can post Zombie Girls asap.
General Acceptances
Lilian Blot, Of Sand and Mud
Angy Ellis, Zombie Girls
Joe Grabham, Girl in the Moonlight Garden
Joe Grabham, Odd One Out
Tony Griffiths, Never Seen Rain Like This Before
John Horner, Shelling Out
Neil Maughan, Union Man
Ian Stafford, Pecking Order
Ian Stafford, All at Ease
David Trout, Bleak Outlook
Nature Acceptances
Ian Stafford, Puffin at Rest
Ian Stafford, Puffin in Flight
Photo-Travel Acceptances
Tony Griffiths, Pickering Traction Engine Rally 2
Neil Maughan, Gypsy Life
Neil Maughan, Steam Engine Rally
Ian Stafford, Vietnamese Woman
Ian Stafford, Vietnamese Fisherwoman 2
Ian Stafford, Vietnamese Water Buffalo 3
The following update has been made to our web site since the last update message and all can be accessed via:-
1. International Salon:-
The 32nd International Page has been further updated, this time with all the results of the PDI Sections and the “Gallery” of the main medal winners.
2. Northern Focus/On-Line
The Autumn 2011Edition of Northern Focus, the very first “on-line only” edition has been posted on the site.
3. Events/Diary Page:-
i) Full details and posters relating to the NCPF Awards presentation in November and the NCPD Spectacular in January 2012. (copies of the posters have been attached where applicable for club Secretaries)
ii) Details of future events and exhibitions for Alnwick in October and November.
4. Affiliated Clubs:-
We have a new club at Darlington.
5. News Items:-
Two new items; one with a Federation view on the International, and the other more detail about the new club at Darlington.
6. Directory Updates:-
Keep checking
Reference Paula & Guys note last week, apparently the website link was wrong and it should have been:- http://nationalexhibition.havantcameraclub.co.uk/
Best wishes,
Dave Coates
(NCPF Webmaster)
The autumn 2011 issue of Northern Focus, the online magazine of Northern Counties Photographic Federation, has just been published. It contains a Personal Profile of Durham Photographic Society President David Trout LRPS and, furthermore, a Club Spotlight feature on Durham PS (as well as other interesting stuff). Both were written by David Trout and are, it has to be said, cracking reads as you’d expect from a distinguished former journalist on the Northern Echo, Journal and Evening Chronicle.
The articles, complete with photographs by Les Travis, Neil Maughan and David Trout himself, appear on the Northern Counties Photographic Federation website under Northern Focus, then Intro and Online Copies
Or follow the link:
http://www.ncpf.org.uk/data/uploads/northern-focus-2011-autumn.pdf
David’s Profile also appears here:
http://www.ncpf.org.uk/data/uploads/troutdavid.pdf
ASSIGNMENT STANHOPE SHOW REVIEW NIGHT
Viewing night is Wednesday 21st September, 7.00 pm, County Hall. Bring four prints, plus a couple of the Colin Challenge, Winners/Losers, up to A4 size. We say A4 but if you happen to have a massive and impressive stitched panorama, please bring that as well!
Eight digital images can be sent to David Forster any time now with a deadline of the 21st and these will appear on the Assignments Gallery of our DPS website soon after.
So far on this incredible assignments journey we have invariably visited spot on locations full of interest and challenge. Bring plenty of ideas for the next outing to the meeting.
All members are welcome to come along to the assignments and enjoy a great day of photography come rain or come shine. Contact Colin for info and to be on his mailing list.
MINI EXHIBITION LOCATION
Hon Life Vice President Don Bennett is asking for ideas as to where we can locate the four board/15 print display during Oct/Nov time. Traditionally, we have been in libraries such as those at Belmont and Newton Hall. Let him know if you know of a good public space, perhaps near where you live.
3rd PROGRESS PRINT COMPETITIONS
There is still time (just) to send digital copies of your entries by email to Alan Stott as long as you do it soon. This is for projection during the results night so that the audience can have a better idea what is being spoken about by the judge. The judge will not see the digital version. The print is the thing and it is important on the night to view them more closely when they are displayed round the room.
32nd NORTHERN COUNTIES INTERNATIONAL SALON OF PHOTOGRAPHY 2011 RESULTS
The results of the print sections were in a while ago. Three of our members had six acceptances between them as already reported.
The Projected Digital Images results have just been announced. A preliminary tally shows eight members having 18 acceptances between them. Surely a record! Ian Stafford had an amazing 7 acceptances. Full report with pictures to follow. Meantime, here’s one, a haunting masterpiece, Girl in the Moonlight Garden, from Joe Grabham
PROGRAMME CHANGE
Sandy Furniss is sorry he will not be able to be with us on Nov.25th
David Stout EFIAP DPAGB will appear instead with a show entitled, “In the Steps of Alexander”.
INTER CLUB COMPETITIONS
We have a Wear Area Battle and the PAGB Great Britain Cup coming up. More on this from Joe Grabham will appear on this Blog,
Julieanne Kost
Digital Imaging Evangelist • Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom
Many members are turning to Lightroom for their main digital processing needs.
Lilian says, “This is the link I talked about last Saturday on the Stanhope Show assignment outing. It contains nice and simple video tutorials on Lightroom which I have found very helpful”.
http://www.jkost.com/lightroom.html
More member recommendations can be found on the DPS website. From the Home page, click on Useful Links:
Sunday 11th September
A large number of Durham Light Infantry veterans, family and well-wishers assembled for the Annual Reunion in the DLI Memorial Gardens and surrounding area of Durham Cathedral prior to a service. A colourful and moving sight it was too. There was a parade, march past and laying of a wreath as well as much renewing of old comdradeships. The Borneo Band was in attendance, as superb as ever.
Once again, members of Durham Photographic Society, led by John Attle, were on hand to take photographs for the DLI Association. These images will appear on line soon. Any member who would like to contribute their photography skills and time to occasions such as this can speak to John Attle for more information.
LINK to all Photos
