The following updates have been made to our web site since the last update message and all can be accessed via:-
1. Diary
General updates including an entry for a lecture at Whickham PC in November.
2. NCPF Programme
Posters and information including poster and booking form for January’s NCPF Spectacular. Poster attached for club Secretaries.
Dave Coates
(NCPF Webmaster)
A large number of eager members turned out for the latest of the ever popular assignment outings, this time to the coast at Seaham. As always, it was amazing how the company of superb photographers, and the challenge of producing good pictures in that company, inspired everyone to focus their energies on finding aspects of Seaham a casual visit would not find! The beaches, the harbour and, particularly the older parts of town (not forgetting the cafe’s and coffee shops) were all happy hunting grounds. As always too, this outing was no different in being a golden opportunity to socialise and get to know fellow members, not always easy during the hubbub of our exciting club nights.
The locals were very friendly, the sea air was very bracing and we retired soon enough to the Crow’s Nest for a well earned lunch.
Next there will be a review session, provisionally Oct 17th, when members will relive the experience and show pictures. Four (or so!) prints each, up to A4 in size plus one or two of the special challenge, “Cast Iron”.
Will all participating members also email eight images to David Forster for the Assignment Seaham gallery that will appear on the DPS website in due course
Assignment Seaham Saturday 29th September
Early birds will no doubt be out with tripods and 10 stoppers to catch the dawn light but everyone please meet at 10.00 a.m at the Cenotaph. Lunch will be at the Crow’s Nest. Everyone welcome and there will be a follow up session where A4 prints are shown and discussed. Colin’s Challenge: CAST IRON
Pictured are shot’s of Seaham first shown on the DPS Facebook group page including one by Walter Bulmer who appeared on a TV news item this week as he battled with the elements to get his pictures
Digital Night Wednesday 3rd October
County Hall, 7.00 to 9.00 p.m. John Gordon will lead a session answering as many member queries and requests as possible. By all means bring problem images! All members welcome to attend. If it’s your first time, come along to see what it is all about
3rd Progress Prints
Entries now closed. Please email digital versions to Alan Stott (1024x768). This is for showing on eagerly awaited results night so members can see more clearly as the judges (two!) do their commentary. This does substitute for the enjoyment of viewing the prints close up during the breaks
U.H.N.D. (Dryburn) Hospital Exhibition
The first changeover, with completely new prints, will take place next Tuesday (TBC). Report to follow.
Sunderland PA Celebrating 125 Years
Our friends from the Sunderland Photographic Association have invited us to a special opening event - their exhibition at the National Glass Centre in Sunderland on the theme of Glass. It will be on Friday 5th October 4.00 to 6.00 p.m. There will be an illustrated talk by Cliff Banks on Old Sunderland followed by a drinks reception. The exhibition will run until Christmas.
Many members will remember Sunderland PA’s previous exhibition which was showing when we had one of our previous Assignment outings at this fabulous venue. Check out our gallery of pictures taken on the day here: http://www.d-p-s.org.uk/assignment10.htm
St Cuthbert’s Hospice 2013 Calendar Launched
The work of the Hospice has been supported by DPS photographers for many years. The latest calendar, so important as a fundraiser, features seven images donated by DPS members along with others by well known local photographers, not least the Dean of Durham Cathedral.
Copies, along with a superb range of Christmas cards, is on sale at all the St Cuthbert’s shops across the county and at the Hospice
John Cogan ARPS!
Yes, it’s congratulations to John Cogan who is the latest member to be awarded Associateship of the Royal Photographic Society. Report to follow. Who will be the first Fellow?
In Camera Techniques
Wednesday 3rd October, County Hall, 7 to 9 pm
John Gordon will continue his demonstration of the skills and techniques you need to continue on a path of excellence. Tools and techniques will be covered from basic to intermediate level.
Bring your camera kit for an open session on camera techniques
All members are welcome. Please feel free to come along.
Harry Holder Memorial Lecture: Harry Hall FRPS
“Twuchu Leaving” - a story of a nomadic community in the modern world
It is a big welcome back to the club for Harry Hall who earlier in the year judged our 2nd Progress Print competition and delighted members with the insightfulness and erudition of his commentary.
Harry originally developed his interest in photography through his love of mountaineering and, over the years, has photographed many mountaineering expeditions throughout the world. In April 2000 he gained a Fellowship of the Royal Photographic Society for his documentation of Ladakh and the life of the nomadic tribes-people living on the border with Tibet. Harry also enjoys photographing the landscape of Northumberland which has become another ongoing project.
The Harry Holder Memorial Lecture
Harry Holder joined the society in 1949, only two years after the re-formation of the club after the war. For several years he funded the annual Harry Holder Lecture, attracting photographers and speakers to the Society from the wider photography world. After his death in 2008 this became the Harry Holder Memorial Lecture.
Pictured: Harry Holder with Alex Elwood at the 2007 Harry Holder Lecture by Dean Chapman.
The following updates have been made to our web site since the last update message and all can be accessed via:-
1. PAGB E-news
Edition 75 has been uploaded
2. Events/NCPF Diary
Posters and information about 2 forthcoming events in October and November, the RPS Northern AV Groups Snods Edge event, and Morpeth CC’s Annual event. Also diary dates for the Northern Area’s Competitions from October through next March.
Can I also once again ask those who wish to have their club’s events published on the Diary Pages to make their requests in plenty of time, at least 2 months before the event please. You are not serving your club’s interest well by late notices because you have to bear in mind that the ‘web master’ is not always able to upload items at the drop of a hat and you need to give prospective supporters sufficient notice. Not everybody reads the ‘website updates’ or visits the web site on a regular timely basis. I often receive ‘read receipts’ over a fortnight after they have been sent.
Dave Coates
(NCPF Webmaster)
Durham PS Facebook group is abuzz with praise for Miguel Lasa, the man and his breathtaking wildlife photography, who made such a big impression at the packed to the gunnels club night this week. Here are just a few quotes:
“ I’d like to thank everyone responsible for tonight's wildlife talk. The best photography I've ever seen, totally amazing! A really nice bloke to talk to as well. Very modest but a real depth of skill and knowledge on his subject matter. A fantastic night”
“ Tremendous night, such a talented, very modest guy. In fact the last 3 weeks have been brilliant!!”
“ I was going to post a nice wolf pic. Not going to bother now.lol”
“ I'm going back to crocheting tea cosies!!! Fabulous night and a great bloke (Canon!) lol...”
“ I'm gonna start knitting socks again. What a star! Very talented and so unassuming. Absolutely breathtaking! :o)”
“ Just dug out my snorkel...River Wear here I come....”
“ Dont think pics of dead fish, tyres and nappies in the Wear will be as good as those shark pics! Worth a go though”
“ Hey, come up to the Farnes with me to dive with the seals next weekend!”
“Just simply mind blowing, talk about dedication and forward planning”
“Any chance we could get him back as a judge - of a new wildlife trophy maybe?”
Roll up! Roll up!
Issue 75 contains:
Print Championship “The Greatest Show on Earth”!
Photographic Art - East African Wildlife. An MFIAP Panel
British Birds Winner
Featured Photographer - Ian Bateman
A successful FRPS Panel by Neil Scott
PLUS: A Three Page Inter-Club Print Championship Supplement with all the participating Clubs and Judges.
Read the whole picture and article packed issue, including ads, here: http://www.pagbnews.co.uk/e-news/en75220912_Maskell2_Batemn_Scott.pdf
Register to receive e-news from the PAGB by email here (it’s free and a must for all keen club photographers): www.pagbnews.co.uk
Muchas Gracias Miguel!
Many thanks to Miguel Lasa for showing us his breathtaking wild life photography and joyful AVs. It was inspirational. Eagle-eyed members will have noticed he has used Animoto software to create the electrifying video slide shows. AV nights will never be the same if this catches on!
Assignment Seaham
Assignment outings are back! Saturday 29th September, meeting at 10.00 a.m at the Cenotaph. Make sure Colin has your email address for his mailing list to keep you up to date with future events. Pictured, Veronica Barker’s shot from the last Assignment, Redcar Races
Website – latest
The meeting on Tuesday to show the new website in development and demonstrate how to use Wordpress went well. A project team of volunteer members are now working with Rob Birrell in taking things forward.
3rd Progress Prints Closing date
3rd Progress Prints extended to next week 27th September. Email digital versions to Alan Stott (1024x768)
U.H.N.D. (Dryburn) Hospital Exhibition
Will members taking part please bring their print in to the club next Thursday night
Alison Coatsworth Photo in Northern Echo
Alison’s great mini moto shot was taken at the Scottish Mini Moto Championships Round 6 at Warden Law and appeared in the Northern Echo this week in a feature highlighting the work of Bikewise. Durham PS members led by John Attle have been supporting the work of the Bikewise with their photography for many years
From the 5th September Northumberlandia will be open at designated times for visitors. More extensive public access will be available in October following a grand community opening October 20th – details to be confirmed.
The next dates that the park will be open are:
· Friday 21st September 9.30am- 4pm
· Saturday 22nd September 9.30 - 4pm
· Sunday 23 September 9.30am - 4pm
More dates will be announced soon
Dr Miguel Lasa – Wildlife Photo Encounters
Spanish born Miguel Lasa is a family doctor in a busy practice in Hartlepool yet has still found time to become an internationally renowned wildlife and nature photographer. Past BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year, Miguel uses Canon cameras with ef300 and ef500 prime lenses. For a preview of Miguel’s stunning, amazing photography follow this link:
http://www.miguellasa.com/
There is a Journal Culture magazine article where you can learn more about the man and his photography here:
Such is Miguel Lasa’s reputation we would be inundated with fans from all over the North East on the night! Sorry to say, therefore, because of the H & S restrictions of the size of the hall, we have to say that this lecture is FOR MEMBERS ONLY
A final message for members: Venga para disfrutar de una charla estupenda
2013 Competitions
From the Suggestions scheme came ideas to enhance the Society’s competitions. A study group headed up by Immediate Past President David Trout has deliberated and their final plan for next year’s competitions has been agreed by the Committee. An outline will be announced soon which will help those members who like to plan ahead.
Fillingham Trophy: The Bright Side of Life
The set subject was announced in June giving members a full five months more than usual in which to capture winning interpretations. Happily, this coincided with our greatest ever feel-good summer. Just when you think it’s all over, along comes the Great North Run Weekend (and Strictly!)
The following is an extract from an article by Ian Stafford of interest to all digital photographers. The whole, illuminating story can be found in Articles from the Homepage of the DPS website: http://www.d-p-s.org.uk/articles.htm
“Many members ask about ‘Lightroom’, what it is, how complicated it is and how powerful is its processing capabilities. In this short article I will try and explain how it works (extremely briefly and in ‘lay-mans’ terms!) and hopefully gain more interest in what for me is a fantastic and time saving programme.
For all the power that Lightroom has it does not replace Photoshop. Although it has retouching tools it does not compare by any stretch to the retouching tools that Photoshop has (although with each update version it keeps getting more powerful). So if you are looking to remove or add things to photos for instance, you will have to take the file (very easily) from Lightroom and continue to edit it in Photoshop. The good news is, after you are done editing the file in Photoshop when you save it, it goes right back into Lightroom.
The one overriding point to remember is that when editing any photo Lightroom is not actually ‘changing’ anything, your native file is untouched. Basically Lightroom gives that image a set of instructions on what you have done and will display it accordingly. Many people have issues about saving the file or image, you do not need to save the image whilst working in Lightroom, it remembers all and every instruction you give it. This is what you’ve got to get your head around and why you can leave all images as RAW then it saves that edited image right next to your native one, clever eh!”
Ian Stafford
Here is an extract from John Cogan’s review: The DLI Museum Art Gallery exhibition, ‘Big Meetings’ by Julian Germain. Read the full review in Articles from the Home Page of the DPS website: http://www.d-p-s.org.uk/articles.htm
“Don’t expect fireworks or robust images of even more robust cornet-players! Instead, this is an exhibition of subtle hints and minor domestic miracles. Like all the other DLI exhibitions I’ve seen this one has the familiar hallmark of a curator expecting us, the visitors, to think. There is no handing-on-a-plate from Germain who has coupled his own work with old photographs from the Durham Miners’ Archive. It is in this technical dichotomy that much of the power of the exhibition lies. All Germain’s work is in colour and printed large. Whatever camera he’s used the depth of field is impressive and the vibrancy of the colours powerful. Photographing assembled Brass Band members renders those at the back of the hall in as much detail as those at the front. The printing is sharp (even “pin sharp”) and without ambiguity. You know on whose side Germain is.
On a TV display screen a brass band performs but there is something in the way it has been constructed that at first makes you believe it is just one of the still photographs. Slowly, person by person there is movement as every member is “activated”. This is a Germain speciality for he repeats the process. In an adjoining room there are two large screens at right-angles to each other. To the right there is an image of an elderly man with what could be an E flat Tenor Horn cradled on his lap. He sits comfortably enough in front of his front room fire. The ceramic fireplace displays a scattering of past holiday souvenirs. On the other screen stands a child (the old man’s grandson?). He’s in his stocking feet and stands on the red, quarry tiles of the kitchen. Behind him is the washing machine. The two of them stand watching and you can be excused for thinking these are frozen frames as you look from one to the other until you notice the wrinkling of the boy’s toes and the old man’s occasional blinking.
The old man raises the horn to his mouth and plays “The Red Flag!” It’s not concert standard but more moving for being raw. The roughness of the performance, its halting progress, is a counterpoint to the soft voice of the boy as he sings the anthem, putting the time-honoured words to the tune. Does the lad understand the passion, the history and meaning of the words?”
John Cogan
The following updates have been made to our web site since the last update message and all can be accessed via:-
1. PAGB E-news
Edition 74 has been uploaded
2. News Items
All the news about our members successes in the 33rd Northern Counties Salon; a truly golden result.
3. International Salon/33rd Salon 2013
Results of all 5 Sections have now been posted on the web site.
4. Events/NCPF Diary
Posters and information about 4 forthcoming RPS Northern Region Lectures by Steve Smith FRPS (October 5th), Duncan McEwan (November 9th), Jason Bell Hon.FRPS (16th November) and Will Cheung FRPS (18th January 2013).
Dave Coates
(NCPF Webmaster)
Officer Vacancies
As announced, our General Secretary, Colin Armitstead is retiring from the post he has held for 43 years. Both Competition Secretary Roger Culpin and Vice President Ian Stafford will not be seeking re-election at the AGM November 15th. Happily, all three will continue as committee members and to support the club any way they can. Our heartfelt thanks go to all three for their past, outstanding service and we look forward to their valued contributions, albeit in different roles, in the future.
Members can now consider whether they would like to stand for election. Contact Colin or Tony G if you do.
Website – latest
After 13 years our award winning Webmaster John Brown is standing down He feels it is time for a new generation to take over. Our best wishes go out to John and our appreciation for the outstanding job he has done for us over the many years.
With John’s blessing DPS member Rob Birrell is developing a new, community based website using Wordpress which is easier to operate and will involve several volunteers in taking it forward. It is being developed in tandem with the existing and at the start of the New Year there will be a switchover.
There are golden opportunities for volunteer members to become involved in this exciting venture, to learn Wordpress and other website skills. First in the creation stage which is underway now, then in the development and maintenance ongoing from January 2013
There will be a meeting for members keen to take part or learn more at 7.00 pm Tuesday 18th September at Alan Sharp’s Dunelm Club when Rob will be showing the putative new website and demonstrating Wordpress. The Dunelm is next to the Marriott Royal County Hotel
3rd Progress Closing dates
3rd Progress PDI now closed. 3rd Progress Prints next week 20th September.
UHND Dryburn) Hospital Exhibition
The Durham PS permanent exhibition at the hospital is due for a changeover later this month. If you would like to take part, check out Barry Armitage’s Blog posted 3rd September (in Archives to the right of this page)
Durham Town Hall exhibition
On now until the end of September is an exhibition of members’ prints on a theme of Heritage and depicting especially commissioned photography behind the scenes of the historic Town Hall itself. We are grateful to the Mayor, the Sword Bearer and staff of the Town Hall for their support.
Digital Photography Classes
A new course for beginners is soon to start at Gilesgate Community College run by Alan Stott. Contact Alan for details
For the Birds is Back!
Jed Wee announced that the Birds of Prey photography outdoor workshops, so popular last year, will return. Two dates in October are being considered, 9th and 15th. To be confirmed – watch this space!
Club Night Games Makers!
Yes, with the Olympics and Paralympics Games Makers covered in glory there is a new enthusiasm for volunteering. You too can be a volunteer on club nights - helping set up the meeting hall, helping serve refreshments in the break, helping clear up at the end of the night, looking after new members and guests and more.
Don’t leave it to others - enjoy being involved
More success for DPS members!
The results of the 33rd Northern Counties International Salon of Photography 2012 Projected Digital Images sections have just been released. The following images from our members were accepted:
General section
Angy Ellis:
Birds of Pray
Joe Grabham AFIAP:
Above the Crowds
Chillin
Life in the Alley
Waiting for a Sale
Neil Maughan ARPS AFIAP:
First Day at School
Surveillance TV
Wet Day at West Cliff
David Trout LRPS
Three’s a Crowd
Michael Watson
Sunrise at the Canyon’s Cross
Nature Section
Neil Maugham ARPS AFIAP:
Bonding Gannets
Well done all and extra congratulations to Joe Grabham who won the Northumbria Trophy for best entry from an NCPF club member in the General section for Chillin and an NCPF Ribbon for Above the crowd
Full results are here: http://www.ncpf.org.uk/index.php?id=33rd-salon-2012
See also blog : “News: Northern Counties Print Results” posted 4th September.
Guy Davies ARPS AFIAP & Paula Davies FRPS CPAGB EFIAP: “Double Act”
It is a long anticipated and welcome return to the club for the popular and talented couple from Stokesley PS.
You can have a preview of Guy’s travel and landscape photography here: http://www.gdpix.co.uk/gallery.html
And a tantalising glimpse of Paula’s travel and art photography here: http://www.pixelfoto.co.uk/Gallery.htm
In the recently judges Northern Counties International Salon of Photography, Guy Davies was awarded the Northumbria Trophy for the best mono print from an NCPF club member and Paula has been awarded the Northumbria Trophy for the best image from an NCPF club member in the Travel section for Projected Digital Images with Palouse Tree. That’s what you call a double Act! The images can be seen on the Stokesley PS web site here: http://stokesleyphotographicsociety.blogspot.co.uk/
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again – do not miss!
Durham PS photographers were there to capture this exciting event at Warden Law for the BikeWise Mini Bike Club. Contact John Attle for more information on upcoming BikeWise events.
The Alison Coatsworth photos first appeared on the Facebook Durham PS Group for members. Contact administrators Sarah Hewitson or Joanne Gray if you would like to join.
All Photos Alison Coatsworth
Sunday 14th October 2012
NCPF JUDGES SEMINAR
An all day event to be held at Ryton & District CC's premises at Cross House Community Centre, Ryton Village, NE40 3QP.
Members on the NCPF Judges List and those who considering becoming a listed judge are invited to book themselves in for this event. The presentations and practical sessions are aimed at updating and encouraging both established and prospective judges.
Friday 26th October 2012
2012 Beamish Trophy Competition
Print entries are urgently needed by end September. Please contact Vince Rooker (link to details on the ‘Events page’) and also note the judging date of 7.45pm, Friday, 26th.October.
The event is being hosted by Washington Camera Club, at their club premises at Harraton Community Centre, when the judges will be; Stephen Byard, DPAGB, EFIAP, Ken Henderson, APAGB and Julian Harrop representing Beamish Museum Management.
Sunday 11th November 2012 
2.30pm at the Newcastle Novotel..
All members are invited to this event which is again this year sponsored by ‘FOTOSPEED’ and free toattend. It is essential to register in advance, including award winners and officers.
Images of every prize- winner; 10 trophies and over 150 in total, will be projected and these will include those from the Annual Competitions, International Salon, and the ‘NCPF Beamish Trophy’. For this celebratory afternoon, early registration is recommended to ensure a place.
Sunday 27th January 2013 
At the Newcastle Novotel.
Full details and links are here: http://www.ncpf.org.uk/index.php?id=ncpf-events
We start the last part of the season with a real long distance trip ---- to SEAHAM on September 29th.
With two beaches, a harbour, a new part of town and an old part of town with an interesting church a station and level crossing that all should yield personal photos.
Meet at the Cenotaph at 10am as usual (overlooking the beach on the coast road). Lunch will be at 1pm at the Crow’s Nest pub, just along the coast road in the Sunderland direction.
Set topic CAST IRON.
Colin Armitstead
Des Dazzles!
With his opening night presentation, “My latest adventures with the Camera – the Big Picture” Des Clinton from Drogheda wowed the members and distinguished guests from the Royal Photographic Society and Northern Counties Photographic Federation alike. The sheer excellence of his photography and his infectious enthusiasm, undimmed after 40 years of photography adventures, shone through. A John Cogan review will follow soon.
3rd Progress PDI Closing date
Extended to 13th September. Please email your entries to Roger soon (even if you cannot now win the trophy we want to see them)!
UHND Exhibition
The Durham PS permanent exhibition at the hospital is due for a changeover soon. If you would like to take part, check out Barry Armitage’s Blog posted 3rd September (in Archives to the right of this page)
NEW! Durham PS Badge
Thanks to Honorary Life Vice President Don Bennett, a superb replica of the original badge complete with iconic Sanctuary Knocker, now extremely rare, has been commissioned and members can now buy one from Angy for the token price of £1
RPS Lecture: Jason Bell Hon FRPS
Stop Press, and extremely welcome news: Jason Bell will talk about his work Friday 16th November, Newcastle College, 7.30 pm. Tickets £5. Jason is a London and New York based photographer who has photographed many of the world’s greatest stars (including Jessica Ennis!). More details at the club next week. Meantime, check out: www.jasonbellphoto.com
The 6th Port of Tyne Reflex Awards have been announced. Capture North East England on camera. Various categories, £500 top prize. Closing date 28th September. Check out the details here:
http://reflect.portoftyne.co.uk/home/
Success for DPS members!
The results of the 33rd Northern Counties International Salon of Photography 2012 have just been released. The following prints from our members were accepted:
Monochrome section
Joe Grabham AFIAP: Courtyard
Neil Maughan ARPS AFIAP: There’s Always One
Colour Section
Joe Grabham AFIAP: Bardo
I Could Be
Neil Maugham ARPS EFIAP: Christina
Different Worlds
Dominika
Widower
Michael Watson: Bobcat Hunting in Utah
North American Wolf Hunting
Neil was also awarded an NCPF Ribbon for There’s Always One and the PSA Bronze Medal for Best Portrait for Widower
The PDI results will be announced soon. Meantime, full print acceptances and awards are here: http://www.ncpf.org.uk/index.php?id=33rd-salon-2012
The following updates have been made to our web site since the last update message and all can be accessed via:-
Please accept my apologies for the delay in some of these updates, but other duties and responsibilities to both FIAP and NCPF have had to take precedence over recent weeks.
1. Home Page
Notice from Portfolio Secretary
2. Latest News Items
Sunderland PA Celebrate their 125th Anniversary this season. Read Arnold’s update of the club’s history.
3. PAGB E-news
Edition 73 has been uploaded
4. About the Federation/Executive Minutes
Minutes from the July Executive meeting have been approved and posted on the web site.
5. Affiliated Clubs
Details of club contacts etc updated in line with the contents of the 2012/2013 NCPF Directory
6. Events/Diary
Updated with recent notifications.
7. Events/NCPF Events
i) Booking form and update regarding the Judges Seminar on 14th October 2012
ii) Updates regarding Beamish Trophy (26/10/2012), Presentation Evening (11/11/2012) and NCPF Spectacular (27/10/2013)
8. International Salon/33rd Salon 2013
Results of the 2 Prints Sections have now been posted on the web site.
Dave Coates
(NCPF Webmaster)
Des Clinton FRPS FIPF MFIAP “My Latest Adventures with the Camera”
Jointly with the RPS we are delighted to be welcoming Des Clinton to Durham PS on the first night after our August break. Des is in the North East currently having been one of the judges of the Monochrome and Colour Print sections of the 33rd Northern Counties International Salon of Photography 2012 just concluded.
He is from Drogheda in Eire and has been involved in photography at local, national and international level for over 30 years. He is a documentary photographer, renowned for his Dublin Horse Fair work, people in their environment, moody landscapes of Ireland and more. He is an acknowledged expert darkroom printer and both his fellowship panels were achieved with monochrome panels. Today he works mainly in colour documenting Irish Life and the countries he visits.
He is the most congenial of good company and this is most definitely a night not to be missed. Prepare to enjoy!
“Heritage”: Durham Town Hall entrance gallery
To co-incide with Heritage Open Days 2012, members of the Society documented in one day aspects of the historic town hall and some of the people who work there including His Right Worshipful the Mayor. The work will be on display until the end of September.
