A month by month summary of the Society activities.
December 2018: Olympus Cameras
This month the society had a change of venue and the meeting was held in The Christopher Rawlins School, Adderbury. As a change from the usual pictorial presentations we had a presentation by a team from Olympus Cameras. The team were; David Smith, Petior Plashou, and Kristina Kabranyai, who were also enthusiastic hobby photographers. They brought along an impressive selection of Olympus cameras and lenses ranging from the latest OM-D E-M10 Mk.III, to a wide selection of M-Zuiko-Pro lenses, which varied from the latest ultra-wide-angle ED-8mm f1.8 fisheye, up to the ED-300mm 1.4 IS Pro.
In the first part of the presentation David demonstrated the attributes and capabilities of these cameras by linking the camera to a screen projector, via his laptop. The audience could then see clearly all the settings and procedures on the large screen. The second part of the presentation were practical demonstrations. Examples included capturing water droplets at high speed, low light portraits, and some imaginative light painting. Members were impressed by the many outstanding features of these cameras; such as pre-capture stacking of 30/40 frames during high speed action shots before the exposure is made, allowing the photographer to select their best action exposure. Another useful feature was the ability to stack a series of pictures in one frame with correct composite exposure. Especially useful in night time or star trail exposures. Members showed their appreciation with a round of applause.
After a short break the meeting continued with members versions of the monthly challenge, “Around Town”. There was a very wide interpretation of this definition and Images varied from scenes of Deddington and Banbury to colourful shots in Indian towns, and some were images of groups of people. John Cavana reminded us that there will be no Monthly Challenge subject for the next meeting in January. We will follow our normal pattern and ask members to display “My Best Three Last Year”.
Paul Brewerton. ADDPS.
November 2018: Banbury Camera Club
The November meeting of ADDPS was a change from the usual. This evening an arranged co-operation between ADDPS and Banbury Camera Club took place. Three speakers from Banbury Camera Club visited us and gave presentations. Andrew Spackman was first to give his presentation which was titled “What I Decided to Photograph Despite the Advice Of Judges”. He started with his earliest photographs from the 1970s taken on Ilford film. The series of pictures then showed the progressive development of his experience and personal style, through to today’s digital images. Andrew then explained how critique from past judges and their advice had (or had not) influenced his pictorial style development. This was illustrated by images from Continental and British street scenes in both monochrome and colour.
Diana Gamble followed with a presentation of wildlife photographs. They started with scenes taken on her phone during her very early morning walks. Early enough for no one else to be around, and local wildlife was active. Pictures of deer with calves, foxes, and superb pictures of hares. Diana’s presentation continued with wildlife shots taken on African safaris. These included impressive shots of a family of cheetahs hunting, lions with their kill, and “acres” of wildebeest on the move. The concluding pictures were brilliant close-up photographs of gorillas. Diana explained how they were able to closely approach the family of gorillas, and take very close up dramatic portrait style pictures of these magnificent animals.
Next, Diane Berridge gave a truly fascinating talk on her interest in restoring old photographs which had faded or been damaged. Examples of restoration of old Victorian badly faded pictures were shown. The period of WW1 produced many portraits of men in uniform taken before they went off to war. Particularly interesting were the examples adding authentic colour to old photographs. A series of pictures showing The Titanic taken immediately before it’s fateful voyage, rendered in colour, were particularly impressive. A very appreciative applause concluded this presentation by BCC. At this point our members who had visited Otmoor RSPB reserve showed a video of the starling murmuration taken on the evening.
The meeting continued with our normal Monthly Challenge, which was “Leading Lines”. Many interpretations of the theme were shown and a helpful critique was done by Martyn Pearse.
Paul Brewerton. ADDPS.
October 2018: Classic Wild Landscapes
On 3rd October the society welcomed a return visit of David Boag, who gave a presentation titled “Classic Wild Landscapes”. The theme was the landscapes and habitat out in the unspoiled wild regions of the world. A series of superb pictures showed landscapes in places such as USA and Canada, New Zealand, Norway and Australia. David stressed the need for creative thinking which could make a picture stand out from all others. His presentation was full of enthusiasm as he explained how use of colour contrast and exaggerated perspective within the composition would make the picture “pop”. David’s style of presentation is very energetic and enthusiastic. The correct choice of lens was stressed, as this was really the first important decision to make when deciding to expose a shot. Different perspectives from various lenses were shown in the same location, and the creative use of wide angle was explained with brilliantly crisp pictures. The importance of lighting in landscape photography was also emphasised by a series of superb pictures, showing how the angle of camera position could enhance light effects. The members showed their appreciation of the presentation with energetic applause.
The meeting then continued with our usual monthly challenge. This month the theme was “action and movement”. The members pictures varied through rugby, cricket, motor sport shots and active children: closing with someone struggling to mount a bicycle! The usual good-natured banter accompanied this part of the meeting.
Paul Brewerton. ADDPS
September 29th 2018: Annual Exhibition
On the 29th September the ADDPS held its Annual Exhibition of members work in the Adderbury Institute. This year’s print exhibition was very well supported, and members submitted a total of 114 pictures for the exhibition. The’ exhibition displayed many examples of outstanding work by the members. The exhibits covered landscapes, portraits, wildlife, still life, in both colour and monochrome prints. Many said “it is the best exhibition yet with regard to the quality”. Exhibited pictures displayed the members ability in composition, exposure control, and printing skills. Through mutual help, advice and critique the quality of members work has steadily improved over the years, and produced a very successful exhibition.
Paul Brewerton. ADDPS
September 2018: Piers of the Realm
At our monthly meeting on 5th September the Society welcomed Micki Aston for a return visit.
Her presentation was titled “Piers of The Realm”. All piers in Britain are listed in “The National Pier Society List” and are defined as “any form of jetty with a building upon it”.
Micki showed photographs of 62 piers from Aberystwyth to Yarmouth, giving in depth details of each one. She also gave their past histories, and examples of old archive photographs to contrast with the up to date images of the piers. Sadly, many of our iconic British piers are in decline and have suffered damage from fire, ship collisions, sea salt erosion and vandalism. However, it was noted that those piers which included R.L.N.I. lifeboat stations were usually in good order.
Her pictures varied from well maintained piers supporting theatres which feature well known artists, to images of the sad remains of fire damaged structures merely left to decay. The presentation ended with an appreciative round of applause.
The meeting continued with the monthly challenge of members images which this month was Portraits.
Paul Brewerton. ADDPS
August 2018: Wildlife For All Seasons
On the first of August Robert Harvey returned to the Photographic Society for the third time, and gave a presentation entitled “Wildlife For All Seasons”.
Robert has given us excellent presentations in the past, and members were not disappointed this time with his presentation extensive range of wildlife subjects of outstanding photographic quality.
Robert concentrated on wildlife in the British Isles, working through all seasons of the year. He stated that there is a greater variety of wildlife in the UK than most people think.
Starting with Winter, the photographs ranged through the locations of; Farmland, Mountains, Lakes, and Visitors to Our Gardens. Robert explained that he always uses manual exposure control for wildlife, rarely shooting anything below 1600th sec, and often faster. His remarkably wide range of British winter subjects included owls, woodpeckers, mountain hares in winter coat, deer, and four varieties of herons.
His Summer subjects covered coastal areas, with photographs of the wide range of seabirds found upon our cliffs. He also included a wide selection of butterfly species and dragonflies.
The Autumn shots ranged through deer, otters, squirrels, seals and wading birds. Robert reiterated the point that Britain has a rich variety of wildlife if we have the patience to seek for it. Throughout the presentation the quality of pictures was never less than excellent, and many of them were truly brilliant.
The presentation earned a very loud round of applause.
Paul Brewerton. ADDPS
July 2018: A Mile On The Flat
Wednesday 4th July featured a presentation by members who had been on the society’s first field trip to the dramatic Dorset Jurassic coast, titled “A mile on the flat”
The hardy group of 10 plus the organiser, Robert Harvey, spent 3 full on days last December coping with very early mornings and late evenings to capture the sunrise and sunset effects only possible at these locations a few times during the whole year. They were not disappointed, as the weather, although very cold, produced many special images.
What they soon discovered was, that Robert’s mile involved steep climbs and equally steep descents.
Images started with Durdle Door and its magnificent arch framing perfectly the rising sun, and others with the sea gently breaking on the shore line. Durdle Door is now a world heritage site.
From here the group moved on to Kimmeridge Bay & Clavell Tower. The bay is known for its Bituminous shale that makes for a great alternative colour to normal sand and the wave platform a low and long rock feature that had our intrepid group slipping and sliding about to get the best shots. On top of the cliff to the east is the attractive Clavell Tower, which in recent years had to be moved away from the cliff edge. It’s now a holiday let for those with deep pockets.
Finally, for day one was “Man of War” bay, another famous and picturesque place close to Durdle Door.
Day two up before the sun and off to “Old Harry Rocks” and the pinnacles. Freezing cold, but rewarded with a good sunrise and more beautiful photos. Back for breakfast and then off to Worbarrow Bay and its wonderful broad and sweeping beach and cretaceous rocks.
Then off to Tyneham village in the Purbeck hills, now a ghost town, following its compulsory purchase by the war office for target practice during the second world war. Among the various buildings there is a K1 1929 telephone box, significant in that very few now exist and this one is a replica after a film crew destroyed the original.
From here to Chapmans Pool, which is actually a bay, but the light was poor, so not good for keen photographers.
Day 3, again early rise to be at Corfe Castle and another steep climb on a hill to the west of the castle, rewarded with some special images of Corfe.
Finally, to Swanage and its two piers of 1858 and then 40 years later where some particularly atmospheric and original images were captured.
By this time everyone was weary, but extremely happy, from the many “miles on the flat”, travelled along this great stretch of coast.
Great time had by all.
Martyn Pearse. ADDPS
JUNE 2018: The Costa Rica Book
The society meeting in June was treated to a presentation by one of our own members, Andreas Klatt, titled “The Costa Rica Book”. Andreas’ planned visit to Costa Rica to photograph wildlife was hampered by strict weight restrictions on luggage. Limited 12 Kg. on all luggage (including hand luggage) meant having to make a difficult decision on what camera equipment to include, and what to omit. A final choice of just one camera body and one lens imposed strict discipline on technique. The bright intensity of tropical light also required a technique adjustment to shooting procedures. Andreas found that Costa Rica does not lend its self to landscape photography, this resulted in most of his pictures being wildlife, along with groups of floral and foliage shots. Costa Rican government policy following WW2 meant no expenditure upon armed forces, the country had a “green policy” before the concept of “green” was understood by other nations. They are now into a third generation of the green supporting population, and Costa Rica is now a wildlife photographers haven. Pictures of coffee plants, flowers, and coffee berries were interesting, and with no seasonal variations these plants flower, develop fruit and are harvested the whole year round. Amazingly banana plants are used to draw water from the ground and divert it to irrigate the coffee plants at certain times of the year. A wide variety of amazingly colourful tropical birds was shown. They varied from different types of kingfishers, herons, and birds from high in the tree canopy. Minute brightly coloured tree frogs, (some of them poisonous), and brightly coloured snakes were shown, along with many different exotic flowers and leaf formations. A seven foot iguana also drew comment. The meeting showed its appreciation with a long round of applause.
After a break the meeting continued with our monthly challenge. This month it was “Anonymous”. The idea being each person would anonymously display three pictures which were not in their usual individual style. Everyone then had to guess who the photographer was. As you can imagine this generated a lot of witty comment and discussion.
Next months meeting; 4th July, 7:30pm in The Cartwright Hotel Aynho will be a presentation by “Team Dorset” on last December’s club workshop on the Dorset coast. All are welcome to attend.
Paul Brewerton. ADDPS
MAY 2018: 2017 Exhibition Review
The Adderbury Deddington and District Photographic Society held their May meeting at the Cartwright Hotel, Aynho on 2nd May. The main evening event was a review of the images which had been on display in the 2017 Annual Exhibition. Not all members had been able to visit the annual exhibition of members work. Therefore, it was decided to have a review of all the exhibited prints in a projected version, this gave everyone another opportunity to see their colleagues work. The subjects displayed ranged through landscapes, portraits, wildlife, travel subjects and some abstract images. Those present explained what had led them to select those particular images for exhibition as their pictures came up on the screen. The meeting was well attended, and members shared their views on the pictures as they were projected, often giving constructive and helpful critique. The Society has now been in existence for seven years, and it was generally felt that the quality of members work has improved significantly and steadily over those years, and that the 2017 exhibition display had been a good showcase, and example of the societies’ work to the local community.
After a short break the meeting continued with the usual “monthly challenge”. This month the subject was “Black and White Landscape”. This produced many very good images, mostly converted from colour photographs, but some originally conceived in monochrome by the author. The subject of “Black and White” images caused many to consider the particular charm of monochrome photography which covered the full range of tones. Once again there was plenty of advice and constructive opinion contributed from the members.
Our next meeting will be at 7:30pm on 6th June in the Cartwright Hotel, Aynho. The subject will be a presentation by Andreas Klatt ARPS, titled “The Costa Rica Book”. The monthly challenge for June is “anonymous”. Members are encouraged to anonymously submit a photograph which is different to their usual style. This will challenge the other members present to try to identify the author of the picture. All are most welcome to attend.
APRIL 2018: AGM
On the 4th of April The Photographic Society held its 11th Annual General Meeting at The Cartwright Hotel Aynho, the meeting was very well attended The minutes of the last meeting were accepted as correct, and there were no matters arising. Chairman John Prentice then presented the Annual Report on our activities over the past year and commented on the success of our members annual exhibition. It was agreed that our exhibition continues to provide an excellent showcase on the work of the society, and that the quality of prints exhibited is being maintained at a high standard. The Treasurer’s Report and Accounts were presented by Martyn Pearce who stated that the Society was in a sound financial position. Therefore it had been decided it was not necessary increase the annual subscription, and this would be held it at the current £30. John Cavana, the Program Secretary, then gave a summary of the past years events, which had been a combination of visiting speakers and presentations by our own Society members. Members expressed their views on possible future subjects. Suggestions ranged through; aerial photography, abstract photography, archaeology and science images. The workshops organiser John Emmett next reported on the years outdoor activities and workshops. These covered such successful events as the visit to Upper Heyford, Ottmoor nature reserve and the Dorset Coast. Workshops led by Society members included Photoshop, Light-room, and studio work. The societies Facebook coordinator, Gail Girvan, reported on the Society’s Facebook page. This is a Facebook page open to members only, and she urged more members to make use of it. There was some discussion on possible restructuring of the site. Finally the election of society officers for next year was held. Three members resigned from the committee; John Emmett, Jerry Saville, and Dave Govier. Three new committee members were proposed by John Prentice, and seconded by Paul Brewerton. The meeting then elected, Miggy Wild, Neil Grantham, and Wendy Meagher to the committee. The AGM was then declared closed.
The usual ‘’What Is It’’ competition followed our refreshment break. Members had submitted 63 puzzling photographs taken from close up unusual angles for others to guess at. These pictures raised plenty of comment and laughter from the audience, and our meeting finished off in a very happy mood.
The next monthly challenge is ‘’A Landscape in Black and White’’ Our next workshop is an outdoor visit to Upper Heyford, unfortunately there are limited numbers. This guided visit proved extremely popular last time, and this next visit is fully booked up..
MARCH 2018: Photographing The Night Sky, A Beginners Guide To Astrophotography
On the 7th March the Society welcomed a return visit by Mary McIntyre who gave her presentation “Photographing the Night Sky, A Beginners Guide to Astrophotography”. Mary started with information on the types of useful equipment and how to set things up in preparation for a shoot. Following this she then showed series of pictures of the night sky, taken on a range of equipment from DSLRs through bridge and compact cameras, to mobile phones. The ISO settings; f stop settings; and exposure times were covered, with photo examples from each system. The importance of using a tripod was emphasised. Also the importance of knowing your equipment thoroughly was emphasised, camera manipulation in the dark without resorting to using lights is preferable to reducing your night vision by using lights or torches.
The series of awe inspiring pictures followed, arranged in two groups. The first group labelled “wide field shots”, i.e. those taken with a lens of any focal length on camera. Secondly came “in depth shots” i.e. those taken through a powerful telescope. The in depth shots included colourful pictures of nebulae and star clusters, the wide field group were mostly star trails, pictorially composed with interesting foreground. Mary then proceeded to explain the phenomena of aurora borealis. This can be seen in Southern Britain more often than people realise. The website “Aurora Alert” will notify anyone of the likelyhood of an aurora appearance.
The second part of Mary’s presentation covered her visit to the USA last year to record the total eclipse of the sun. Mary and her new husband combined this event with their honeymoon ! Detailed planning went into ensuring they were in a good geographical position to see the event for the longest time possible, a full two and half minutes. Early setting up and preparation was vital as a short time space was available during the passage of the sun. The result was a series of brilliant and unique pictures of this rare opportunity. Mary’s presentation finished with well deserved applause.
Following a break our meeting continued with our monthly challenge. The topic this time was“ A Touch of Purple”. Members had responded with a wide variety of pictures showing artistic imaginative compositional ability in the interpretation.
Our next meeting on 4th April will be The A.G.M. Our past year will be reviewed and members invited to make their wishes known on how we would all want the Society to progress in the future. The AGM will be followed by a “What Is It? competition. Please submit your puzzling pictures to John Prentice in good time.
FEBRUARY 2018: America; from Cowboy Country to Indian Reservation
Our monthly club meeting at The Cartwright arms Hotel, Aynho, was a presentation by one of our own members Jim Muller. He presented a brilliant series of photographs titled “America; from Cowboy Country to Indian Reservation”. It highlighted the contrast between the green fertile plains occupied by cattle ranchers in Idaho and Wyoming and the arid hot desert lands of Utah and Arizona allocated to tribal reservations. The early pictures showed the areas around Salt lake City then moving on to the dramatic location of Yellowstone National Park. Jim gave us his personal view of this well known scenery and it wildlife, and pictures ranged from bison and elk to magnificent geysers and colourful hot mineral pools. Particularly unique were the Travertine Falls, created by mineral deposits from hot springs and forming a wide series of terraces down the valley.
A particular highlight of this journey was to be present in the right place when the total eclipse of the sun occurred. A series of perfectly exposed pictures showing progressive stages of the total eclipse were shown. (As Jim said – you only get one chance at this.).
Moving further south to the more arid regions took us to the Arches National Park. An area of naturally formed huge arches of sandstone. These weathered formations offer endless potential for creative photographers, particularly the Window Arch at sunrise. The “Balancing Rock” also gave the a unique photo opportunity. This large boulder sits precariously on a sandstone pedestal looking very unbalanced. Monument Valley’s widely recognised geological formations are are the magnet for travel photographers, and the low angle of the late afternoon sun threw columns and butes into relief. The clear night skies of Utah also provided the ideal opportunity for good pictures of stars and the milky way. The amazingly photogenic Antelope Canyon also provides almost endless creative pictures, and Jim gave us excellent examples of the formations in this slot canyon. The Canyonlands National Park holds The Green Canyon, the Colorado Canyon and The Grand Canyon within its boundaries: and we were treated to superb shots of all these canyons. Some were stitched panoramic shots. The range of rock colours and strata formations were thrown into relief by the angle of the sun which illustrated the uniqueness of these canyons. This excellent presentation finished with deserved loud applause.
Our next club meeting is on 7th March at The Cartwright Hotel, Aynho, and will be a presentation by Mary MacIntire, titled Astrophotography. All are welcome to attend, come along and meet us.
JANUARY 2018: Best 3 of 2017
On 3rd January our first meeting of the year was very well attended. Over thirty members were present at The Cartwright Arms Hotel Aynho, and three additional guests also joined us for the evening.
The theme of the meeting was our “Best Three of 2017”. Members were asked to select and display their best three images (or their three favourite images) taken during the last year, and comment upon them saying where ,when and how they were taken, or explain what made the image one of their favourites. Martyn Pearse presented each submission of three images, and then invited the author to speak about them. Members then also contributed helpful constructive critique from the floor on each image, which often included plenty of friendly humorous banter. After a refreshment break half way through, the meeting continued. Most of the thirty plus members present had contributed some images. There was a very full evening program of excellent enjoyable and instructive photographs on a wide variety of subjects, which varied from portraits through to architecture, landscapes, macro and abstracts, with no shortage of imagination and creativity from the authors.
Our next club meeting is on the seventh of February at 7:30pm in The Cartwright Hotel, when Jim Muller will present a portfolio of images from a recent USA visit. All are welcome to attend.
Next months topic is “Anything Indoors” (open to your own interpretation).