Club News

Peter Merry, a photographer from Guildford retired during the pandemic and, when he was able to travel embarked with his wife on a journey around Europe on an inter-rail pass for 30 days visiting 10 countries and 13 cities. As a consequence we could have been treated/subjected to an evening of holiday snaps, but Peter was into projects and determined on an objective to take 20 photographs that would stand the test of time and remain meaningful for many years. The route was planned with the Inter-Rail app.

The third competition of the year took place on 23rd January. The judge was Paul Graber ARPS, a former chairman of Guildford Photographic Society. Paul was making a return visit, having judged for us before.

Paul chose his favourite images and then a number of Highly Commended and Commended images. He was particularly impressed by the variety and quality of the entries. He gave us many expert tips as he went through our images.

Judge’s favourite images of the evening

The judge’s favourites were:

Wildlife photography can be demanding enough at the best of times but doing it with flash is a task that is not for the faint hearted. Wendy Ball, a local photographer from Steyning Camera Club explained its fascination and the journey she took to master its techniques and trials. She began a few years ago with no experience and little understanding and sought assistance from others to begin to learn the requirements and techniques.

Richard Sharman ARPS finds joy in nature by studying and photographing its behaviour and actions. He does not totally eschew the portrait, but whilst illustrating the photographic beauty of some images he pointed out the absence of action. He contrasted a sedge warbler clinging to a reed with a pair of kingfishers sitting on a bank exchanging a fish. He watched for five minutes whilst the male tantalised the female with a fish until he finally surrendered it.

The second competition of the year took place on 28th November. The judge was Ken Scott, known to all for training judges and being president of Steyning Camera Club. Ken is very keen for photographers to demonstrate Expressive Quality in their images – something he would be looking for as he reviewed our images.

Ken chose his favourite images and then a number of Highly Commended and Commended images. He was particularly impressed by the variety and quality of the entries.

Judge’s favourite images of the evening:

The judge’s favourites were: