In engaging with our Special Interest Groups and their leaders in the last few weeks, I have been impacted with the excellence of what is on offer, and the enthusiasm and enjoyment of participants.
So, this note is in effect an invitation to all our members to join one or more of the groups and to get involved. It’s a move that you will not regret. Here’s my summary of what I found. I hope it is helpful (and fruitful) for all our members, but especially those who are relatively new to the club.
Firstly, the four groups we have are:
- Contemporary Photography Group – 1st Thursday each month
- Photography Development Group – 2nd Thursday
- Digital Photography Group – 3rd Thursday
- Audio Visual Photography Group – 4th Thursday
Now, here are my thoughts on each of the
groups…
Contemporary Photography Group: Clive Haynes and Tessa Mills
If you love sharing images and experimenting with your camera, this group is for you. The group is led by two well qualified, enthusiastic and experienced photographers in contemporary photography. It’s a zoom only group at present but is well attended.
The meetings are well managed to ensure lots of interaction and most if not all those attending can share images each month and speak about them if they wish. Friendly and helpful thoughts and comments are offered on the images to help future development and personal progress. Be assured, the group is non-judgemental, and non-competitive.
An introduction to one or two great photographers of our day and of the past is shared at each meeting to help you grow your knowledge of the photography world. Sometimes the images shared are towards the Visual Arts end of the contemporary spectrum which will appeal to those with an artistic interest. The Contemporary Group aims to motivate you to go out and take new pictures and to try new topics and approaches. A lively group, waiting to welcome new members.
The group is suitable for: All club members, not least those with an artistic or experimental interest.
Photography Development Group: Duncan Locke
This Group has been meeting for four years and currently meets face-to-face at Claines Royal British Legion. Its original aim was to help Members prepare winning images and encourage them to enter both club competitions and external competitions.
The group’s aims now cover a much wider range of skills, from basic photography technique and camera handling to the latest mirrorless technology, plus printing images and specialist software. It is suitable for beginners and experienced photographers alike. It offers expert assistance with preparation for competitions both within the club and beyond, for distinctions of the Royal Photography Society and Photographic Association of Great Britain, plus international salons. Many of us would benefit from exactly this! Why not take your photography to the next level!
There was a buzz about the meetings of this group I attended, with lots of interaction and help on a personal level. The skills and experience in the group are exceptional. The smaller size of the group is ideal for quality instruction, but there is always room for more members to attend and you will be welcome. The Group does hold occasional practical photography sessions, and this is a growing aspect of its activities. Whatever your needs and aspirations, the group will surely be able to help you progress.
The Group is suitable for: All club Members, especially if you are ambitious…
Digital Photography Group: Martin Addison
This was the first of our club special interest groups and what a history it has! Around 25 people attend – all the meetings are face to face at Claines British Legion. The group covers a wide range of topics but also activities for which attendance is key.
The monthly meetings are broadly planned up to six months in advance, but the programme remains flexible. Topics covered range from basic photography to more challenging topics in Lightroom and Photoshop editing suites. The group is occasionally set a practical project and experimentation is encouraged. The aim is to maintain an informal and relaxed, friendly feel. For many photographers, developing a level of competence in managing and editing images is essential, especially as we tend to accumulate large, even huge, numbers of images as time passes. That can be a hazard, but this group will help to smooth your path to efficient photo management.
The group is suitable for: All club members seeking competence and challenge
Audio Visual Group: Steve Chilton
You have to see the results of this group to believe what they achieve. But, totally out of your skill range, you think? Steve is confident everyone is good enough to do this. You will be introduced to basic approach, software, special techniques, adding music and overall presentation. Whatever your skill level, if you like a challenge and are willing to learn, you will be welcomed. If needed, a 1-2-1 can be arranged to give you a good start.
On our club website, you will find a range of Audio-Visual presentations prepared by the group, and also some guidance presentations. The group meets by zoom each month, responding to the issues being faced by members with their work at the time. Skilled guidance is given in a helpful way to be useful to everyone attending.
Inevitably, the group is perhaps the smallest of our four special interest groups by reason of its distinctive nature. By the same token your participation will be welcomed and valued, and you will have plenty of opportunity to share and learn from others. The group is suitable for: Club members interested in audio-visual photography or simply feeling adventurous.
Your invitation…
Our Special Interest Groups are just that – very special! Hidden behind their titles is a raft of excellent opportunities to develop and grow as a photographer from day one beginner to near professional, while enjoying every step of the way. You will discover much more information about the groups on our website. You are welcome to contact any of the group leaders or me for more information. A further note like this will follow in due course to outline our Diploma Scheme, our Mentoring Scheme, and more. For now, all the group leaders join me in very much hoping you will take that step and join (or continue with) one or more of our Special Interest Groups.
Jeff Steady
19 th September 2024
