Eclecticism and variety describe the content of our September get-together.

Sometimes by random chance topics almost coincide.  This meeting saw two contributions which, in their different ways, featured the British seaside.  Nigel Reader used his keen eye in a Martin Parr-like manner, complete with his trademark ‘studied lack of artifice’ to observe the British beside the seaside.  In comparison, Bob Oakley visited seaside resorts out of season to examine the curious attraction of piers. Observation was also a strong element in Dr. Charles Ashton’s carefully selected viewpoints in his fly-on-the-wall study of visitors, exhibits and architecture inside The Guggenheim at Bilbao.  

In complete contrast Clive Haynes showed more examples from his continuing ‘Behind the Altar’ series, when this time small churches in Pembrokeshire were the focus of his ‘back-stage’ attention.  Using the interior of a building as a strand, Paul Mann thoughtfully illustrated how Hay Castle, following the disastrous fire in 1977 and standing derelict for decades, has been elegantly repurposed.

People formed the attention for Richard Broomfield, particularly those enjoying the beauty of Venice and Florence.  When in ‘landscape mode’ Richard frequently finds people to be an irritating distraction, but swapping to his ‘street photographer’s eye’ they become a subject to be embraced.

People, or at least the essential parts of people engaged in 13th century warfare, were the foundation for Richard Handley’s carefully crafted photo-essay about the Battle of Evesham (Simon de Montfort and all that) in 1265.  

Bob Green was attracted to the distinct contrast of buildings and their purposes along the waterfront of Ipswich Marina.  Responding to the scene and visually counterpointing the structures, Bob used double-exposure with blended image overlays to interpret his vision.

Worcester was the canvas for Geoff Hicks and in particular some of the lesser known corners and curiosities of our ancient city.  Geoff’s keen eye for the unusual and for small details, presented a combination of interest and intrigue for our audience.

Lucy Allum’s passion for plants was revealed in a very different way by concentrating her interest upon the shadows they cast and the transient nature of light, shade and their surface interactions.

Our two ‘outside sources’ provided both contrast and intrigue.

‘First Stop. Last Stop’ by Rita Nannini took the premise of the New York Metro where teenagers frequently play the game of riding the Metro to the end point of each line.   Her photos of each route became the basis for a series of small photo-books.  

Here’s the link…..  Rita Naninni

In complete contrast, ‘Push-Pulled’ by C Meier enjoyed the abstract world of manipulated Polaroid film.  Exploring the unpredictable playfulness of this analogue technique, many wayward shapes and patterns emerge.  “Photography can be fun” C Meier reminds us.

Here’s the link…..   C Meier

With Tessa on holiday and missing this session, Nigel Reader very ably helped Clive to co-host the event.

All members’ work from our session can be seen in our Viewpoint e-book for this month.  Click on the image below or this link: Viewpoint and choose the September edition.  The same link provides access to many previous issues of ‘Viewpoint’ - a fascinating treasure-trove waiting for you to explore!