Phenomenal. isn’t a word to use lightly, yet it describes the November session of the Contemporary Photography Group.

Diversity is how we thrive yet it’s rare to find 12 presentations of work that are so refreshingly different in content.

Scenes of protest were splendidly revealed through the photo-journalistic viewpoints of Dr. Charles Ashton whilst a real-life ‘crime scene’ was recorded by Kaz Diller. 

Coastal scenes attracted Eric Williams and Pat Catlin, yet the inspirations and outcomes couldn’t have been more different.  The fine-art end of our spectrum was represented by Maddy Pennock’s visual soliloquy to represent love, whilst a very different approach was adopted by Tej Kaushal’s darkly exciting and inventive double-page spreads.  Tessa Mills also explored a darker side of our psyche with her double set featuring disturbing multiple-exposures and Hallowe’en-related imagery.  Although both Stewart Bourne and Clive Haynes’ work both touched upon entropy their visualisations and treatments were very individual.

A sense of history and belonging associated Darren Leeson’s memories of camping in the Ardennes and Bob Oakley’s recollections of old Birmingham.  Tricia Sandford visually stepped into the past with her portrayal of the patterns of light within Gloucester Cathedral.

Our two Outside Sources’ for this month were also very different from one another.

Here’s the link to Mike Aldridge’s stylistic and striking portraits.  Mike Aldridge.

Our other ‘source’ was the splendid and deeply resonant photo-journalistic work of Herefordshire-based, John Bulmer, and in particular his book ‘The North’ here are two links, one to his website where you can explore John Bulmer. Look under ‘Collections’.
John Bulmer

The other link is to the republishing of his book ‘The North’.  This edition will include additional material.  The book is highly recommended and can only be bought when the online subscription / ‘pledge’ level has reached the preset amount.  If there’s a photo-book you should buy this year, then this is the one.  Prices start from around £30.

Link:  The North (book)

All members’ work from our October session can be seen in our latest ‘Viewpoint’ e-book.  Click on the image below or use this link: Viewpoint and choose the November 2025 edition.  The same link provides access to many previous issues of ‘Viewpoint’ - a fascinating treasure-trove waiting for you to explore!

The next CPG meeting will be on Thursday, 4^th December 2025.

Best wishes,

Tessa and Clive