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The unseasonably warm weather and the chance to listen to Karen Frankel give her illustrated ‘Coast to Coast’ presentation packed the hall with members and guests. Indeed it’s a long time since I recall that all of the stacked chairs had been taken from their stands – a sign of the popularity of Karen and her work!

My account of the evening includes a few local images, this time without even a snowflake in sight!

Our Chairman, Jason welcomed everyone and reminded members about the evening we’d recently enjoyed at The Angler’s Rest, Bamford, when a number of members displayed their DPI’s. David Allwood has suggested that the next member’s digital projection evening at The Angler’s Rest could be on May 18th. Please contact David or Jason if you’d like to attend.

 

 

Keith reminded members that the next meeting is the time for members to hand in their annual competition prints, along with digital images of each entry. These images should be about 1Mb in size and should be either passed to Keith on a memory stick, or a CD/DVD or email to Keith. If any member has problems resizing the images please contact me (Ian). In the meantime advice on the competition and the rules of the competition are shown at: http://www.hopevalleyphotosociety.co.uk/?page_id=717

Karen Frankel, who lives locally, is a talented professional photographer, and spent 90 minutes speaking to and showing images she took when writing her book entitled Coast to Coast. Having seen the book and listening to Karen’s presentation, I heard a number of members vowing to traverse this beautiful coast to coast walk. But unless you are a seasoned walker, Karen suggested that the walk can be enjoyed by walking different stages at different time of the year. You can see some of Karen’s work and learn more about Karen by visiting http://www.karenfrenkel.info/

Keith Brown gave a vote of thanks, remarking how spectacular the evening had been. Keith, using his FRPS skills then briefly outlined how each and every one of Karen’s shots, showed her skill as a truly talented landscape photographer, and that we cannot wait until Karen returns to our club to demonstrate more of her skills.

Despite the weather being less than spring-like, we had a really good turnout, including two new members to listen to Hathersage based photographic photo/artist Anthony Marshall (examples of his copyrighted work are shown below) give his presentation – more of this later. Our latest two new members are Chapel en-le-Frith resident Phil Sponson and Bradwell based Janis Ibbotson. Until Ray Fowler can produce an addendum to our 2015 programme, you can obtain Phil or Janis’s contact details from me (Ian) or our Secretary, Ann.

If you missed our meeting here’s a few points which will bring you up to speed:

• David Allwood has arranged an informal members’ evening at the Anglers Rest on Monday 16 March starting around 7.30pm; •Sheffield PS have organised a digital-image knockout competition, held between 15 photo clubs in the region at their church hq in Sheffield at 1930on Saturday evening;
• 17 members had ordered the Blurb 2014 YearBook. I handed out these YearBooks during the evening. If you were too late to place your bulk order, taking advantages of discounts and sharing postage costs, instruction to order the 2014 (or indeed the 2013) YearBook can be found on: http://www.hopevalleyphotosociety.co.uk/?p=715
• I’ve sent everyone who ordered a YearBook the link to enable them to download the YearBook (at no cost) to their iPad. But if you aren’t an Apple/iOS convert, Roger Moore will soon give download instructions to Android or Windows Kindle users;
• Jason reminded everyone about the rules for our forthcoming competition. Here’s the link to give comprehensive details: http://www.hopevalleyphotosociety.co.uk/?page_id=717s

Presentation by Anthony Marshall – whose photographic artwork can be seen on http://anthony-marshall.com/

  Anthony’s presentation was truly fascinating. I’m sure that I can say without fear of contradiction that all attendees truly enjoyed his stimulating presentation. Anthony was unusual in that he didn’t give a slideshow presentation of his work, but concentrated on telling us how 40 years ago he was only one of three full time British based professional landscape photographers; gradually moving to being an abstract impressionism artist, who uses photography as a means of capturing images, before he works on the photographic data, using an iPad and Apps such as TangledFx; ImageBlender; Snapseed; Picsplay pro.

Along with many books, Anthony brought along examples of his work, printed directly onto aluminium. The printing organisation Anthony uses is a German based company called ‘pictures for you’.

Anthony explained that thousands of image editing apps have been designed for the iPad, but only a handful that allow you to work at a hi-res file size. Up to now image editing has been done by using very large, complex and expensive software, requiring significant investment of time to master the techniques. Anthony said that working with less complex software Apps on the iPad is like a breath of fresh air allowing him to work quicker and more intuitively. Anthony explained that although photography plays an integral role in his work, he thinks like a painter; producing imagery which is minimalist, focusing in on detail, texture, shape and abstract design. Anthony explained how he often creates images which have been superimposed to create a more abstract effect.

Next month’s speaker

We have a completely different type of speaker for our meeting on April 9th – so make sure you clear your diary for that evening, so you can listen to and view Karen Frankel who’ll show her stunning ‘Coast to Coast’ images.

Latest update: A Pdf version of our latest (2014) YearBook is now available. The Pdf version is also readable on a Kindle device. Please click onto the link shown below. On the right hand side of the webpage you’ll see the various purchase and download options. http://www.blurb.co.uk/b/5960395-2014-year-book. If you’d like to pay the Club £5 to allow you to purchase an electronic version readable on Apple devices (iPads etc.) please contact me (Ian) and I’ll generate a link to the relevant part of Blurb’s website. Please note that the code on the link expires within 48 hours of me generating this link.

Initial posting: If you order your 2014 YearBook via me using ian@ian-ord.co.uk or phone me on 01433 621, or see me at the March 12th meeting. I’ll place one bulk order on behalf of C&HVPS members or friends, hence sharing the postage costs between all who place an order. Orders close on March 14. Thus those who took an order slip from Roger may prefer to contact me, thus sharing the cost of the postage.
The price for a hardback copy will be £24.89, £17.89 for a softback (plus a small element of postage). The cost of an eBook version will be £5 – Roger or I will send you the eBook download link (which clearly doesn’t incur postage costs). I’ll use the link http://blur.by/1yta gD6 to place the bulk order.  You can also click onto the link to preview the YearBook – I think you’ll be surprised and hopefully delighted. There’s nothing to stop you using the link to place your own orders, but you’ll bear the full postage costs. If you’d like to place an order for the 2013 YearBook it’s still available for purchase using the link http://blur/by/1mQSrpt
The following already have a 2014 YearBook, and will soon be given a link to allow them to download the eBook version: Roger Moore, Ray Fowler, Keith Brown, Alan Hinchcliffe, Ian Ord
To date, the following have placed orders: Richard Clemons HB (Hardback); Nick Chalkley HB, Axel Chatburn HB, Michel Waquet HBx2, David Allwood  SB (Softback), Jason Deitsch SB, Susan Hughes SB, Bea Deacon SB, Joan Clough, SB. Barbara Wilkinson SB. They will receive a free eBook version with their order. Ann Smith and Steve Elliott have placed orders for the eBook version.

By the time we met for our February meeting, the last vestiges of the snow which has shrouded the Hope Valley for the past two weeks+ had all but vanished, but spring still seems quite a while away.

Despite the weather there was a really good turnout to listen to 10 of our members who each gave 10 minute presentations, showing off some of their recent or most interesting images. I think that all agreed that it was a truly enjoyable evening, demonstrating the depth and breadth of talent we have in our club.

Roger Moore presented our newest YearBook, which looks simply splendid. To get a flavour of the YearBook you can preview it by clicking on to http://blur.by/1yta gD6 . If you’ like to order a hardback, softback or eBook though me, thus sharing the postage costs equally, click onto the following link for further details. http://www.hopevalleyphotosociety.co.uk/?page_id=671.

Alan Hinchcliffe reminded members that to date only a few members have placed images in our web gallery. Alan is right, we are a photographic society and many visitors will browse our website to look at photographs members have taken. Thus if you’d like to add some of your most interesting images to our web gallery contact Alan, or me ( ian@ian-ord.co.uk ) or phone me on 621 431.

David Allwood announced that there’s another opportunity for members to show and speak to their images. As David Allwood has made arrangements with the Angler’s Rest in Bamford to open their doors to members from 1930(?) on Monday 16th March. There’ll be potable alcoholic beverages, plus soft drinks on tap, as well as simple food. So put the date in your diary and bring along some of your most interesting images on a memory stick. Jason or David will give an update and confirm the time at the next meeting.

Finally Chris (Ord), who’s been ill for some time and couldn’t attend the meeting, has told me that we’ll liaise with Jason & Keith to make arrangements for another ‘Whatever the weather’ clotted cream and scone social in our garden and garden-room in late June or July this year.

i was asked to find information about the tin bath tour steam train travelling through the hope valley

m well here’s the info http://www.uksteam.info/tours/t15/t0215a.htm

A view of Win Hill imposing over Castleton and the Hope Valley. We meet in a building smack in the centre of this image

Our AGM

Members didn’t join our photographic society to listen to admin bits relating to our AGM. However, there are one or two newsworthy items to report. Firstly three new members turned up at the AGM, which brings our membership into the forties. Secondly, the members elected Hon Life Member Ray Fowler (otherwise known as Mr C&HVPS) as our first Vice President. Thirdly, we have two new committee members: Nick Chalkley and David Allwood. Finally I proposed that Arthur Packham, who recently moved ‘south’ with his wife Betty, to be closer to their family, be made a life member (another ‘first’ for our club). Unsurprisingly, the proposal was greeted by a unanimous show of hands – so Arthur, next time you are in the area on a meeting night, do call in. Everyone will welcome you and you won’t have to pay the £3 entrance fee!

Bits & bobs

Keith Brown presented our 2015 programme. So if you want to know what’s on for this year, click onto: http://www.hopevalleyphotosociety.co.uk/?page_id=571 Then Roger Moore spoke about our 2014 YearBook. Roger explained that the deadline for submitting entries would be 2359 on 11th January.

Our new Chair entertains

Our new Chair – Jason – then gave a thoughtful presentation, covering the theme of our 2015 competition – architecture. Jason’s illuminating presentation took an A to Z form, with Jason illustrating images relating to each letter. Some images were Jason’s, some were images of outstanding bits of architecture, new and old and some were images by world renowned photographers. A really enjoyable evening and a great start to Jason’s year.
I’ve downloaded a few of the images Jason presented. Members can refresh their memories about the rules relating to the architecture category, as well as the ‘general’, theme and a ‘monochrome’ theme  of our competition  by clicking onto: http://www.hopevalleyphotosociety.co.uk/?p=442

 

Our newest member: We are now an international club, as we have a new member; Michel Waquet, who’s moved from Provence in France.

Arthur Packham: Keith & Kate Brown recently visited Arthur & Betty Packham, who are moving south, as Betty is ill. Ian has sent an Interflora bouquet on behalf of the Club

New display boards & microphone: We are going to buy some new display boards and also a microphone for speakers, bought from  proceeds from various fundraising activities this year.

Booking your place at our 2014 Christmas Party: If you haven’t submitted your menu details and cheque for our Christmas Party, please click onto the following link: http://www.hopevalleyphotosociety.co.uk/?page_id=426 Erica would be grateful if you could respond to her NOW. Please make cheques payable to “The Millstone Country Inn” and post your menu choices and cheque to Erica Dietsch at 3 Mayfield Terrace, Hathersage, Hope Valley, S321BE.

Our 2014 YearBook: There’s a lot of work behind the scenes which goes into the YearBook, which is an important record, both in book and e-book form. So if you haven’t submitted your images, see the website: http://www.hopevalleyphotosociety.co.uk/?page_id=415 Or pass your CD to Alan or Ian, or hand them in to Ian at the Christmas Party.

Our 2015 competition, including the Denis Thorpe Monochrome trophy: Now’s the time to rifle through your best images for the 2015 competition. I’ve put simple guidelines on the website: http://www.hopevalleyphotosociety.co.uk/?p=442

Put some of your best images on our website: Please think about submitting a selection of your images onto our gallery on the website. If you’d like to summit a portfolio of images contact our webmaster Alan, or contact Ian.

Our November 2014 presenters: Roger Moore couldn’t make his scheduled presentation, which has been deferred until next year. Nick Chalkey stepped into Roger’s shoes, as two talented members from our Club gave us insights into their views on photography. Susan Hughes had clearly put considerable thought into her presentation, entitled a ‘mixed bag’. We followed Susan through a magic journey, from some stunning prints shown on a light-box, to projected images (which displayed Susan’s interest in a wide range of subject), finishing with a compilation of themed images shown through PowerPoint.

Nick followed Susan, bringing on a variety of bags containing the ‘goodies’ he uses when he takes photographs. Described by Nick as “things I can’t afford and sometimes don’t use, as I pursue my interest in photography.” Nick showed us how he’d suspended a camera on strings, giving the impression that his young daughter was holding the camera and about to press the shutter – post processing made the strings disappear as if by magic. Talking of magic, Nick has an uncanny knack of capturing the audience’s attention, sometimes with Tommy Cooper like gestures and lines.  A truly innovative presentation which left every member of the audience hanging on to every one of Nick’s words and observations.

2015 Print Exhibition guidelines & rules

1. Categories
Members can submit a maximum of three images which cover the two categories of either General or Architectural images.
As guidance to members, architectural themed images should depict the style in which a building is designed. It can be exterior or interior and can portray the whole building or a detail of the building. Statues and sculptures are also acceptable. However, care must be taken when including figures or surrounding landscape to demonstrate scale: ensure that the architectural subject is still the dominant factor in the image.
2. Number of Images
The three images can be any combination of images within the two categories and they can be either colour or monochrome.
For example: you may wish to submit one colour landscape image, one colour architectural image and one monochrome architectural image OR three general OR three architectural OR two of one category and one of the other category, all colour or all mono or a mixture.
First, Second, Third and Commended Certificates will be awarded in both categories and the best monochrome image, in either category, will be awarded the Denis Thorpe Trophy.
3. Image Size
Maximum – A3 + 329 x 483 mm
Minimum – A4 210 x 297 mm (approximate will be acceptable)
Or any size in between.
Please leave prints unmounted. If a border is included on the print it will be trimmed by Ray when it is mounted onto foamboard as all prints will be presented for judging flush mounted.
4. Cost of Entry
£1 per print to cover mounting onto foamboard.

5. Digital Files
If possible we would be grateful if you could supply us with a digital file of each image, to be handed in together with your print entry as we intend to use these images as our contribution to the photo exchange with the club in New York. Each file should be saved to Maximum quality and it will be resized later before sending to New York – no changes will be made to your actual images.
6. Handing in your prints and Entry Forms
May 14th will be the night for handing in your prints and a reception team will be pleased to receive your entry, fees and digital files. If you are unable to be there on May 14th please make arrangements with Jason or Keith beforehand for receipt of your entry.
Entry Forms: these will be available on the handing in night but to speed the process up on the night, forms will be available in advance, to be submitted on the night with your entry.
7. Judging
All images will be flush mounted onto foamboard by Ray ready for judging. Our judge, Peter Yeo, prefers to judge the prints on judging night (July 9th) not in advance. The award winners will be announced on that night.
7. Exhibition
The aim will be to show all the images submitted for judging. The exhibition will be held at St. Barnabas Church, Bradwell from 1st to 8th August.
8. Timetable
May 14th – handing in prints, entry forms, fees and digital files. Doors open at 7 pm.
May 15th to July 8th – Prints mounted onto foamboard by Ray helped by David.
July 9th – Exhibition review and judging by Peter Yeo FRPS. DPAGB. APAGB.
July 30th / 31st – mount exhibition.
August 1st to August 8th – Annual C&HVPS Exhibition at St. Barnabas Church, Bradwell.
To be announced – presentation of awards and certificates.

If you have any queries please contact Jason, Keith or Ray.

If you missed the meeting here’s the info you need:

Opening welcome

Ian welcomed our speaker from Sheffield Photographic Society, Colin New, plus returning members Paul & Wendy McGreavy – Paul has just returned from working overseas (the Oman?) for nearly four years.

Our guest speaker – Colin New

The star of the evening was Colin New, who spent 90 minutes fascinating us with his view on Great Photographers. We had  a great evening, looking at some of the images from these great photographers. Colin had spent a very significant time in researching who should be included in his list.

Colin didn’t just show a selection of images, as he spent time giving a potted history of these photographers, then spoke from the heart about each of the images. It’s clear that Colin has spent many hours researching the subject, talking eruditely and with passion (through the eye of a photographer) about the various photographers and the images he showed. Many thanks Colin, your hard work and persistence gave all who attended a real insight into these many and various Great Photographers. If you’d like to learn more about Colin, or view some of his images, visit his site: http://www.colinnew.co.uk/

If you’d like to know the names of the photographers, from Ansel Adams to Edward Weston Colin spoke about, here they are: Ansel Adams; Manuel Alvarez Bravo; Richard Avedon; David Bailey; John Blakemore; Bill Brandt; Brassai; Julia Margaret Cameron; Henri Cartier-Bresson; Imogen Cunningham; Robert Demachy; Baron de Meyer; Robert Doisneau; William Eggleston; Elliott Erwitt
Robert Frank; Mario Giacomelli; Ralph Gibson; Fay Godwin; Paul Graham; Nan Goldin; Frank Hurley; Michael Kenna; Andre Kertesz; William Klein; Jacques Henri Lartigue; Sally Mann; Don McCullin; Robert Mapplethorpe; Man Ray; Lee Miller; Sarah Moon; NASA; Nick Ut; Martin Parr; Irving Penn; Sebastiao Salgado; Eugene Smith; Paul Strand; Albert Watson; Edward Weston.

Submit your best 2014 image for our 2014 YearBook

Ann, our Secretary had sent an email to all members, reminding them that it’s time to submit their photos for the 2014 YearBook. Further information on how to submit your images, plus any other images taken during 2014 events, can be found on this website. Click on this link: http://www.hopevalleyphotosociety.co.uk/?page_id=415

Our forthcoming Christmas Party

Jason, who’s been organising our Christmas Party with his wife Erica, gave members information about the Party. The Christmas meal is to be held on Thursday 11th December at 7.30 pm at the Millstone Inn in Hathersage, please note the change of venue. Here’s a link to give you details of the costs, the menu, etc.: http://www.hopevalleyphotosociety.co.uk/?page_id=426 Erica would be grateful if you could respond to her by filling in the bottom of the slip and returning it to her, with with a cheque by 13th November (the next meeting date). Please make cheques payable to “The Millstone Country Inn”. Either bring your choices along with your cheque to the November 13th meeting or post your choices and cheque to Erica Dietch at 3 Mayfield Terrace, Hathersage, Hope Valley, S321BE.

So christmas is coming and i know i have a new camera on my shopping list (who hasn’t?) but for me its a nice new Canon 70D

however if i had an endless budget i might be tempted to buy one of these i had seen the technology appear a little while ago in a tech blog somewhere i had no idea they were serious about putting it into production for us mere mortals but as you can see they have. so whats so special i hear you ask, it just looks like a nice bridge camera however for all of you who like to shoot AV youre in trouble with this one because it doesn’t have an AV setting. now before you poo poo it let me tell you it shoots at a fixed aperture of F2.0 so whats so great about this well you can always get the fastest shutter speed you like at the lowest available ISO so now you’re asking how do you control depth of field well with this camera you set your focal point and depth of field after in post processing infact you can even have a moving still image where the focus can be adjusted by the viewer, you can even produce a 3D image effect.

so how does it do this well its all about its special sensor which uses light field technology  to capture an image with infinite focus

its easier to just say just check out some of these awesome examples in this link below.

https://pictures.lytro.com/