News & Events
The following items were written for publication in the local press.
24 April 2008
At Beeston Camera Club’s AGM held at The Victory Club, Station Rd, Beeston outgoing Club President Derek Martin thanked all concerned for making his Presidency a delightful experience. He particularly thanked his wife Iris for providing sterling support over the last two years. He reported that the Club is in the process of purchasing a new digital projector for use next season and hoped that this would help to attract even more members to the Club.
New President Guy Mansford said that he hoped to carry on the good work and wished members a happy summer of photography. The Club intends to meet on occasional Thursdays and weekends throughout the summer and full details will be published on the Club website at www.beestoncameraclub.co.uk .
The new season commences on the first Thursday in September. Highlights of the season include a lecture by William Cheung of Photography Monthly and the audio visual expertise of Keith and Kate Brown. If you are interested in joining in any of the Club’s summer activities please telephone 0115 9259611.
Derek Martin
17 April 2008
For the final meeting of the Beeston Camera Club season, a new Competition had been devised in memory of the late Hilda Thurman who had been a much loved member of the Club for many years continuing to attend regularly following the death of her husband Ted who was also a member. The Competition required members to present a print of their own choosing, the winner to be decided by the members of the audience. The Thurman family had donated a magnificent trophy to be presented to the author of the winning print. 23 members participated in this innovative competition and the prints were arranged around the room so that they could be studied before the audience chose their favourite 5 images.
Each member was also invited to talk about their print before members made their final choice. The winner by a clear margin was a wonderfully evocative monochrome digital print which showed 3 African children smiling at the camera one of whom was wearing a t-shirt inscribed with the ironic title of the print Don’t You Wish You Were Me? The author Rob Bird only joined the Club earlier this year and was delighted to receive the trophy from Hilda’s daughter Glenis who is still a member of the Club. Brothers Malcolm and Rodney were also present as was Rodney’s wife Gillian. The winning print received 165 points. Julian Barker came second with 99 points for a colour print entitled Staithes Evening whilst a monochrome print Derelict Jetty Isle Of Mull produced from the darkroom of Kevin Jones came third with 95 points.
Following the presentation members enjoyed a buffet donated by the Thurman family and prepared by Glenis with help from Club stalwarts Iris Martin and Eunice Price. During the summer months it is hoped that Club members will meet at outside locations in the local area and the first such meeting is scheduled to take place at The Highfields on Thursday 22nd May. The Club website contains all Club information including next season’s programme at www.beestoncameraclub.co.uk and the 2008/09 season commences on 4th September. Also contact 0115 9259611.
Derek Martin
10 April 2008
Next Thursday – 17th April – Beeston Camera Club brings a successful season to a close with The Hilda Thurman Memorial Competition. Members have been asked to provide a print of their own choice and speak about it after which the audience will vote for their favourite image. Hilda was a long standing member of the Club as was her husband Ted but she sadly passed away last year and her family have donated a magnificent trophy to the Club to be presented in her honour to the winner of this competition.. Hilda’s daughter Glenis, together with husband Owen, continues the family tradition of photographer. One of Glenis’s brothers belongs to a camera club in the north east.
During the summer months members will continue to meet on a Thursday evening at various outside locations such as Highfields or Wollaton Park when experienced members will be available to offer advice to their younger counterparts.
The programme for next season is now available on the website at www.beestoncameraclub.co.uk and highlights include a visit from the Editor of Photography Monthly William Cheung FRPS, a return visit from Robert Falconer of Bolsover entitled The Magic Of Mull and the audio-visual magic of Keith and Kate Brown from Hope Valley. Along with member presentations by Dave Severn and Alan Thompson plus a mixture of competition evenings Beeston Camera Club can look forward to another entertaining season which will begin on the first Thursday in September. New members are always made very welcome. Full details and contact numbers are on the website.
Derek Martin
3 April 2008
The final competition of the season was held on Thursday night at Beeston Camera club. The theme was 'Lines' which was interpreted cleverly by many entrants. Slides, prints and digital images all competed to see who would win the coveted prizes this year.
In the digital category Bryn Jones with a shot of powerlines, and Alan Booth with a lovely shot of the tram lines came joint third. Jamie MacArthur was second with another powerline shot, whilst Stan Annable won with a very clever multiple exposure of a horse jumping in a race. In the slides, Alan Booth was third, with joint second to Ken Henstock with a still life of coloured pencils and Len White witha nighttime shot of the tram station. The winner was Dave Severn with a lovely study of lines in the sand on Embleton Bay in Northumberland.
In the Black and white section, Kevin Jones was third with 'leading lines', whilst Bob Richardson was second with an unusual study of a railway tunnel at night. Dave Severn won with a lovely moody study of Whitby Pier. In the colour print section Dave Severn was second with Running Lines, whilst Phil Matthews won with First Service.
As this was the final competition, the winners over the whole year were announced, with Kevin Jones winning the Monochrome, Suvo Mitra winning the Colour Print and Jamie MacArthur winning the Projected Digital class. The slide winner was Len White, with Bob Richardson being the Best Beginner and Dave Severn the best overall in all the competitions.
New members are always welcome to attend. Just look at our website on www.beestoncameraclub.co.ukGuy Mansford
27 March 2008
Peter Gennard, from the Smethwick Club in the Birmingham area, provided Beeston Camera Club members with an enthralling evening as he showed a selection of his superb prints. Entitled “PG Tips, From Film To Digital” Peter’s presentation was full of typical Brummie humour . He travels around the country visiting body art and punk conventions, horse fairs and various re-enactments and appears to have no problem whatsoever in persuading people to pose for him.
Now he has gone completely digital, he does not even own a printer, preferring to have the work done for him by a commercial laboratory. The audience was thoroughly entertained throughout the evening. Beeston Camera Club meet every Thursday evening from 8.00 p.m. at The Victory club, Station Road, Beeston. New members are made very welcome. Visit the website at www.beestoncameraclub.co.uk.
Derek Martin
20 March 2008
Last Thursday Beeston Camera Club members gathered for the third Projected Image Competition of the season, the judge being Bill Hall of the famous Rolls Royce Club. He was impressed with the high standard of images on show especially amongst the natural history entries. He made well informed and instructional comments on the entries finding something positive to say about every image whilst not being afraid to point out its defects. He could find nothing adverse to say however about either of Jamie MacAthur’s digital images and indeed awarded Migrant Hawker In Flight and Atlantic Puffin the maximum 20 points.
The runners-up were Dave Severn scoring 19 points for When A Tern Attacks whilst Simon Walker achieved an identical score for his portrait of Hollie. In the slide section natural history was again to the fore as Len White achieved another maximum for Robin On Branch sharing first place with Julian Barker’s landscape Godrevy Rocks. Another natural history study of Len’s Herons Building Nest gained 19 points as did Ken Henstock’s Iron Prominent Moth.
Bill congratulated Beeston on their recent success in The North East Midlands Photographic Federation’s Slide Knockout Competition in which they achieved a creditable second place thereby qualifying for the National Competition run by the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain which will take place in Warwick during July.
If you are in Beeston in March pay a visit to Beeston Library where you can still see Beeston Camera Club’s Annual Exhibition of prints and slides. The club meets every week until the end of April at The Victory Club, Station Rd, Beeston. For more information visit their website at www.beestoncameraclub.co.uk.
Derek Martin
13 March 2008
Beeston Camera Club members had a visual treat last Thursday when club member Ken Henstock entertained a large audience with a show garnered from his vast array of magnificent slides. To begin Ken showed some of his early shots and explained why they were not up to his current high standard although many in the audience would have been proud to have such images in their collection. He explained how he had improved his photography and detailed the time and trouble he takes to obtain a good photograph which owes a lot to research and patience but also to being out and about very early in the morning!
With comments on a certain amount of technical detail his talk was informative but at the same time never failed to be both interesting and entertaining an aim not always easy to achieve. The audience were particularly interested in the fact that the majority of his high quality moth studies are achieved mainly through the simple expedient of leaving his greenhouse light on at night! But he also travels to re-enactments, horse fairs and sports events throughout the country. He finished the evening in fine style with a selection of images which have won accolades in national and international major exhibitions. The previous week for example he had collected a silver medal at the renowned Southport Exhibition.
In his vote of thanks Vice-President Guy Mansford commented on the diverse range of images shown and congratulated Ken on his dedication to the art of photography in which he has achieved excellence without becoming unapproachable as he is quite willing to share his expertise with both old and new members. You can see some of Ken’s photographs – including Best Natural History image - in Beeston Camera Club’s Annual Exhibition of prints and slides showing throughout March at Beeston Library. If you have any interest in photography yourself why not go along to The Victory Club, Station Rd, Beeston on any Thursday night in April as there is no charge for first-time visitors. More photographs and full Club information can be found on the website at www.beestoncameraclub.co.uk.
Derek Martin
6 March 2008
Beeston Camera Club’s annual competition, the Best of Beeston, to find its best all round photographer attracted a large entry in each of the print, slide and digital slide categories. From a list of six topics members submit four different entries, each of which is marked out of twenty to give a possible maximum score of 80. This year’s judge was Peter Cheetham of Long Eaton Camera Club who gave an entertaining commentary on each picture before awarding his scores.
As the photographs are displayed anonymously, the format of the competition ensures that it is not possible for anyone to assess their overall score until the cumulative marks are announced at the end of the evening. For the fourth year running the entrant with the highest overall score (70) was Dave Severn. Second place was shared by Alan Booth and Bryn Jones with 67 followed closely by David Gibbins with 66 marks. Apart from its competitive element the competition tests the ability of members to produce a range of quality work from widely differing topics.
On Saturday the Mayor of Broxtowe presented trophies to the winners of this year’s Annual Exhibition which is on display at Beeston Library until 29 March. Details of this and many of the club’s other activities can be found at www.beestoncameraclub.co.uk
Bryn Jones
28 February 2008
Three Of A Kind - Beeston Camera Club members had the opportunity to show some of their recent work in a non-competitive environment during the club’s annual ‘Three Of A Kind’ evening. The objective is to select three photographs which are linked in some way, however tenuous the connection, with members describing the circumstances in which the pictures were taken. The event means that photographs which might not otherwise be shown can benefit from constructive discussion and, where the general consensus is positive, may later be entered for external exhibitions and competitions. The array of work on display in print, traditional slide and digital slide formats was sufficiently impressive to suggest that many are likely to be exhibited to much wider audiences in the future.
For those who are uncertain whether camera club membership is for them, a visit to Beeston Library to view the club’s Annual Exhibition (on display throughout March) could help them to make up their minds. Many of the photographs are by some of the club’s newer members and demonstrate just what can be achieved through the motivation which comes from membership of a club where members offer helpful and friendly advice. Details of how to join and galleries of members’ work can be found at www.beestoncameraclub.co.uk
Bryn Jones
21 February 2008
Keen competition - From the larger than usual audience at Beeston Camera Club’s most recent meeting it is clear that competitions are popular amongst the club’s members, whether they have entered the contest or not. The third round of the print competition, judged by Martin Litchfield of Doncaster, attracted a large number of entries in both the colour and black and white categories. Each member is allowed to enter two prints in each section and such was the consistently high standard that Martin quickly realised he had a difficult job on his hands in deciding the overall winners.
After commenting on each picture, Martin decided that first place in colour prints should be shared by Julian Barker and Dave Severn. Both of Len White’s two prints shared second place with Ken Henstock. So difficult was Martin’s job he decided that numerous pictures shared third place. In monochrome, there were again two winners sharing first place, Alan Thompson and Simon Walker, Simon also coming second. Third place went jointly to Alan Douglas, Kevin Jones and Dave Severn.
Throughout March, Beeston Camera Club’s annual exhibition will be on display at Beeston Library, Foster Avenue, Beeston. Go along and see if you agree with the judge’s choice of winners and leave your comments in the visitors’ book. You may be so inspired by the images on display that you will want to enter next year’s exhibition yourself! For details of the club’s programme, members’ gallery and meetings see www.beestoncameraclub.co.uk
Bryn Jones
14 February 2008
It may be a very long way from Beeston to Tokyo, but members of Beeston Camera Club were spared the tiring journey when last week’s visiting speaker Nigel Ward took them on a geographical and cultural tour of a fascinating country and its people in his illustrated talk ‘The Japanese On Their Own Territory’. Nigel described how, over fifty years ago, he had fallen in love not only with Japan but also with a Japanese girl named Lola who was to become his wife.
Accompanied and frequently prompted by Lola, Nigel’s lecture described some of the traditional and ceremonial customs of a country which still remains mysterious to many. Ranging from local costumes displayed in religious pageants to images of cherry blossom, flowers, shrines, sculptures and even the bullet train, Nigel’s digitally projected photographs seemed to capture the essence of this fascinating country. It appeared only natural that Nigel should end his talk with that most celebrated of all Japanese icons, Mount Fuji.
Examples of members’ photographs will be on display at Beeston Library from Tuesday, March 4. Judged this year by Philippa Double of Double Image Photography, over 120 prints and 60 slides will be available for viewing throughout March. Philippa said ‘I felt that the overall quality of the photos in the competition was excellent, making all of the categories very difficult to judge!’ Congratulations to all the winners.
Details of the club’s programme and how to join can be found at www.beestoncameraclub.co.uk. Meetings are held at 8pm every Thursday at the Victory Club, Station Road, Beeston.
Bryn Jones
7 February 2008
There is nothing like friendly rivalry to create an entertaining evening. This was the atmosphere at last Thursday’s meeting of the Beeston Camera Club where it faced the second round of its annual three way competition with clubs from Derby and Rolls Royce.
The judge was Jim Hartje, who’s comments about each of the photographic prints and digitally projected images was both entertaining and educational. The competition now goes into its final round, at Rolls Royce, with the home side in the lead.
Beeston Camera Club has had an influx of new members over recent months many of whom commented how useful it was to them, as they grapple with their new interest, to hear the comments of a respected judge as he mulls over some of our region’s best shots.
More details about Beeston Camera Club can be found at www.beestoncameraclub.co.uk.
Graham Parker
31 January 2008
Beeston Camera Club continues to appeal to a wide section of the community, regardless of age or gender, as the attendance at each Thursday evening meeting testifies. Even the recent wintry weather has failed to dampen members’ enthusiasm, and nowhere was this more evident than at the showing of the North and East Midlands Photographic Federation’s 53rd Annual Exhibition.
A slide show of the exhibition’s very best entries guaranteed an evening of outstanding entertainment, leaving a sense of admiration for the talent which exists in our region. From traditional pastoral scenes to flights of imagination created digitally, there was something to please all tastes. Reflecting the surge in photography as a hobby, the number of entries this year exceeded all previous experience, and the task of the judges in selecting the top entries in each section cannot have been an enviable one.
The work of a number of Beeston’s members featured amongst the pictures selected for the show, something that the organisers have come to expect given the club’s usual high standards.
Throughout February an exhibition of prints organised by club member Eric Miller, currently president of the regional federation, is on display at the Rainbow Gallery, Durban House, Eastwood. If you have an hour or so to spare, a visit there is worthwhile and you may well find the photographs an inspiration to improve your own photography.For programme details and other club information and examples of members’ photographs, visit www.beestoncameraclub.co.uk
Bryn Jones
24 January 2008
If a measure of any club’s success is active participation by its members in the organization’s activities then Beeston Camera Club can claim to be amongst the leaders. By popular demand, an additional meeting was added to last week’s programmed events to allow members the opportunity to learn new skills in a practical training session which included print mounting, computer photo skills and camera familiarisation – in short, something for newcomers and more experienced members alike. With over thirty members attending, it is clear that similar training events will again be in demand in the future.
Later in the week the scheduled Thursday night spot was occupied by Bill Hall of Rolls Royce (Derby) Photographic Society. Bill, a highly accomplished photographer, took his audience on a colourful tour of South Western USA, many of his images and backdrops being familiar from countless movies such as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. His alphabetically-arranged illustrated talk ‘Arches to Zion’ included some of the most spectacular scenery in the world, from raw desert terrain to sunset-red canyons, rock arches and snow-capped mountains described by the locals, Bill recalled, as ‘awesome’.
Panoramas involving prickly pears and Joshua trees only helped to emphasise the man made excesses which are Las Vegas. To end his talk, Bill finished with a series of pictures taken in Yosemite National Park, made famous in the 1940s and 1950s by the black and white photographs of Ansell Adams. The evening was a photographic feast.
For details of the club’s future events, see www.beestoncameraclub.co.uk
Bryn Jones
17 January 2008
Before he commenced judging the second round of Beeston Camera Club’s projected images competition, Bob Rowe said that he had mixed feelings about the task ahead of him – pleasure because of the expected high standard at Beeston, and dread because of the difficulty this would give him in deciding the overall winners. His feelings were not misplaced as a preview confirmed his expectation of high quality in both digital and traditional slides.
Competitions generally attract a large audience at the Beeston club as it is not just competition entrants who benefit from judges’ observations - visitors can also pick up useful advice on composition and other practical tips on how to improve their presentations. Even with the large number of entries before him, Bob was able to make useful comments on each one. In the digital section, for the second successive round Jamie MacArthur gained the maximum 20 points, this score also being awarded to Ken Henstock. Sharing second place were Derek Martin, Bob Richardson and Simon Walker. Alan Booth, Simon Tainton and Stan Annable shared third place.
In traditional slides, Len White once again scored maximum points, his second slide also scoring highly to share second place with entries by Dave Severn and Guy Mansford. Third place was shared by Julian Barker and Mike Riley.
Members have responded with even greater enthusiasm this year to the request for prints and slides for the exhibition at Beeston Library throughout March. Judged by Philippa Double of Double Image Photography, Beeston, the exhibition which opens on 3 March is a must for your diary. See www.beestoncameraclub.co.uk for details of all club activities.
Bryn Jones
10 January 2008
One of the results of the growth in digital photography over the last few years is that many more photographs are now being taken than was ever the case with film cameras. People are now busily recording most aspects of their lives, from family occasions to holiday scenes, with the result that perhaps millions of images are being captured every day. The question which then arises is ‘What happens next?’ Far too frequently, the pictures either remain in the camera unviewed by anyone other than the photographer, or are downloaded onto a computer only to be then forgotten.
Last week’s guest speaker at Beeston Camera Club, Jim Hartje of Peterborough, gave a graphic illustration of how, with the minimum of effort and with the assistance of some inexpensive software, these neglected pictures can be brought to life. Jim’s quick practical demonstration of how to transfer pictures into a digital slide show with accompanying music was followed by a series of themed audio-visuals based on a combination of his own photographs and some dazzling displays created entirely within the computer. Whilst the latter may not be to everyone’s taste, they illustrated just what can be achieved with a little imagination. Jim’s expertise in digital manipulation inspired the large audience to have a go themselves on their return home.
Next Thursday sees the second round of the internal slide and digital images competition judged by Bob Rowe who can always be relied upon to provide critical comment of a constructive nature to each of the images on display.
Anyone interested in the club should visit www.beestoncameraclub.co.uk where full programme details, contacts, and examples of members’ photographs can be found.
Bryn Jones
3 January 2008
Introducing the first meeting of 2008, Beeston Camera Club’s Vice President Guy Mansford congratulated club member Alan Thompson on gaining a Certificate of Merit in the British Professional Photography Awards 2007, awarded in recognition of Alan’s high quality black and white photography.
The evening’s entertainment was provided by member Julian Barker who presented examples of his wide-ranging portfolio of slides. Describing transparencies as the ultimate way of viewing photographs, Julian’s enthusiasm for his hobby quickly became apparent, the excellence of his work reflecting the care and attention he is prepared to take in capturing his favourite images. The scope of the pictures on show also acted as a reminder that it is not always necessary to travel great distances to capture spectacular scenes, as many of Julian’s photographs are taken in the immediate locality, many within a few hundred yards of his home in Beeston.
The single most important aspect to Julian’s approach is the quality of the light at the point of pressing the shutter release, evident from the fact that to achieve the optimum result he is prepared to revisit a chosen location until he is satisfied with the outcome. That a large audience had turned out on a bitterly cold evening when snow was forecast is an indication of the high regard in which Julian’s work is held within the club. Examples of Julian’s work can be viewed at Artworks, Chilwell Road, Beeston. Membership of the club is open to all and a warm welcome awaits visitors and new members at the 8pm Thursday meetings at the Victory Club, Station Road, Beeston. See www.beestoncameraclub.co.uk
Bryn Jones
20 December 2007
In line with its long-standing tradition, Beeston Camera Club celebrated the last meeting before Christmas with ‘A Bit Of A Do’ in which two sides compete against each other in a slide matching contest. With the emphasis on good humour rather than simply on the quality of the photography, the event ensured that the largest audience of the season so far enjoyed an evening of festive good cheer in a most convivial atmosphere. Wishing to extend their unbroken run of successes, the right side of the room put in an effort which the opposition, despite a racing start, simply could not match. The losing side took comfort from the mince pies and other seasonal goodies from the buffet arranged by Eunice Price and Iris Martin.
The club offers anyone wishing to get the most out of their photography the perfect opportunity to acquire the basic skills and techniques which lift pictures from the ordinary to the exceptional. Meetings take place in a friendly atmosphere and vary between demonstrations of members’ own work to illustrated talks by visiting speakers on a wide variety of subjects. Discussions tend to shy away from technical issues to an appreciation of the startling results which can be achieved with often the simplest of equipment. The 8pm Thursday evening meetings take place at the Victory Club, Station Road, Beeston where a friendly greeting awaits both visitors and potential new members alike. For contact details and enquiries visit www.beestoncameraclub.co.uk
Bryn Jones
13 December 2007
Beeston Camera Club members responded to the challenge of the second round of the internal print competition by producing a large number of entries. Although the black and white entries were exceeded by colour prints, it is evident that black and white photographs still have a very significant appeal, perhaps not difficult to understand when their ability to convey mood and atmosphere is their strong feature.
Whilst most are now printed digitally some members still use their darkroom skills to produce prints of the very highest quality, and this proved to be so in the case of the winning entry ‘Abandoned Boats, Mull’ by Kevin Jones. It is a tribute to judge Peter Yeo that he was able to identify the print as a product of traditional darkroom work as opposed to a digital image. Joint second place was shared by Godfrey Price and Bob Richardson, with third place going jointly to Dave Severn and Ken Henstock.
In the colour prints category the deserving winners, both with maximum points, were Suvo Mitra with his study ‘Gannet over Bempton Cliffs’ and Alan Douglas with ‘A Chat In The Mist’. Second place was shared by Ken Henstock and Phil Matthews. Joint third were Suvo Mitra and Phil Matthews.
Tonight the club celebrates Christmas with its traditional ‘Bit Of A Do’. Following a break of one week meetings will reconvene on Thursday 3 January. For details of the programme for 2008 and examples of members’ work visit www.beestoncameraclub.co.uk
Bryn Jones
6 December 2007
Wildlife Shots
The Royal Photographic Society Nature Group’s Travelling Exhibition provided a fascinating evening’s entertainment at Beeston Camera Club. Contributions from some of the best wildlife photographers in the country ensured the most startling images from the natural world, some in intricate detail, with even the most mundane subjects achieving considerable appeal through the skill of the photographers.
The audience of over 30 members and visitors contributed to the occasion by debating whether the Royal Photographic Society’s own choice of best images in each category were worthy of their status, perhaps proving the theory that beauty is often in the eye of the beholder. The evening’s entertainment was complemented by the commentary read by club president Derek Martin and the president of the regional photographic federation, Eric Miller.
No one in the audience envied them their task of pronouncing the difficult scientific titles attached to many of the pictures! The fact that the exhibition generated particular interest within the Beeston club is perhaps due to it including within its membership a number of highly skilled photographers whose enthusiasm and expertise lie in natural history. For anyone wishing to improve their photographic skills, whatever their area of interest, the club provides the ideal opportunity to gain expert knowledge in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. If you are stuck for a novel gift idea, how about giving a year’s membership to go along with that new digital camera you are planning for Christmas?
Details of the club can be found at www.beestoncameraclub.co.uk where you can also view examples of members’ images.
Bryn Jones
29 November 2007
Perfect Portraits
One of the very real benefits of being a member of a camera club is when the club has an experienced professional on hand to provide expert guidance. Beeston Camera Club is particularly fortunate in having as a member Alan Thompson, one of the region’s leading commercial photographers. With many awards to his credit, Alan is well qualified to offer fellow members advice and guidance on most aspects of photography.
The range of Alan’s skill and experience was well demonstrated in his presentation to a keen audience when he opened his talk with a display illustrating the wide variety of work he undertakes including portraiture, glamour, weddings, architecture and industrial. Describing the way in which different types of lighting can influence the mood in portraiture, Alan proceeded to demonstrate the various effects which can be achieved with only one light source, occasionally supported by reflectors.
Assisted by model Natalie, Alan’s skilled approach proved that more than technical expertise is required – the ability to handle people is equally important, for example by establishing a rapport with the model to achieve a variety of expressions and poses. After taking a number of digital photographs of Natalie, Alan was able to show the results by downloading onto his laptop for instant projection onto the club’s large screen. The practical demonstration was welcomed by members who marvelled at Alan’s ability to achieve superb results even in a makeshift ‘studio’. Alan wished to record his thanks to Simon Walker for the very great assistance he provided before and during the demonstration without which the event could not have taken place. Alan’s stylish website can be found at www.alanthompsonphotography.com
Whether male or female, young or not-so-young, all are welcome at the club’s 8pm Thursday meetings at the Victory Club, Station Road, Beeston. Visit www.beestoncameraclub.co.uk for full programme details.
Bryn Jones
22 November 2007
A Winter’s Tale In Pictures
What possible connection could there be between Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Nevada, Colorado and Utah? Visiting speaker Robert Falconer of Chesterfield soon made the relationship clear in his talk at Beeston Camera Club when he showed a series of spectacular photographs he has taken in these diverse parts of the world. Merging his two great passions, landscapes and steam trains, Robert’s portfolio ‘A Winter’s Tale’ reflects his dedication to obtaining high quality images regardless of the cost in terms of personal discomfort and risk.
Often rising well before dawn, Robert hopes that the forecaster’s predictions of mist and snow are accurate as these are the conditions he regards as providing the best opportunity for atmospheric landscapes. Early morning light gives his snow scenes remarkable warmth at odds with the weather conditions which he is prepared to endure to capture these images. Not content merely to photograph local scenes, his travels to remote parts of the USA have resulted in pictures of trains familiar from Wild West movies being incorporated into the most stunning landscapes. Robert’s unassuming manner understates his achievements in winning many awards for the quality of his work.
Beeston Camera Club has a diverse programme with items designed to appeal to most people, even non-photographers. Shows ranging from portraiture to wild life make for entertaining viewing on a dreary winter’s evening – a good alternative to the telly! Meetings are at the Victory Club, Station Road, Beeston at 8pm each Thursday. See www.beestoncameraclub.co.uk for details of the programme and examples of members’ work.
Bryn Jones
15 November 2007
Beeston Camera Club’s first projected images competition of the season attracted a large audience to hear judge Steve Roper give his views on the 48 digital and 24 slide entries. With his usual encouraging approach, Steve was able to make constructive comments on each of the photographs he was asked to judge.
It takes a practised eye to identify the factors which can help to improve an apparently perfect image, and Steve’s many suggestions were welcomed by both newcomers and experienced photographers alike. Scoring out of a possible 20 points, Steve awarded maximum points to Jamie MacArthur for his digital image entitled ‘Flying Colours’ with 19 points each going to Ken Henstock and Joe Buxton who shared second place.
In the traditional slides category, Len White scored a maximum 20 points for ‘Male Kingfisher With Fish’, with Simon Walker scoring 19 points for each of his two entries ‘Puffin’ and ‘Mel’. Commenting on the high standards he had been asked to judge, Steve said that each of the entries was a credit to the contestants as it was clear to him that much thought and effort had gone into creating the images.
Not all club members enter competitions and there are many who do not even take photographs but instead join the club to see the wonderful images produced by members and visiting speakers. Whichever category you fit into, a warm welcome awaits you at the club’s 8pm Thursday meetings at the Victory Club, Station Road, Beeston. Details of the club’s programme can be found at www.beestoncameraclub.co.uk
Bryn Jones
8 November 2007
Despite the often repeated claim that film is a thing of the past, Beeston Camera Club’s annual One Roll Competition again proved to be popular with entries by ten members. Each film of twenty four slides was viewed for the first time in front of two independent judges, one awarding points for technical quality and the second marking the interest value of the entrants’ chosen topics.
It takes a certain amount of bravery to submit unseen work for critical review in front of a large audience but a number of Beeston’s members continue to rise to this daunting challenge each year. Judges Tim and Natalie Moxon of Charles Wedding Photography Chilwell, remarking on the difficulty of their task given the generally high standard of the entries, decided that Julian Barker’s ‘Cornish Coastline’ was the clear winner.
Julian had used his photographic skills to capture some quite remarkable scenes including dramatic waves, rock formations, swirling seas and beautiful sunsets. Congratulating him on the quality of his entry, event organiser Alan Clarke presented Julian with a large basket of fresh fruit donated by Fred Hallam of Beeston.
With its varied programme offering a wide range of subjects designed to appeal both to novices and experienced photographers, Beeston Camera Club offers a warm welcome to everyone at its 8pm Thursday meetings at the Victory Club, Station Road, Beeston. See www.beestoncameraclub.co.uk for programme details and examples of members’ work
Bryn Jones
1 November 2007
Pictures, stories and comedy
Members of Beeston Camera Club could be forgiven for wondering whether they were being entertained by a photographer with a good line in comedy or a stand-up comedian who is also good with a camera. Last Thursday’s visiting speaker Leigh Preston needed a good sense of humour as it had taken him over three and a half hours in heavy traffic to travel from Gloucester to deliver his unique style of presentation.
Leigh has no shortage of material as his travels around the world have provided him with a wealth of pictures which, together with his humorous observations on life’s quirks, made for an unusual and entertaining evening. The rundown state of agriculture in post-Soviet Georgia and the squalor in parts of India contrasted with stunning views from Yellowstone National Park and the Scottish Highlands.
Putting aside his comedy routine for one moment, Leigh commented that throughout his travels which have taken him to some of the world’s most exotic spots, the thing that impresses him most is the beauty of unspoilt nature, amply illustrated by his impressive landscapes.
On 8th November the club holds its annual One Roll Competition in which entrants see their 24 slides for the first time. Judging is based on a combination of technical merit and on how interesting the topic is considered to be by the second judge.
The varied programme makes a visit to the club’s 8pm Thursday meetings at the Victory Club, Station Road, Beeston well worthwhile. See www.beestoncameraclub.co.uk for programme details and examples of members’ work
Bryn Jones
25 October 2007
Club members show own work
Beeston Camera Club’s digital projector and big screen were again in use on Thursday when club members had the opportunity to show their own audio-visuals (AVs). Clearly, expectations were high as a large audience turned up to view the evening’s entertainment and, judging by the comments at the end, no one was disappointed.
Contributions by members Guy Mansford, Phil Matthews, Bryn Jones, Dave Severn, Derek Martin, Keith Collins and Alan Clarke covered the widest range of topics. In the space of the evening, the audience was taken on a journey that embraced Wollaton Botanic Gardens, Westonbirt Arboretum, the Lake District, Northumberland, Bilbao, Morocco’s Atlas Mountains, Venice and New Zealand.
Most amusing was an affectionate send-up prepared by Phil Matthews and entitled ‘Friends’ featuring two of the club’s own members, Dave Severn and Alan Booth. They promised to eventually get their own back! Accompanied by suitable music, photographs can take on a new dimension when presented in the form of AVs, and the evening demonstrated that with the use of inexpensive software, even beginners can produce entertaining presentations of an impressive standard.
This Thursday the club hosts professional photographer Leigh Preston who lectures all over the UK. Visitors are welcome to all club meetings which take place at 8pm each Thursday evening at the Victory Club, Station Road, Beeston. See details of the programme and what members have produced recently in the gallery on the club’s website www.beestoncameraclub.co.uk.
Bryn Jones
18 October 2007
All the world, and other worlds, make this stage
From time to time the Beeston Camera Club allows time for its own members to show off their photographs in a non-competitive setting. The members share advice, techniques and mutual support. Last Thursday was one of those evenings.
The audience was delighted to welcome a new member, Alan Douglas, to centre stage to show, not only some fantastic natural history shots, but also some excellent astrophotography. His shots of the moon during an eclipse and of the Orion Nebula in amazing colour stunned the membership.
Other members entertained and instructed with their collections of sports’ shots, portraiture, natural history and photographic records of mountain backpacking. Advice aplenty for aspiring and experienced photographers.
For more information about the Beeston Camera Club, log on to www.beestoncameraclub.co.uk
Graham Parker
11 October 2007
Up, up and away
Ballooning must be a fascinating hobby. That wonderful bird’s-eye view from above, in glorious silence, floating over the landscape, switched into relaxed mode. Imagine too, having a second passion. Photography. Now you can communicate.
And communicate his passion for hot air ballooning is what Robert Sanders did at the Beeston Camera Club last Thursday evening. He has kept a photographic record of his involvement in ballooning in Derbyshire over the last thirty years. The members and guests were treated to an evening that included nostalgia, enthusiasm, and glorious photography.
The audience gained an insight into the balloons themselves (all shapes and sizes), launching, staying aloft, coming down to land, and even skimming rivers, all illustrated with the most glorious photographs, many of which have featured in major competitions.
The Beeston Camera Club has a programme that features quite a few speakers expected to entertain, inform and delight its membership in a similar way over the coming season. For more information go to www.beestoncameraclub.co.uk.
Graham Parker
4 October 2007
On Thursday, members of Beeston Camera club held their first photographic competition of the season. Dave Gibbins judged a good turnout of 59 either colour or black and white prints with a wide range of subjects, from sport to architecture to portraits. Dave was particularly impressed with the natural history pictures entered.
The winning colour shot was by Suvo Mitra with a fine shot of a Red Kite in flight. Second was Ken Henstock with a Dragonfly shot entitled Broad Bodied Chaser, and 3rd equal was Dave Severn with an environmental portrait and Derek Martin with a moody misty coastal shot. The black and white was won by Kevin Jones with a beautiful coastal picture of St Anne's pier. Second and third was Dave Severn with a portrait of a priest and a fine coastal shot.
The evening was well attended with several new members enjoying the prints. Anybody keen to improve their photography is welcome. See www.beestoncameraclub.co.uk for details.Guy Mansford
27 September 2007
Aspects Of Nature by Robert Hawkewsworth FRPS
Beeston Camera Club members were treated to a visual feast of slides from around the world on Thursday 27th September when local photographer Robert Hawkesworth gave a talk entitled Aspects of Nature. Photographs of butterflies and moths from Robert’s own garden went side by side with the scenic splendour of the Grand Canyon and the Alps.
It truly was a world tour as the audience was transported from Attenborough Nature Reserve to the Greek island of Lesbos, from mallards on the Cromford Canal to beautiful flowers blooming on the volcanic ash of Lanzorotti. Close ups of tree bark accompanied exotic coloured lichen, Robert also gave useful tips not only on how he had taken the images but also where he had taken them. An altogether enthralling evening. Beeston Camera Club meets every Thursday until next April at he Victory Club, Station Rd, Beeston and new members are always welcome whatever their level of expertise, from the raw beginner to the advanced professional.
One of the Club’s professionals Alan Thompson is a member of The Master Photographers Association and has recently become East Midlands Portrait Photographer of the year as well as Avant Garde Wedding Photographer of the Year. He also achieved Awards of Excellence for Outstanding Achievements in Fashion(x2), Glamour(x2), Portrait, Commercial and Pictorial Photography in 2007. This out of over 4,000 entries. If you are interested in any aspect of photography visit the website at www.beestoncameraclub.co.uk or come along on any Thursday to find out for yourself how friendly the Club is.
20 September 2007
Miles away from Dudley
On Thursday, a packed house of Beeston Camera club members enjoyed a series of photographic prints from their guest speaker, David Dudley from Smethwick camera club. The talk entitled “Miles away from Dudley”, covered his digital prints since he started using digital cameras in 1995. A keen motor sports photographer, David showed many dynamic rally shots and some of speedway and motorcycle racing. He then moved rapidly through some fine athletics and other sports shots, to portraits and environmental nudes. He ended with a series of Scottish landscapes showing his love for the Highlands and demonstrating his use of photoshop to achieve his vision.
Beeston camera club meets on a Thursday at 8pm at The Victory club and new members are welcome. Details on www.beestoncameraclub.co.uk.Guy Mansford
13 September 2007
Change of Programme
Beeston Camera Club members were called upon at short notice to provide examples of their recent work to fill a vacancy caused by the scheduled speaker’s cancellation due to other commitments. Members responded so enthusiastically to the request that, despite the initial disappointment, the evening proved to be a resounding success. Photographs from around the world, covering seemingly every subject under the sun, were presented in the form of prints and traditional and digital slides.
Despite the increasing popularity of digital cameras as the medium of first choice by many of today’s professional and amateur photographers, it was encouraging to see that traditional film is still being used to produce the very highest quality photographs. One has to admire the dedication of photographers who go to the greatest lengths to capture intricate details from the natural world and the background knowledge that is needed to achieve these often quite stunning results.
It all goes to show that as a hobby, amateur photography can lead to a much wider understanding and appreciation of topics that most people take for granted. For example, it is not just the technical knowledge of photo equipment that is required, but a deeper understanding of the subject in order to get the very best results. In photography as with most pastimes and hobbies, the more you practice, the luckier you get!
All are welcome at the Club’s meetings which take place at the Victory Club, Station Road, Beeston at 8pm every Thursday. Details of the current programme and examples of members’ work can be found at www.beestoncameraclub.co.uk
Bryn Jones
6 September 2007
President's Evening
Anyone who reads the newspapers could be forgiven for thinking that this year has been all gloom and disaster. Everyone’s favourite topic, the weather, has especially received lots of bad press, even if for good reason. But it has not all been disheartening as members of Beeston Camera Club found out at the club’s first meeting of the 2007-2008 season.
President Derek Martin’s digital audio-visual show, based entirely on photographs he has taken so far this year, recorded his year month by month. Certainly, there were examples of flooding, snow and dramatic waves crashing against rocks in Northumberland and Scotland, but these were often matched by many scenes of a more tranquil nature. There were snowdrops, blossom, Spring flowers and spectacular Summer foliage in abundance, together with a surprising amount of blue sky! Perhaps most unexpected were the variety and number of butterflies which Derek has come across both locally and on his travels around the country.
It all went to show that amongst the bad news there have been many uplifting experiences to be found – all you have to do is to look hard enough! As if all this were not sufficient inspiration, the evening ended with a buffet prepared by Derek’s wife Iris, herself an active member of the club. If you have even a casual interest in photography, why not give the club a try – you will find it a friendly place and the new programme promises an interesting variety of topics to pass many a Winter’s evening. Meetings are at the Victory Club, Station Road, Beeston at 8pm every Thursday.
Bryn Jones
13 August 2007
Photo Club’s new season
With only three weeks to go to the start of Beeston Camera Club’s new season, an interesting programme of events has already been finalised for the months ahead. Starting with the President’s Evening on 6 September (club president Derek Martin is keeping the details up his sleeve!) a stimulating and varied series of events has been arranged to appeal to anyone with an interest in photography.
Apart from welcoming back existing members after the long summer break, new members will also receive a friendly reception and will soon be made to feel at home in the club’s convivial atmosphere. Even if you are unsure whether camera clubs are for you, why not give it a try? There is nothing to lose as you can attend the first couple of meetings at no cost until you decide whether you want to join – even then, the annual membership fee is very modest and represents good value for money.
Throughout the season, which runs from September until May, the programme is varied and includes visiting speakers (including professional photographers), competitions, practical events and the opportunity for members to share examples of their own work. In short, there is something for everyone, whether a complete novice or experienced photographer. One thing that isn’t necessary is the need to own expensive photo equipment – more important is the desire to take better photographs and you may be surprised at the quite stunning results which can be achieved even with today’s basic equipment.
The club meets each week at 8pm every Thursday at the Victory Club, Station Road, Beeston starting on 6 September. For details of the new season’s programme, visit www.beestoncameraclub.co.uk
Bryn Jones
