(Kilsby Tunnel Great North Air Shaft by David Bray)
To see more of our members’ photographs be sure to visit their gallery pages via the Galleries menu above.
Colour Print Competition
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Judging of the Gerry Coyle Memorial Trophy Competition for the best colour print was held on Wednesday 9th October 2019. The judge for the evening was Trevor Rudkin LRPS.
The results were as follows.
First Place
Vulcan Reflection at Dusk by David Bray
Second Place
Waiting for Green by Eric Tatham
Third Place
Telquila Sunrise by Tony McMaster LRPS
Highly Commended (in title order)
Bold Bunch by Rosemary Gibbs
Jephson Gardens by Eric Tatham
Commended (in title order)
34 & 9801 Racing by Anthony Timmins
Barn Owl at Dusk by David Bray
An Introduction to Infrared Photography
On Wednesday 2nd October 2019, Dunchurch Photographic Society welcomed Tony Winfield all the way from Stafford for an entertaining presentation about infrared photography. The meeting was well attended by members, no doubt eager to learn more about this niche element of camera ‘magic’ and see the outstanding results that can be achieved.
During the first half of the talk Tony set the scene with an explanation of what infrared actually is and the science behind it. In its simplest terms infrared is not something we can normally see; indeed, it exists beyond the range of the visible light spectrum. Tony took time to explain what makes up an infrared image, and described an array of styles in post processing to generate a plethora of different effects.
Some of the effects are psychedelic, certainly different from the mainstream, whereas other outputs from infrared are much more conservative and familiar to us in terms of monochrome, albeit with a significantly different look. One notable difference from ordinary monochrome is the amount of additional detail captured by the camera when taking infrared images, which is particularly noticeable on certain types of building (castles for example) and cloud formations.
Tony also explained what sort of camera is required to capture infrared images. This, perhaps surprisingly, can be almost any type of camera, although there needs to be a conversion made to standard DSLRs or compacts to make infrared photography possible.
Society members were not shy in coming forward with questions and this helped make the first half more interactive than a simple theoretical lesson or lecture.
In the second half Tony showed off a wonderful selection of images that he had produced using infrared media, showcasing a wide variety of locations and subjects. The running theme in all of these images was the enhanced detail being afforded by shooting images in infrared.
Whilst true that some infrared results can be challenging on the eye, especially those with more psychedelic processing treatments or colour channel swaps, I am sure that everyone in the audience found images that they could enjoy and appreciate. Some of the detail was really quite eye-opening.
The evening closed with an audio-visual musical sequence showcasing more of Tony Winfield’s work and there was a further opportunity for questions and answers.
In summary, this was a good learning opportunity for Society members, with stunning images on show, all indicating how accessible it is to obtain a different look to our work.
Many thanks to Tony.
Report compiled by David J. Bray (Chairman).
Photographing Food
On Wednesday 18th September 2019, Dunchurch Photographic Society was treated to a fascinating presentation by guest speaker Tracey Sherwood. The subject was photographing food.
The first half of the evening involved Tracey providing the membership with a detailed and engaging overview of what it takes to become a successful full-time food photographer and the careful, meticulous attention to detail that is required to achieve the requirements of a varied array of clients.
Although photography of food is often close-up macro and have obvious comparisons with still life, the audience was briefed about how the required food item is prepared and tended by a support team and the photographer, along with creating the right environment in which to capture the photograph. Often there is baking… roasting… freezing, or boiling to be done, along with set dressing of course.
It cannot be underestimated how much preparation of the scene is required and, of course, the food product being photographed. Tracey was able to confirm that products are photographed in the peak of their condition and that as a result of strict business ethics and legislative guidelines the photograph cannot lie. As such, the product has to be shown as a true reflection of it at its best. One cannot use plastic apples or fake items. There has to be careful consideration given to the use of Photoshop in food images. It cannot be described as simple photography by any means.
Tracey engaged with the audience and answered a plethora of questions before the half-time tea interval.
In the second half, Tracey worked with the audience in a more practical setting, permitting members to set up their own cameras and work with various food props that she had brought along for us to experiment with. A diorama of fruit and vegetables was set up, along with appropriate lighting rigs and Tracey talked the audience through the preparation for the shot and how to photograph ‘tethered’ to a computer for ease of review and reset if required.
Members took time to capture images of the diorama and some of these have been shared with the Society for display on our website.
The photographs accompanying this report were taken by Warren Strickland, Ken Monk and David J. Bray; the latter taken on a phone camera.
You always know it has been a good night when the session finishes late! It really was a fascinating and engaging evening for our members. We look forward to more practical sessions later this season and into next season as well.
Thank you Tracey!
Report compiled by David J. Bray (Chairman).
Results of the Day-tripper Trophy Summer Challenge – The Village
Dunchurch Photographic Society commenced their 2019-2020 programme in fine style on Wednesday 4th September at the Dunchurch Women’s Institute Hall with the first competition of the new season. The subject of this summer’s challenge was ‘The Village’ and how members of the Society interpreted the subject in their photographic media.
This competition stands quite unique in the programme of events each year as the winner of the trophy is voted for by Society members. Members vote democratically for their favourite image of the evening rather than the usual competition format where images are critiqued by an external judge.
On this occasion there were numerous prints and projected images submitted by members as part of the competition. There was a wide variety in the subject matter relating to ‘The Village,’ and the processing techniques adopted by photographers all helping to create a wonderful competition. That is a key characteristic of Dunchurch Photographic Society.
Interestingly for this season, all of the most popular images were prints. It was noted that many of the images were taken during the series of President’s Summer Strolls, part of our closed-season programme of events where Society members visited Braunston, Wolston/Brandon, Brinklow and Ashby St Ledgers.
Results
First Place
Second Place
Third Place (Joint)
Many congratulations to Eric… winning the trophy for the second consecutive season.
The next competition at Dunchurch Photographic Society is only just around the corner – this being the Colour Print Competition for the Gerry Coyle Memorial Trophy. This will take place on Wednesday 9th October 2019, 7.45pm at the Dunchurch WI Hall on the Southam Road. The judge will be Trevor Rudkin LRPS.
Members can submit up to three colour prints for this competition, but they must be with the Competition Secretary no later than midnight on Wednesday 2nd October 2019.
Report by David J. Bray, (Chairman)
Aesthetica Art Prize
Entries for the Aesthetica Art Prize close in one month.
The Art Prize is hosted by the art and culture publication Aesthetica Magazine. It invites both emerging and photographers from around the world to submit their artwork.
Awards include £5,000 for the Main Prize Winner, £1,000 for the Emerging Prize Winner, as well as publication within the Future Now: 100 Contemporary Artists Anthology, and a chance to participate in the annual Art Prize Exhibition which will run for 12-weeks.