September already, which of course means that we are all back at our weekly Club meetings and looking forward to the new seasons programmes – competitions - league battles - lectures and workshops. The latter has gained popularity in my own club Highcliffe & Infinity CC. We propose to run a workshop once every four weeks. More and more members are looking towards digital enhancements and the questions on how and why are constantly arising, so with a few members willing to share their own expertise we have embarked on that route, especially since we are now the proud owners of a digital projector and software etc thanks to the ‘Awards for All grant’. The next problem is how to use it ????? Insurance is another big question for Clubs now with expensive equipment, gone are the days when dear old Fred Brown looked after the projector at his home, it was worth about £160.00 and if it got lost or stolen???? - well not too much of a loss, but now when we are talking about £3000.00 plus, our House Insurance will cough at that for sure - so look into the Insurance carefully that your club has and see if it is enough. Who says nothing is new in Photography???? In the past few years, we have heard a lot about Reportage type photography. During the summer recess I went to the Isle of Wight and visited the Dimbola Lodge, the home for a few years, of Julia Margaret Cameron, remembered by a niece for wearing stained clothes and smelling of chemicals, was amongst the most enthusiastic of 19th century photographers producing striking pictures. Her subjects had to hold poses for as long as seven minutes on occasions. None of your 125th at F8 in those days. Yet she created striking pictures which by today’s standards would be classed as Reportage. One which strikes me was taken in 1864 - Mother with 2 children - a picture which projects, love, hope and perhaps some charity?? 143 years ago when this was taken, and even by today’s standards it would be a worthy inclusion into many a Club competition, infact this along with 90 odd other pictures of hers were auctioned in 1974 for $121,000.00. I know very many of you have visited Dimbola Lodge, and for those who haven’t, then take time out and visit, you will be amazed at the style and work put in to her craft all those years ago. No compact flash cards, or even film base in those days. I feel that our friends??, health and safety would love to get their hands involved and create a ban on some of the chemicals used then. Safety helmets, goggles, rubber gloves and clothes, rubber aprons. And that’s before you enter the darkroom!!!! What halcyon days they were! To end my ramblings, you will see further in this copy of the newsletter, Diary dates for you to remember, another Digital championship at Newbury again in March /April to be confirmed, and yes Chichester Camera Club have agreed to host the Print Championship. We are very grateful to these two Clubs for coming forward. You will also see a vacancy advertised, and with over 2000 members of clubs in the Southern Fed, there must be at least one who will apply for this vacancy????. I rest my case. Ian Bigg CPAGB. LRPS |
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