The meeting format of the Isle of Man Photographic Society this week was a presentation by one of the IOMPS members Chris Blyth, entitled “Travels Around America.”
An introduction to the early history of the USA, including the treatment of the indigenous tribes and the slaughter of the wild buffalo alongside the populist history provided a backdrop to the presentation. During the evening, Chris provided additional commentary on the Geology of the USA and historical insights into the migration of the European settlers from East to West Coasts, all of which added to the story behind the photographs being presented.
The opening photographs included one of John Muir an early environmentalists and driver behind the returning of the Yosemite National Park to the Federal Government. A brief photographic tour of Yosemite followed which included views of the well-known peaks, waterfalls, lakes and high meadows which further afforded some stunning views of the National Park.
The tour was a whirlwind one taking us from Yosemite, to Mount St Helens, Olympic National Park into Utah where 320 million years of geology was on magnificent display in the Canyon Lands, then along the Colorado river to the Arches National Park visiting the impressive Mesa Verde and historical narrow-gauge railway winding its way through some impressive scenery. Rocky Mountain, Devils Tower, Black Hills, Wild Bill Hickock memorial, Mount Rushmore, the Battle of Little Bighorn and the War Grave national Monument were all stop off points on our tour. After introductions to Crazy Horse, Sitting Bull, Buffalo Bill and visiting a Bordello, we finally came to rest at the Yellowstone National Park where we toured the mud pools, waterfalls, lakes and canyons, but alas without a sighting of Yogi bear and Boo Boo.
The scenery of the national Parks was stunningly beautiful, however, Chris made sure to also show us the damage caused by man with images of Gold, Silver and Coal mine spoils along with redundant Uranium an Oil workings.
Our evenings tour of the USA was enjoyed by all with Tony Curtis providing the thanks for such an impressive and informative evening.
The next meeting will be held on the 24th of November and will be another presentation, this time from Dave Kneale Chief Photographer for Isle of Man Newspapers. All are welcome to attend and for non-members there is a modest entry fee, all meetings are held on Wednesday evenings at St John Ambulance HQ on Glencrutchery Road, starting at 7:00pm, full programme details can be found on our website www.iomps.com.
The IOMPS gratefully acknowledges the continued support of the Arts Council.
Andrew Cairns
