One of the events organised this summer for members of the IOM Photographic Society was an evening practical workshop at the Groudle Glen Railway led by well-known local professional photographer, Andrew Barton. The intention was to provide an opportunity for both existing and potentially new members to practice their low light skills against the background of a working steam train with the light progressively deteriorating as the evening wore on, thus giving an increasing challenge to ones photographic skills..
The evening started damp, but fortuitously the slight drizzle ceased just as the workshop started. Andrew commenced by explaining the camera settings required for shooting in low light conditions the ISO, aperture and speed settings and the use of off-camera flash.
We then moved on to the Groudle Glen Railway where, tickets bought, there was opportunity for some static shots of our engine, Brown Bear, in steam ready for our journey out towards the Sea Lion terminus. Midway, the train stopped and reversed several times to allow shots of the engine coming towards and then passing our group, providing lots of action shots, the steam and smoke in the gloom being very atmospheric and emotive. The railway staff all volunteers were proving incredibly helpful and very enthusiastic. A really collaborative effort and some excellent shots were the result. Hot drinks and refreshments at the end-of-the-line cafe then gave a welcome boost as the light continued to fade but with the coastal scenery giving an alternative shooting opportunity for those wanting some landscape images.
It was then back on the train for the return to the Groudle Glen station where the railway workshop and storage area gave further options for images. Andrew finished the workshop with final shots of some of the staff and Polar Bear, the electric unit used to move coaches into store at the end of the working day. Our thanks to Andrew, assistant Sue Jones and to the Groudle Glen Railway volunteers for an excellent evening.
The next meeting of the IOM Photographic Society will be on Wednesday, 6th October when there will be a practical introduction to preparing an image for competition purposes, mounting of a print, together with an explanation of the clubs new website and its various features which already looks superb and will be a showcase for members work. All meetings are held at the St John Ambulance HQ on Glencrutchery Road in Douglas, the meetings starting at 7:00pm. Full details of our programme may be found on our Facebook page or on our website www.iomps.com Meetings are open to the public (non-members with a modest entry fee), and all will be given a very warm welcome.
The Society gratefully acknowledges the continuing support of the IOM Arts Council.
By Chris Blyth
CAPTIONS:
Image 01: Brown Bear by Andrew Barton
Image 02: The Groudle Wheel by Sue Jones
Image 03: Some of the Groudle Glen Railway Team with Polar Bear by Andrew Barton
