The previous week’s hiccup - a postponement caused by major storm Agnes – was quickly forgotten when the new Society President, Barry Murphy, introduced himself to members, old and new, last Wednesday evening. His lively presentation touched briefly on the history of the Island’s first Photographic Society, dating back to 1938, before outlining the many exciting gatherings to which members can look forward between now and next summer. He described the innovative approach of the newly elected Committee, which had listened carefully to the ideas and wishes of the membership before compiling a programme of presentations, stimulating photographic challenges, helpful tutorials, and outside events to maintain everyone’s interest. His introduction proved to be highly informative and it clearly reflected, at the start of another new year, a more structured approach to the variety that makes for an entertaining winter and spring ahead.
To start, there will be a studio session in mid-October with various internal lighting set-ups and local models. A presentation and tutorial on sports photography will follow by another local expert, Brian Goldie, whose stunning images have been delighting audiences for many years. Then, next month, the Committee has secured the use of an Industrial Unit at Spring Valley for a second studio session at which help and guidance will again be on hand from professional photographer Andrew Barton.
As outlined in the Courier a few weeks ago, just before Christmas we shall be looking back at the past year’s images, as captured by Dave Kneale, the Chief Photographer with Media Isle of Man. This is always a very popular evening so another good attendance is assured!
After the Christmas break, there will be yet more to whet the appetite of amateur photographers (and others) with further presentations and tips from several more well-known, local ‘experts’, including Nessie Gillen, one of our former members who will be showcasing her talents in photographing babies and young children; Dave Salter will be judging our ‘nature’ competition, and then giving hints and suggestions on this specialist form of photography; plus various competitions; non-competitive challenges; further tutorials (such as exposure control), studio evenings, and leisurely group outings, for example, an Autumn walk up Glen Helen, and visits to Ramsey and Peel.
The next meeting of the Society will be held on Wednesday, 25th October at 7.00 pm at the St John Ambulance Headquarters, off Glencrutchery Road, when there will be a presentation and tutorial on landscape photography by experienced photographer, Colin Russell, who has been photographing Manx landscapes for over 20 years and who has been a Licentiate of the Royal Photographic Society since 2012. Colin admits to being most in his element when out wandering in the Manx countryside and we are fortunate that he has agreed to share his knowledge and expertise.
By Antony Hamilton
