Untitled Document

FOCUS
August 2000

The Newsletter of North Cheshire Photographic Society

The New President Speaks

I felt it was an honour to be elected President of our club, but I never expected to be asked to do the job twice; so I would like to express my thanks to both committee and club for this unexpected further honour.

When, at this moment, we look at the photographic scene new technology is clearly bringing more changes; but when did it ever stay still? The last time my central heating was serviced I noted with particular interest the technician's tool kit. I am old enough to remember plumbers arriving with a big tool bag, the most prominent item being a large monkey wrench. Could you ever have imagined them coming equipped with every manual and parts list for every type of boiler that they might encounter? The weight alone would have made this impossible to contemplate, particularly when they arrived on a bicycle. Now the man has a lap-top computer with all this information available, and a probe which he inserts in the flue exhaust to tell him if the boiler is operating efficiently. The job has still to be done but what a difference the new technology makes.

What has this to do with photography? Well, being a simple soul, I think that the tools used to do the job are immaterial. What matters is that the job is well done.

Michelangelo might have argued that producing the sculpture "David" took a hammer and chisel and so was much harder work to produce (and therefore more legitimate?) than, say, the Mona Lisa since all Leonardo had to do was daub some paint on a canvas. It must be difficult to judge together, charcoal sketches, pastels, water colours and oils, so perhaps that is why we rarely judge pictorial art against sculpture, whether done by hammer and chisel, by welding torch or by re-arranging a pile of bricks. I know from my experience as a judge that it is difficult to pick a rank order when confronted with a mixture of what could be described as pictorial, record, portrait and natural history pictures; but surprisingly the best image usually stands out clearly. I always try to judge by asking what was in the author's mind when they first pressed the shutter button and ask myself have they presented me with the best possible result? I don't care what process was gone through between the shutter being pressed and the resulting object in front of me but always try to judge only the image as presented. We are in danger of losing sight of the pleasure that can be gained by looking at a beautiful image if we let ourselves be obsessed by the technology behind it. As someone who has tried (largely unsuccessfully) to master the black arts of the darkroom, I find my experience has given me the utmost respect for the people who can produce such superb images from a negative. I suspect that if those people were to see what goes into producing a good digital image they might then have the respect for the digital authors that I have for the darkroom workers.

Let us by all means vigorously debate the issues but admit that our hobby can encompass all types of work and, as long as we can agree on a sensible categorisation (the Mona Lisa in a separate category to David) continue to judge one image against another.

Please let us all work together and continue to learn from each other in order to make our hobby as enjoyable as possible.

Frank Hutchinson

Poynton Show, August 26th

The Club are the official photographers to the Show and have been for a number of years. This year Jon Allanson will be judging the photographic classes and organizing a team to capture The Spirit of the Show. The winner of the Best print in Show receives a years free membership of our Society. In fact this is how Stuart became one of our valued members. We also have a stand displaying the photos taken at last years Show which we hope to sell . The public are thrilled to see themselves with their prize winning bull etc. and the money helps to swell club funds. Some of our prints will be on view. As with most events we rely on a supply of willing helpers, so if you are free on Bank Holiday Saturday and wish to join Jon's Dream Team, help with the stand, or provide prints for the display then give him a ring.

Many Thanks.

Jill Hargreaves.

The New Syllabus

I said at the AGM that Gerald's syllabus was a hard act to follow, but that, without wishing to sound too immodest, I felt sure the 2000 - 2001 programme would be even better. I do believe that it will come closer than ever before to pleasing "all of the people, all of the time".

To help accomplish this, I have included, a wide range of topics and styles brought to us by as many different speakers as I could find, all experts in their field and coming to us with a reputation of being entertaining as well as informative. In some instances, this has meant looking further afield than normal - to West Cumbria, Tyne & Wear, North Wales and even Scotland. All our visiting speakers will be looking for a good North Cheshire welcome, and a room full of enthusiastic members is a sure way to satisfy this modest expectation. So try setting Tuesday evenings aside, as your club night. If you can make it to just half of the meetings your subscription will prove to be exceptional value for money!

Of course, our "home-grown" talent and the more informal evenings, which so often provide welcome surprises, are also well represented. These will encourage you to have your say, show off your work and learn from the expertise we have right on our doorstep.

Inter-club battles are spaced throughout the season so we can call upon new and strong selections of competition-standard prints and slides from our members. Winning is always a bonus, but just seeing the work of other clubs and comparing standards is sure to be very enlightening.

We are making certain this year that everyone's exhibition entry will get the airing it deserves. Our exhibition judges have willingly volunteered to justify their decisions and to express their constructive thoughts at our post-exhibition meetings, so we are delighted to accommodate them on our syllabus immediately following the Annual Exhibition week.

Watch out for handing-in dates for the regular Quarterly Competitions and for the Exhibition - these are underlined on the syllabus. Of course competing is not compulsory, but it's often a good way to spur you on to raising your standards or, at least, improving your success ratio.

And finally, check out the social events. The regular ones are itemised on the syllabus, but there will be others.

So, I hope the mixture meets with your approval and that this will be reflected in our membership and attendance figures. Who knows, if I am thus encouraged, the 2001 - 2002 programme may be even stronger, although that's hard to imagine!

Tony Redford (Syllabus Secretary)

The Committee meeting on Wednesday 7th June

The first meeting of the new committee allowed us to sample Marjorie's tea and cakes but sadly failed to show us Frank's automatic electric awning gracefully opening. Frank claimed that it was too wet for us to sit outside, but the more cynical wondered whether the automatic awning was properly functioning.

The President noted that he was still researching possible speakers for the possible Extravaganza evening. Noting also that, occasionally, the club may be approached by members or by outsiders about the disposal of photographic equipment, he thought we could usefully have an agreed policy on such requests. It was agreed that, if the club had no direct need of the equipment itself, we could use Focus to advertise to members the availability of such equipment. It would then be up to members to deal directly with those offering the equipment. The discussion spilled over into the availability of club equipment to members. It was agreed to ask our new equipment officer, Alan Wild to provide an article for Focus dealing with the matter.

Past President Colin Pickles had considered various Summer events for the club but it was generally accepted that such events were not well supported once August loomed. It was felt that a summer programme should be available at the time of the AGM and that this year we had left it too late. However it was not too late to begin considering next summer's programme (or pre-session events this coming September). Discussion ranged over a variety of day's-out or week-ends-away (by mini-bus, or cheap air flights). The syllabus secretary had included provision for members to compare photographs taken during club outings in the coming session's syllabus. It was noted that previous attempts to organise such events had not received great club support and Colin was invited to prepare an article (for Focus) high-lighting the various possibilities in order to elicit members views.

Jill Hargreaves, our new publicity secretary, is also on the Poynton Show Committee. It was noted that the club is the official photographer for the show. It was agreed that the club should continue its sponsorship, providing prize money for a number of photographic classes at the show. The treasurer was authorised to send a £20 cheque. For those who were still hazy about our involvement Jill agreed to provide a short article for Focus about the event.

Although club battles at Poynton feature in the Syllabus, other competitions to which we are invited, don't. It was agreed that the Secretary would put all such information into Focus as soon as it was received. The selection committee, chaired by Dorothy Redford would be keeping a tally of all prints and slides which had done well in earlier club competitions for consideration when choosing our club entries for future battles. It was hoped that all club members would co-operate in allowing the selection committee to produce our strongest set of prints and/or slides.

Comment was made that it was difficult for all members to examine the notice-board during the short interval at club meetings. Another comment was that there was little opportunity to socialise on a Tuesday; there was no bar and the room was set out early for the speaker. However, the point was made that we could meet earlier, at 7.30 say, to conduct general business and chatter prior to the normal 8.00pm start for the speaker (perhaps we could even have an early drink?). Members' views are to be sought on this.

Bill Chadband

The AGM 23rd may 2000

22 members were present at this year's AGM. The Treasurer reported that we ended the year £6 better off than we started, mostly due to the redistribution of the Halifax shares. Gerald reported a mixed year in the 13 external competitions we had entered. Gordon reported that the change of date of the Exhibition and the use of a panel of 3 judges had been successful; he thanked members and in particular Peter Redford for their help. John Ade reported that a new Leica projector had been donated to the club during the year, and Dave Sharp noted that we had also been given a used Kodak Carousel projector.

Dorothy Redford was awarded the Print Worker Certificate and Tony Redford was the Slide Worker and Club Photographer of the Year. Brian Turnbull won the Rosalind Bramley Trophy with a digitally printed picture of Lyme Park.

The resolution to increase subs by £1 per member was passed unanimously. The discussion about reviewing the competition and exhibition rules, showed that careful thought, rather than a quick response was needed. The committee will consider the rules and invited members input.

Under AOB, a brief discussion re Poynton Show on 25th August included requests for help. (Contact Colin or Jon.)

Jon Allanson

Barmouth Weekend 29th Sept - 1st Oct 2000

On Saturday 30th September we hold our annual competition with Dysynni Camera Club. This year they are inviting Clwb Camera Bleanau Ffestiniog to assist them in giving us stiff competition. But the event is more than a competition. We all share a meal together first. After the event, and few drinks to celebrate our victory we need only climb the stairs to reach our beds. Actually, last time, we lost to Bleanau Ffestiniog and the drinks were our consolation. Both Saturday and Sunday can be exploration days and many members stay either the Friday night or the Sunday night also. Walks are often arranged on the Saturday (from the WaveCrest Hotel) or on the Sunday (during a break in the journey home). It is a most leisurely occasion with good food and good company, and sets the club up for the new session. Gerald is presently collecting names (telephone him on 01663 732152), and lifts can surely be arranged for those who need transport.

Gerald Hallworth

Dates for your Diary

The Bramhall P.S Inter-club slide competition takes place on Thursday 9th November 2000. It follows the Club's Open Digital Print competition, which takes place on Wednesday 8th November. Both events are part of that Club's Annual Exhibition week.

Out and About

We are organising a series of outings for the new season with the dual aim of providing an opportunity to take pictures and enhancing the social side of our club activities. There will be an opportunity to show your results at a "Club Outing's " evening later in the season.

The first activity is a visit to the Lowry Centre on September 3rd We shall meet in the Civic Hall Car Park at 1.00pm

On November 5th we will be visiting the Lake District by Minibus (plus cars if necessary). In the Spring we are hoping to arrange a long weekend somewhere in Europe -- Watch out for more details!!

If you have any suggestions for club outings please contact Colin Pickles.

Colin Pickles

Michael Leach to star in the Extravaganza

At the committee meeting on Wednesday 19th July the President reported that Michael Leach, the well-known photographer and Wildlife author had agreed to present two of his lectures namely "It's a funny way to make a living" and "A Wildlife Photographer Abroad" at our Extravaganza on 28th October 2000. Michael's main subjects are birds and mammals. He is a specialist in high-speed photographic techniques used to freeze rapid action (such as birds in flight at 1/20,000th s)

In "It's a funny way …" Michael explains the basics of his art, but it is not a technical talk. He reveals some of the devious and underhand tricks-of-the-trade that enable professional to obtain their breath-taking photographs.

In "A Wildlife Photographer … " Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda, Polar Bears in the Canadian Arctic and wildlife in the rain forests of Borneo, amongst others, are covered.

Poynton Millennium Arts and Crafts Festival

Thanks to everyone who loaned prints for this event. Our display was a success and provided an interesting talking point for the visitors.

Jill Hargreaves

Publicity

Your prints are needed for the display in Poynton Library from September 4th to 25th. Please give to any member of the committee or contact Frank Hutchinson.

Jill Hargreaves

Committee meeting on Wednesday 19th July

The President reported that he had secured the services of Michael Leach for the Extravaganza on 28th October 2000. It was agreed that entrance tickets would be £4. Jill Hargreaves gave details of the actions required for the Poynton Show (of which NCPS are the official photographers). Jill reported that the Arts and Crafts Festival had gone well with many folks stopping to admire and discuss our Print display. Jill had booked the Poynton Library and the Information Centre for October for NCPS advertising purposes. Jill had produced a letter and Poster, which she proposed to circulate to all members. If all members could find a suitable place to show the poster our publicity would be greatly enhanced. Colin Pickles opened the discussion on "away day social events" Tony Redford had produced copies of the Syllabus for distribution. Dave Sharpe produced the membership-renewal invitation sheet. Agreed that Jill and Bill would meet to stuff the envelopes for circulation to members past and present.

Bill Chadband

Back

	FOCUS	August 2000
The Newsletter of North Cheshire Photographic Society

	The New President Speaks I felt it was an honour to be elected President of our club, but I never expected to be asked to do the job twice; so I would like to express my thanks to both committee and club for this unexpected further honour. When, at this moment, we look at the photographic scene new technology is clearly bringing more changes; but when did it ever stay still? The last time my central heating was serviced I noted with particular interest the technician's tool kit. I am old enough to remember plumbers arriving with a big tool bag, the most prominent item being a large monkey wrench. Could you ever have imagined them coming equipped with every manual and parts list for every type of boiler that they might encounter? The weight alone would have made this impossible to contemplate, particularly when they arrived on a bicycle. Now the man has a lap-top computer with all this information available, and a probe which he inserts in the flue exhaust to tell him if the boiler is operating efficiently. The job has still to be done but what a difference the new technology makes. What has this to do with photography? Well, being a simple soul, I think that the tools used to do the job are immaterial. What matters is that the job is well done. Michelangelo might have argued that producing the sculpture "David" took a hammer and chisel and so was much harder work to produce (and therefore more legitimate?) than, say, the Mona Lisa since all Leonardo had to do was daub some paint on a canvas. It must be difficult to judge together, charcoal sketches, pastels, water colours and oils, so perhaps that is why we rarely judge pictorial art against sculpture, whether done by hammer and chisel, by welding torch or by re-arranging a pile of bricks. I know from my experience as a judge that it is difficult to pick a rank order when confronted with a mixture of what could be described as pictorial, record, portrait and natural history pictures; but surprisingly the best image usually stands out clearly. I always try to judge by asking what was in the author's mind when they first pressed the shutter button and ask myself have they presented me with the best possible result? I don't care what process was gone through between the shutter being pressed and the resulting object in front of me but always try to judge only the image as presented. We are in danger of losing sight of the pleasure that can be gained by looking at a beautiful image if we let ourselves be obsessed by the technology behind it. As someone who has tried (largely unsuccessfully) to master the black arts of the darkroom, I find my experience has given me the utmost respect for the people who can produce such superb images from a negative. I suspect that if those people were to see what goes into producing a good digital image they might then have the respect for the digital authors that I have for the darkroom workers. Let us by all means vigorously debate the issues but admit that our hobby can encompass all types of work and, as long as we can agree on a sensible categorisation (the Mona Lisa in a separate category to David) continue to judge one image against another. Please let us all work together and continue to learn from each other in order to make our hobby as enjoyable as possible. Frank Hutchinson
	Poynton Show, August 26th The Club are the official photographers to the Show and have been for a number of years. This year Jon Allanson will be judging the photographic classes and organizing a team to capture The Spirit of the Show. The winner of the Best print in Show receives a years free membership of our Society. In fact this is how Stuart became one of our valued members. We also have a stand displaying the photos taken at last years Show which we hope to sell . The public are thrilled to see themselves with their prize winning bull etc. and the money helps to swell club funds. Some of our prints will be on view. As with most events we rely on a supply of willing helpers, so if you are free on Bank Holiday Saturday and wish to join Jon's Dream Team, help with the stand, or provide prints for the display then give him a ring. Many Thanks. Jill Hargreaves.
	The New Syllabus I said at the AGM that Gerald's syllabus was a hard act to follow, but that, without wishing to sound too immodest, I felt sure the 2000 - 2001 programme would be even better. I do believe that it will come closer than ever before to pleasing "all of the people, all of the time". To help accomplish this, I have included, a wide range of topics and styles brought to us by as many different speakers as I could find, all experts in their field and coming to us with a reputation of being entertaining as well as informative. In some instances, this has meant looking further afield than normal - to West Cumbria, Tyne & Wear, North Wales and even Scotland. All our visiting speakers will be looking for a good North Cheshire welcome, and a room full of enthusiastic members is a sure way to satisfy this modest expectation. So try setting Tuesday evenings aside, as your club night. If you can make it to just half of the meetings your subscription will prove to be exceptional value for money! Of course, our "home-grown" talent and the more informal evenings, which so often provide welcome surprises, are also well represented. These will encourage you to have your say, show off your work and learn from the expertise we have right on our doorstep. Inter-club battles are spaced throughout the season so we can call upon new and strong selections of competition-standard prints and slides from our members. Winning is always a bonus, but just seeing the work of other clubs and comparing standards is sure to be very enlightening. We are making certain this year that everyone's exhibition entry will get the airing it deserves. Our exhibition judges have willingly volunteered to justify their decisions and to express their constructive thoughts at our post-exhibition meetings, so we are delighted to accommodate them on our syllabus immediately following the Annual Exhibition week. Watch out for handing-in dates for the regular Quarterly Competitions and for the Exhibition - these are underlined on the syllabus. Of course competing is not compulsory, but it's often a good way to spur you on to raising your standards or, at least, improving your success ratio. And finally, check out the social events. The regular ones are itemised on the syllabus, but there will be others. So, I hope the mixture meets with your approval and that this will be reflected in our membership and attendance figures. Who knows, if I am thus encouraged, the 2001 - 2002 programme may be even stronger, although that's hard to imagine! Tony Redford (Syllabus Secretary)
	The Committee meeting on Wednesday 7th June The first meeting of the new committee allowed us to sample Marjorie's tea and cakes but sadly failed to show us Frank's automatic electric awning gracefully opening. Frank claimed that it was too wet for us to sit outside, but the more cynical wondered whether the automatic awning was properly functioning. The President noted that he was still researching possible speakers for the possible Extravaganza evening. Noting also that, occasionally, the club may be approached by members or by outsiders about the disposal of photographic equipment, he thought we could usefully have an agreed policy on such requests. It was agreed that, if the club had no direct need of the equipment itself, we could use Focus to advertise to members the availability of such equipment. It would then be up to members to deal directly with those offering the equipment. The discussion spilled over into the availability of club equipment to members. It was agreed to ask our new equipment officer, Alan Wild to provide an article for Focus dealing with the matter. Past President Colin Pickles had considered various Summer events for the club but it was generally accepted that such events were not well supported once August loomed. It was felt that a summer programme should be available at the time of the AGM and that this year we had left it too late. However it was not too late to begin considering next summer's programme (or pre-session events this coming September). Discussion ranged over a variety of day's-out or week-ends-away (by mini-bus, or cheap air flights). The syllabus secretary had included provision for members to compare photographs taken during club outings in the coming session's syllabus. It was noted that previous attempts to organise such events had not received great club support and Colin was invited to prepare an article (for Focus) high-lighting the various possibilities in order to elicit members views. Jill Hargreaves, our new publicity secretary, is also on the Poynton Show Committee. It was noted that the club is the official photographer for the show. It was agreed that the club should continue its sponsorship, providing prize money for a number of photographic classes at the show. The treasurer was authorised to send a £20 cheque. For those who were still hazy about our involvement Jill agreed to provide a short article for Focus about the event. Although club battles at Poynton feature in the Syllabus, other competitions to which we are invited, don't. It was agreed that the Secretary would put all such information into Focus as soon as it was received. The selection committee, chaired by Dorothy Redford would be keeping a tally of all prints and slides which had done well in earlier club competitions for consideration when choosing our club entries for future battles. It was hoped that all club members would co-operate in allowing the selection committee to produce our strongest set of prints and/or slides. Comment was made that it was difficult for all members to examine the notice-board during the short interval at club meetings. Another comment was that there was little opportunity to socialise on a Tuesday; there was no bar and the room was set out early for the speaker. However, the point was made that we could meet earlier, at 7.30 say, to conduct general business and chatter prior to the normal 8.00pm start for the speaker (perhaps we could even have an early drink?). Members' views are to be sought on this. Bill Chadband
	The AGM 23rd may 2000 22 members were present at this year's AGM. The Treasurer reported that we ended the year £6 better off than we started, mostly due to the redistribution of the Halifax shares. Gerald reported a mixed year in the 13 external competitions we had entered. Gordon reported that the change of date of the Exhibition and the use of a panel of 3 judges had been successful; he thanked members and in particular Peter Redford for their help. John Ade reported that a new Leica projector had been donated to the club during the year, and Dave Sharp noted that we had also been given a used Kodak Carousel projector. Dorothy Redford was awarded the Print Worker Certificate and Tony Redford was the Slide Worker and Club Photographer of the Year. Brian Turnbull won the Rosalind Bramley Trophy with a digitally printed picture of Lyme Park. The resolution to increase subs by £1 per member was passed unanimously. The discussion about reviewing the competition and exhibition rules, showed that careful thought, rather than a quick response was needed. The committee will consider the rules and invited members input. Under AOB, a brief discussion re Poynton Show on 25th August included requests for help. (Contact Colin or Jon.) Jon Allanson
	Barmouth Weekend 29th Sept - 1st Oct 2000 On Saturday 30th September we hold our annual competition with Dysynni Camera Club. This year they are inviting Clwb Camera Bleanau Ffestiniog to assist them in giving us stiff competition. But the event is more than a competition. We all share a meal together first. After the event, and few drinks to celebrate our victory we need only climb the stairs to reach our beds. Actually, last time, we lost to Bleanau Ffestiniog and the drinks were our consolation. Both Saturday and Sunday can be exploration days and many members stay either the Friday night or the Sunday night also. Walks are often arranged on the Saturday (from the WaveCrest Hotel) or on the Sunday (during a break in the journey home). It is a most leisurely occasion with good food and good company, and sets the club up for the new session. Gerald is presently collecting names (telephone him on 01663 732152), and lifts can surely be arranged for those who need transport. Gerald Hallworth
	Dates for your Diary The Bramhall P.S Inter-club slide competition takes place on Thursday 9th November 2000. It follows the Club's Open Digital Print competition, which takes place on Wednesday 8th November. Both events are part of that Club's Annual Exhibition week.
	Out and About We are organising a series of outings for the new season with the dual aim of providing an opportunity to take pictures and enhancing the social side of our club activities. There will be an opportunity to show your results at a "Club Outing's " evening later in the season. The first activity is a visit to the Lowry Centre on September 3rd We shall meet in the Civic Hall Car Park at 1.00pm On November 5th we will be visiting the Lake District by Minibus (plus cars if necessary). In the Spring we are hoping to arrange a long weekend somewhere in Europe -- Watch out for more details!! If you have any suggestions for club outings please contact Colin Pickles. Colin Pickles
	Michael Leach to star in the Extravaganza At the committee meeting on Wednesday 19th July the President reported that Michael Leach, the well-known photographer and Wildlife author had agreed to present two of his lectures namely "It's a funny way to make a living" and "A Wildlife Photographer Abroad" at our Extravaganza on 28th October 2000. Michael's main subjects are birds and mammals. He is a specialist in high-speed photographic techniques used to freeze rapid action (such as birds in flight at 1/20,000th s) In "It's a funny way …" Michael explains the basics of his art, but it is not a technical talk. He reveals some of the devious and underhand tricks-of-the-trade that enable professional to obtain their breath-taking photographs. In "A Wildlife Photographer … " Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda, Polar Bears in the Canadian Arctic and wildlife in the rain forests of Borneo, amongst others, are covered.

	Poynton Millennium Arts and Crafts Festival Thanks to everyone who loaned prints for this event. Our display was a success and provided an interesting talking point for the visitors. Jill Hargreaves
	Publicity Your prints are needed for the display in Poynton Library from September 4th to 25th. Please give to any member of the committee or contact Frank Hutchinson. Jill Hargreaves
	Committee meeting on Wednesday 19th July The President reported that he had secured the services of Michael Leach for the Extravaganza on 28th October 2000. It was agreed that entrance tickets would be £4. Jill Hargreaves gave details of the actions required for the Poynton Show (of which NCPS are the official photographers). Jill reported that the Arts and Crafts Festival had gone well with many folks stopping to admire and discuss our Print display. Jill had booked the Poynton Library and the Information Centre for October for NCPS advertising purposes. Jill had produced a letter and Poster, which she proposed to circulate to all members. If all members could find a suitable place to show the poster our publicity would be greatly enhanced. Colin Pickles opened the discussion on "away day social events" Tony Redford had produced copies of the Syllabus for distribution. Dave Sharpe produced the membership-renewal invitation sheet. Agreed that Jill and Bill would meet to stuff the envelopes for circulation to members past and present. Bill Chadband


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