Feedback Sessions – Possible Annual Competition entries – 17/11/21 & 24/11/21

At this time of year we give our members the opportunity to show images that they are considering entering in the following year’s Annual Competition. It enables informal discussion about such issues as entry categories and the choice of whether to submit as a Projected Digital Image (PDI) or a print. Members could submit up to three PDIs with the aim of having them reviewed over three sessions, the final one being in early February 2022. The first of these sessions was conducted on Zoom and the second in a face to face meeting at Kirkheaton Parish Hall. On both occasions James Gibson and the undersigned gave feedback on the images presented and drew in views from other experienced members according to the genre of the work being discussed. Where members were unable to be present discussion of their images was held over to the third session in the new year.

We’re lucky to have accomplished photographers particularly in portraiture, landscape and creative work to share their expertise. Even the experienced photographers benefit from the feedback of others because it is easy to miss things when you are looking at your own work. To illustrate this here is one of my images which was displayed. I have annotated it with some points for improvement which came out of the feedback.

Speaker – Adrian Lines ARPS MPAGB FBPE - Let’s Get Creative 10/11/21

Over 30 members as well as a guest came to this our second face to face meeting at our new clubroom. Those that were able to join us experienced a fascinating presentation by renowned amateur photographer, Adrian Lines. Adrian is a versatile, prolific and highly skilled photographer. To get a flavour of the range of his work, just look at his gallery through this link to 500px:

https://500px.com/p/adrianlines?view=photos

This new talk focussed on the creative work which has increasingly become Adrian’s trademark. He displayed around 50 images taking us through their construction and then deconstruction, explaining his methods in terms that all could understand. What came over was a passion for monochrome, an understanding of colour harmony, and a desire for each finished work to display emotion and narrative.

Those of us who are less inclined to make composite images went away with a range of key insights which we can all bring to our work. Adrian’s use of selective ‘dodging and burning’ deployed darkroom techniques to train the viewer’s eye to key elements of his images. Careful use of localised clarity and sharpening gave his images a 3D effect to ensure the main subject stood out. Although the presentation was a digital one, Adrian emphasised that his aim was always to produce a finish print on which he can ‘freeze’ the image to display it how he wants it to be viewed.

Essential truths such as ‘you can get away with all things if the composition is right’ were a reminder that getting it right in the frame should always be the starting point of any image.

Adrian professed to be no expert on Adobe Photoshop. His skilful use of the package was based on him learning 6 things and repeatedly using them. I was particularly struck by his creation of realistic reflective pools in a number of composite images.

The talk concluded with him showing a range of lock-down self-portraits in his simple home studio, each characterised by clothing and artefacts collected from near and far. Many of these are unlikely to see the light of day in competitions but each displayed the attention to detail we have come to expect from this most accomplished of photographers.

Informal meeting - 03/11/21

HPIC returned to face to face meetings for the first time since the first half of 2020 with an informal meeting at a new venue - Kirkheaton Parish Church's Parish Centre.

Although there was no set agenda for the evening, a few topics were covered to keep members entertained. Firstly, Competition Secretary James Gibson brought images entered into a recent competition that had been judged by Andrew Rothery. For each image he took the opportunity to share the score and feedbackon why it had been successful. Babara Sheldrake also talked more about pinhole camera photography.

Refreshments were provided and it was a good opportunity for people to catch up face to face again. We hope that future meetings will be able to continue on a face to face basis, though this may be subject to change depending on government guidelines arising from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.