Good Morning All!

Fine weather today – ready for (or started) the 7 in 7?

A few dates: March is a busy month!

March 2nd. Judging of the ‘Anything Goes Cup Competition’ by Will Stead, live in the Arts Centre.

March 9th. Workshop – members challenged to taking one photograph each day for seven consecutive days. It would be great if members could email us or chat this Wednesday, to say whether they are taking part so that we can judge the numbers involved. Like we have mentioned before you don’t have to stand up at the front you can ‘talk’ from your seat!

March 16th. Presentation by David Bibby entitled ‘My way with AV’.

March 19^th – Saturday. The club is running a coffee morning at the Arts Centre. If anyone is willing to help out, they would be very welcome! Also, we will need some cakes/biscuits/or anything edible to sell! Please have a word with Mike or Lewis when we next meet.

March 23^rd. Committee meeting

March 30^th. Beginners ‘software editing’ session. Looking at Lightroom again and/or some Photoshop tools or you could bring in some images (preferably RAW), to be processed or process them yourself!

Talking of beginners, I’m starting to learn Photoshop! Having scoured the internet and come across some fairly good ‘tutorials’ I have finally found one that is very good. And, it’s FREE!

If you are interested, or just curious, the website is https://www.shutterevolve.com

It’s run by a guy called Jimmy McIntyre and when you log onto the site click ‘Free Stuff’ on the strap line at the top. You will then see ‘The Ultimate FREE Photoshop Bundle for Photographers’!

When you sign up (which is free) you’ll receive three products to download:

• The Easy Panel – FREE Luminosity Mask Panel for Photoshop.
• Our FREE Photoshop Beginner’s Course For Photographers.
• The Essential Guide to Luminosity Mask FREE download e-book.

The Photoshop beginners guide (part 2) is split into 3 parts:

1. Photoshop beginners’ part 1
2. Photoshop beginners’ part 2
3. Photoshop beginners’ part 3 – this part is devoted to Camera RAW

Each part is literally crammed with ‘stuff’, but it’s all, in my ‘umble opinion, cracking material! You really need to watch several times to take it in. Anyway, give it a go if you are interested.

There are loads of things on his website and obviously he is trying to sell it, but having ‘signed-up’ I have had no problems with lots of emails asking me to buy – and you can always unsubscribe at any time. Give it a go?

L&CPU Annual Club Competition.

Members! Would you like us to put an entry together for this competition?

We would only enter the PDI sections, not prints.

For the ‘Open’ section the club can enter up to 16 images in total from a minimum of 5 photographers and a maximum of 4 entries per person.

For the ‘Nature’ section we can enter up to 8 images from a minimum of 5 photographers and a maximum of 2 entries per person.

We could put an entry into the ‘Open’ section using images from the recent PAGB competition. We had 5 people entered in that and the entries would be eligible. We would need to select the entries but Lewis would do this based mainly on the scores from the last competition. If anyone else wishes to enter or anyone wants to use a different photo that is good, no problem.

For the ‘Nature’ section we would need 2 more people to submit photos to put together an entry.

If we are to do it, we need entries by March 20th.

We will need to make a decision on Wednesday evening please.

First Exhibition: 9^th April to 7^th May

‘Open’; this is for any print that was not among the winners of any competition. Please label the print, on the back, with your title and name – thanks.

We need the prints in by March 9^th PLEASE!

We still need 1 more volunteer please for the Friday 8^th April in the afternoon for a couple of hours – please see Mike or Lewis.

Zoom invite

Lewis Thompson is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Garstang Camera Club Anything Goes Competition Judge Will Stead EFIAP CPAGB PSA3

Time: Mar 2, 2022 07:00 PM London

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82631809180?pwd=UlNzSmhjTWdrY2ppbFZoejkrbjVzUT09

Meeting ID: 826 3180 9180

Passcode: 683045

That’s all folks

Mike and Lewis

Morning All

I hope you all took advantage of the wintery weather – looking forward to seeing all the snowy images!

Big thanks to Robin for his presentations, last Wednesday, on The Falkland Islands and Bhutan.

A few dates:

February 23rd. Beginners ‘software editing’ session. Bring some RAW, if poss, images.

March 2nd. Judging of the ‘Anything Goes Cup Competition’ by Will Stead, live in the Arts Centre. Final internal competition – where does the time go eh? Good luck to all who have entered, and, don’t forget, points mean prizes!

March 9th. Workshop – members challenged to taking one photograph each day for seven consecutive days.

Consecutive days? Theme? Where? – all your choice. Time’s ticking!

March 16th. Presentation by David Bibby entitled ‘My way with Audio Visual’.

Exhibition reminder:

9^th April – 7^th May – this is for any print that was not among the winners of any competition. Please label the print, on the back, with your title and name – thanks. Prints in by 9^th March PLEASE.

Eva polack (Impressionist Photography): idea from Anne

A talk on the artistic side of photography. She will offer an introduction to the visual language of photography to help us capture expressive and artistic images.

As mentioned at the last meeting: a possible virtual photography talk. The main aim of the talk is to encourage people to try out various approaches to image-making and to help them develop their own way of photographing.

These talks are about £100 a go, so, if enough interest is expressed by members, I’ll investigate further.

Short (ish) and sweet today!

That’s all folks! Stay safe.

Mike and Lewis

Morning All

What a dreary day here in Lancashire! No pics today!

Big thanks here to Jeremy Malley-Smith for, firstly, his perseverance on sorting out the technical issues, and secondly, for a great presentation on the wildlife of Scotland together with many photographic tips. Well done John for a good selection – perhaps a repeat ‘down-the-line’?

A few reminders:

February 16th: Two presentations by Robin, ‘live’ – one will be on The Falklands and the second will be on Bhutan.

February 23rd: Beginner’s ‘software editing’ session.

Lightroom again and/or Photoshop; you are very welcome to bring in some images (preferably RAW), to be ‘processed’.

Interested? Just let us know please!

Exhibition

We have one volunteer so far but really need a couple more! Are you free on Friday 8^th April in the afternoon for a couple of hours? PLEASE contact us to help out! – very much appreciated, cheers

Our 2 exhibition dates to display prints are:

9th April – 7th May – ‘Open’ – this is for any print that was not among the winners of any competition. Please label the print, on the back, with your title and name – thanks.

24th September – 22nd October: 5 competition winners plus highly commended and commended. Again, please make sure the print has your name and title on the back.

We’ll ask for prints on/by the 9th March

March 9th – club workshop

For the next workshop on 9th March, we are setting members a challenge of taking one photograph each day for seven consecutive days.

The idea is that these will then be shown to other members discussing the why, when and how! If you don’t want to stand at the front to present your images that’s absolutely fine; you can remain seated!

Any questions? Just email in or ask; no question too small!

Which consecutive days? You choose!

Theme (if any)? You choose!

Where? You choose!

Please have a go and take up the challenge!

Below is a Zoom invite, if needed:

Lewis Thompson is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Garstang Camera Club. The Falkland Islands and Bhutan with Robin

Time: Feb 16, 2022 07:00 PM London

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85023197476?pwd=eHVnZzZqZnRiQzhBL1VTR09xelJzZz09

Meeting ID: 850 2319 7476

Passcode: 885203

That’s all folks!

Mike and Lewis

Morning All!

First of all, a big thanks to Jim Cunningham for his constructive, positive, and helpful feedback on the images for ‘The Humanity Cup’. We should also appreciate, I think, the time he must have taken in not only judging but also in his preparation.

Secondly, congratulations to John for winning the overall prize for the best ‘in competition of the three winners’, with ‘The Fiddle Player’.

Thirdly, thanks to Rhona and Tim for entering, very promptly, the Humanity Cup winners on to the Facebook page and the website page, respectively.

Fourthly, last but not least, in case you missed it, congratulations go to Anne (Hardy) for receiving the Chairman’s Choice for her entry in to the PAGB GB Cup with ‘Gotcha’ – maximum score of 15 points; well done, Anne!

Messages:

February 9^th: We have a presentation by Jeremy Malley-Smith on Scottish Wildlife. The speaker will be ‘live’ at the Arts Centre though a zoom invite will be available. See the end of the newsletter.

February 16^th: Two presentations by Robin, ‘live’ – one will be on The Falklands and the second will be on Bhutan.

February 23^rd: We are doing another beginner’s ‘software editing’ session.

We could look at Lightroom again and/or some Photoshop tools or you could bring in some images (preferably RAW), to be ‘processed’.

Interested? If so please email or speak to us during the next 2 Wednesday meetings.

Stan has volunteered to do a short talk on how he “backs-up” Lightroom; so that’s an incentive!

Exhibition

BIG thanks here to Maurice who is co-ordinating the display.

We are looking for 2/3 volunteers to come and help us put up the images in the Arts Centre; it should take only a couple of hours. Not sure at the moment of the exact time and date; probably the Saturday morning of the 9^th. PLEASE contact us if you can spare the time – Cheers!

Our 2 exhibition dates to display prints are:

9th April – 7th May – ‘Open’ – this is for any print that was not among the winners of any competition. Please label the print, on the back, with your title and name – thanks.

24th September – 22nd October: 5 competition winners plus highly commended and commended. Again, please make sure the print has your name and title on the back.

We’ll ask for prints on/by the 9^th March

Events Cup Competition

Images submissions for this cup are taken on the club outings.

Destinations last ‘season’ (April 24th through to October 12^th, 2021) were: Glasson Dock & Conder Green, Calder Vale, Rivington Gardens, Brockholes, Heysham, Silverdale & Arnside, Rufford Old Hall and Martin Mere.

We need now ideas/thoughts/suggestions for the coming season, (2022). Already submitted – Holker Hall, Lytham, Duxbury Woods (south of Chorley), Brock Bottoms, Skippool Creek, Blackpool Zoo, Leighton Moss, Kendal, Settle, Kirby Stephen and the Three Sisters race circuit at Wigan. Exact dates for this are yet to be announced.

March 9^th – club workshop

For the next workshop on 9th March, we would like to set members a challenge of taking one photograph each day for seven consecutive days. The idea is that these will then be shown to other members discussing the why, when and how! Please have a go and take up the challenge! Any questions? Just email in or ask; no question too small!

Which consecutive days, theme (if any) and where will be each members choice, but the intention is that the challenge encourages us to pick up our cameras each day for seven days. More info soon but here is a chance to plan!

Zoom invite below, if you need it.

Lewis Thompson is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Garstang Camera Club. Scottish Wildlife with Jeremy Malley-Smith

Time: Feb 9, 2022 07:00 PM London

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89391598609?pwd=dCtZcWw1bFM2QTVDeGx5aFJNOHlLdz09

Meeting ID: 893 9159 8609

Passcode: 940028

Well, that’s all folks!

Mike and Lewis

Morning All

Beautiful day – in between storms?

We hope you have been managing to get that camera out-and-about now that the days are drawing out!

Dates:

February 2nd: We have the judging of the ‘Humanity Cup Competition’ by Jim Cunningham ‘live’ in the Arts Centre. Zoom invite below, if needed. PLUS – don’t forget, deadline for ‘Anything Goes Competition’, prints and digital images.

February 9th: We will have a presentation by Jeremy Malley-Smith on Scottish wildlife. The speaker will be ‘live’ at the Arts Centre though a zoom invite will be available.

February 16th: 2 presentations by Robin, ‘live’ – one will be on The Falklands and the second will be on Nepal.

Poss! February 23^rd – In the pipeline, so to speak, we are thinking of doing another ‘software editing’ session. The ‘gathering’ we had last Wednesday, (26^th January), proved, I think, very productive, so we are thinking of repeating. We could look at Lightroom again and/or some Photoshop tools or you could bring in some images (preferably RAW), to be ‘processed’. Anyway, these are our thoughts so if you are interested, please email or speak to us at the next meetings.

Invite:

Lewis Thompson is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Garstang Camera Club. Humanity Competition. Judge Jim Cunningham

Time: Feb 2, 2022 07:00 PM London

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89629079940?pwd=VUcrU0czcFpVUmI2eWhtVE1QQ2pOdz09

Meeting ID: 896 2907 9940

Passcode: 720399

That’s all folks

Mike and Lewis

Morning All!

We had a nice few hours’ out at Condor Pool and Glasson (five of us) and took some pics, though, writing personally, I think, no winners, but a good social gathering nevertheless!

Big thanks to Stan, for his & teams selections presented last Wednesday; some excellent and positive comments given.

And, thanks also to John for showing his skills and knowledge during the workshop, using Lightroom and Photoshop editing, of members images;

Gentlemen, your time, trouble and organisation are very much appreciated by us all.

Dates:

January 26th: although no meeting was planned, for this Wednesday, Lewis and I are doing a back-to-the-start software editing session; i.e., basics. So, if you think Photoshop is a place where you buy pictures or Lightroom is the opposite of a darkroom, this may be for you! Sorry, I’ve been watching too much of The Weakest Link!

What will we be doing? Well, we will be starting at the beginning and going on from there, at a pace that will reflect the skills/non-skills of the individual/audience. All and any questions will be welcome – no matter how stupid/silly/trivial you think they are; please don’t be afraid; both Lewis and I were at this stage once! Caveat – Lewis and I don’t know all the answers, but we will know most – I think! Anyway, it will hopefully be a starting point for members and will introduce you into the art of photo editing.

If you want, bring along some images (preferably RAW, but JPEG if not) on a USB and we can practice on them.

We will be at the Arts Centre from 7.15 until we all have had enough!

So, if you are thinking of coming along, please get in touch and let us know. If we get no response we won’t turn up. Email or ring PLEASE!

February 2^nd: We have the judging of the ‘Humanity Cup Competition’ by Jim Cunningham ‘live’ in the Arts Centre.

PLUS – February 2^nd – deadline for ‘Anything Goes Competition’, prints and digital images.

February 9th: We will have a presentation by Jeremy Malley-Smith on Scottish wildlife.

February 16th: As already mentioned instead of the J36 ‘Battle’ Robin has very kindly offered to do 2 presentations. One will be on The Falklands and the second will be on Nepal.

That’s all folks

Mike and Lewis

Afternoon All

Lewis and I hope you are all safe and well and is this Omicron on its way out? About time!

Many thanks to Rhona and Tim for publishing the ‘Creatures and Plants of the World Cup Competition’ results, judged by Harry Emmett, onto our Facebook page and our website page, respectively; so promptly and very much appreciated.

Competition Prints.

Competition rule number 6 states: ‘Prints must be mounted, include a title and the Club member’s Competition Number. The maximum mount size is 40cm x 50cm’.

In future as well as the title and the club members number, please write the words ‘Monochrome OR Colour’, as confirmation of its category. Now, it the vast majority of cases it will be obvious, but every now and again it perhaps isn’t quite as clear; many thanks.

This Wednesday 19th January: we have a workshop preceded by a showing of the prints and digital images chosen by Stan and his team (Anne and Mike) for the J36 ‘Battle’. As explained in previous newsletters, J36 Photography Society are unable to do ‘Battle’ with us. However, because Stan and team and members have taken the time and trouble to ‘put-things-together’ we have decided to still go ahead with the presentation. It will also be an opportunity for Stan to explain his choices!

The actual workshop is dedicated to members who wish to show their images (anonymously), with some very constructive and positive criticism that can often be very beneficial and help to improve any photographs.

Images can be sent to mike via his email (mikejenner17@gmail.com) or free, via Wetransfer. Also, any questions or help should be directed to Mike.

Deadline for images is Tuesday 18^th January.

Zoom: For Stan’s presentation, we will endeavour to use zoom, but the actual prints may pose a problem. We will try our best! The digital images will be shown via screen share as will the critiques of members images.

January 26^th: No meeting

February 2^nd: We have the judging of the ‘Humanity Cup Competition’ by Jim Cunningham ‘live’ in the Arts Centre.

February 9^th: We will have a presentation by Jeremy Malley-Smith on Scottish wildlife.

February 16^th: As mentioned last week instead of the J36 ‘Battle’ Robin has very kindly offered to do 2 presentations. One will be on The Falklands and the second will be on Nepal. Lewis and I would like to take this opportunity to thank Robin for ‘stepping-into-the breach’ so to speak at short notice – thanks Robin!

Slide-Scanner.

Lewis and I are sure someone mentioned that they had a slide scanner that they were willing to lend out; unfortunately, perhaps due to the ageing process, neither of us can remember! If you are this member, would you please get in touch – Ta!

Zoom invite if you are not attending the meeting at the Arts Centre:

Lewis Thompson is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Garstang Camera Club Workshop evening

Time: Jan 19, 2022 07:00 PM London

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85220591061?pwd=TXNwaVpNeU15amIwK0lYQUhWSlpWZz09

Meeting ID: 852 2059 1061

Passcode: 980135

Well, that’s all folks

Mike and Lewis

Morning All!

First week in 2022 and nowt but rain! But, hey-ho it’s January!

Message below from our email address:

Name: Graham Bracegirdle

Email: gb.bracegirdle@btinternet.com

Message: I have a Hanimex Rondette 35mm colour slide projector and screen that has not been used for some time. I no longer require it. If any member would like it, it is free to a good home. It was in full working order and comes with a carousel slide holder. Please contact me on Tel. No. 01995 605932 or at the above e/mail address.

If anyone is interested, please contact Graham direct.

PAGB: Between the open and nature competitions we put in 30 entries- a very good number. A long wait now for the results! (March).

On Wednesday evening we were entertained and educated by the local landscape photographer, Lee Metcalfe, all the way from Galgate. I thought Lee set a very high standard for the passionate way in which he searches out and records promising viewpoints, chases early morning and evening light, waits patiently for that light to cast a magic spell over the landscape and finally, records the event. 24/7 eh!

His professionalism, tenacity and unwillingness to settle for second best was reflected both in his highly informative presentation, which was thoughtfully constructed, the many high-quality images on show and the insights into both his camera craft and his photographic forays into very local wild places and wilder weather. I’m personally looking forward to buying the Fotovue book when it is released in the coming months. I think we are fortunate to have a local photographer willing to have the time, energy and expertise to help us, at the club, to enthuse and improve our knowledge and craft of photography.

Wednesday 12^th January: we have the judging of the ‘Creatures and Plants of the World Cup Competition’ judged by Harry Emmett. Because of personal circumstances Harry will be judging from his home via Zoom. (Zoom link at the end of this newsletter). However, the Arts Centre will be open as usual for members to enjoy the competition starting at 7.30pm. When Harry is judging the prints, we will be able to see them via DPI copies so we won’t miss out. The DPI’s will be seen as normal. We hope you will be able to come along and ‘meet’ as near as normal as possible!

Wednesday 19^th January: tonight, we have a workshop preceded by a showing of the prints and digital images chosen by Stan and his team (Anne and Mike) for the J36 ‘Battle’. Unfortunately, for various reasons, J36 Photography Society are unable to do ‘Battle’ with us. However, because Stan and team and members have taken the time and trouble to ‘put-things-together’ we have decided to still go ahead with the presentation. It will also be an opportunity for Stan to explain his choices!

The actual workshop is dedicated to members who wish to show their images (anonymously). The whole idea is for everyone to have an opportunity to show their work, away from competition judges, and for other members to suggest possible ways they could be improved.

Also, all images are subjective and don’t have to follow the ‘rules’, so any thoughts offered can be taken onboard or not – it’s up to you!

However, some very constructive and positive criticism can often be very beneficial and help to improve any photographs.

ALL images will be anonymous – so no names mentioned at all! The only person who will know who has sent in your images will be Mike, as someone has to organise the showing of the pictures.

Images can be sent to mike via his email (mikejenner17@gmail.com) or free, via Wetransfer. Also, any questions or help should be directed to Mike.

Don’t be frightened – have a go.

We do have some images submitted, but, of course, we would like some more – PLEASE!

Wednesday 16^th February: because the J36 ‘Battle’ has been cancelled Robin, our excellent treasurer, will give a presentation on that evening. Further details to follow shortly.

Anything Goes Competition (any image on any theme): deadline date is Wednesday 2^nd February. Please don’t forget that if you are submitting any prints and you use Garstang Fine Art shop, Sharon would like your prints in by Wednesday 19^th January to ensure that your prints are mounted in good time.

Zoom invitation:

Lewis Thompson is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Garstang Camera Club. Creatures and Plants of the World competition judged by Harry Emmett

Time: Jan 12, 2022 07:00 PM London

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81130834259?pwd=eFBhYllNTzM5NWZnN25qUGYyUTBkUT09

Meeting ID: 811 3083 4259

Passcode: 422434

That’s all folks!

Mike and Lewis