Morning All
 
Short and sweet this morning ‘cos it’s summer today and the grandchildren are present and already in a demanding mind-set! Heyho! 
A great night, last Wednesday, so, a BIG thank you to Stan for his talk, and arranging his granddaughter, Florence, to play football (and providing cake), and finally for arranging Lynn and Sarah for the tango dancing routines – a seriously good and eventful evening! 
Stan has asked me to ask members to send him some images of the dancers and Florence – stanley.pearson@talktalk.net many thanks.
 
Notices  
 
Please don’t forget: 
The Opening Night Competition; 4th September 
Best Projected Digital Image (PDI); Open, any subject, colour or monochrome. 
One only PDI from any member taken in the last 12 months. 
Image sent to me (Mike) by Sunday 1st September. 
All presented, anonymously, in a PowerPoint presentation. 
On the night, each person present will vote, anonymously, on each one; maximum score of 20 points for each image, and a minimum of 10 points. 
The winner is the image with the most points! 
Brownie points only though I might have a bottle of wine/chocolates for the winner.
 
Wednesday 25th September, image critique session by John. 
As mentioned last week John will do an image critiquing evening on the above date. 
However, the closing date for images will now be Saturday 14th September. 
Please don’t necessarily wait until then to send them in, John needs time to organise the evening. 
So, please send in up to 4 images anytime from now onwards to avoid disappointment and to also avoid over whelming the system! 
Just to remind: 
All images to be sent to Mike on info@garstangcameraclub.co.uk 
ALL images will be sent to John anonymously, so no names shown!  
 
Up and coming programme of events 
Wednesday August 14th: ‘Get Off Auto’ – last one – Talk by Mike on camera equipment and all the accessories and other things!
 
Wednesday August 21st: No meeting as we are having a committee meeting.
 
Wednesday August 28th: Work in progress, still!
 
Wednesday September 4th: First meeting of the season – including projects!
 
Saturday 7th September: Paint Garstang ‘Plein Air Competition’ We have be tasked, again, to take photographs of the artists painting! More info later.
 
That’s all folks for now, enjoy the (very) warm weather!
 
Cheers
 
Mike

Morning All
 
We had a great day at Garstang Show yesterday; we had a spot at the entrance to the Horticulture Marquee, plenty of ‘footfall’ and some interest by a number of people – which may, or may not, of course, reflect in new members at the beginning of September! The proof is in the pudding, so to speak!
 Big thanks to, in no particular order, Freda, Lewis, Maurice and Robin for their generous help in making sure everything run very smoothly! And, Maurice’s extra determination on getting back onto the show ground at 5pm! 
Plus, Adrain and Sue who ‘sat-in’ for us as we wandered around the show. 
And finally, to all those members who stopped by to say hello and chat; always pleased to see you!
 
Notices
 
New Competition! 
The Opening Night Competition; 4th September 
The rules are very simple! 
Best Projected Digital Image (PDI); Open, any subject, colour or monochrome. 
One only PDI from any member taken in the last 12 months. 
Image sent to me (Mike) by Sunday 1st September. 
All presented, anonymously, in a PowerPoint presentation. 
On the night, each person present will vote, anonymously, on each one; maximum score of 20 points for each image, and a minimum of 10 points. 
The winner is the image with the most points! 
Brownie points only though I might have a bottle of wine/chocolates for the winner. 
Please take part, it’s just for a bit of fun! 
 
Lytham St. Annes Photographic Society. 
Attached is a poster advertising an exhibition of the above’s photographic work which you may be interested in visiting. 
 
Early reminder – Exhibition, ours! 
As you will know, we are having an exhibition at the Arts Centre from Saturday 21st September for a month. 
Big thanks here to Maurice for doing the sorting and organising. 
The exhibition is for all the print winners (1st, 2nd and 3rd plus highly commended and commended for the 2023/24 season). 
So, attached is a list of winning entries in 2 sections: 
2023 – 24: Highly commended and commended entries in the 5 internal competitions. 
2023 – 24: Winners (1st, 2nd and 3rd) in the 5 internal competitions. 
Please read these attachments and dig out those prints ‘cos Maurice will need these prints shortly so he can begin to prepare them for our exhibition. – Cheers! 
 
Again, an early post! 
On our members evening, 25th September, John has very kindly offered to run an image critique session; based on the editing software of Lightroom and/or Photoshop. So, this is how it will be organised:  
Closing date for images will be Saturday 21st September. 
A maximum entry of up to 4 images. Depending on the number of members who submit images John will endeavour to critique at least one from each member. 
All images to be sent to Mike on info@garstangcameraclub.co.uk 
ALL images will be sent to John anonymously, so no names shown! 
This will be a great opportunity for everyone to benefit from John’s experience so please take part – don’t forget no names! 
 
Projects: thanks, if you have already been in touch! 
As I’ve mentioned before – I’m putting together some thoughts about our first meeting on 4th September! 
And, I really need to hear from any member who has had a go at their own project to let me know so that we can plan accordingly! 
The whole idea was for everyone to have a go and develop ‘what you want to get out of photography,’ learn from the experience and hopefully learn from others! 
So, will any member who is willing to talk about their project to please get in touch with me, as soon as. If you have any questions just email back or ring on 07340 314 408. Many thanks. 
 
Up and coming programme of events 
Tuesday August 6th: Events Cup – last possible date for the last Events Cup destination of Skipton and Settle – when its gone, its gone!
 
Wednesday August 7th: ‘Get Off Auto’ – talk by Stan titled ‘Get creative with shutter speed.’ Followed by a lot of practical image taking, inside and out, down by the river and in the Arts Centre – including Sarah and Lucy, Tango Dancers, who will bring laptop and speakers for music. PLUS, cake! This will be an opportunity not to be missed!
 
Wednesday August 14th: ‘Get Off Auto’ – last one – Talk by Mike on camera equipment and all the accessories and other things!

 
Wednesday August 21st: No meeting as we are having a committee meeting.
 
Wednesday August 28th: Work in progress!
 
Wednesday September 4th: First meeting of the season – including projects!
 
Saturday 7th September: Paint Garstang ‘Plein Air Competition’ We have be tasked, again, to take photographs of the artists painting! More info later.
 
That’s all folks for now
 
Mike

Afternoon All
 
Sorry the newsletter is late today; Shelly and I have just returned from photographing the Lancaster Grand Prix; 70 competitors in the Men’s Open Race. Very warm and beautiful landscape – and plenty of vitamin D! Maybe some images shown on Wednesday!
 
Notices:
 
Possible outing: SPITFIRE VISITOR CENTRE, Hangar 42, Blackpool Airport. The cost would be £35 per person, minimum of 10 persons, for a 3 hour session. If you are interested, please email Mike back and register and if we get 10 members Michael will organise.
 
Last Call: St Catherines Hospice Care. In last weeks’ newsletter I said we had a visit, from a Peter Frankish from the care home. 
He would like, free, as many prints of the Lake District (NOT mounted) that we would like to donate. They are ‘running’ a theme, to raise money, called ‘In the Frame.’ This is a collaboration between St Catherine’s and local artists and photographers. 
Basically, any prints donated, they mount and sell on; any image(s) will need a title and your name will appear on a card alongside the image. 
If you have some Lake District images but in digital format only and still want to donate them, just send them to me and I’ll collate them and send of for printing in a ‘batch’ thus saving on money. 
Any questions just get back in touch; I would really like to help as it will go to a very good cause.
 
Don’t forget! Show and tell for 31st July: any image you wish to share, preferably taken this year and no limit on numbers, within reason! You could send them to me and I’ll put them on the presentation or bring them in on a stick. Have a go – the more the merrier!
 
Up and coming programme of events:
 
Wednesday July 31st: Presentation by Sarah – ‘My Morocco Adventure.’ Plus, a ‘show and tell’ (see above), any images, preferably taken this year, you wish to share.
 
Sunday August 4th: Events Cup – one of two possible dates for the last Events Cup destination of Skipton and Settle.
 
Tuesday August 6th: Events Cup – one of two possible dates for the last Events Cup destination of Skipton and Settle.
 
Wednesday August 7th: Get Off Auto – talk by Stan titled ‘Get creative with shutter speed.’ Followed by a lot of practical image taking, inside and out down by the river; this will be an experience, I promise!
 
Wednesday August 14th: ‘Get Off Auto’ – last one – Talk by Mike on camera equipment and all the accessories and other things!
 
Wednesday August 21st: No meeting as we are having a committee meeting.
 
Wednesday August 28th: Work in progress!
 
That’s all for now folks,
 
Cheers,
 
Mike

Morning All
 
Well, it’s not coming home – see last week’s newsletter! Oh dear, World Cup in 2 years? In my ‘umble opinion, since Gareth Southgate is departing, the new manager should be Jürgen Klopp – answers on a postcard! 
A decent bit of summer has emerged from the rain clouds and, of course, a bit of warmth – how long, who knows! Anyone else noticed such a scarcity of butterflies? Bees ok and wasps appearing, but butterflies? I’ve seen 4 Red Admirals and that’s about it! Climate change, eh? 
Many thanks to EVERYONE who helped out last Wednesday for our ongoing ‘Get Off Auto.’ We had 25 at the club; a mixture of members and ‘guests’ – and I’ve had some really positive feedback – so thanks again and it shows what a great social camera club we are!
 
Notices: 
Cycling: Lancaster Grand Prix: Photographic opportunity: Sunday 28th July 
This is an annual event that I go to; it’s really local, (5 mins from Galgate), 10 – 15 minutes in the car and I know where to park and walk a short distance to cover it. If anyone is interested just get in touch and we can organise the trip. I’m usually in position by 9.30 and leave about 2ish. 
Lancaster GP the Route: The cycling race starts in Williamson Park Lancaster travelling out on Wyresdale Road to Grab Lane and completes laps of Quernmore Road, Postern Gate Road, past St Peter’s Church, Quernmore, Bay Horse Road, Proctor Moss Road (closed Road), Little Fell Lane, Langthwaite Road, and Grab Lane.
 
Garstang Show: Saturday 3rd August. Prints needed please. Please don’t forget we will have a stand at the show and we need some prints to display on our boards! 
We will need about 30 in total; we have some but would be great if we had some from 2024. Please bring in next Wednesday 24th July or 31st July. We would like to keep them for our stand at the Leonard Cheshire Home for sometime in August. Many thanks.
 
St Catherines Hospice Care: We had a visit, last Wednesday evening, earlier on, from a Peter Frankish from the care home. 
He would like, free, as many prints of the Lake District (NOT mounted) that we would like to donate. They are ‘running’ a theme, to raise money, called ‘In the Frame.’ This is a collaboration between St Catherine’s and local artists and photographers. 
Basically, any prints donated, they mount and sell on; any image(s) will need a title and your name will appear on a card alongside the image. 
If you have some Lake District images but in digital format only and still want to donate them, just send them to me and I’ll collate them and send of for printing in a ‘batch’ thus saving on money. 
Any questions just get back ion touch; I would really like to help as it will go to a very good cause.
 
Show and tell: for 31st July: any image you wish to share, preferably taken this year and no limit on numbers, within reason! You could send them to me and I’ll put them on the presentation or bring them in on a stick. Have a go – the more the merrier!
 
Up and coming programme of events:
 
Wednesday July 24th: Get Off Auto – Talk and practical demonstration on editing software using images from the previous week, and others, hopefully!
 
Wednesday July 31st: Presentation by Sarah – ‘My Morocco Adventure.’ Plus, a ‘show and tell’ (see above), any images, preferably taken this year, you wish to share.
 
Sunday August 4th: Events Cup – one of two possible dates for the last Events Cup destination of Skipton and Settle.
 
Tuesday August 6th: Events Cup – one of two possible dates for the last Events Cup destination of Skipton and Settle.
 
Wednesday August 7th: Get Off Auto – talk by Stan titled ‘Get creative with shutter speed.’ Followed by a lot of practical image taking, inside and out down by the river; this will be an experience, I promise!
 
Wednesday August 14th: ‘Get Off Auto’ – last one – Talk by Mike on camera equipment and all the accessories and other things!
 
Wednesday August 21st: No meeting as we are having a committee meeting.
 
Wednesday August 28th: Work in progress!
 
That’s all for now folks, 
Cheers,
 
Mike

Afternoon All
 
Very early newsletter as I’m off to London for the weekend visiting family but also going to Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, so not back ‘til Sunday evening.
 
Notices:
 
Events Cup – Chester Zoo; Our 4th destination for this summer. Either Wednesday 10th July OR Saturday 13th July. Please don’t forget you can only pick one of the days. 
Distance is approximately 69 miles – 1 hour 25 mins. 
Open 10am – 5pm; Cost, on-line: without a donation, £29.99; with donation £33. 
Car sharing: I’m going on Wednesday 10th so I will park at Kirkland Memorial Hall at 8.20am, sort out which cars are going with whom and then leave at 8.30 ish. Return to Garstang about 4.00 ish. 
If you need any help or clarity, just email in or ring me on 07340 314 408.
 
Wednesday 10th July. As you can see below there is no meeting next week because of the Events Cup at Chester Zoo. However, if any member wants to organise something, for the evening, I’m quite willing to hand over the keys so that the Arts Centre is available – just get in touch.

The Amateur Photographer is a British photography magazine, published weekly and they promote various competitions one of which involves Camera Clubs in the UK. 
The competition has 10 rounds, each with a different theme. The themes for the 2024 competition are: Black & White, Animal Kingdom, City Life, Action, Landscapes, People, Macro, Dusk to Dawn, Travel and Open (Anything goes!) 
The red themes above have already been judged and the blue theme, City Life, is now closed. This is why I’m thinking of next year, 2025. 
How does it work? Put simply over the ten rounds we can accumulate points for our camera club. 
Each of our members’ best-placed images in each round of the main Amateur Photographer of the year (APOY) contest will count towards our club’s score. 
With no limit on how many of our members can enter – they’ll all count. 
After all of the ten rounds are complete, the club with the most points will win this year’s title, and the accompanying prizes. 
Cost? The cost is based on the number of images we want to enter; the more images we enter the individual cost of each image decreases. 
I thought the above might be a good idea, well in theory, for next year, 2025! Unfortunately, I haven’t the time to ‘run’ it but I’m quite willing to help, where I can, if any member would like to ‘pick up the mantle’ so to speak and control and manage this competition. 
If you are initially interested but want to have a chat, without committing yourself, please get in touch with me and we can go from there. There is no pressure, if you decide against, that’s no problem.
 
Up and coming programme of events:
 
Wednesday July 10th: no meeting; Possible ‘Events Cup’ 4th destination at Chester Zoo.
 
Saturday 13th July: Possible ‘Events Cup’ 4th destination at Chester Zoo.
 
Wednesday July 17th: Get Off Auto – Presentation on composition, by Stan, and then a practical session outside the Arts Centre and/or down by the river and/or sports field and/or in Garstang.
 
Wednesday July 24th: Get Off Auto – Presentation and practical demonstration on software editing using images form the previous week.
 
Wednesday July 31st: Presentation by Sarah – My Morocco Adventure. Plus, a ‘show and tell’ any images, taken this year, you wish to share.
 
That’s all for now folks
 
Cheers
 
Mike

Morning All
 
Hope you all enjoyed summer, I fear we are in the beginnings of Autumn!
 
Notices;
 
From Stan: Good link for members to see what there is to photograph in a particular area. 
https://www.photohound.co/map 
The above link is really good, I spent some time on it!
 
Events Cup – Chester Zoo; Our 4th destination for this summer. Either Wednesday 10th July OR Saturday 13th July. Please don’t forget you can only pick one of the days. 
Distance is approximately 69 miles – 1 hour 25 mins. 
Open 10am – 5pm; Cost, on-line; cheapest option: without a donation, £29.99; with donation £33. 
Car sharing: Kirkland Memorial Hall. I’m going on the Wednesday so I’ll be at Kirkland Hall at 8.20am.

Portraits: Florence, Stan’s granddaughter, is after images taken on the last ‘Get Off Auto’ session. If you have any please send to Stan at stanley.pearson@talktalk.net
 
Up and coming programme of events:
 
Wednesday 3rd July: amongst other ‘things’ I’ve got some winning images from various internet links and a possible club competition.
 
Wednesday July 10th: no meeting; Possible ‘Events Cup’ 4th destination at Chester Zoo.
 
Saturday 13th July: Possible ‘Events Cup’ 4th destination at Chester Zoo.
 
Wednesday July 17th: Get Off Auto – Presentation on composition and then a practical session outside the Arts Centre and/or down by the river and sports field.
 
Wednesday July 24th: Get Off Auto – Presentation and practical demonstration on software editing.
 
Wednesday July 31st: Presentation by Sarah – My Morocco adventure. Plus, a ‘show and tell’ any images, taken this year, you wish to share.
 
That’s all folks for today

 
Cheers
 
Mike
 

Afternoon All
 
Sorry for the delay in this week’s newsletter but been too busy in the garden this morning – I desperately needed to have a bonfire, amongst other tasks. My pyrotechnics are now over, for now, and other ‘jobs for the weekend’ had to be addressed; I’ve now peaked so time to send out this communique! 
Now, if you read nothing else, please note there is NO meeting this coming Wednesday the 26th June – I’m away but normal service will resume the following Wednesday the 3rd July. 
I’m pleased to announce summer has arrived, the temperature topped 20 degrees yesterday in our garden and according to the BBC all is hot and sunny for at least 48 hours next week – as they say, enjoy! 
Many thanks again to all for last Wednesday, another success. Stan for his short recap and talk on portrait photography and to all who teamed-up’ with the ‘guests.’ Although we had 8 ‘guests’ (15 the week before) there were several on holiday, working or said they couldn’t attend and 2 dropped out. And, also many thanks to our ‘models’ – in no particular order, Florence (accompanied by delicious cakes), Paul, Judith and Mike – all very much appreciated! 
I’m pleased to announce that we have a new member – Janice Graham – who joined the club on Wednesday last – a big welcome to you Janice!
 
Notices:
 
Portraits: One of our models, Florence, Stan’s granddaughter, is very keen to see any images taken of her during last Wednesday’s ‘Get Off Auto’ session. If any members have taken any, Florence would be very keen to see them; please send to Stan at stanley.pearson@talktalk.net also, if anyone wanted some feedback from Stan on the images, they only need to contact him and ask.
 
Events Cup – Reminder. Our 4th destination for this summer, what? already! Chester Zoo; Either Wednesday 10th July OR Saturday 13th July. Please don’t forget you can only pick one of the days. Distance is approximately 69 miles – 1 hour 25 mins. Further details to follow. 
On Saturday I had a phone chat with a David Evans, Managing Director of South Planks Farm, Garstang Rd, Preston, PR3 5AB 
As a result, he sent me the email below; if anyone is interested, please contact David directly – thanks.
 
Hi Mike, 
Nice to speak with you, as discussed, we are looking for some help with editing and enhancing of existing photographs. 
Preferably we would want the following: 
Local person with driving licence 
Can work flexible in house from our office (South Planks Farm, PR3 5AB) 
Proficient with Photoshop and any other photo enhancement softwares 
Can create, merge and enhance photos to create a realistic proposed perspective of materials and settings for home interiors and landscape environment. 
Let me know if you need any further details or have any questions.  
Many thanks,
 
Long Exposure: Stan is looking for any long exposure images to add to his talk on that subject. If any members have such images and are willing for Stan to use them, could they please send them to Stan at stanley.pearson@talktalk.net
 
Up and coming programme of events:
 
Wednesday June 26th: No meeting
 
Wednesday July 3rd: work in progress.
 
Wednesday July 10th: no meeting; Possible ‘Events Cup’ 4th destination at Chester Zoo.
 
Saturday 13th July: Possible ‘Events Cup’ 4th destination at Chester Zoo.
 
Wednesday July 17th: Get Off Auto – Presentation on composition and then a practical session outside the Arts Centre and/or down by the river and sports field.  
 
Wednesday July 24th: Get Off Auto – Presentation and practical demonstration on software editing.
 
Wednesday July 31st: work in progress.
 
That’s all folks and please if you have suggestions/thoughts especially meeting contents during the summer, just email in or chat to me. 
Enjoy the lovely up and coming weather,
 
Cheers
 
Mike