Morning All

I’ve attached 4 images, sent by Jerry Webb, next Wednesday’s speaker, showing an example of what we may expect. Further details under ‘Up and coming programme of events.’

Notices:

The Photography and video show 2026 – Saturday 14^th March – Tuesday 17^th March 2026 at the NEC Birmingham.
If you search ‘Photography Show 2026, the website appears and all details are there.
The blurb on the website says:
The Photography & Video Show is the event for anyone passionate about photography, video or content creation. Thousands of visual storytellers visit over four days to try and buy the latest camera kit and accessories, get tips and inspiration from big names, connect with each other – and enjoy a great day out!
Thinking of going? Well…..
A BIG thanks here to Frank who took the initiative!
Frank emailed as follows:
I was looking at the dates for the above at the NEC and they made no mention of any concessions for Photography Clubs/Societies, so I took the liberty of dropping them an email and they responded quiet promptly, saying that for clubs and societies they do offer a number of free tickets and they would be back in touch with me regarding the details for this.
And they replied to Frank saying in a nutshell:
Offering us, at GCC, 5 free entry tickets with a particular code.
Also, they have offered us, once those 5 free tickets have gone, a 20% discount on any other tickets, again with a particular code.
The offer above was from Hazel Soper, Group Marketing Manager – Future Publishing Events.
Well done to Frank!
So, if you fancy going, I can offer the 5 free tickets to the first 5 members who email me asking for them. After they have gone, I can offer the 20% discount code to other members.
I went a few years ago and it is a great show. Lots to see and hear – see the website.
I went by train which literally drops you off at the NEC and it is a quick walk to the centre.

L&CPU: The Annual Club Print & Projected Image Competitions on 7th & 8th March 2026
Details of this competition are attached. We, as a club, are entering PDI’s only, if you wish to enter any prints that’s up to you.
The basic rules are:
Online Entry Opens: Saturday 10 January 2026 @ 00:01
Online Entry Closes: Saturday 14 February 2026 @ 23:59
PDI: there are two categories in this section – ‘Open’ (which includes colour and monochrome) and ‘Nature.’
Entries:
a) A club may enter up to eight (8) images in categories ‘Nature’ and sixteen (16) images in ‘Open’ from not less than five (5) photographers in each section.
b) No photographer may enter more than two images in categories ‘Nature’ and four images in category ’Open.’
Please read the rules as set out on the attached so that you have a full picture.
So, we need at least 5 photographers to take part.
If you are interested PLEASE email in, to start with, and we will then co-ordinate accordingly.
If we don’t have at least 5 photographs we won’t enter.

Reminder!
Challenge, for the new year – just what you wanted and dreamed of and to test out all that new gear Santa brought you; what could possibly go wrong!
And, the challenge is – A winter’s scene!
Any image, colour or black and white, which will portray a wintery picture.
You can enter as many as you want, within reason! The deadline for the ‘Show-and-Tell’ will be Wednesday 25^th February, so that gives us all just over 5 weeks and the BBC weather predicts ideal conditions coming up! 

Coffee duty this Wednesday:
Coffee and tea duty for this coming Wednesday is Freda and Elaine – many thanks in advance!

Up and coming programme of events:

Wednesday 14^th January – Jerry Webb, via zoom, on ‘Urban and Street photography.’
As a photographer Jerry is self-taught and often at odds with conventional perceptions, interpreting what he sees using his own individual methods and distinctive style. His photographs include people, portrait, event, street and project photography and he has been published many times. He has had exhibitions in London and Sussex where he now lives and works.
Although he works largely in monochrome Jerry is an accomplished colour photographer and processor. His work is a combination of self-initiated projects and commissioned photographs.

Wednesday 21^st January – Judging of our third internal competition, ‘Creatures and Plants of the World Cup.’ This competition will be judged by Sheila Giles. We have had 80 entries so a busy evening!

Wednesday 28^th January – Jeremy Malley-Smith, via zoom, on Scottish Wildlife.
Jeremy writes: The west coast of Scotland is rich in wildlife and over the past eleven years, I’ve enjoyed watching, studying and photographing the special wildlife in this part of the country. Birds, mammals, landscapes, flowers, insects are just some of the photos you can expect to see. I explain why some photos work/don’t work, which lens to choose and share helpful tips too.

Wednesday 4^th February – for the first half of the evening we have an AV presentation by Sue and Adrian titled ‘Photography with a difference.’
For the second half we have a talk from John showing a further assortment of his old images which he has been collecting over the years, mainly from the 50’s and 60’s.

That’s all folks and see you Wednesday!

Mike