Newsletter 08/02/26

Morning All

A huge thank you to both Sue and Adrian for their excellent AV collections they showed us on Wednesday evening, and also to John for another wonderful selection of 1950’s – 1970’s photographs; a big tribute to the time and trouble taken to make these talks successful! A great members evening!

Notices:

Message from Sheila Giles – the lady who recently judged our Creatures and Plants of the world competition:
As promised, attached are details of an event that I hope will be of interest to your members.

WW2 THEMED PHOTOSHOOT  2026
A unique opportunity to photograph authentic scenes from World War 2
Location:
Hangar 42 Spitfire Visitor Centre, Squires Gate, Blackpool FY4 2QY
Dates:
May 29th and September 25th 2026
Morning and Afternoon sessions: 9 to 12 noon and 1 to 4pm,
£90 per session
Payable online at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/lancashire/hangar-42-spitfire-visitor-centre
5 different locations, indoors and out (subject to weather)
Up to 15 photographic models in authentic uniforms and you will have a unique opportunity to photograph numerous WW2 themes not normally available.
Small groups of photographers to allow plenty of space to compose winning images and help is at hand with studio lighting if required!     
Suitable for competent amateur photographers with a DSLR or mirrorless camera.

Print workshop:
You may also remember Daryl talked about a ‘Print-Day,’ well Sheila writes – arrangements are in progress for the Printing Workshop, but no final details yet.  We will be back in touch soon. 

Message from Ruth Lochrie – Lancaster Photographic Society:
We have another professional local female photographer, Leah Hennessy, coming on 2nd March, in person. She will be talking about Astro photography and Landscape. Her work is incredible! Please let me know if any of your members would like to attend.
I’ve attached 5 images for you.

GLAM Battle: Thursday 12th February – details under ‘Up and coming programme of events,’ see below.

Coffee morning:
The camera club is hosting a coffee morning, in the Arts Centre, on Saturday 14th February – St. Valentines Day!
As usual, we are looking for cakes etc. to sell on the morning, it’s going to be busy, so, whilst you are writing those cards, please get baking/cooking and contribute something edible!
Please let Mike know so we can organise accordingly – ta!

Next internal competition: The Humanity Cup
Description of images: People in all environments, activities and emotions. People or people-related connections must be the focal point. More than one person may be included.
Last date for entry: This Wednesday – 11.02.26
Date of competition: 11.03.26
Coffee duty this Wednesday:
Coffee and tea duty for this coming Wednesday is Anita and Robin – many thanks in advance!

Up and coming programme of events:
Wednesday 11th February – First half of the evening is a talk by John on using some aspects of Lightroom Classic and Photoshop and, following the coffee break, Paul is giving a talk on “Hot rocks and hot water”, exploring the volcanic scenery of South West Iceland and the golden triangle.

THURSDAY 12th February:
4-Way ‘GLAM’ Battle; Judge: James Hardy CPAGB, LRPS, DPAGB, AFIAP, LRPS;
Competition between Garstang, Lancaster Photographic Society, Arnside and Silverdale Photography Club and Morecambe Camera Club.
Graham, from Morecambe, writes:
Information about the competition meeting at Heysham Library, starting at 7:15 pm on Thursday 12th February.

  • Main library doors on Heysham Road will be open until 7pm – after that time, please use the door at the right hand side of the building.
  • The side door will probably be locked after the start of the meeting (there have been issues with unwanted visitors using the door).
  • We will be serving tea/coffee & biscuits on arrival, rather than half way through the meeting.
  • There will be a very short comfort break part way through the meeting.
  • There will be a raffle (to be drawn at the comfort break).
  • Plenty of on-street parking on Heysham Road and Knowlys Road (Strawberry Garden pub on corner).

The date of the battle is Thursday 12th February, commencing at 7:15pm in Heysham Library, Heysham Road, LA3 2BJ.
I shall be going and I have still got 2 spare seats! If you are interested, please get in touch ASAP!
Graham has also sent me the following, if you are interested:
Your members are welcome to join via Zoom, if unable to attend in person; invite below:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89376045302?pwd=I5yzcX5SZ3Yaa3BZfiauw2CzwcMNDI.1

Meeting ID: 893 7604 5302
Passcode: 428288

Wednesday 18th February – Jane Goodall, via zoom, on ‘Family Photoshoots.’
Jane writes:
This presentation is packed with practical hints, tips, and real-world advice on photographing families on location in every season — from bright summer days to crisp winter light.
I’ll cover how to work with natural light, handle shy or reluctant children, keep dads engaged, and make sure everyone stays happy, relaxed, and fully charged throughout the shoot.
We’ll look at the dos and don’ts of family clothing choices, how to get the most out of your time on location, and how I tell a visual story that results in a meaningful book for the family.
I’ll also dive into the technical nitty-gritty behind creating strong images and share the key secrets that turn a good family photoshoot into a truly successful one.

Wednesday 25th February – A short talk by Peter Frankish, 10 minutes!
Peter raises money for a local hospice and says: thought you would be interested to hear that we have been invited to exhibit at the Arts Centre in July.
I’m wondering if the Club would like to donate images for us to feature alongside our wide range of other products. The general rule of thumb is that our mainstream audience would want to put it on their wall at home! Given you are the local club we would limit other photographic content and could think of as many as say ten from yourselves.
PLUS: Garstang Camera Club v Rangiora Photographic Society Battle. Followed by ‘Show and Tell’ challenge: Winter scenery. Plus, other items – a busy meeting!

Wednesday 4th March – Kevin Pigney, via zoom: A talk titled: ‘A passion for wildlife’ – updated. 
Kevin writes: I share some of my favourite images but more importantly I share the story behind them including locations, camera settings, how I sent up a project, fieldcraft etc.  

That’s all folks and see you Wednesday!

Mike