Morning All

Glam ‘Battle’ Report
Now, with Slightly More Drama Than Strictly Necessary!
First of all, a heroic round of applause to all members who bravely battled the four seasons in one afternoon/evening’s weather to make it to Morecambe. Truly, waterproofs were the real winners on the day.
Our hosts were absolutely top-notch — organised, welcoming, and so well prepared I suspect they’d rehearsed smiling in the mirror. They displayed their hosting skills with such finesse that we almost forgot we were there to compete. Almost.
And what a nail-biter it was! When they say you could throw a handkerchief over the results, they’re not exaggerating — though given the weather, that handkerchief would’ve needed to be waterproof and wind-resistant. It was that close!
Huge congratulations to Lancaster for clinching the win — very well done indeed. And an especially big cheer for Janet from Morecambe, whose ‘Best in Show’ image clearly dazzled the judge. Sadly, I don’t have a copy to share, so you’ll just have to imagine something breathtakingly artistic and vaguely mysterious.
Now, as we all know, judging is wonderfully subjective. On the whole, I nodded wisely and agreed with the judge… apart from a couple of our images, where I nodded wisely but disagreed internally. But hey-ho — such is life in the glamorous world of competitive photography!

The Officially Very Close Results:
Lancaster: 257
Garstang: 251
Arnside: 250
Morecambe: 248

9 points covering the four clubs and only 3 points separating second, third and fourth — basically the competitive equivalent of a photo finish, minus, of course, the actual finish line.
Well done everyone — same time next year? I’ll bring the industrial-strength umbrella!
The list of individual members scores is attached; well done to Tim!
Lancaster PS are hosting next year – a little nearer, a positive start!

Notices:
Last Wednesday:
A big thanks here to John for his talk last week on Lightroom Classic and Photoshop. Lots of information covered, tips given and questions answered; all round a really entertaining and educational talk and demonstration!

Speakers for 2026 – 2027:
I’ve attached a list of the 16 speakers booked and confirmed for next season – September 2026 – May 2027. The speakers highlighted in red are via zoom the rest are ‘live’ at the Arts Centre.
A big thank you here to Elaine, Freda and Stan for their combined thoughts, ideas and suggestions, which, I think, is reflected in the variety of themes. We have tried to please everyone as best we could to give this variability of subjects.

Challenges:
I also chatted, on Wednesday evening, about the challenges (x eight) which will be given out throughout the season and asking members to partake as much as possible. I really appreciate that not everyone will be keen but please consider the ideas and if possible, have a go!
You won’t have to stand up at the front if you find it intimidating – there are ways around that; more of these ideas later.
When the programme has had all the T’s crossed and the I’s dotted, I’ll include it in a newsletter in the future.

10 – in – 10 – in – 10! Can you do it!
This is one of the challenges mentioned above. Basically, I’m asking for 10 members to show 10 photographs in 10 minutes.
It can be any image, colour and/or monochrome – your choice.
You could chat about the ‘where’ the ‘when’ the ‘why’ and the ‘how.’ Perhaps show the same image cropped, to show a change or different aspect or maybe raw then edited. HOWEVER, you must show 10 different images.
I have had some ‘volunteers’ already but if you are ready to have a go chat to me on Wednesday of ring or email.

Events Cup:
We have had quite a few suggestions for the Events Cup which is held during the months of April, May, June, July and August.
The destinations are now being considered and a final list of these together with date will be sent out in approximately a months’ time.

Coffee morning:
First of all, a big thanks to Maurice and Eileen; they came up with the idea of a ‘Valentines’ coffee morning and adorned the room with red love-hearts and fresh roses – a great idea and many thanks for decorating the room accordingly!
Also, thanks to Freda, Rhona and Robin for giving up their time and for their sterling efforts of getting in despite the frost and for serving all our customers!
Many thanks to those members who managed to pop in a have a cake and coffee/tea and after a slowish start we had quite a few late comers and finished up taking the sum of £111.10 – not sure where the 10p came from – questions to the treasurer!

April Exhibition:
This exhibition of prints is open to all members who wish to submit prints to be shown in the Arts Centre.  
These prints are ones that have NOT scored 18, 19 or 20 points in any of our competitions. You can submit any other prints that have not been entered in any competition as well. Please bring in your prints ‘cos we need about 60 to fill the walls in the Arts Centre!
The deadline for prints is Wednesday 11^th March although you can bring them in on any Wednesday from now on.
The ‘hanging’ of the prints will be on Saturday 4^th April and the exhibition will be open from Tuesday 7^th April until Thursday 30^th April..
Maurice is coordinating all of this and he has asked that all prints have on the back your name and a title.Many thanks to Maurice for his co-ordination and efforts!

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

Up and coming programme of events:

Wednesday 18^th 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 25^th 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 product. 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 4^th 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. 

Wednesday 11^th March – Humanity Cup; judged by Daryl Giles

Phew!

That’s all folks and see you Wednesday!

Mike