Morning All

Last minute.com
Well, if there was an award for dramatic timing, Wednesday night would’ve taken gold.
We had everything lined up perfectly: Paul Dunmall booked to judge our grand “Anything Goes” final internal competition. What could possibly go wrong? Enter: reality.
Cue a phone call from Paul to the Arts Centre, sounding like a man who’d just remembered he left the oven on… three days ago. Between profuse apologies and general chaos at home, he’d completely forgotten he was supposed to be judging for us. Not ideal.
So, there we were — Lewis and I — doing our best impression of two headless chickens. Options were floated:
Draft in a member? Bit awkward (and possibly grounds for lifelong grudges).
Make everyone score everything with pen and paper? Cue confusion, rebellion, and probably a spreadsheet-induced meltdown.
Just as we were contemplating abandoning ship and living off-grid, Lewis had a stroke of genius. He rang Mike Tempan — local legend, former member, past chairman (1994 – 1997, believe it or not), and, crucially, someone who actually knows how to judge things.
Miraculously, Mike said yes. Even more miraculously, he turned up at the Arts Centre in about 25 minutes. I’ve had takeaways take longer!
After a very brief “you’re our hero” introduction, Mike calmly stepped in and proceeded to judge all 100 images like he’d been planning it for weeks. Absolute pro. Insightful commentary, constructive feedback, praise where it was due — he nailed it.
So, disaster averted, evening saved, and Mike gets a well-deserved 10/10. Honestly, we might “accidentally” forget to book anyone else next time…

‘Sweet’ opportunity? Something different!
I’ve been in touch recently with a man called Marc Saysell who is a Beekeeper or Apiarist and lives in Scorton. He keeps honey bees in beehives, and was wondering if any club members would like to photograph the bees?
The best time is between May and August, you could stay as long as you want – presumably within reason! – it’s free and you don’t have to get too close!
Dress code? Normal attire is ok especially if you go along with a telephoto lens! However, he will provide protective suits to prevent injuries! Obviously, he won’t except any liabilities!
I thought this may be a great opportunity to photograph bees in flight as well as possible swarming! And, even the inside of a hive buzzing with bees and their honey.
Anyway, as usual, if you want to ‘express an interest’ or are keen or perhaps slightly keen, email me or chat on Wednesday and I’ll arrange accordingly.

Notices:

Message from Frank: last chance! Join us?
Frank says: Please come and have a go and practice; all informal, experimental with a laugh or two on the way; just have a good time with no pressure – honest!

Hi All,
Hope you are looking forward to our Studio /Portrait session on Sunday 26th April, only a week away.
The venue is: Wyrebank Banqueting Suite, The Moorings, Church St, Garstang, Preston PR3 1PG
Timings: 9.00am to 3.00pm
Tea/coffee and biscuits will be provided on the day; however, you will need make your own lunch arrangements.
The objective of the day is to get some experience/practice of using studio/flash lighting, expand your skills and more importantly have some fun.
If you feel you are brave enough to be a model on the day, may be bring a couple of changes of clothes/outfits. (We have a designated changing area).
Anyone whose family or friends wish to come along on the day for a shoot, they are more than welcome, but please let Frank know, so as to avoid people having to hang about and getting bored, he will allocate time slots, but the more the merrier.
Frank’s contacted details: Email: fjharvey@btinternet.com            Mobile: 07936 663233
Sorry but the venue has a no pets policy.

Equipment suggestions:~
Camera – always good to have with you if you plan on taking some pictures!
Fully charged battery and possibly a spare or two
A selection of lenses
Empty memory card(s)
A flash if you have one, that way you can try it in a studio setting
Hotshoe adaptor, if you need one for your camera
Tripod
Note book to record your settings/set up
An open mind

Set-ups:
We will have three or four back drops set up, each with studio lights/flash.
A still life/macro set up with constant lighting.
Weather permitting, we also have access to the garden and canal basin, if you want to take some outdoor shots.
Models/subjects: Mike P’s granddaughter and some of her friends have, (been), volunteered to be our guinea pigs for the day.
Each other
If you wish you can bring an object/plant for the still life set up, then please do.

See you all on 26th. 📸 and Happy snapping!

Peter Frankish:
Reminder! However, many thanks to those members who have already sent me images for Peter to consider.
Last Chance!
Peter raises money for a local hospice.
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!
Subject matter – Landscapes, particularly of the Lake District, but also locally and wildlife (garden birds especially) plus anything you may think suitable – but no portraits please. The basic ‘rule-of-thumb’ – any image that you would mount, frame and put up on your wall at home!
Please send to me (that’s Mike) any digital images that you may think would ‘fit-the-bill’ by Sunday 19th April, that’s NOW, today, Sunday.
I will then send them all to Peter who will select the ones he thinks will sell, probably any number between 8 – 15. He will select them NOT me!

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

Up and coming programme of events:

Wednesday 22nd April – Members Evening. We have 2 talks this evening;
One from Stan titled ‘Sports photography with unintended outcomes’ and the second part of the evening a talk by Lewis titled “A journey to Brazil”
Many thanks to both Stan and Lewis for putting together their respective talks!

Wednesday 29th April – A talk by Tom Lee ‘live’ at the Arts Centre. The title is ‘Infrared Photography.’
Tom says:
I’ll give a brief introduction covering:
What is Infrared, Types of IR Photography, Filters vs Camera Conversion, Subjects, Workflow and Pseudo IR conversion.
All sections will be coved by examples to show what can be expected. A short video showing my photography with infrared. After the break I will work through a few examples in front of the attendees.

Wednesday 6th May – A talk by Terry Hewitt ‘live’ at the Arts Centre. The title is ‘An imperfect Safari.’
Terry writes: A presentation about my two-week trip for a safari in South Africa. I cover all aspects of the trip and the lecture includes photographs of the whole range of birds and animals I saw.

Wednesday 13^th May – Our AGM! More information next newsletter! But not to be missed!

That’s all folks and see you Wednesday!

Mike