Morning All
A huge thank you to everyone who managed to submit images for the Events Cup – proof that we’re a talented bunch, even when life gets in the way!
Congratulations to Dom, who scooped ‘Best in Show’ with a cracking 20 points for his image ‘Between the Lines’ (attached for anyone who blinked and missed it!). Clearly, he knows how to read between the lines! Sorry!
Notices:
Message from Frank:
Please find attached the flyer produced by Wyrebank for the…..
Family Portrait Shoot scheduled for 8th November.
I’ve also attached separately in the word document a copy of the QR code that takes anyone interested to the online booking form.
Any profits made would be going into the clubs’ funds. Thanks Frank!
Possible Christmas gift? Just saying!
SAT!
The next SAT images to be presented are, of course, the Water SAT on Wednesday 28th October.
The next SAT due, is ‘Landscapes.’ I hope you were paying attention and taking notes during Jonny Gios talk at the end of September!
‘Landscapes’ SAT’s will be shown on Wednesday 9th December.
A few thoughts on the branches of Landscape Photography which hopefully will encourage you!
You might think landscape photography is simply pointing a camera at a nice view and pressing the button. Oh, if only! It turns out that landscape photography has more branches than an overgrown oak tree.
There’s traditional landscape photography for mountains, lakes and valleys; seascapes for dramatic waves and soggy socks; and minimalist photography for those who believe that one rock, a bit of mist and half a tree are quite enough, thank you very much.
Then there’s fine-art landscape photography, where a photograph of a muddy field becomes a profound meditation on the human condition, and astrophotography, which involves photographing the Milky Way while wondering why you’re standing in a freezing field at 2 am.
We also have aerial photography, intimate landscapes (small bits of scenery having their moment in the spotlight), abstract landscapes (where even the photographer sometimes struggles to explain what the picture is), and urban and industrial landscapes, celebrating everything from city skylines to abandoned factories.
Environmental photography reminds us that the planet needs looking after, while rural and cultural landscapes record the countryside, its history and the people who have shaped it.
And that’s before we get to long exposures, panoramas, time-lapses, infrared and black-and-white photography. Apparently, simply taking a picture isn’t enough anymore; we must also find a technique that requires three filters, a tripod, a degree in physics and the patience of a saint!
Of course, the beauty of it all is that these categories happily overlap. A photograph of an abandoned quarry at night could be industrial, environmental, minimalist and fine art all at once. Very efficient – four genres for the price of one!
So next time someone asks what sort of photographer you are, don’t just say “landscape photographer”. That would be far too straightforward. Give them the full list, watch their eyes glaze over, and then explain that you’re still waiting for the light to improve.
After all, landscape photography isn’t just about capturing a view. It’s about finding your own way of seeing it – preferably before the weather changes!
So, camera at the ready? GO!
Reminders!
Programme for 2027–2028 – Yes, It’s That Time Already!
If you have any ideas, thoughts, suggestions or burning desires for talks, speakers, topics or themes, NOW is the time to speak up! Please don’t wait until the programme is finalised and then announce, “I wish we’d had a talk about that!”
You can email your suggestions to info@garstangcameraclub.co.uk or have a chat with Mike or Ian at one of the next couple of meetings.
Remember, this is YOUR club, and talks and speakers make up around 50% of our programme. That’s half the year’s entertainment, inspiration and photographic wisdom — so you really do have a say in what we get up to!
Many thanks to those members who have already sent in their thoughts.
Other reminders! Full details in previous newsletters:
Christmas bash at Wyrebank – bookings now being taken, don’t miss out! Freda is away next Wednesday but will be ready to put your name down the Wednesday after!
SAT – Water: Challenge 2 – Splashes into Action!
Coffee duty:
Coffee/tea duty for Wednesday 21st October is Dave plus Carol and Dave – thank you all, in advance!
Up and coming programme of events:
Wednesday 21st October – Our speaker this evening is Phil Durkin and his talk is titled ‘A few seconds makes all the difference’ – long exposure. A Few Seconds Makes All the Difference
Phil writes: My seascape presentation, “A Few Seconds Makes All the Difference,” explores the art of seeing the world through the lens of long and extreme long exposure photography. The collection journeys mainly across the UK – from the North West Coast, along the East Coast and Humberside, to the wild beauty of the North West of Scotland and the tranquility of the Inner and Outer Hebrides before reaching into Europe with a small selection of overseas images. The presentation includes elements of minimalist photography and through this approach fleeting moments are transformed into images of stillness and surrealism. It features both colour and monochrome pictures.
Phil Dukin | DPAGB | BPE4
Wednesday 28th October – Members evening: Showing of the images chosen for the Fylde 4-way ‘Battle’ plus ’Image critiquing’ by Stan and our 2nd SAT – subject ‘Water.’ See above!
Wednesday 4th November – Our speaker this evening is Duncan Phillips and his talk is titled ‘Black and White Photography.’
Duncan writes: “I have over the last few years returned to the use of monochrome in my photographic images. I find fascination in the reduction of my vision into the light and dark, sunlight and shadows, textures and structure of the subject.” See attached image.
Following on from Duncan’s talk will be a SAT (Show-and-Tell) based on Black and White photography – so, pay attention! Your SAT images will be due to be presented on Wednesday 27th January 2027.
Duncan will return, in January, to give constructive feedback and useful tips!
Wednesday 11th November – Members evening: 10 in 10 in 10: that is, 10 members, already nominated, showing 10 images and each member has 10 minutes; this is the first time we have done this – what could possibly go wrong!
Thursday 12th November – Fylde 4-Way Battle. Just to remind all members this Battle is between Garstang, Poulton, North Fylde and Lytham. And, Nick Hilton is the judge. He’s usually very good especially if he gives any of our photographs 16 points or above!
The 4-way Battle is to be held at Poulton this year, starting at 7.30 in the Methodist Church Hall, Queensway, Poulton-le-Fylde, FY6 7ST.
Every member is very welcome to attend, it is free (though they may persuade you to buy a raffle ticket), and it can be quite illuminating! Interpret that word in any way you think fit!
It can also get quite busy so aim to get there by 7.15pm at the latest. We usually do car-sharing where we can and more details about this in next week’s newsletter. Parking? We use Booths Car Park, opposite the Methodist Church – handy if it’s raining! I’ll check the charge but I think it is free from 6pm.
That’s all folks, see you Wednesday.
Mike
