Castleton & Hope Valley Photographic Society

Chairman Nick opened the meeting by announcing that our annual Christmas party will be held on 13th December at ‘1530’ (that’s the name of the Restaurant, not the time!) – an excellent restaurant in Castleton. Details, menus, etc will be provided in the fullness of time. So now’s the time to pencil the evening of 13.12.18 into your diary. Nick also announced that Dennis Thorpe (we named our annual monochrome competition trophy in honour of Dennis) will be held on Saturday 15th September, at the War Museum and Gallery, Stockport. The exhibition entitled ‘A view from the North’ will be open until mid October. But Dennis will be present this coming Saturday to sign his new book. NEMPH are holding their 2018 Memorial Lecture at 1930 12th October in the Chatsworth Arts Centre. Nottingham NG10  1EF.

Then Nick introduced the first of our two ‘home grown’ presenters. The first presentation was by Susan Hughes, entitled:  “The Power of the Image”. Sue spoke emotionally about her link to the past, through a photograph taken decades ago in Blackpool. This photograph led Sue to visit various parts of America to link up with her relatives. A powerful and moving presentation that really did demonstrate the Power of images.

For the second half of the evening Les Nixon took us on a voyage around the world. Using images he’d taken to demonstrate the ‘contrast’ between the same type or style of image gave photographically satisfying, but remarkably different results. Les presented images he’d taken between the mid 1950’s and now. As usual Les wowed us with his images and his detailed explanations behind each image. Les is a gifted photographer, who puts much thought into each image before he presses the shutter. Les is a natural raconteur, with this presentation rounding off the evening – an evening that was enjoyed by all who attended.

 

Nick our Chair opened the evening by making the following announcements:

Our exhibition of competition images is now being shown at Bradwell Church;

Denis Thorpe is holding his new exhibition at Stockport Art Gallery, commencing 1400 15th September. I know that some of our members will attend. Phone Ian O or Nick if you want to discuss car sharing;

There are two exhibitions in Sheffield: ‘Victorian Giants – the birth of photography’ at Millennium Gallery, Arundal Gate, ending 23rd September. ‘Love among the Ruins’, S1 Artspace, 1 Norwich Street;

There’ll be two more informal evenings this Year at The Angler’s Rest, Bamford: 4th September and 13th November.

Ian S reminded members that the if you want to enter images, or a panel of images for the NEMPH exhibition, please contact him and he’ll give further details and advice. Ian will deliver exhibition images if members contact him.

Subsequent to the notices, the main part of the evening commenced: Eight of our members, each being allocated 10 minutes to show any of their images, covering a theme or themes of their choice. It’s alway enjoyable to listen to and view images shown by visiting presenters. Equally these ‘home grown’ shows are always fun – listening to our members speak to and show their images under the 10 minute ‘Beat the Clock’ rule:

 

 

 

 

A small group of us, Janis and Ian S. from CHVPS, Mike Poole from Bakewell PS and Simon Beynon from Chesterfield PS spent a fantastic day on Saturday 28th July photographing Parkour athletes performing their art in the iconic Brutalist architecture of Park Hill Flats in Sheffield.

It has taken the best part of 2 years for us to get permission to be able to gain access to the courtyards in Park Hill as the site is due to be developed and consequently fenced off. We were invited to piggy back an annual urban cyclo-cross race that runs through part of the inner courtyards and we were able in close cooperation with the event organiser, Urban Splash the developer and their agent to run our workshop in tandem with the race.

We invited Andy and Ant from Team Katalyst, based in Rotherham, a performance training centre that offers activities such as Parkour, Free running, Dance, Martial Arts, Cheerleading, Tricks and Flips and Aerials. Andy and Ant performed tricks in a variety of locations around Park Hill, using the space and architecture to express themselves. We the photographers did our best to capture this fast moving action without getting in to each other’s pictures.

The day was a great success and we are hoping to organise some more similar evenings or days, perhaps using some more local venues in the Peaks. Keep an eye open for announcements. If you need an insight into what we got up to, have a chat with Janis or Ian, they will certainly tell you that they had a good time.

  Nick, our Chair, opened the meeting and gave the following notices:

• Chris & Ian O will be holding their annual ‘Whatever the Weather’ social in their house and garden on July 15^th. Members and their family are all invited;
• Nick has decided that the theme for the non-general part of our 2019 competition will be ”It gives me joy” (I asked Nick to elaborate and he suggested that members should enter images illustrating whatever ‘makes them happy’.

Nick then welcomed our presenter – David Gibbins ARPS, APAGB, EFIAP/b, BPE5*, CPAGB/AV (Phew, I’m getting writer’s cramp just typing in all of David’s qualifications). David is a photographer of significant repute. That’s why at N&EMPF’s recent AGM, David was made Honorary Life Vice President of N&EMPF.Within seconds of starting his presentation, it became clear that David certainly knows how to take an image or make an AV. Perhaps this was the reason that 80% (a record for a summer evening?) of our members turned out to enjoy David’s presentation? One of those attending was Arthur Packham one of two Honorary Members of our club. Recently, Arthur, who enjoys ‘mature years’ moved south from Buxton to be closer to his family.

 

David’s presentation was entitled ‘My Photography’. Those who weren’t able to attend the July meeting will be disappointed to learn that they missed something special, as David took us through a portfolio of just a fraction of the award winning images that he’s taken over recent years. Followed by some audio-visuals – a combination of some outstanding images sympathetically synched to some beautiful music. The second part of the evening was devoted to David presenting and talking about some of his international exhibition acceptances – covering in excess of 20 countries!

 

Nick closed the meeting by formally thanking David and then announcing details of our August 9^thmeeting:  ‘beat the clock’ with Kate; Alison; Pat; Ann; Joan; Jason; Bob and Wayne, showing a selection of their images as they try to beat the clock!

 

We were privileged to welcome along Erica Oram CPAGB AFIAP BPE2 as our judge for this year’s annual exhibition judging.   She came with along pedigree of judging and lecturing at national level so well qualified to give constructive critique to the images on display.   After the usual notices, Ian Stanyon introduced Erica to the members present, a decent turn out, after which Erica launched into offering advice and support to each and every image on display.   The standard of photography at Castleton and Hope Valley PS is definitely on the up and this could be seen by the positive comments being passed by Erica.

The first half of the evening was devoted to the General category, in which 34 images were presented.   The standard of image taking in the general section is of a high standard and this could be seen by the number of awards being given within the class.   There was an eclectic mix of subjects and styles with the winning image ‘A Ray of Light’ coming from Wayne Hallam. Second and third placed images came from Roger Moore and Ian Ord with a further 5 commendations.

 

Following the usual tea and biscuits, and thanks need to go to the hard working kitchen team for feeding and watering us ready for the second half of the evening.   We were treated to a range o photographs in the themed category ‘Song title’; again there was a rare mix of styles and many interpretations of the subject.   The standard of image taking again was high and it is very encouraging to see as many entries in this class as in the general category.   After her deliberations, Erica announced the winner of the Song Title category as Ian Stanyon with his self portrait image ‘I’d rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy’.   Second and third place images came from Janis Ibbotson and Ian Stanyon in addition to a further 5 commendations.

With such a high standard of photography on display Erica had to also decide on the best monochrome photograph and best colour photograph.   The proud winner of the Denis Thorpe trophy went to Ian Stanyon for his ‘….Frontal lobotomy‘ black and white photo and the Catherine Cup was awarded to Wayne Hallam for his ‘You’ve lost that loving feeling’ colour image.

Congratulations should go to all the award winning members and also to every member who submitted an image with the standard of photography continuing to get better each year.   We now look forward to next year’s challenge which will be announced soon.

 

Not only thanks should go to Erica for her thoughtful insight but also to Ann Smith and Alan Darlington for their help assisting Erica handling images and recording results, Ray Fowler and Alan Hinchcliffe for taking photos and to Wayne Hallam for his review of the proceedings at the end of the evening.

 

Just as a reminder, the photographs from the exhibition will be on display at Hope Church between Saturdays 23^rd to 30^th June.   We are looking for volunteer hosts to show members of the public around.   If you have a space couple of hours please let Ann Smith know; if not please do support the exhibition by bring along your friends and family to see the very best of CHVPS members photographs.

On the 25^thMay our Photo Society members and guests were able to enjoy the presence of one of the most gifted English photojournalists of our time – Denis Thorpe. As a Guardian photojournalist between 1974 and 1996, Denis was well placed to record a period of upheaval in the British political and cultural landscape. From reportage of the miners’ strike and Strangeways riot to celebrity portraiture and travelogues, he captured the essence of the age.

Denis was awarded an Honorary Fellowship of the Royal Photographic Society and was awarded the accolade of Exceptional Achievement in Photography by the Amateur Photographer magazine. He has been recognised by his Press colleagues throughout his career and awarded many British and World Press Awards for some of his superb newsworthy images. He was given an Honorary MA by the University of Manchester in 1995

So, if you weren’t able to attend our Denis Thorpe evening, you missed an outstanding evening, when C&HVPS were delighted to welcome Denis, when he  gave an illustrated talk about his beginnings as a photographer. Then talked us through some of the events that reflected history in the making – with Denis explaining how he took these iconic images.

Since 2008 Denis has made two presentations to our members, then one presentation with members and guests and then on 25^thMay his latest presentation. I know that many photographic clubs and societies would have given their eyeteeth to receive one, let alone four presentations by such a talented photographer. Readers who browse our website should know that our Photographic Society holds Denis in such awe that we named our trophy, awarded annually, for monochrome prints as the ‘Denis Thorpe Trophy’.

I decided that I would like to capture one of the UK’s most iconic photojournalists, showing some of the many images that made him famous. However, what I really needed was another Denis Thorpe to snap the images. As the room was only illuminated by the screen, I had to shoot the mosaic of images shown below, hand-held between 1/15 to 1/2 second with an ISO of 6400. Click onto each image to see the image in greater (but compressed) detail:

Écoute attentivement. Je vais le dire seulement une fois! If you missed April’s meeting you missed a tour de force by two of our (many) stars. 

But firstly, if you weren’t able to attend and pick up the entry forms for our forthcoming competition, you can copy a Jpeg version of this application form (see below) and use it when you hand in your prints at the May meeting. If you can’t attend the May meeting, please liaise with either Ray Fowler or Keith Brown, and make arrangements to pass them your prints before the May meeting. Here’s the application form to cut and paste, IF you didn’t pick this form up on April 12th:

Click onto this link if you’d like to refresh your memory on the rules for our forthcoming competition. http://www.hopevalleyphotosociety.co.uk/?page_id=2408

On the 25th May we are fortunate to have a repeat visit from Denis Thorpe. We have booked the Castleton Youth Hostel, Lose Hill Hall for the event. Tickets are £5.00 each for members and £6.00 each for non-members. The evening is billed as “A view from the North. If you want tickets please email or phone Ann Smith or Ray Fowler (order early, as I have no doubt that they’ll sell out like hot cakes).

And now for the stars of the evening:

Roger Moore ARPS

The diversity of topics covered by Roger in his illuminating and astonishingly imaginative presentation beggared belief. Still images, videos, webcams, audio-visuals, infrared images, and more.

After the coffee break, Stephen Elliott gave his presentation. Steve is a truly talented photographer.  In our Club, Steve is known as “Mr Landscape”, but Steve has many bows to his photographic toolkit. After seeing more of his Light-painting images, I suggest that we also call him “Mr Paint”! I’ve displayed a section of the images presented by our two masters that evening, and formed them into a mosaic of images. If you want to view any image in finer detail, simply click onto the (compressed) image.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A selection of Club members enjoyed 2 social activity events during March. The first being a light-painting evening led by Stephen Elliott on 13th March. Followed by a visit to the Piece Hall in Halifax on March 21st – organised by Ray & Pat Fowler. I’ve combined a number of images taken during these events into a page of ‘mosaic’ images. These images may load a little slower than I’d like, as internet speeds play a their part in downloading all the images.

Stephen Elliott ran another fascinating evening of creating light painting photography on the evening of 13th March. This time, we were housed in the warmth of St. Peter’s Church, Hope rather than outside in the cold.

There was a keen group of CHVPS members assembled in various parts of the church including the bell tower. Tripods were set up and cameras primed ready for Steve to start off the evening revising some of the theory of light painting and instruction on how to set up cameras correctly. He then launched his creative talents into setting up a number of different scenes for us to photograph.

The happy bunch of photographers exposed their sensors in the pitch dark while Steve galloped around the church with his various lights, contraptions and lasers creating the scenes. He was dressed head to foot in black, complete with gloves and at one point left the church to light the stained glass windows from outside. We were fully expecting the sound of police sirens to apprehend Stephen Elliott the lead thief!

Ian Stanyon had set up his Olympus M1 compete with live view screen. Without exception, the screen drew attention of all those present as the image built up live in front of us and built the anticipation of what their won cameras may produce. Once each scene was finished we waited while each camera did its processing thing and there followed whelps of joy as the images revealed themselves.

      

If like me you were unable to attend this month’s meeting, you didn’t miss any announcements, BUT you did miss a superb evening. Firstly, you missed a fine presentation by our visiting speaker: Bob Underhill APAGB, AIPF. I’ve popped on four of the images Bob presented, followed by couple of images Nick Chalkley snapped on his iPhone!!

I told you that if you’d missed the meeting, you’d missed out! As during the break our President, Ray Fowler, brought on bottles of wine, as Ray wanted members to celebrate his 80th birthday.

 

Some of us knew about this surprise and had cards and presents ready to hand. Ann, our Secretary had spent time baking and decorating cup cakes.  Then everyone wished Ray the happiest of birthdays and expressed their best wishes by singing Happy Birthday

Ray’s a founder member of our Club, and is without doubt popular and liked by every member of our Club, as well as being highly respected for his photographic skills. I don’t know anyone in Castleton or in our Club who doesn’t count Ray as a friend. I look forward to attending the meeting when we celebrate Ray’s 90th birthday.

Nick, our Chair opened the packed meeting hall by welcoming two new members and then by giving the following announcements:

Roger Moore has once again encapsulated our past year in a superb YearBook, available in both hard-back and soft-back formats. Costs this year are: hardback £26.79 and soft back £19.79 (+ postage). If you submit a request through me (Ian O) I’ll submit a bulk order and share the postage costs between those who have submitted an order. Or you can order a YearBook using: http://www.blurb.co.uk/b/8521317-2017-year-book

Ray is organising a photographic excursion to the Piece Hall in Halifax on Wed 21st March. It’s a stunning location! For more info browse www.thepiecehall.co.uk/    If you’d like to attend, please contact Ray. I have put my name down for the first of this year’s photo/social events, and am hoping that there’ll be a good turnout. If there’s sufficient interest Ray may be able to organise a coach?

Keith announced that Steve is going to give a practical session on light-painting, at 1930 at St Peter’s Church hope on 13th March. Everyone who attended Steve’s last session on light-painting agreed that this was a fantastic evening. Please contact Keith if you’d like to attend.

The 11th Sheffield Photographic Digital Knockout Competition is going to be held at St Luke’s Church, Lodge Moor, Sheffield S10 4LQ. 1900 for 1930. Once again our club will submit some DPI’s. If you’d like up to five of your images to be considered by the committee, please pass your images to Keith by 19th Feb. Please compress the images to 1400 x 1050 pixel if in landscape portrait, or with a maximum height of 1050 pixels (thus a width of less than 1050 pixels) if in portrait or square format. The images the committee like the most will then be entered into the Knockout Competition.

The main part of the evening was divided into two. With Ian Holmes presenting monochrome film images he’d taken as a youngster (and that wasn’t yesterday!) Then Ray presented DPI images he’d taken during a number of years touring north to south in and around the Rockies area of the ‘States’. The contrast between the 120 film camera that Ian used and the modern digital camera used by Ray brought equally appreciative applause. Thanks to Les for scanning in the 120 prints. Here’s a limited selection of the images Ian & Ray presented. A great evening that I’m sure was enjoyed by all.