In June Snappers Camera Club members had an opportunity to look at how everyone had interpreted the challenge topic: ‘Textures’. Most had taken it literally and brought images showing physical textures from nature and the built environment. A few had taken a more modern approach and brought images created in Photoshop using textured layers to enhance composite photos.
At the beginning there was an announcement that three people had been awarded cards by Sally Mitchell’s Gallery as authors of Sally’s favourite images from their group photoshoot in the Museum of the Horse. Joyce Bell and Russ Smith were congratulated as joint winners with Kerry Muscott as runner up.
This was followed by a discussion about the programme for the coming months. It was agreed to visit Southwell Minster, Brodsworth Hall and Doddington Hall as a group.
The member presentations began with Des Lloyd showing a variety of his beautiful wildlife images printed at home on a variety of different photographic papers. This was an opportunity to see some top-class images of willow warblers, tawny and little owls, a jay and a great spotted woodpecker. Des is something of a specialist in capturing images of brown hares and he had also got a shot of a rabbit.
The images from the ‘Textures’ challenge had all been brought digitally and were shown projected on the big screen. They varied greatly, although tree trunks featured in most people’s collections. Other surfaces included fabrics, plastic, stone, peeling paint, flowers and leaves. There was also a series of images taken in Birmingham showing the many contrasting textures in the building materials.
It had been an interesting challenge which allowed members free rein for their imaginations. It was also one which could be carried out anywhere. Alan Pinder had visited some caves on holiday and found inspiration in the formations of stalagmites and stalactites, while Dik Allison had taken several close ups of the sculptures on display at Doddington Hall in previous years. Others, including Liz Tilstone, had found their subjects very close to home in their own gardens
Group members now have a new challenge, ‘Signs of Summer’, which will continue through June and July at least.
Before the next meeting in Beckingham Village Hall on Friday 4th July, the group will have been on a photo shoot at Southwell Minster, including the Bishop’s Palace gardens if weather permits. The friendliness and sociability of Snappers is one of its strengths. From this comes a warm welcome for anyone with an interest in photography who would like to go to the meetings and get to know everyone.
Please see www.snappers.org.uk for more information.