Snappers Camera Club members enjoyed a visit to Southwell Minster on a lovely day in July. Arriving as the Minster opened, ready with cameras in hand, there was plenty of time to make the most of such a wonderful subject, and members took full advantage.
Once inside, the group split up and each person set about photographing the things which most appealed to them.
The afternoon was an opportunity to go and look at the Bishop’s Palace and to explore the gardens. There was an added ‘attraction’ in the swarm of bees which seemed to be emerging from a small hole in the old wall, turning the sky almost black at one point and making themselves heard with the loud humming of so many tiny wings. The monthly meeting of the club fell soon afterwards and naturally the focus of the event was showing the images gathered during the Southwell visit.
Some people took the chance to practice a particular technique. Alan Pinder described using HDR (High Dynamic Range) to try to capture the whole spectrum from the brightest windows and reflections through to the shadowy corners. The Chapter House, with its famous ‘Leaves of Southwell’ was a good opportunity for both some close up or macro work and dealing with strong contrasts between the darker elements and the bright light streaming in. Kerry Muscott described what drew her to the shots she showed. Her likening of the diagonal pattern on the ancient main door to the pattern on a baked ham studded with cloves will stay with everyone!
The carvings in the building featured strongly. The work is of a wonderful standard and it clearly captivated everyone. Shots of the intricate carvings in stone throughout and the wood of the choir stalls featured in most people’s selection. Some had also chosen to photograph the statues and tombs within the Minster which are mostly marble.
Naturally, the stained-glass windows were a popular feature. The Stations of the Cross are quite small, but a number of members had taken photos of them from different aspects and these made for an interesting discussion. Only a couple of people noticed the rail of vestments, but the strong sunlight on them made them a great subject. At the club’s meetings, members have learned how to remove elements which spoil a photo. It was clear that these techniques had been widely employed. Items remove included a lamp, wires, a fire extinguisher and even the feet of a flower arranger. Software can also enable you to add elements to modify images for humorous or surprise effect. The impish side had come to the fore with a couple of shots of a tiger strolling along one of the side aisles and pausing to sit in a pew, while bird watching was a different take on this technique and a couple of Lego rocket men seemed to have climbed into a window in the Palace.
Before the next meeting in Beckingham Village Hall on Friday 1st August, the group will have been on a photo shoot at Brodsworth Hall. The results of the day will be shared at the meeting. They would be pleased to welcome visitors or potential new members at any of their meetings. Please see http://www.snappers.org.uk for more information.