Following last month’s competition, Gainsborough Snappers members had the opportunity to get snapping with a practical session. Several times a year, members bring in items to photograph, along with lights, staging, cameras, and tripods, to experiment and see what they can create.
This month, there were nods to spring and Easter, with delicate spring flowers and a collection of chocolate treats. Some members explored more artistic approaches. Paul Lancaster, for example, created a light box background by positioning it on its side to present a white, illuminated screen. Against this, he posed a white feathered quill. This white-on-white technique requires a degree of overexposure to achieve a high-key effect.
Other members brought in a variety of artefacts that proved interesting to photograph. These included miners’ lamps, a collection of ornaments, and masks, which were arranged in a mini studio with the owner’s permission.
Two items aligned with the ‘House Plants’ theme of the club’s current photographic challenge. One featured an intricate branch adorned with air plants, illuminated by a free-standing light. The other showcased a succulent plant in a distinctive holder, set against a reflective background. Stretching the definition of ‘house plant’ slightly, one member brought a tray of spring flowers arranged in a miniature garden, including several species that could thrive indoors.
While members focused on capturing their images, the room buzzed with conversation throughout the afternoon. For some, this is their only monthly meeting, providing a valuable opportunity to catch up with friends, share news, and exchange photography tips. The success of some long-standing members in competitions is a testament to the encouragement and support offered by the club.
The photographic results will be reviewed next month when members critique both the images from the practical session and those submitted for the ‘House Plants’ challenge.
April will be a busy month, as members will also embark on their first trip of the year. They will visit both the Walks of Life Museum and the Museum of the Horse in Tuxford.
For more information, please visit www.snappers.org.uk.