Monday 29th September 2008 - David Robertson is head and shoulders above the rest

The new Waterways Ireland exhibition space was opened in style on Monday night with over 100 people attending the launch of the Waterways Ireland Erne Waterways exhibition. The exhibition of 40 prints provided by members of the Enniskillen Photographic Society (EPS) conveyed the Erne Waterways system in a variety of guises.

1st Overall - David Robertson - Dawn at Gull Island

The exhibition was opened by John Martin, Chief Executive of Waterways Ireland, who commented how delighted he was to officially launch the exhibition and commended the club members on the impressive array of prints on display. EPS Chairman, Terry McCartney explained how the club had worked in partnership for a number of months with both Waterways Ireland and the committee of The Enniskillen Arts Festival to bring the exhibition to fruition. Terry then introduced Brian McKenna, President of the Northern Ireland Photographic Association and exhibition judge, telling the assembled audience that Brian had ventured into photography by default over 30 years previously when his brother moved to Australia leaving Brian to take up the photographic reigns. Brian talked about the beauty of the Erne which he had been on many times in the past and also commented on the strong field of prints exhibited.

    

Brian then took the time to comment on each of the 40 prints and talked about each one in detail explaining what caught his eye and why. Brian not only explained what he liked he also pointed out where some of the prints could be improved, which it was agreed was very constructive.

Brian then picked the top three prints in each section and chose his overall winning print.

In the novice mono section Neill Gibbons secured third place with Ciara Maguire being awarded second and a delighted Neil Gibbons taking first. The trend continued in the novice colour section with Esther Robinson awarded third place, Neil Gibbons in second and Ciara Maguire obtaininga well deserved first place.

 

In the advanced mono section Brian awarded third place to David Robertson with Darragh Collins delighted to secure second place and Terry McCartney taking first. Terry also featured strongly in the colour section securing both second and third place but was pipped to the post by David Robertson’s sunrise at Crom. A delighted David was subsequently awarded the prize for the overall exhibition winning print.

David said he was delighted to secure first place and praised the work of all those involved in the organising and running of the event and even managed to raise three cheers for his closest rival before collecting his prizes. Terry closed proceedings by thanking Waterways Ireland and Enniskillen Arts Festival for their involvement and Brian for his expert and honest opinion.

Thursday 25th September - Erne Waterways Competition 

Thursday night was a record breaking night for EPS in many ways. Firstly there were over 60 members in attendance; this in itself was a record breaking audience for a competition. Needless to say this led to an (almost) overwhelming number of entries of prints with a staggering 63 in the novice colour section and 29 in the novice mono category. Considering the effort that goes into taking, printing and mounting a single print it was encouraging to see the lengths that people had gone to in an effort to secure a top ten place in each section.
Not to be outdone, members in the advanced category also displayed their prowess with a phenomenally impressive standard and number of prints on display. Again in the colour section there were 63 entrants and a further 23 in the mono division.
Aside from the difficulties this presented for those counting the results it was the most successful night of any competition the club has run to date and a big congratulations is due to each and every member who entered.

The huge number of prints were whittled down to 40 in total (10 from each of the four sections). The successful photographers were (in no particular order):

Novice Mono                                  Novice Colour
Neil Gibbons X 3                           Esther Robinson x 2
Naomi Keown X 2                         Stephen Simmons x 2
Stephen Simmons                       Denise McElroy
Catherine Brown                           Eithne Martin
Andrew Connolly                           Neil Gibbons
Esther Robinson                           Mena Murphy
Stephen Hetherington                  Ciara Maguire x 2


Advanced Mono                             Advanced Colour
Darragh Collins x 4                       Terry McCartney x 5
Terry McCartney x 2                       David Robertson
David Robertson x 2                      Gail McGowan x 2
Teresa McMahon                           Darragh Collins
Adrian Kelly                                     Mavis Dean

These prints will now be remounted and framed in advance of being displayed in the brand new Waterways Ireland building on the Sligo Road in Enniskillen. This in itself is quite a coup for the society; being the first organisation to provide an exhibition for this space. The exhibition will be officially opened on Monday evening at 6.30 when Brian McKenna (chairman of NIPA) will judge the overall winners. The exhibition will be open to the public from the following day and will remain in Waterways Ireland until January 2009.

Next week is an open competition so entries can come from any subject matter but must be curtailed to 2 per section. The mounts must also be 12x16.

13 September 2008 - Presenting yous Prints

More than 40 members of the Enniskillen Photographic Society enjoyed an evening of information and advice on the best methods of presenting prints for competition and exhibition, on Thursday night last. EPS chairman Terry Mc Cartney spent the first half of the evening explaining what sizes of prints and mounts were acceptable and expected for different competitions and exhibitions and offered advice on how best to enhance and compliment prints with the correct mounts and frames. Terry explained the importance of correctly sized mounts and discussed what colour mounts worked with different styles of print. He took the opportunity to explain the size of mounts required for the upcoming Waterways Ireland competition and exhibition. Mounts must be 16” x 12” (outside edge) and ideally off white or hay seed in colour, going on to explain the internal aperture is entirely up to the photographer.

Terry took some questions from the floor and displayed some examples of styles and colours of mounts to give the audience a better idea of the standards expected for exhibition and competition. Terry then handed over to Marcus Mc Curry of MJM Framing, who has kindly sponsored this year’s calendar of events. Marcus reiterated what Terry had said and went on to discuss the different types of mount card, styles, apertures and uses. Marcus, a member of the Fine Art Trade Guild, discussed the importance of framing the picture properly and said that a prize winning picture could be let down by being poorly mounted/framed. Marcus began with a basic mount going through the rage of mounting cards and combinations of cuts and layouts the quality of which was dependant upon budget and the importance and usage of the print. The audience got a chance to handle and inspect the mounts at close quarters and get a close look at the different standards of card used.
Like Terry, Marcus took questions from the floor and offered advice for those wanting to mount their own prints at home if they so chose.

The assembled members were then treated to a display of long time club member Robert O Brien’s, recently successful ARPS panel of prints. Robert explained how the Royal Photographic Society distinction system works and the work involved in getting a panel together. Terry went on to explain that the photographs not only have to be of an outstanding quality but also need to sit together to compliment each other in a panel of work good enough to achieve the much sought after distinction. For a sample of Roberts work go to www.robertobrienphotography.com or for more information on the distinction process please see the royal photographic society website www.rps.org.

The next meeting of EPS takes place on Thursday the 25th of September at 8.00pm in the Ardowen. This will be the first club competition of the year where prints for the Erne waterways competition will be judged by club members. Please see www.enniskillenphotosociety.com for a full calendar of events and for more details of up coming competitions.

6 September 2008 - 50 attend the Open Night

Enniskillen photo society launched its 25th anniversary year in style on Thursday night last with an open night for new members. Chairman Terry McCartney opened the evening by welcoming everybody and explaining what the club offers budding and experienced photographers alike. He discussed some of the upcoming events and informed everyone of the 25th anniversary and some of the events that were planned for this.

Over 50 people attended the evening which consisted of 5 workshops delivered by some of the more senior club members. The work shops covered a broad range of subject areas and had something for everyone regardless of experience, Aidy Kelly delivered a work shop on photography technique, Stephen Hetherington ran a photo manipulation session with Raymond Millar explaining how a camera works, Terry ran a session on composition? and finally Teresa McMahon explained what a camera does. Everybody present got a chance to attend each workshop, examine some prints and equipment and to ask questions and of course there was a cup of tea at the end of the evening to round things off.

Next week will give members new and old an opportunity to learn how to properly present their prints in preparation for competition and exhibiting. This is timely for the upcoming Waterways Ireland “Erne Waterways” exhibition which runs in conjunction with the opening of the new Waterways Ireland building and the Fermanagh Arts festival. The exhibition opens on the 29th of September in the new waterways Ireland building and will run until December; photographs can depict any element of the Erne waterways so get your creative caps on, get out and get snapping.

If you are interested in getting involved feel free to come along on to the Ardowen on Thursday night or alternatively you can check the website for more details on membership and upcoming events or contact the chairman or secretary for information.

22 August 2008 - Open Night for 2008/9 Season

Thursday the 4th September 2008 marks not only the start of the new season of activities for Enniskillen Photographic Society (EPS) but also the beginning of the clubs 25th anniversary year.

EPS is one of the leading clubs in the North West of Ireland, providing a mixed programme of club and inter-competitions, lectures, workshops and this year not one but two public exhibitions. The exhibitions and programme of events attract prominent judges, lecturers and fellow photographers with a breadth of knowledge and experience from which all members can benefit.

EPS is an amateur club with something to offer everyone regardless of experience, age or photographic ability. It offers a very wide-ranging approach to photographic styles and techniques, and crucially, aims to stimulate and encourage members of all abilities to fulfill their photographic potential, meet other photographers and of course have fun.

The year kicks of with an Open Night for anyone interested in photography to come along and see what typically happens during the meetings. Basic camera controls, Photo manipulation and composing a picture will be given short introductions by more experienced members. Whether you have a disposable, point and shoot or digital SLR you should find something to interest you.

There is a strong bias towards giving all members an opportunity studio skills with a training session on how to set up lights, work with models and ultimately take perfect studio photographs, EPS boasts its own fully equipped studio which is available for use by registered members on a monthly basis. Other training sessions include camera skills and techniques, preparing your prints, PhotoShop skills, interclub nights and many more.

EPS hold monthly Print and Slide competitions for club members with both Novice and Advanced sections in each round. Topics this year include Water, Street Life, autumn and more. Competitions will be judged by both club members and expert judges. At the end of each year cups are presented for the overall winners of the monthly competitions. As a member of the Northern Ireland Photographic Association, Enniskillen Photographic Society enters prints into the NIPA competitions. This year EPS will welcome a number of other local clubs for a “print battle” which sees members from each club pit their prints against each other for the pride of their club.

Enniskillen Photographic Society holds an Annual Exhibition which is open to all club photographers. Cups are awarded in colour and monochrome sections: Portraiture, Pictorial (Open), Theme. Once again there are novice sections – Monochrome and Colour.

A very exciting development for 2008 sees EPS joining forces with the Enniskillen Arts Festival providing an exhibition of prints depicting the Fermanagh Lakeland’s. This very prestigious exhibition will be displayed in the new Waterways Ireland building and will launch the opening of the new Waterways building.

Meetings are held on most Thursday evenings throughout the year at the at 8pm in the Ardhowen Theatre in Enniskillen. If photography is your passion or if you have always wanted to try your hand at taking great snaps come along to find out more.

So if you are interested in finding out more about Enniskillen Photographic Society or wish to join the club and meet like-minded individuals then please visit www.enniskillenphotosociety.com or contact the club chairman Terry McCartney 028 6632 6633 chair@enniskillenphotosociety.com. Come along to our open evening on Thursday next 4th September 2008 where you will be made welcome.

25 May 2008 - Annual General Meeting and Dinner

Enniskillen photographic society held their annual general meeting in Francos on Thursday night last.

The AGM was very well attended with 12 members in attendance. The election of officers concluded with Terry McCartney being re-elected as chairman for 2008-2009, Teresa Mc Mahon was elected as vice-chairperson, James Armstrong as treasurer, Darragh Collins as secretary and Public Relations officer, Raymond Millar as webmaster and David Robertson as the EPS NIPA representative.
Aidy Kelly, Stephen Hetherington, Gail McGowan, Esther Moore and Kieran Dolan volunteered for the non-officer committee posts.

Although the club now breaks for the summer it will be a very active time for all members. Next year will be extremely busy with not only the usual monthly club and NIPA competitions but also the 25th anniversary and an exhibition to coincide with the opening of the Waterways Ireland building and launch of the Fermanagh Arts Festival. So although the club does not meet again until the autumn Terry encouraged all members to continue “snapping” throughout the summer months.

After the meeting the members and guests convened for dinner and the awarding of prizes for the monthly competition winners. A consistently high standard of prints saw Catherine Comber awarded the Anne Cassidy cup as the winner of the monthly black and white competitions.
Darragh Collins was delighted to be awarded the Albert Bruce plaque for monthly colour competitions.

Terry McCartney swept the board in the advanced section of monthly competitions winning the Slide, Colour and Black and White sections. Go to www.enniskillenphotosociety.com to see a full list of results

Meanwhile the annual exhibition will remain in the Ardowen for the next week before the winning prints are moved to Erneside for the summer.

The new committee will meet in the next week to arrange the calendar of events for the incoming year so make sure to check the website for updates through out the summer www.enniskillenphotosociety.com 

17 May 2008 - Annual Exhibition Results

The Enniskillen Photographic Society Annual Exhibition was held in the Ardhowen Theatre on Thursday 15th May. Almost 30 members and friends arrived with bated breath to discover how their prints had fared.

The Judge was Jim Moreland FBIPP FMPA FRPS from Christian Brothers Past Pupils Union Camera Club. Jim has been a professional photographer for 35 years and hold 4 different fellowships. His BIPP fellowship panel of 20 monochrome hand printed images won Panel of the Year award in 1997.

More than 140 entries from 19 different authors were received for the exhibition and Jim began, section by section, picking the 10 best in each class. Along the way Jim gave his critique on a number of images always with a degree of enthusiasm and ended up with a total of 70 to display.

In the 1st Class – Black and White Portraiture Derek Preston’s well printed image of a one man band immediately caught the Jim’s eye. Gail McGowan’s informal shot of a young giggler got second with Teresa McMahon’s portrait of her father in law received third.

In the Pictorial section of Black and White Terry McCartney’s picture of the 18th green at Lough Erne Golf Course covered in snow was awarded 1st place because of the fantastic range of tones closely followed by Teresa McMahon’s print of a man feeding pigeons with blurred movement.

Class 3 Colour results meant that Teresa McMahon received her first piece of EPS silverware for the stunning portrait of her niece called Brown Eyed Girl. Jean Harron made a fantastic comeback to the society with a 2nd place with wistful – a picture of a young girls staring through a window with rain running down it. She also achieved two highly commended awards in this section. Derek Preston’s Man of the Sea took third place.

Theresa also secured first place in the Colour Pictorial class for Misty Trees – a morning shot taken just outside Rosslea. The judge was thoroughly impressed with the quality of entries in this section. Mavis Dean made the podium with a shot of a bleeding heart plant which the judged made great comments about. Adrian Kelly made an impact at the end of his first year out of the Novice Section with a 3rd place and a Highly commended for Claddagh Glen and Sunset Jetty respectively. Terry McCartney was achieved two highly commended awards in this section.

The slides classes suffered through lack of entries because of the advent of digital photography but Adrian Kelly received his 1st Open Cup for a Slide Portrait of Paul - and RNLI member. Terry McCartney was awarded 1st place in the pictorial slide section for his rally slide Slippery When Wet.

David Robertson was also able to maintain his possession of the Theme trophy for a panel of prints about the Triumph of Life over Death. He also secured 3rd place with Stephen Hetherington’s Mud Bath coming second.

Jim Moreland was also suitably impressed with the EPS Novice sections. Linda Phair showed her camera skills with a mono shot of a misty marina on Lough Erne closely followed by Stephen Hetherington’s jaw dropping picture entitled The Realities of Life. Linda achieved 3rd place with a portrait taken at one of the EPS monthly studio sessions. The Colour Novice award went to Sandra Colton for her image of an Icicle. The sun sparkle on the piece of ice and the whole composition suitable impressed the judge. Two of Esther Robinsons pictures received the 2nd and 3rd places – Orange rose and Light of Changing Seasons.

After commenting on the high standard of the Exhibition, Jim awarded the Fermanagh District Council Top Print to Teresa McMahon’s Misty Trees.

The chairman of Enniskillen Photographic Society, Terry McCartney, thank the Judge for coming to critic the Exhibition and choosing the winners. Terry also paid tribute to those members of the EPS Committee who had helped set up the Exhibition and ensured the night went well. The winning prints will be available to view on www.enniskillenphotosociety.com.

The next meeting will be the Annual General Meeting and Dinner on Thursday 22 May in Franco’s Restaurant at 7.30 SHARP.

Class 1 – B&W Portraiture
HC A1 And the Winners is…. Terry McCartney
HC A13 Look at Me Teresa McMahon
3rd A1 Jim Teresa McMahon
2nd A9 Giggles Gail McGowan
1st A4 One Man Band Derek Preston

Class 2 – B&W Pictorial
HC B15 Peeping Toms Teresa McMahon
3rd B6 Mother and Child Derek Preston
2nd B14 Feathered Friends Teresa McMahon
1st B17 The 18th at Faldo Terry McCartney

Class 3 – Colour Portraiture
HC C15 Relaxation Jean Harron
HC C16 Cheeky Face Jean Harron
3rd C4 Man of the Sea Derek Preston
2nd C17 Wistful Jean Harron
1st C18 Brown Eyed Girl Teresa McMahon

Class 4 – Colour Pictorial
HC D4 Beach Steps Terry McCartney
HC D7 Misty Morn Terry McCartney
HC D14 Sunset Jetty Adrian Kelly
3rd D13 Claddagh Glen Adrian Kelly
2nd D19 Bleeding Heart Mavis Dean
1st D31 Misty Trees Teresa McMahon

Class 5 – Slides Portraiture
C E1 Patriarch David Robertson
C E5 Beauty Queens Terry McCartney
1st E6 Paul Adrian Kelly

Class 6 – Slides Pictorial
HC F7 St Pats Hats Terry McCartney
HC F8 Paddler Adrian Kelly
1st F4 Slippery When Wet Terry McCartney

Class 7 – Theme
HC G23 The Horse Fair Gail McGowan
HC G24 Hands and Hands Teresa McMahon
3rd G2 Irish Folk History David Robertson
2nd G16 Mud Bath Stephen Hetherington
1st G1 The Triumph of Life over Death David Robertson

Class 8 – Novice B&W
HC H7 VW BW Darragh Collins
3rd H12 Grown Up Linda Phair
2nd H9 The Realities of Life Stephen Hetherington
1st H13 Misty Marina Linda Phair

Class 9 – Novice Colour
HC I4 The Workshop Catherine Comer
HC I6 Sinead Catherine Comer
HC I27 Snowing Linda Phair
3rd I17 Light of Changing Seasons Ester Robinson
2nd I15 Orange Rose Ester Robinson
1st I32 Icicle Sandra Colton

FDC Overall Prize
1st D31 Misty Trees Teresa McMahon

21 April 2008 - Annual Exhibition Entry Details

On Thursday 1st May 2008 the meeting will centre around the entry of prints for the Annual Exhibition. We shall be ready to accept prints from 8pm. Please complete an entry form for each section.

• All prints to be on a 20" x 16" mount. Colour of mount to be off white.
• £1 per entry
• Entries must also be included in an accompanied CD/DVD
• Usual rules apply according to the Annual Exhibition.

20 April 2008 - Theme Competition

The final monthly competition on Thursday of last week drew a smaller number of entries however the images presented were of a consistently high standard and saw Catherine Comber continue in a rich vein of form in the novice competition and Terry McCartney do likewise in the advance section.

A theme competition whereby competitors contribute 4 prints on one mount around a common subject is viewed by many to be a more complex subject and requires not only excellent camera skills but also a creative bent both of which were demonstrated on the night.

The novice competition had 6 mounts in the monochrome section and 10 in colour. Catherine Comber secured a First for here eye-catching depiction of the Belfast wheel in a variety of guises and second place for an eerie selection of gravestones. Stephen Hetherington secured a well-deserved third place.
In the colour section Stephen upped the antae securing first place for a truly wonderful selection of junior rugby pictures with a range of facial expressions catching the eye. Linda Phair placed second and Catherine Comber was once again amongst the winners securing third place.

There were 5 entries in the advanced monochrome section with Teresa McMahon claiming top spot for her depiction of a friend’s newborn baby. Derek Preston claimed second place and Terry McCartney came third for his portrayal of free jumpers in and around Enniskillen. In the colour section Terry claimed first place for an imaginative take on the recent St. Patrick’s Day celebration in Dublin. Second place also went to Terry with third place being claimed by Derek Preston for his depiction of Decorative masks.

The next meeting will be a collection of prints for the annual exhibition and will take place on the 1st of May with the exhibition opening on the 15th of May. There will be an entry fee of £1.00 per print, which will be collected on the night. There is also an entry form, which should be completed for each section entered. For more information and to download your entry form please see www.enniskillenphotosociety.com

28 March 2008 - NIPA Interclub Overall Results

Last night the overall results of the NIPA interclub competition were anounced. This coinsided with the display of round 5. Although we had no starred prints in round 5, Teresa McMahon came closest with 11 points for lightshaft.

Enniskillen Photographic Society has acheived a 10th place finish. This is better than we expected. Last year we were 19th and this shows what we can do if we put our minds to it. For full results visit http://www.niphoto.co.uk/nipa_niphoto_awards_2008.html

20 March 2008 - Print Battle with North West Photographic Society

Six members of Enniskillen Photographic Society travelled to Ballyshannon on Wednesday evening for an Interclub night with the North West Photographic Society.

A ‘Print Battle’ challenge was organised between the two clubs with independent guest judge Kevin Hart (Sligo Camera Club) having the difficult job of adjudicating on the evening. Kevin, originally from Cornwall, is an Associate member of the Royal Photographic Society and has many years experience in various aspects of photography from theatrical photography, studio and fashion work to printing and editing. He now enjoys landscape photography and the great outdoors!

The evening began at 8.30pm in Kilbarron House, with a warm welcome from NWPS vice chairman ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Liam. The EPS members submitted 22 prints in total, colour and mono, covering a wide range of subjects, from portraits and sporting action to landscapes and candid shots. These were matched with a similar varied selection from NWPS.

Kevin then let the battle commence! One print from each society was judged head to head. Kevin gave an in-depth critique of each photo and then declared a winner. He welcomed feedback from the photographer about how each shot was taken and also any questions. Kevin offered valuable constructive advice on how a picture could be improved, if at all! The standard was very high and on a number of occasions he was unable to decide an outright winner and therefore had to split the vote. The battle was closely fought throughout but, in the end, victory went to Enniskillen with 11.5 points to 10.5.

The evening was rounded off with a handsome spread and a very welcome cup of tea. Members had a chance to catch up with some old friends from Ballyshannon or indeed make some new ones. All considered the evening a great success.

Details of Kevin’s own work can be viewed at www.redbubble.com/people/kevinrhart

11 March 2008 - NIPA Annual Exhibition

The Northern Ireland Photographic Association Annual Exhibition is currently on display in the Waterfront Theatre, Belfast. More than 220 prints were submitted to be judged by BOB UNDERHILL ARPS AIPF from Smethwick Photographic Society in England.

The judge chose just under 60 prints which will be displayed in the Waterfront Hall until 22 March 2008. Enniskillen had 10 prints accepted – Four by Terry McCartney and three each by Gail McGowan and Robert O’Brien. For more information visit www.niphoto.co.uk

7 March 2008 - Sean Casey

This week the Enniskillen Photographic Society had the pleasure of Sean Casey FIPF, Hon.EFIAP, MFIAP. Sean has been the National Secretary for the Irish Photographic Federation since 1974 and is himself and acclaimed photographer.

Sean began by telling us about how his interest in photography began at school and then developed into so much more. He became a Fellow of the Irish Photographic Federation in 1984 and ventured down the Fédération Internationale de l'Art Photographique path in 1993.

We were shown many of Sean’s earlier Salon winning images before moving on to more recent photographs of Irish Horse Fairs, Ruined building and pictures of many other countries. Most interest was shown in the last series of prints – These were recently taken tasteful nude shots. Quite new to all of us, the images showed how the human body can be photographed in an extremely artful way.

Sean completed the evening by talking about printers, calibrations and inks. He believed the only way to get the best results from your prints was to print them yourself – That way they can easily be tweaked and perfected.

Next week the Enniskillen Photographic Society travel to Ballyshannon to have a print battle with the North West Camera Club. After the Easter break we gather again on the 3rd April for an Audio Visual Night with Chris Walpole and Terry McCartney. For more information visit www.enniskillenphotosociety.com

23 February 2008 - Portrait competition

A slightly smaller turnout than usual witnessed a very interesting competition on Thursday night. Although fewer in number the entries were of the exceptionally high standard we have come to expect in the monthly competitions.

Again there were a wide range of styles on display with different photographers opting for different mediums; some chose the studio lit approach whilst others leaned more towards candid and street portraits.

The studio information evenings proved very worthwhile for many of the members not only for honing technique but also for working with and directing their models. There were 18 mono and 22 colour entries in the novice class with Catherine Comber coming out on top again in both. In the colour section her studio shot was both sharp and eye catching and in the mono she displayed a sound understanding of studio technique, which paid off, with a superb shot of her daughter, which displayed great tonality. Stephen Hetherington continued his strong run finishing second in the mono section. Darragh Collins finished second in the novice colour. Catherine has now opened up a clear lead in the novice mono section with only one competition remaining.

Novice Mono - 1st Catherine Comer, 2nd Stephen Hetherington, 3rd Catherine Comer

Novice Colour - 1st Catherine Comer, 2nd Darragh Collins, 3rd Stephen Hetherington

In the slide section there was a small number of entries with Terry McCartney securing first and second place and James Armstrong finishing 3rd. Terry and James featured strongly in the advanced mono section with Teresa Mc Mahon securing a well-deserved first place for her “Black and White” image of her father in law.

Slide - 1st Terry McCartney, 2nd Terry McCartney, 3rd James Armstrong

In the advanced colour section Derek Preston secured a very popular first place for eye catching image of a bearded individual which Derek said he had taken on board a boat last year and third place for his portrait of a very attractively lit young lady with Jean Harron securing 2nd place for her beautiful studio image.

Advanced Mono - 1st Teresa McMahon, 2nd Terry McCartney, 3rd James Armstrong

Advanced Colour - 1st Derek Preston, 2nd Jean Harron, 3rd Derek Preston

The next meeting will take place on the 6th of March when the club welcomes guest speaker Sean Casey, Secretary of the Irish Photographic Federation. The final round of monthly competitions takes place on the 17th April with the theme of “Theme”. To see the winning entries click here.

League so far....

Novice B & W
1 Catherine Comer 29
2 Stephen Hetherington 16
3 Darragh Collins 15
4 Linda Phair 14
5 James Armstrong 11

Novice Colour
1 Darragh Collins 29
2 Catherine Comer 26
3 Linda Phair 16
4 Roy Crawford 12
5= Ester Robinson 9
5= Catherine Robinson 9

Advanced Colour
1 Terry McCartney 24
2 Derek Preston 20
3 Jim Hurson 17
4 Teresa McMahon 16
5 David Robertson 9

Advanced Colour
1 Terry McCartney 28
2= April Rooney 20
2= Derek Preston 20
4 Mavis Dean 12
4 Teresa McMahon 12

Slides
1 Terry McCartney 30
2 Mavis Dean 20
3 James Armstrong 16
4 Chris Walpole 6
5 David Robertson 6

13 February 2008 - Great British Cup

The PAGB have organised a digital imaging competition. http://www.pagb-photography-uk.co.uk/  Each club submits 20 images to be judged.

3 February 2008 - Results to Date

Novice Mono - After Round 4

Catherine Comer              19pts

Darragh Collins                 13

Linda Phair                          12

Novice Colour - After Round 4

Darragh Collins                  23pts

Catherine Comer               19

Linda Phair                          14

Advanced Mono - After Round 4

Derek preston                     18pts

Terry McCartney                  18

Jim Hurson                          15

Advanced Colour - After Round 3

Terry McCartney                   26pts

April Rooney                         20

Mavis Dean                           12

1 February 2008 - Sports Competition - Click here to see the entries

For the second meeting in a row the Enniskillen Photographic Society Chairman, Terry McCartney, began the evenings get together by congratulating one of the members on their success in a Northern Ireland Photographic Association Competition. A picture by Mavis Dean, entitled “Wilf at the Tipplers” secured the Top Colour Print award in the NIPA Annual Beginners Competition. More than 160 colour entries were received from all over the province.

This week’s club night was the Sports Competition. Andrew Paton, www.photovisionphotography.com, was the judge and guest speaker. Andrew combines his career as an Award-winning International Photojournalist with his career as a Wedding and Special Events photographer. Originally from Belfast, he now lives with his young family in Enniskillen. His images are published regularly in National and International Newspapers and Magazines including The Observer and The Sunday Times. His photographs can also be found in "Mick McCarthy's World Cup Diary 2002" and "Keane: The Autobiography".

As usual there was a varied range of images from rugby, gaelic and soccer to swimming, canoeing, darts and some still life quirky interpretations. The Novice Colour section was well represented with both ladies and gents featuring in the top 3. Catherine Comer showed she can turn her hand at any subject matter with a fabulous picture of a local gaelic football match. Linda Phair showed her prowess with a kite surfing picture, but first was Darragh Collins’ canoeing picture. Andrew Paton felt that the picture showed confidence with photography – an image, sharp in the right places but showing good use of a slower shutter speed. Stephen Hetherington’s rugby pictures placed him first and third in the Novice Mono category. Again the judge loved confidence the photographer showed in the picture. Paul Elliott was 2nd with his macro darts shot.

The judge was very impressed with the quality of all the pictures on display, but felt it extremely difficult to choose a top 3 in the Advanced sections. Eventually Andrew, who has photographed at some of the biggest sporting event in the world, picked Derek Preston’s ‘Vancouver Sun Run’ as his top Colour Print. The sharpness of details along with the movement in the runners’ legs meant that it came out on top. April Rooney’s time in the Gym paid off with a second placed Boxing Shot. The judge found the boxing ring a difficult environment to photograph, but April had pulled it off magnificently. Third place went to Terry McCartney angled shot of a Car in mid air at this years Rally Ireland event. Terry also placed top in the Advanced Mono section with a low down shot on a rugby field. Andrew loved the tight crop and angle of the print. Second was a magic golfer silhouette by Valerie Nemeth and third a gritty boxer shot by Adrian Kelly.

There was only a small number of Slides – James Armstrong got 2nd and 3rd with two still life shots of a tennis racquet and golf tees. Terry McCartney came 1st with an impressive wakeboard air shot with Enniskillen Castle in the background.

Andrew was impressed with the overall material that he had judged and said that his picture editor would be happy to use many of the entries as feature prints for newspapers. The evening finished with a showing of work by Andrew and some questions and answers.

Thursday 7th February sees the return of the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain slide exhibition featuring the best slides of 2007. Come along at 8pm in the Ardhowen Theatre or visit www.enniskillenphotosociety.com to see all the winning Sports photographs and read more details.

26 January 2008 - Sports Competition

Andrew Paton, Photo Vision, will be coming along on the 31 January to talk to us about Sports Photography. He studied photography in Glasgow and in 1998 joined Inpho, Irelands leading photographic agency. Andrew has travelled extensively both Nationally and Internationally to photograph some of the World's major sporting events including the FIFA World Cup and the Rugby World Cup. Visit www.photovisionphotography.com for a sneak preview of his work.

18 January 2008 - Distinctions Advice with Anne and Patsy

More than 50 members of both Enniskillen and Strabane Photographic Society gathered in the Ardhowen on Thursday night last to hear both Anne Cassidy and Patsy Carron give their expert opinion on work presented by 2 members of Enniskillen Photographic Society and 1 member form Strabane and District Camera Club.

The night got off to a great start with Terry announcing Robert O Brien’s recent success at the NIPA national competition, securing a PAGB ribbon for his superbly captured image entitled “Stitch in Time”

Anne started off by explaining where the LRPS fitted into the RPS award framework and explained the process for putting panels forward to be judged. Anne and Patsy then proceeded to critique the work presented by Gail Mc Gowan and Adrian Kelly from Enniskillen Photographic Society and Oliver Kelly from Strabane and District Camera Club each member put their panels together to have Anne and Patsy advise them on the proper construction of individual images and panels to be put forward for judging at one of the five LRPS events organised by The RPS each year. 

Anne and Patsy discussed each potential panel and sifted through the images to select the best group of pictures to create a panel. Anne commented that some of the images, which they were discounting, could quite easily win prizes on their own merit but did not necessarily fit within a panel. She advised each of the members to think about fitting images together to flow in a panel and advised them to choose their highest quality prints so as not to give the judging panel (of which she is a member) a single reason not to award the LRPS.

All those present felt there was much to be taken away from the evening and congratulated all three photographers on their courage and efforts.

The next round of the club competition (Sport) will take place on Thursday 31st January 2008 at 8pm in Ardhowen Theatre – New members always welcome. The judging will differ from the usual members ballot and will instead be carried out by Andrew Paton an expert in the discipline of sports photography. As usual full information can be found at www.enniskillenphotosociety.com

24 December 2007 - Merry Christmas to all our members

14 December 2007 - Christmas Night Out

Unfortunatley due to misscommunication the planned Christmas Meal did not happen at  MacNean Restaurant. Thankfully we were able to get booked at the Bush Bar in Ennisillen. Nicky and Gavin Cassidy really pulled out all the stops for more than 30 members.

Everyone enjoyed the food, surroundings and craic.

11 December 2007 - NIPA Logo Competition

The Northern Ireland Photographic Association are having a competition to deisgn a new logo. http://www.niphoto.co.uk/pdf/logo_competition.pdf

Closing Date is 8th January 2008

7 December 2007 - People Helping People Exhibition with Fermanagh Trust

35 members & guests attended the opening of the People Helping People exhibition at Fermanagh House on Thursday night last. All were treated to a spectacle of talent and creativity second to none.

The idea of the exhibition was to express the virtues people helping people and volunteering through the medium of photography. Lauri McCusekr (C.E.O. of Fermanagh Trust) told us how the idea to host such an event had been in the pipe line for some time now and the evening was a culmination of many months work liaising with both past chairman of EPS David Robertson and with our current chairman Terry McCartney.

Fermanagh Trust have a long and very supportive history with EPS most recently sponsoring the frames which were used to great effect in last years annual exhibition. This support continued through this exhibition with the Trust sponsoring all of the prizes for the winners and runners up.

The evening got underway with Lauri explaining the reasoning behind firstly the building within which the exhibition would be housed for the next six weeks and secondly why the theme of people helping people was so pertinent. He explained that Fermanagh House came about through the need to house some of the many community and voluntary organisations in Fermanagh in one centrally based building, he went on to say on any one day there could upwards of 150 people through the building and as such the exhibition could be witnessed by thousands of people during it’s time at Fermanagh House. Lauri then went on to expand on the theme of People Helping People and how this has come about. He said there was an enormous amount of voluntary activities and acts of people helping people in evidence on a daily basis and it was important to try and capture this. He also said that this kind of activity was very much a part of what Fermanagh house was about.

Lauri went on to commend all those who had exhibited in the competition and talked about the range, scope and variation of ideas on display. Terry McCartney then asked competition judge Raymond Humphreys to say a few words. Raymond commented on the difficult task he had judging such a huge number and range of entries. He also spoke about the very high standard of work and how looking around the exhibition he felt he still had a lot to learn.

Terry reiterated the vast range of subjects and thanked Fermanagh Trust for their continued support and for the festive catering which they provided. Terry then announced the winners. He firstly revealed Raymond Humphreys choice of the top three images in each section and those which were highly commended. He went on to announce the results as chosen by the members the previous week. It was fascinating to see the cross over between the judge’s choice and that of the members. Terry said he was heartened to see that the members of EPS old and new were not “far behind that of the professional judge”. A selection of Exhibition Images are available on www.enniskillenphotosociety.com

The judge’s results were as follows.

Class 1 - Mono - Novice
1st A3 Concentration Catherine Comer
2nd A2 Under Pressure Catherine Comer
3rd A6 Helping Hands James Armstrong

Class 2 - Colour Novice
1st B19 Bags 2 School Catherine Robinson
2nd B5 I Promise it wont hurt Catherine Comer
3rd B27 Giving is Giving Life Sandra Colton
HC B2 The Young Apprentice Paul Leslie
HC B4 The Note Sophie Leslie
HC B6 Helping at Scouts Catherine Comer
HC B20 Lost - Ask Policeman Niaomi Keown

Class 3 - Mono Advanced
1st C4 I'll have some Teresa McMahon
2nd C9 A Master at Work Derek Preston
3rd C5 Can't Cook. Wont Cook Robert O'Brien
HC C3 Get me out of here Teresa McMahon
HC C12 Helping the Next Generation Terry McCartney

Class 4 - Colour Advanced
1st D11 Come on Teresa McMahon
2nd D24 Cool Down Terry McCartney
3rd D22 Riding for the Disabled David Robertson
HC D8 Steady On Teresa McMahon

5 November 2007 - Monthly Competition Results - People Helping People

EPS Members Choices

Class 1 – Mono – Novice
1st A6 Helping Hands James Armstrong
2nd A3 Concentration Catherine Comer
3rd A1 Helping Hand Roy Crawford

Class 2 – Colour Novice
1st B5 I Promise it wont hurt Catherine Comer
2nd B2 The Young Apprentice Paul Leslie
3rd B23 To the Future with Mum

Class 3 – Mono Advanced
1st C5 Can’t Cook. Wont Cook Robert O’Brien
2nd C4 I’ll have some Teresa McMahon
3rd C9 A Master at Work Derek Preston

Class 4 – Colour Advanced
1st D24 Cool Down Terry McCartney
2nd D11 Come on Teresa McMahon
3rd D19 Friend in Need April Rooney

Novice Mono - After Round 3

Novice Colour - After Round 3

Advanced Mono - After Round 3

Advanced Colour - After Round 3

30 November 2007 - People Helping People Competition

People Helping People Competition Thursday 29th November 2007

More than 30 members turned up on Thursday night to the first instalment of the people helping people competition. Amid much secrecy each print was tagged numbered and coded before being put on display. As is customary the members judging began with the Novice Black and White Prints of which there were 11. The array of subject matter and obvious creativity was very apparent. We were treated to prints ranging from horse riding lessons and arts and crafts to nursing and music lessons. Members voted for their top three prints, as is the norm on these occasions, however they were informed that there was a “twist” to tonight’s proceedings in so far as the results would not be announced until next Thursday when the exhibition opens at Fermanagh House. This only served to heighten the surreptitious approach to voting. Siobhan Comer told the gathered crowd which 3 prints were her favourites and why.

Next up was the Novice colour prints section. A staggering 47 prints in this section made picking the top three a less than straightforward task, however as before everybody eventually voted. Again the creativity of the Novice members of EPS was very evident. Blood donors, policemen, shop assistants, beauticians and sports coaches all featured. Terry McCartney rounded up the novice section by giving his comments on his top three choices and reiterated the impressive range of variations on the theme of people helping people.

We then moved on to the advanced section and began with the monocolour round. In all there were 14 entries. It was very apparent that people had put a lot of thought, time and effort into their images and deciding on just three was particularly difficult. Some members opted to leave one colour other than black and white in their image, which was very effective others decided to let the tones of blacks, whites and greys speak for themselves. Sandra Colton narrated us through her top three choices in this round.

Finally the advanced colour section saw 27 top class prints displayed. They ranged from an injured rugby player receiving attention from the physio, to one brother helping another to the top of a flume and a budding skier receiving tuition on the slopes. Catherine Comber talked us through her favourite three prints and explained why they caught her eye.

All in all 99 prints were displayed these prints will now be forwarded to the competition judge Raymond Humphreys who will choose his top three in each section and will announce this next Thursday evening at Fermanagh House at the Broadmeadow when Terry will simultaneously announce the members choice. The night starts at 8.00 with refreshments served afterwards. The exhibition will remain in Fermanagh House for 6 weeks. A number of entries will be available to view at www.enniskillenphotosociety.com

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15 November 2007 - Interclub PhotoShop/Mounting Night

A capacity crowd were treated to a very insightful night of self-mounting and backing master class led by David Robertson and an intriguing Photoshop workshop led by Noel Conway.

David discussed and demonstrated the techniques used to create the perfect mount. David commented that whilst he mostly mounts his own pictures not as a money saving exercise but more for the joy of having done so, he did however advise that it would be much more economical when it came to numerous images on one mount. David firstly furnished each member with a list of equipment and instructions and then demonstrated the measuring, cutting and backing techniques used before giving each member an opportunity to try it out for themselves. Everybody involved concurred it was a very worthwhile exercise and one which many said they could use from now on.

Noel Conway then led members of both Enniskillen and Clones Photographic Societies through some of the fundamental post-production techniques used by the digital photographer. Noel explained that he intended to focus on the selection tool and all it’s sub tools. He started by showing us how to use a selection of images to create one compound image using the magnetic lasso tool, marquee tools, move tool and of course those ubiquitous layers in all their forms. Noel then moved on to look at how to use levels, channel mixer, clone stamp, healing brush and adjustment layers. Noel commented that although he was using the latest form of Photoshop, CS3 or Photoshop 10, all of the tools and techniques he demonstrated were available for CS1 and 2 and elements.

Terry commented that members should not attempt to absorb 'everything' that Noel was saying, but instead to focus on a few of the techniques discussed and then work on those - good advise indeed.
Noel kept his audience interested by staying on subject and discussing pertinent issues he then took questions from the very fervent audience. Many questions came from both Clones and Enniskillen members, many of them showing that most photographers have the same problems.

Having spent some time talking to a number of members, old and new, afterwards it was very evident that everybody in attendance took something new away with them.

The Chairman then reminded all present about the next meeting which was the 'People Helping People' Competition on Thursday 29 November 2007 at 8pm in the Ardhowen Theatre. Only paid up members (of which there are now 68) will be allowed to enter. As these prints ultimately go forward to the Fermanagh Trust Exhibition they are to be mounted in a 20" by 16" off white mount. The print itself can be any size. Please write your title and section (Novice B&W, Novice Colour, Advanced B&W or Advanced Colour) on the rear - Not your name. These prints are then coded and given to the Judge in advance of the Exhibition on Thursday 6th November 2007 in Fermanagh House, Broadmeadow @ 8pm.

1 November 2007 - Bob Given Cruise

Another large turn out on Thursday night last witnessed a fascinating insight into Bob Given’s (the only amateur to have won Sports Photographer of the year) interpretation of the coastal voyage with Hurtigtuten along Norway’s Western coastline - the “Postal Route”.

It was evident from the first couple of images that we were in for a very interesting evening. Bob talked us through the various stops along the way from Bergen via Kristiansund crossing the Arctic Circle en route to the Russian border at Kirkenes and as Bob had not altered the running order of the 900+ images which he had edited down from over 8800 original photos we got a true reflection of what they saw over the 13 day voyage. There was a balanced mix of seascapes and images from the coastal towns they stopped off in along the way interspersed with a variety of images of shadows (one of Bob’s trademark styles) and of course the deckchairs. The midnight sun was a real treat allowing Bob to shoot some of the most dramatic sunsets. In fact there was much talk about changing next years EPS trip from Cuba to Norway. Bob finished the evening off by talking us through the series of images of Oslo street life and some of his Sports photographs.

Our next meeting is scheduled for the 15th of November this will be an Interclub Night with Clones Camera Club. David Robertson has offered to run a short workshop on image mounting, this will be followed by an introductory Photoshop. It is expected that David will start sometime around 7.15 so for all those interested please note the earlier start. PhotoShop will start at 8pm. Full details shown on the calendar at www.enniskillenphotosociety.com

25 October 2007 - Rikki O'Neill talk

Wednesday evening saw not only a change of venue for EPS but also a change in perspective for all those present. 40 members were intrigued, inspired and challenged by the last night of Rikki O Neill’s Ireland wide presentation entitled “One Step Beyond” a series of creations/compositions which include film, slide and digital photography blended with digital illustration and inspirational use of textures and backgrounds derived from an infinite number of sources, which included, wait for it, images of well used baking trays. www.rikoart.co.uk

Rikki has worked as a self thought illustrator of children’s books since leaving school carrying this medium over into his photography. He presented a range of his work which included images inspired by trips to Cuba, Venice and the United States, portraits, “holiday snaps” and a series of images inspired by the “vogue look”. Rikki discussed some of the techniques he uses to achieve his individual look including much use of the eraser, diffuser and opacity tools. Although Rikki assure us that he does not spend very long in post production - Terry was not so sure.

Rikki went on to talk about the importance, to him personally, of achieving an original look, for example when he landed in Havana he was met by vast possibilities of potential images, however most of these had been photographed many times before, not to be defeated he talked us through how he overcame this by mixing and overlaying images, illustrations, colours and photography to achieve a series of images which although, original creations, were inherently, authentically Cuban.

He went on to show how he takes this process “One Step Beyond” by making pop art images and images which almost resembled animated versions of the already much processed originals this, Rikki said, came from his ongoing aspiration to not only challenge but also recreate boundaries.

In terms of inspiration it would appear, for Rikki at least, it is everywhere. He said he takes photographs all the time and of everything and anything imaginable. Using his flat bed scanner on all sorts including jewellery, clothes, even grass which he then adds to the digital image and painted canvas to create unique and eye catching compositions.

Rikki summed up his style by saying he “creates artwork with strong photographic elements”. After his presentation Rikki was more than happy to talk to people individually and try and answer some of the many questions they now had.

The night in typical style was rounded off with in depth critical discussion over a cup of tea and a slice of lemon drizzle cake (thanks Mavis). Terry mentioned a couple of up coming events
• Firstly our Christmas dinner on 13th December 2007 in MacNean Restaurant 45EURO -  £20.00 deposit required by 17the November
• Finally there is a distinctions advisory night scheduled for January 17th. Terry requested volunteers to present 20-25 prints to review for an LRPS panel. Any takers please contact Terry or Teresa.

19 October 2007 - 'Circles' Competition

Thursday night saw the second round of monthly competitions take place, with circles as the theme. There were over 100 entries from 30+ members. There was a wide variation on the spherical theme & some very creative prints and slides on display, from hay bales to spaghetti hoops, and tumble driers to golf trolleys. Click here to see more entries.

We were treated to a range of member’s comments on their top 5 selections, (Mavis Dean showed that she is not just a skilled jam and chutney maker but also a much-accomplished public orator and objective critic). Our chairman Terry kept us entertained with his “witty and insightful” observations.

The night began with the presentation of the slides a total of 13 entries were exhibited with Terry Mc Cartney scooping first place for his moody depiction entitled “Fire Dancer”. Mavis Dean continued her strong run securing second and third place in this section.

Linda Phair and Darragh Collins shared first place in the novice monochrome competition, Linda with her fantastic image of a perfect bubble and Darragh for his interpretation of a wedding ring. Catherine Comber was third with her picture of a cross section of a red onion.

In the novice colour Darragh Collins also managed to secure first place with his eye catching picture of colouring pencils, Catherine Comber achieved a very close second place for her excellent print of spaghetti hoops, Neil Gibbons and Esther Robinson came equal third with a superb landscape of golden round bales and a sunset scene rspectively.

 

The range and scope of variations on the theme of the Circle was also evident in the advanced sections. In the monochrome section Terry Mc Cartney again secured first place with his seasonally pertinent depiction of Fireworks over Lough Erne. Derek Preston was awarded second place for his marvellous still life of bearings and David Robertson's silhouette of a bicycle came third.

In the advanced colour section Jim Hurson’s perfectly sharp and colourful image of bouncing balls was a clear favourite followed in second place by Mavis Deane’s “Morning Glory”, Terry Mc Cartney was awarded third place for his image of an abstract light sculpture in the Cotswolds.

The top two prints and slides in each section will be forwarded to the next round of the Northern Ireland Photographic Association competition giving members the opportunity to compete on a regional level. In last months NIPA competition David Robertson’s “Honey Bee” came fifth overall.

Our next meeting is in the Lakeland Youth Centre, Broadmeadow, Enniskillen @ 7.30pm. Our guest speaker, Rikki O’Neill, is currently doing a tour of Ireland. Rikki is a Fellow of the RPS and a Member of RPS distinctions in Visual Art. He is an Artist by profession and is probably the most prolific medal winner in International salons for the past 10 years with his original and creative digital images. Everyone is welcome. For more details visit www.enniskillenphotosociety.com

Overall Points to date

Novice Colour

Darragh Collins 14
Roy Crawford 9
Catherine Comer 7
Neil Gibbons 7
Esther Robinson 7
Linda Phair 6

Novice B & W

Darragh Collins 11
Catherine Comer 11
Linda Phair 8
Denise McManus 6
Stephen Wilson 5
Sandra Colton 5
Noel Conway 5

Advanced Slides

Mavis Dean 20
Terry McCartney 12
David Robertson 6
Douglas Hudson 2
James Armstrong 2

Advanced Colour

Terry McCartney 14
Mavis Dean 10
Jim Hurson 9
April Rooney 9
David Robertson 7

Advanced B & W

Jim Hurson 13
Derek Preston 12
Terry McCartney 9
David Robertson 7
April Rooney 4

6 October 2007 - Basic Camera Skills with Pat Lunny

A relaxed Pat Lunny once again treated us to an insight into a semi-proffessional photographers life. More than 30 members gathered to hear the tips and tricks that Pat uses when taking photos. He encouraged questions from the floor and each person who asked one received a camera magazine. We discovered the best use of the controls of the digital SLR, including the much used 'P' setting. Pat divulged many secrets - from getting the right pose from models, to getting the right location for a photograph and even where to get the best landscape shots in Fermanagh

Many questions were asked and Pat was able to answer them all. Newer members were fascinated to hear that Pat didn't always use manual modes and even needed help from the family when using Photoshop. This gave most of us great comfort.

The next meeting is a competition night "Circles" - Thursday 18 October 2007 in the Ardhowen Theatre at 8pm. Try and keep mounts smaller than 16" x 12", only 2 in each section and arrive early for a good seat.

30 September 2007 - Field Trip to Blessingbourne

Fourteen Hardy souls made the journey to Blessingbourne Estate in Fivemiletown this morning at 7am. Although the weather was slightly inclement we arrived full of enthausiam. It was with kind permission of Nick and Colleen Lowry that we were able to explore the country estate. Over 500 acres were made available - serval small lakes and an array of vintage and classic machinery and artefacts - Not to mention the many animals.

Time quickly passed and almost 2 hours later we reassembled in the tea rooms to discuss or mornings photography. Once again it was good to meet and chat about new purchases, image ideas and last months competition winners. Fresh scones out of the oven, shortbread and tea or coffee was made available.

The next meeting will be Pat Lunny's Camera Skills night - Bring you camera along and find out what it can really do..... 

27 September 2007 - Monthly Competition Results