A semblance of normality

By Alun Foster

Though we must all be highly vigilant still, to avoid what could possibly be an even worse “second wave”, the freedoms we enjoy in “normal” life are slowly starting to become available to most of us again. Depending on where you happen to live, the restrictions on our physical interactions with society have forced a significant re-evaluation of what is important (and what is not): some of these lessons are very well worth keeping (though I do fear – as I look around – that some are already being forgotten. Erare humanum est, but so too, it would seem, are rank stupidity and in some cases blatantly antisocial arrogance, but that’s another story).

During the first phases of the “lock-down light” (as it has been in Belgium at least), we could happily witness great bursts of photographic creativity: bending the focus from the extra-ordinary things happening outside towards those things happening in more confined spaces – the “intra-ordinary” things (is that a word? If not, can it be? Pretty please?). I must admit that, for me, the inspirational potential of the inside of an apartment that I see every day, and even of a nice terrace, quickly evaporated (and, having to work from home did not free up as much play-time as one would hope: the pandemic response itself creating even more tasks to handle in my particular case, though I declare immediately that my lot is far more secure than the many who now may have spare time but also very stressful financial worries from all this).

© Hélène Cook

© Hélène Cook

Facebook group (by those with more creative imaginations than I, no doubt). During this confinement, a new Facebook group was started, on “European Nature Photography”. The brainchild of Simon Pugh – once President of our noble club – it has quickly gathered quite a substantial following, with now many beautiful images to admire. Highly recommended.

And of course, we had the opportunity to admire many very interesting and beautiful images presented at our on-line Viewfinders club meetings. Since the start of the pandemic measures, we have now held three of these on-line meetings and, even though we are still learning and still have a lot to learn, the feedback on them has been positive: sometimes heart-warmingly so, which renders the effort put in by the organising committee even more rewarding. It is also wonderful to be able to welcome again club members who have left for far-flung climes, or guests from near or from far. This is certainly a formula which we should keep on using, also once our physical meetings can restart, for that reason alone.

Inspiration for new activities for the Viewfinders club – especially about the potential of “digital meetings” – is always welcome. For this, here’s a shout-out to all who would like to offer some time to help out our members and organise interesting and sociable photographic things to do. Our meeting in June (also on-line) will house our Annual General Meeting, where the candidates for the various Committee positions will be elected. The committee is set up to avoid over-

© Hélène Cook

© Philippe Clabots

© Philippe Clabots

© Felicity Handford

© Alun Foster

loading already busy people yet giving an opportunity to connect more deeply with the club, its photographic and its social activities. Please contact anyone of the committee for more information.

And now with the confinement rules gradually being relaxed, a semblance of normality gradually grows and access is once again possible to museums etc… (albeit on appointment only and wearing a mask), the opportunities for my “post-contemporary observationalist” photographic style are once more abundant. A short trip downtown, and another to the Heyzel where a previously unvisited museum/gallery for design is situated gave an enjoyable afternoon of discovery and opportunity to take some photos worthy of being seen.

At least I think so. So there!

© Hélène Cook

© Philippe Clabots

© Philippe Clabots