Photonews Autumn 2017

Photonews Celebrating the Postal Photographic Club and its Members

Autumn 2017

Travelling Exhibition 2017 Results Issue

PENING

SHOT

Urban Living

by Les Walsh The set subject of our local club, Davyhulme Camera Club, last year was URBAN, and I spent a day in Manchester looking for suitable subjects.

Urban Living was one of the shots taken, and in fact won the competition. It was taken in the Castlefields area of the city, and struck me as a most appropriate scene to represent Urban considering the number of homeless people in the city today.

Photonews Celebrating the Postal Photographic Club and its Members

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Postal Photo Developments Dave Whenham An update on the goings-on at PPC HQ.

Travelling Exhibition Print Results Diana Magor EFIAP/b MPSA CPAGB LRPS

A Pome Geoff Leah An ode to our noble hobby...

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Travelling Exhibition PDI Results

48

Notes From The Gulf On Vacation! Part 1

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Travelling Exhibition ‘Panel of Four’ Results

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Keith Barber FIScT CPAGB LRPS

John Pattison

Dorothy Redford CPAGB

Creating a Copyright Badge Eric Ladbury Create an attractive badge image in Photoshop to insert into other images.

POSTAL PHOTO DEVELOPMENTS News and Updates from PPC General Secretary, Dave Whenham Welcome to the Travelling Exhibition Special, also known as the Autumn edition of Photonews.

It is literally jam-packed with stunning images from this year’s competition, which attracted almost 800 entries over the three elements – print, PDI and printed panel of four competitions.

I must firstly thank Jon Allanson and Graham Harvey for their sterling work in organising everything and seeing things to a successful conclusion. A special thanks too goes to Alan Phillips who has put in countless hours developing the software that will help tremendously in reducing the manhours required in compiling the PDI competitions.

I am pleased to welcome a further four new members since the last issue. Pat Couder and Keith Johnson found us via internet searches, whilst Malcolm Firth responded to an article I wrote for the RPS Yorkshire newsletter and Michael Nadin was introduced to us via the MENSA photography special interest group for which Clive Piggott is honorary editor. Welcome to all of you and it is great to see some of your names amongst the TE acceptances and winners in this issue.

We have some of our usual eclectic mix of items in these pages but the majority of space is dedicated to our annual competition. Many thanks to all of you that entered and of course congratulations to all of you featured here.

Back in the Autumn 2016 issue we ran a caption competition, which was in the end won by Richard Walliker. Richard’s prize was to be featured on a Photonews cover in 2017 and given the image he has chosen it is fitting that it should be appearing this month on the Autumn 2017 issue. Autumn at Bodnant Gardens is a colourful reminder of what this season offers and also that we do not need exotic locations for stunning imagery.

“Growing the Membership” survey On a less positive note, some of you may remember that back in March I sent out a questionnaire to all members to gather views on how we can help to promote the Club in this brave new world. It was very disappointing that only thirty members responded so it is very hard to be sure if the views we collected were actually representative of the membership as a

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whole. What was very clear however reading the responses of the “thirty” was that word of mouth remains a key recruitment method and that online searches are now on a par in terms of importance. All but one of the “thirty” responded “no” to the question regarding taking on some of the Publicity Officers duties, which was particularly disappointing. I will be sharing the suggestions that were made with the committee at our annual meeting in October but one thing is sure, without volunteers to see them through we are not going to be able to make much headway.

As I mentioned in my Spring and Summer editorials, whilst growing our membership base is a key priority for 2017 I am particularly keen to see an increase in the number of members participating in print circles, perhaps alongside their existing online circle. So, don’t forget that any member who is currently in just an online circle(s) who joins a print circle during 2017 will receive a complimentary pack of 12 print folders to get them started. Don’t be shy – email or call me today! So far I have not had a single member take me up on the offer but we shall keep it open until the end of the year!

FINALLY My end-of-column image this issue (opposite) is an aerial abstract that was taken with a camera drone and I am using it here to shamelessly repeat my question at the end of my last editorial - has a piece of camera gear changed your way of working, your perception or even your life?

I’d love to know – I am still hopeful that we might get that Letters Page off the ground with your anecdotes!

Postal Photo Developments - Dave Whenham

Dave Whenham

COVER PHOTO Autumn at Bodnant Gardens

by Richard Walliker

LET’S

CELEBRATE!

As most of you know the Club is eighty this year and to recognise this I’d like to propose a “Year Book” following a suggestion from Clive. A simple celebration of the Club and its members featuring one image from EVERY member with a short accompanying caption, said image to have been taken by the member themselves at any time in the last eighty years. If there was enough interest we could produce it as a Blurb-style book for people to purchase online or if not we could produce it in PDF format, which would also mean we could provide it online via the ISSUU service. Regardless of whether you’ve been a member for eight minutes or eighty years I’d love for everyone to contribute. If you’d like to contribute please just email me initially – if there is sufficient support I will make the arrangements for images to be submitted etcetera.

Postal Photo Developments - Dave Whenham

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Postal Photographic Club Travelling Exhibition 2017 Print Results To judge these prints, I decided to look at all of them initially, and then go through them again and decide which were not up to the same standard as the rest for one reason or another, and which were catching my eye.

So I ended up with two piles, which I left for 24 hours and then I went through both sets to see which might move from one to the other. When I was happy, I started on the preferred pile, separating into three this time –the really good and probably going to get an award, then ones which might improve on further viewing and lastly ones which were OK but lacking in some way. Again – left for 24 hours and then the hard decisions had to be made, with images being moved between piles. The winners didn’t change much though I had to lose some to the second pile and I did have to find 13 more images to make up to the 140.

I thought there were some superb mono shots, and this is a medium I really like, so I was pleased to see good quality printing. I also liked the many delicate, ethereal, colour and mono images, which had a strong pictorial element. There were some old fashioned styles of subjects and printing and this worked well in some instances e.g. the Lacock cloisters and Wells cathedral.

Some authors showed a good seeing eye –e.g. the Slate landscape, and there were some very good child portraits. Photography is often about a moment in time so the sports action shots were good, the Wonder woman being an example, and Sundae gossip because there was a story telling element. There were very few photoshopped images which was rather nice! However, Grumpy man was a well done example and another was the fractalius filter London Buses. There were very few filter processed ones but I happened to like that

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one. There were a large group of good nature shots, some of birds and some at the macro level. Also some delicate flower shots did well. There were many more I could have selected to comment on, but these are ones I remembered.

The ones I did not select generally did not have impact or suffered from poor printing technique (only a small group), or occasionally had a colour cast –some of the nature macro shots. When deciding what stays in and what goes out, sharpness is essential, unless the image is deliberately soft focus for an ephemeral, pictorial feeling.

Sometimes these work brilliantly and sometimes they had gone too far for me. Pictorialism is always important even in a sports or nature shot.

The award winners were easy to pick –they were in my top pile straight away, but choosing between the colour and mono was hard. Both were excellent.

Congratulations to the winners and to everyone who came near the top as well as all who took the trouble to enter, whether they were successful or not.

Diana Magor EFIAP/b MPSA CPAGB LRPS

Travelling Exhibition 2017 - Print Results

Print Acceptances & Awards Ken Ainscow DP Puffing Billy The Challenge Cup for Best Print

The Jack Cowper Tannadice Salver for Best Mono Print Ken Ainscow DP Grumpy Man in Bowler #1 Certificate of Merit Ken Ainscow DP At Glasson Dock Certificate of Merit Ken Ainscow LP1 Three at the War Weekend Ken Ainscow LP1 Still Smiling Ken Ainscow LP1 Treats Ken Ainscow LP1 Grumpy Man in Bowler #2 Jon Jon Jon Jon Jon Jon Jon

Allanson Allanson Allanson Allanson Allanson Allanson Allanson

C8 C8 DP DP LP1 LP1 IC4

Miss Marina Mae Across the Lagoon Little Grebe Gannet White - Bearded Bell Flower Edwardian Gent Gannets Greeting Each Other

Nicola Anderson Nicola Anderson Nicola Anderson Nicola Anderson

IC2 IC2 IC2 IC8

The Good Life Peaceful contentment Young Thai mourner Gossiping Certificate of Merit

Sally Anderson Sally Anderson

IC2 IC6

Nuthatch Twilight at Salford Quays

Gary Barton

IC5

Barn Owl on the Hunt

Richard Bown Richard Bown Richard Bown Richard Bown

CP1 CP1 CP1 CP1

A Leap for the Team A Walk in the Snow Slate Landscape Don’t Mess With Us

Stuart Carr

C19

Padlocked

Graham Dean

DP

Sawyers Arms

Roger Edwardes Roger Edwardes Roger Edwardes Roger Edwardes Roger Edwardes Roger Edwardes Roger Edwardes

C19 C19 C19 LP1 LP1 LP1 DS

The Old Tack Room The Fireman Brixham Tribute Guarding Porthleven Certificate of Merit Breezy Day at Hartland Quay The Island Chapel, St. Ives, Cornwall Steve the Mechanic

Martin Hart Martin Hart

C1 C1

At the Tate Modern Waiting for the Rothko

Certificate of Merit Certificate of Merit

Graham Harvey Graham Harvey

C1 IC11

Bonding Lunch Break

Certificate of Merit Certificate of Merit

Certificate of Merit The Scottish Quaiche for Best Action Print The Maurice MacDowell Cup for Best Colour Print Certificate of Merit Certificate of Merit

Travelling Exhibition 2017 - Print Results

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Bill Hughes Bill Hughes

C19 C19

Alias Bill Sikes the Burglar Wonder Woman

The Harry Ridgway Cup for Best Portrait Certificate of Merit

David James David James David James David James David James

DP DP DS DS IC7

End of the Jetty, Steetley Certificate of Merit Landing Stage Oasis of Calm The Andrew Emond Trophy for Best Landscape Print Across Dingle Bay Certificate of Merit Lacock Abbey Cloisters

John Kay

CP2

Zooming Along

Eric Ladbury Eric Ladbury Eric Ladbury Eric Ladbury Eric Ladbury

DS IC5 IC6 IC8 IC10

Cinnabar Moth Caterpillar on Ragwort Dark Banded Snail Rocky Outcrop at Beacon Hill Alder Fly [Sialis lutaria] Certificate of Merit The Joker

Geoff Leah Geoff Leah

C1 C1

Fallen Out Certificate of Merit Texter

Tony Marlow

C8

Aira Force

Ross Martin

IC4

School Rugby in the Snow –Touchdown

Alan Phillips Alan Phillips Alan Phillips

IC5 IC10 IC10

Sundae Gossip Certificate of Merit Blue Balloon Pollination

Kirsty Railton

IC8

Ozzy

Bob Rawlinson Bob Rawlinson Bob Rawlinson Bob Rawlinson

CP2 IC1 IC1 IC1

Ringed Plover Fallow Deer Certificate of Merit Young Kingfisher Red Kite

Certificate of Merit

Certificate of Merit

Peter Redford IC4 Sparrowhawk with Crossbill The Dick Ogden Natural History Shield

for Best Natural History Print Peter Redford IC4 Bowled Peter Redford IC7 Sparrowhawk

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David Ridley

DP

Doing the Rounds

Barry Roberts

LP1

Tulips Against the Light

Geoffrey Stevens

C1

Wells Cathedral

Steve Terry Steve Terry Steve Terry Steve Terry Steve Terry Steve Terry

C1 LP1 LP1 IC1 IC8 IC8

Riverside Trees In The Woods #1 Birch Trees Storm Approaching Certificate of Merit Moving Water The Old Manse

Richard Vale

DP

Hosta Flower

Les Walsh

CP2

“Castle Interior, Italy”

Travelling Exhibition 2017 - Print Results

Certificate of Merit

Certificate of Merit

Dave Whenham Dave Whenham Dave Whenham Dave Whenham

C1 C1 C1 CP1

Swansea: Tidal Lagoon Wonder St Pauls and Skyline Clarence Dock

The Singleton Rosebowl for Best Architectural Print Certificate of Merit Certificate of Merit Certificate of Merit

Barry Willcock Barry Willcock Barry Willcock

LP1 LP1 IC6

Ichneumon Wasp (poss pisorius) Drone Fly (Eristalis Tenax) Alstromeria

Certificate of Merit Certificate of Merit Certificate of Merit

Alison Wood

LP1

Wheelie Wet

Certificate of Merit

The Certificate for the most successful circle is awarded to Circle LP1

Retained Images Ken Ainscow DP Jon Allanson C8 Jon Allanson C8 Jon Allanson DP Jon Allanson LP1 Jon Allanson IC4 Jon Allanson IC4 Sally Anderson IC2 Sally Anderson IC6 Sally Anderson IC9 Sally Anderson IC9 Sally Anderson IC10 Gary Barton IC5 Roger Edwardes LP1 Basil Gunn CP1 Graham Harvey IC11 Graham Harvey IC11 Bill Hughes LP1 David James C19 David James DP John Kay CP2 John Kay DS Eric Ladbury DS

Eric Ladbury IC4 Eric Ladbury IC5 Eric Ladbury IC6 Eric Ladbury IC6 Eric Ladbury IC10 Eric Ladbury IC10 Alan Phillips IC10

Rhino The Rialta at Night Serengeti Landscape Oh! Red Kite Little Grebe Feeding Chick Red Squirrel with Lichen on Whisker Rydal Water in the Mist Orange Brain Fungus Midland Hotel, Morecambe Pew ends Distortion Blea Tarn and the Langdale Pikes Approaching Tan y Bwlch 2 Whitby Brewtime Muddy Grave The Warming Room Lacock Abbey Girl at the Window Master of all I survey City of Art & Science Looking into Bryce Canyon “The Backgrounds” at Kedleston Hall Dog Rose Gold on Blue Angle Shades Moth Mating Common Blue Damselflies Dark Lipped Snail Menagerie Wood Pool Big Kid

Kirsty Railton IC6 Of Sea and Stone Kirsty Railton IC7 The Wayfarer Kirsty Railton IC8 Pondering Kirsty Railton IC10 Mother love Bob Rawlinson CP2 Alone on the phone Bob Rawlinson IC1 Buttermere reflections Bob Rawlinson IC3 Marys Shell, Cleverleys Bob Rawlinson IC5 Heron Bob Rawlinson IC5 Red Grouse Peter Redford IC4 Stockton Bridge at Night Peter Redford IC7 Form with a view Barry Roberts CP1 Bridge Over the River Kent Barry Roberts CP1 Orchid Barry Roberts LP1 Spring Wood Bluebells Barry Roberts LP1 The Exhibition Southport Martin Short CP1 You’re Off Key !!

Steve Terry LP1 Incoming Tide Steve Terry IC8 In the Woods #2 Peter Toogood C1 Misty Morning Peter Toogood C1 Confusion Dave Whenham CP1 London Dave Whenham IC1 Rain on Cobbles Dave Whenham IC1 Into the Woods Dave Whenham IC1 City Centre, Rainy Night Dave Whenham IC3 St Pauls at Night Dave Whenham IC3 Poppy Dave Whenham IC9 Looking for Harry Lime Dave Whenham IC9 A View from (under) a Bridge Barry Willcock IC6 It’s time I put my foot down Roy Wilson C1 Canary Wharf Garden

Travelling Exhibition 2017 - Print Results 9

The Challenge Cup for Best Print The Jack Cowper Tannadice Salver for Best Mono Print

JUDGE’S

COMMENTS 10

Puffing Billy Ken Ainscow

This mono image of a runner looks completely candid and I love the way he has been isolated against the blurry background. He looks tired but also self contained and oblivious to his surroundings and the photographer. He is well placed in the frame and although I wouldn’t put this one on my wall, I felt it conveyed a real sense of effort and I chose this as the overall winner.

Travelling Exhibition 2017 - Print Results

Oasis of Calm David James The Andrew Emond Trophy for Best Landscape Print

JUDGE’S

COMMENTS The ‘oasis of calm’ spoke to me of peacefulness. It broke many of the ‘rules’ for landscape –it is a vertical format, the boat is straight across the front, the colours are ‘wishy-washy’ and you can’t really see where it is. However, it has a lovely feeling of the elements –a tranquil scene, emphasised by the high level cirrus clouds, dropping down to the distant pale hillside. The colours are delicate and all blend well together. Many people would probably discard this style of landscape but it has staying power for me.

Travelling Exhibition 2017 - Print Results

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The Dick Ogden Natural History Shield for Best Natural History Print

JUDGE’S

COMMENTS 12

Sparrowhawk with Crossbill Peter Redford

‘Sparrowhawk with crossbill’ is excellent. It is superbly sharp and the bird is totally focused on its prey. I know that once it’s started eating, not a lot can disturb it.

The colours are perfect and the background nicely out of focus without distracting highlights. There were several very good macro nature shots but this stood out right from the start – A pictorial feel to it along with a story telling element. Whether it was a lucky find or whether it was a stapled down small bird doesn’t matter in the end.

Travelling Exhibition 2017 - Print Results

Swansea: Tidal Lagoon Dave Whenham

The Singleton Rosebowl for Best Architectural Print

JUDGE’S

COMMENTS

I had two architecture shots to choose between and I liked both very much –one in colour and one in mono. In the end I went for this colour one but it was a close run thing. I liked the lead-in along the highlighted dock rail and the feeling of perspective given by the diminishing size of the buildings on the left. The overall warm colour enhanced the peacefulness as did the lack of people. The corners were darkened which helped to focus the eye into the centre of the image. Beautiful.

Travelling Exhibition 2017 - Print Results

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Alias Bill Sikes the Burglar Bill Hughes The Harry Ridgway Cup for Best Portrait

JUDGE’S

COMMENTS I chose this as the best portrait, because there was a definite sense of communication between the subject and the photographer.

Interestingly there were very few bland, female portraits.

This guy looked very shifty and I thought the detail on his skin was just right. I would have darkened down the bright patches on the hat and maybe lightened the whites of the eyes, but the facial expression was what counted in this shot.

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Travelling Exhibition 2017 - Print Results

A Walk in the Snow Richard Bown

The Maurice MacDowell Cup for Best Colour Print

JUDGE’S

COMMENTS

This is reminiscent of a picture I had seen of my Mother walking through the snow in the park in heavy snow in a long Winter coat, when she was a young woman.

It had an olde worlde feel to it. The delicate colours against the soft white of the sky and the snow covered ground were beautiful. I could happily have this picture on my wall.

Travelling Exhibition 2017 - Print Results

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A Leap for the Team Richard Bown

The Scottish Quaiche for Best Action Print

JUDGE’S

COMMENTS 16

‘A leap for the team’ was so balletic on the part of the central man leaping over the felled players. I liked the diagonal element to the whole image and it was different from the usual shots of one or two players being tackled. This had the look of an imminent catastrophe –which bloke was going to collide with which other one? I found the background not distracting which is often a problem and the expressions on the faces was in keeping with the determination to win.

Travelling Exhibition 2017 - Print Results

Certificates of Merit - Print

Top Left: Bottom Left: Top Right:

Travelling Exhibition 2017 - Print Results

Fallen Out Geoff Leah Wheelie Wet Alison Wood Lunch Break Graham Harvey 17

Top Left:

Sundae Gossip Alan Phillips

Bottom Left:

Alstromeria Barry Willcock

Top Right:

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Travelling Exhibition 2017 - Print Results

Wonder Dave Whenham

Top:

Across Dingle Bay David James

Middle:

St Pauls and Skyline Dave Whenham

Top Right:

Tulips Against the Light Barry T Roberts Travelling Exhibition 2017 - Print Results

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Travelling Exhibition 2017 - Print Results

Top Left:

Fallow Deer Bob Rawlinson

Bottom Left: End of the Jetty, Steetley

David James Top Right:

School Rugy in the Snow - Touchdown Ross Martin

Bottom Right: Wonder Woman

Bill Hughes Travelling Exhibition 2017 - Print Results

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Top Left: Bottom Left: Above:

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Travelling Exhibition 2017 - Print Results

Clarence Dock Dave Whenham Grumpy Old Man in Bowler #1 Ken Ainscow Ichneumon Wasp (poss pisorius) Barry Willcock

Top Right:

Barn Own on the Hunt Gary Barton

Bottom Right: At The Tate Modern

Martin Hart Travelling Exhibition 2017 - Print Results

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Top Left: Waiting for the Rothko Martin Hart Bottom Left: Castle Interior, Italy Les Walsh Top Right: Near Right: Far Right:

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Travelling Exhibition 2017 - Print Results

Gossping Nicola Anderson Don’t Mess With Us Richard Bown At Glasson Dock Ken Ainscow

Travelling Exhibition 2017 - Print Results

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Top: Bottom:

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Travelling Exhibition 2017 - Print Results

Storm Approaching Steve Terry Guarding Porthleven Roger Edwardes

Top:

Bottom:

Alder Fly [Sialis lutaria] Eric Ladbury Zooming Along John Kay Travelling Exhibition 2017 - Print Results

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Top Left:

Bonding Graham Harvey

Top Right: Drone Fly (Eristalis Tenax) Barry Willcock Bottom: Slate Landscape Richard Bown 28

Travelling Exhibition 2017 - Print Results

A Pome - Geoff Leah

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Postal Photographic Club Travelling Exhibition 2017 Projected Digital Image Results I have been interested in photography since my early twenties, when I was employed in a technical capacity at University and required to photograph the research work I was required to carry out. This taught me the fundamentals of good photography, thus allowing me to apply those same principles as a keen amateur photographer to date. Using the knowledge gained to my own advantage for my own photography outside of work. I was quite artistic in my early years, always sketching and painting and I was often told I had a good eye for a picture, this too I believe this helped in my photography, which I enjoy with a passion and I am never without a camera of some description. For me though, images that invariably do well in photographic competitions must have an immediate impact and dynamic impression on the viewer when first they view them, no matter the subject matter or content.

I also enjoy immensely, seeing photographs and images by others whatever the genre. And I attend as many exhibitions and presentations as I have time to. I find this a great source of inspiration.

At local club or society level, I have been a member of Swinton and District P.S. for 26 years and have held all

committee positions at some point, including President on 3 occasions. Holding such positions, and of course becoming an accredited judge for the Lancashire and Cheshire Photographic Union, enables me I believe, to give something back to photography which has continued to give me so much personal enjoyment and pleasure through my life to date.

I believe we improve our photography by entering competitions and listening and taking on board, comments made about our work. Gaining my CPAGB and LRPS and gave me a great deal of pleasure, and an assurance, that my work is at least of a reasonable standard as judged by others. Since becoming a judge, one of the first few to be accredited by the L&CPU, I have worked hard to be as good as I can, and I endeavour at all times, to try to be consistent and give as much constructive critique and feedback as possible within time constraints pertaining. I enjoy judging very much indeed and especially, as is often the case, I’m invited to return to clubs and judge for them again.

Keith Barber FIScT CPAGB LRPS

PDI Acceptances & Awards Jon Jon Jon Jon Jon 30

Allanson Allanson Allanson Allanson Allanson

C8 DP DP DP LP1

The Old Mill, Dunham Marina Mae Certificate of Merit Red Squirrel eating mushroom Certificate of Merit Media City Bridge Squacco Heron In Breeding Plumage

Travelling Exhibition 2017 - PDI Results

Jon Allanson Jon Allanson

LP1 IC4

Evening Return Gannets Bonding on Return

Nicola Anderson

IC2

Family

Sally Anderson Sally Anderson

IC9 IC10

Mecanopsis The Easter Cross

Certificate of Merit Certificate of Merit

Richard Bown Richard Bown

CP1 CP1

You’re out of Step A Walk in the Snow

Certificate of Merit Certificate of Merit

Allan Bate Allan Bate Allan Bate Allan Bate Allan Bate Allan Bate

IC2 IC2 IC2 IC3 IC7 IC7

Captains Log Fork n’ Spoon Reflecting on Collioure Certificate of Merit Cinq Amis heureux Certificate of Merit Trunk Road Bridge Reflecting On Barcelona

Gary Barton Gary Barton

IC5 IC5

St Giles cathedral Giant’s Causeway Certificate of Merit

Shirley Boulton

IC10

Walking By

Stuart L Carr

IC3

I Miss You

Pat Couder Pat Couder Pat Couder Pat Couder

IC7 IC7 IC7 IC11

Southwold Pier At Dawn Certificate of Merit Escaping Lambs at Castlerigg Certificate of Merit Isabella

Steve Croft Steve Croft

IC2 IC8

Langdale Slater’s Bridge

Liz Downes

DP

No Fun Any More

Roger Edwardes Roger Edwardes Roger Edwardes

DS LP1 LP1

On Target!

To the Manor Born Certificate of Merit Up for Air 2 Certificate of Merit

Malcolm Firth

IC11

Dovestone Reservoir

Charlie Gott Charlie Gott

IC5 IC5

Twisleton Tree Erratic Sunrise

David James David James David James David James David James David James David James David James David James

C19 C19 DP DP DS DS DS IC7 IC7

Old Man with Hat My Best Side Apocalypse Shades of Grey Dingle at Dawn Morning Light Rydal Cave-1 Warrior Salver for Best Portrait Misty Morning Travelling Exhibition 2017 - PDI Results

Certificate of Merit Certificate of Merit

Certificate of Merit

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David James

IC7

Kerry Coastline

John John John John

CP2 CP2 DS DS

Flowers at No 22 Watch Your Step Ancient Ruins in Canyon De Chelly Ten Strides

Kay Kay Kay Kay

Eric Ladbury DS The Lion Sleeps Eric Ladbury DS Painting on a Derelict Building Eric Ladbury IC4 Male Demoiselle Damselfly The Dorothy MacDowell Salver

for Best Projected Image

The Thomas Langley Trophy

for Best Natural History

Salver for Best Colour Projected Image Eric Ladbury IC4 Spider (araniella cucurbitina) Certificate of Merit Eric Ladbury IC5 Altar and Ascension Window

in St Philips Cathedral, Birmingham Eric Ladbury IC5 Solitude at Llandudno Pier Eric Ladbury IC6 Female Cuckoo Bumblebee Certificate of Merit Eric Ladbury IC8 Grand Hotel, Llandudno Sea Front Eric Ladbury IC8 Harvest Mouse Climbing Certificate of Merit Eric Ladbury IC8 The Weeping Window Silk Mill, Derby Certificate of Merit Eric Ladbury IC8 Chestnut Through the Woods Eric Ladbury IC10 Battle Hardened Eric Ladbury IC10 Lost in the Mist Eric Ladbury IC10 At Full Stretch Eric Ladbury IC10 Peaceful View over Dorset

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Maxwell Law Maxwell Law Maxwell Law Maxwell Law

IC4 IC7 IC7 IC9

Chiffchaff Certificate of Merit Boy on the beach Lanyon Quoit Dartford Warbler Certificate of Merit

John Metcalfe

IC10

Coniston Walkers

Alan Phillips

IC9

Gamelan Man

Kirsty Railton Kirsty Railton

IC10 IC10

At Castlerigg Out of the mist

Bob Rawlinson Bob Rawlinson Bob Rawlinson Bob Rawlinson Bob Rawlinson Bob Rawlinson Bob Rawlinson Bob Rawlinson Bob Rawlinson

CP2 CP2 IC1 IC1 IC3 IC5 IC5 IC5 IC5

Wren singing Certificate of Merit Last light Blackpool Certificate of Merit Beach huts Amble Buttermere reflections Certificate of Merit Grey Wagtail Certificate of Merit Kingfisher Certificate of Merit Kestrel feeding young Pair of Grouse Osprey with catch Certificate of Merit

Travelling Exhibition 2017 - PDI Results

Certificate of Merit

Peter Redford Peter Redford Peter Redford Peter Redford

IC4 IC4 IC4 IC7

Got My Eye On You Flying High Certificate of Merit Teasles Tackled

DS IC3 IC6 IC6 IC9 IC9

Fireman Foreman And Lamp Please Share My Umbrella Certificate of Merit Iona Beach Certificate of Merit Orkney Standing Stones Children in Fountain Southbank Driver And Fag Certificate of Merit

Steve Terry Steve Terry Steve Terry Steve Terry Steve Terry

LP1 LP1 IC1 IC8 IC8

First light, Loch Awe Early morning, Loch Awe Loch Tulla #4 Salver for the Best Landscape Image Saplings Slate Fence

Richard Walliker Richard Walliker Richard Walliker Richard Walliker Richard Walliker Richard Walliker

C1 C1 IC4 IC4 IC4 IC4

Empty platform Lonely Tree Salver for the Best Monochrome Image Berries a plenty Certificate of Merit Spooked Redshank Majestic Egret Goldcrest

Carole Wetherley Carole Wetherley

IC2 IC2

Quiet Time Skyeball

Dave Whenham Dave Whenham Dave Whenham Dave Whenham Dave Whenham Dave Whenham Dave Whenham

C1 C1 C1 C1 IC1 IC3 IC9

Night Bus Swansea Tidal Lagoon Certificate of Merit Salford Quays The Black Cuillin from the North End of Glen Brittle Skye Sunrise Looking Down Poppies

Dave Williams Dave Williams Dave Williams Dave Williams Dave Williams Dave Williams Dave Williams

IC5 IC5 IC6 IC10 IC10 IC10 IC10

Broad Bodied Chaser Certificate of Merit Autumn Steam Train Certificate of Merit Tarmac and Water Certificate of Merit From the Towpath At The End Of The Day Autumn Sunrise Certificate of Merit Cornfield and Clouds

Alison Wood

LP1

Porthmadog Harbour

Stephen Yates

IC4

Small Red Damselfly

Graham Snowden Graham Snowden Graham Snowden Graham Snowden Graham Snowden Graham Snowden

Certificate of Merit

The Salver for the Best Performance is awarded to IC4

Travelling Exhibition 2017 - PDI Results

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The Dorothy MacDowell Salver for Best Projected Image The Thomas Langley Trophy for Best Natural History Image Salver for the Best Colour Projected Image

Male Damouselle Damselfly Eric Ladbury

This was an outstanding image for me and given there was a significant number of entries in the Natural History genre it was up against some very strong contenders indeed. The detail this image contains is just brilliant. Every single hair on the insect’s body is just so sharp, as is the detail in the folded wings with each and every filament of them just so equally highly detailed. The lighting is excellent too, not too harsh, not to dark but good but just right to expose the insect superbly. Why the eye even has a catch light too. The composition is very good with the worker employing great technique also making the best use of a natural background. Subdued and softly focused it doesn’t detract at all from the insect itself. The colours throughout including the diffused background are totally natural and it does not suffer from some very ‘acidic’ greens we sometimes see in such images. The exceptional quality of this image would, in my view, not be found wanting in any reference book on the subject matter. A great shot! Indeed.

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Travelling Exhibition 2017 - PDI Results

Lonely Tree Richard Walliker Salver for the Best Monochrome Projected Image

JUDGE’S

COMMENTS This image has excellent monochrome tones for me, right through the range from strong whites through to a range of greys to equally strong blacks, exactly what one wishes in a monochrome image of this type, especially in a landscape such as this.

The contrast this gives to the image is exactly what one looks for such shots. The use of a vertical format works very well for me too with the tree placed on the left hand third and total reflection on the water. The foreground detail and tree takes the eye nicely through the picture to the high ground in the very distance which is equally sharp and has good contrast too.

Another good point is that the far shore of the lake and its horizontal line are composed in the upper third and not straight through the middle of the shot. Complimented by a great sky and overall light this was an excellent monochrome shot for me.

Travelling Exhibition 2017 - PDI Results

35

Salver for the Best Projected Portrait

JUDGE’S

COMMENTS 36

Warrior David James

The dark moody almost foreboding feel this image gives the viewer is very good indeed. It has great impact for me. The pose slightly off centre to the left in landscape mode is all the better for this subject portrait in that it allows the viewer a glimpse of the warrior’s fellow battle troops in the dark behind him. Complimented by a slightly worried look on the warrior’s face with great detail in his dirt laden face the subdued lighting adds all the more to his worried expression and makes for a great feel to this image.

Travelling Exhibition 2017 - PDI Results

Salver for the Best Projected Landscape

JUDGE’S

COMMENTS

Loch Tulla #4 Steve Terry

An excellent landscape, very well composed with good a good range of very natural colours and contrast. Good sharp detail throughout from front to far distance, with some foreground interest in that the sky and other details are nicely reflected on the Loch’s surface. Little hints of a blue sky just breaking through the low grey misty cloud on the far mountain tops complete an excellent and overall very pleasing landscape indeed.

Travelling Exhibition 2017 - PDI Results

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Certificates of Merit - PDI

Top:

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Southwold Pier At Dawn Pat Couder

Left:

Mecanopsis Sally Anderson

Travelling Exhibition 2017 - PDI Results

Right:

Consiton Walkers John Metcalfe

Top Left:

Dartford Warbler Maxwell Law

Top Right:

Iona Beach Graham Snowden

Bottom Right:

Red Squirrel Eating Mushroom Jon C Allanson Travelling Exhibition 2017 - PDI Results

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Top Left:

Tarmac and Water Dave Williams

Bottom Left: Small Red Damselfly Stephen Yates 40

Top RIght:

Bottom Right:

Travelling Exhibition 2017 - PDI Results

Female Cuckoo Bumblebee (bombus bohemicus) Eric Ladbury Autumn Steam Train Dave Williams

Top Left: Top Middle: Top Right: Bottom Left:

Travelling Exhibition 2017 - PDI Results

Harvest Mouse Climbing Eric Ladbury Chiffchaff Maxwell Law Osprey with Catch Bob Rawlinson Berries a plenty Richard Walliker 41

Top Left: Middle Left: Bottom Left: Top RIght: Bottom Right:

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Travelling Exhibition 2017 - PDI Results

The Easter Cross Sally Anderson You’re Out Of Step Richard Bown Evening Return Jon C Allanson Grey Wagtail Bob Rawlinson Marina Mae Jon C Allanson

Top Left: Top RIght: Middle Right: Bottom Right:

Driver and Fag Graham Snowden To The Manor Born Roger Edwardes Buttermere Reflections Bob Rawlinson Cinq Amis Heureux Allan Bate Travelling Exhibition 2017 - PDI Results

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Top Left: Middle Left: Bottom Left: Top RIght:

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Travelling Exhibition 2017 - PDI Results

Swansea Tidal Lagoon Dave Whenham Gannets Bonding on Return Jon C Allanson Spider (araniella cucurbitina) Eric Ladbury The Weeping Window Silk Mill, Derby Eric Ladbury

Top Left: Top Right: Bottom Left: Top RIght:

Lambs at Castlerigg Pat Couder Giant’s Causeway Gary Barton A Walk In The Snow Richard Bown Last Light, Blackpool Bob Rawlinson Travelling Exhibition 2017 - PDI Results

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Travelling Exhibition 2017 - PDI Results

Above: Top Right: Middle Right: Bottom RIght:

Facing Top Left: Facing Middle Left: Facing Bottom Left: Facing Top RIght: Facing Bottom Right:

Flying High Peter Redford I Miss You Stuart L Carr Wren Singing Bob Rawlinson Kingfisher Bob Rawlinson

Autumn Sunrise Dave Williams Broad Bodied Chaser Dave Williams Reflecting on Collioure Allan Bate Up For Air 2 Roger Edwardes Please Share My Umbrella Graham Snowden Travelling Exhibition 2017 - PDI Results

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Notes From The Gulf

On Vacation! Part 1 I have taken some geographic liberties this month and expanded the Middle East Gulf for this edition of PhotoNews to include part of the Far East. This article will be spread over two issues of PhotoNews.

It’s vacation time for many of us and so it was for the family and I during early July. Photographically speaking I was blessed as we had chosen to visit Bali and Singapore, before flying home to Qatar. The weather on this two week trip was

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mixed with rain (sometimes torrential), grey skies, and cloudy but sunny days and always humid.

To start let’s take a look at the island of Bali and the Ubud central area of this Indonesian paradise. We arrived at our destination villa after a long travel day late at night and could not see anything as there were few lights. However, in the morning we were greeted with this....

Notes From The Gulf - On Vacation! Part 1 - John Pattison

A favourite attraction in this central area of the island is the Monkey Forest. Here Balinese Long Tailed monkeys freely roam amongst the tourists in this sacred sanctuary located on the outskirts of the town, which also contains several Hindu temples and also had a little posed theatre just for us photographers!

Traditional Balinese dance and theatre were on our agenda too. The Barong dance portrays the eternal battle between Good and Evil.

Notes From The Gulf - On Vacation! Part 1 - John Pattison

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We also travelled into the highlands which rise some 1700 to 3000 m above sea level and Lake Batur which is overshadowed by the volcano Mount Batur. This is an active volcano but for those hardy enough may be climbed for sunrise views and photographic shoots. We didn’t do this as it is a 4 hour trek setting out around 1.00 am from the base of the peak to reach the volcano summit around 4.00 – 4.30 am to watch the sunrise.

Parts of Bali featured in the Julia Roberts’ film ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ Here the natural terraces for example, these are not man-made despite appearances otherwise.

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Notes From The Gulf - On Vacation! Part 1 - John Pattison

A quick note for Mac users when submitting TE entries: The annual TE is probably the only occasion when we ask members to send us a document or spreadsheet file and for most it causes no issues. However, those amongst us who use Macs do not always have the Microsoft packages on our machines used by our Windows-running compatriots.

If you are running a Mac and have Pages or Numbers installed there is a simple way of producing a Microsoft-friendly file for sending in via email.

Simply export the file using File > Export To > Word or File > Export To > Excel.

The two screen shots below illustrate both. I hope this helps.

We also enjoyed walking around a coffee and tea plantation in the rain (NOT) which offered a variety of teas and coffees to sample, which were delicious, and had interesting prominently displayed signs!

Bali, despite inclement weather, it rained heavily for in excess of 30 hours early in our visit, is a peaceful refreshing green paradise and a stark change to the dust laden air and deserts of the Middle East and we have promised ourselves to go back to explore other parts of the island in coming years.

Images for the whole trip were captured using a Samsung Galaxy S5 smart phone, Fujifilm X-T1 and XT-20 camera bodies and the following Fujinon lenses; 35 mm F2 R WR, 56 mm F1.2 R, 18-55 mm F 2.8- 4.0 R LM OIS and 55-200 mm F3.5-4.8 R LM OIS John Pattison

Notes From The Gulf - On Vacation! Part 1 - John Pattison

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Postal Photographic Club Travelling Exhibition 2017

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Travelling Exhibition 2017 - Panel of Four Results

‘Panel of Four’ Results

Americal Football Graham Harvey

Certificate for the Best Panel

Travelling Exhibition 2017 - Panel of Four Results

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JUDGE’S

COMMENTS Just about every set of four, submitted in this panel competition, contained at least one or two impressive images - so congratulations to all contributors on attaining a really high standard of photography. However, to make a successful panel all four pictures must appear as a balanced set. A number of submissions just missed out by including an odd striking picture, or perhaps an odd dubious one, that attached too much visual weight to itself. In a monochrome set, for example, there needs to be some uniformity in the tonal range. A colour set should avoid an odd image of strident colour that would draw the eye. A bright highlight can also spoil the overall effect of a panel. And it usually helps to have images at least of a similar scale, if not subject matter.

The winning set, “American Football”, satisfies these criteria in abundance. Each individual image is impressive, with good technical quality as well as conveying the exciting action, emphasised by the facial expressions of the players - quite an achievement bearing in mind the challenges that prevail at the taking stage. Anyone attempting serious sports photography soon discovers what a difficult subject this is. The strong colours add dynamism to these pictures and the uniformity maintained throughout the set ensure they hang together as a panel.

The monochrome set of church interiors, “Antique”, scores well due to the aesthetic appeal of the individual images, with the subtle treatment given to each ensuring they work perfectly as a panel. Despite the overall softness of the images, much fine detail is in evidence which adds to the interest and beauty in the architecture, the main features being appropriately framed in each case.

In complete contrast, “Fremont, Las Vegas” is a riot of artificial colour despite which there is a uniformity across the set meaning they work as a panel. Impressive night shots such as these will always stand out in a crowd.

The inherent contrast is well handled and the careful cropping of each shot adds to the overall balance of the panel.

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“Whitewater Paddlers” again consists of four quality action shots that work well as a panel. Although each shows a different angle, the endeavour and extreme effort required of the paddlers, as seen from their expressions, provides a common theme and again both colour and contrast is well handled.

Each picture in the natural history set, “4 Reds”, is a very pleasing image in its own right. The quality is striking and the result of a photographer who obviously has a love of the genre and has mastered the techniques required to do it justice. One might debate their effectiveness as a balanced panel, but the author’s unifying title, albeit a bit contrived, helps lift it into the chosen few.

There are many near-misses. The authors who have just missed out this time know they are good and should be content in the knowledge that they really know better than the judge anyway!

With best wishes

Dorothy Redford CPAGB

CERTIFICATES OF MERIT Top:

4 Reds Bob Rawlinson

Middle: Antique Shirley Boulton Bottom Left: Bottom Right:

Travelling Exhibition 2017 - Panel of Four Results

White Water Paddlers Alison Wood Fremont Las Vegas Terry Boulton

Travelling Exhibition 2017 - Panel of Four Results

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Creating a Copyright Badge Recently a club member of my local camera club, Long Eaton C.C., asked me how to create and produce a “copyright logo ©” button, to be used in his prints which he offered to friends and clients, to help prevent the abusive copying use of the prints without his permission. In essence, he required some easy, repeatable method of placing his copyright information using a simple “drag and drop” procedure for each print electronically prior to printing.

This tutorial creates a “simple to use” file, to enable the author to place a previously designed logo/button into any desired electronic/computer, picture easily and repeatedly.

Please note a couple of “in house” rules :When I state “click” this refers to only a single left click of the mouse button. Any other control clicks will be explained within the text.

Where appropriate a keyboard short cut will be shown inside (parenthesis) any helpful instructions will be included in [square brackets].

Making the Basic Button 1. Select your image to use for creating the copyright “Button” or create a plain colour layer of choice, [see fig. 1a & 1b].

fig 1c the outline with the mouse left button held down to draw a perfect circle or square. When the shape is complete use the move (arrow) keys to adjust the position of the selection just made. Pressing the (shift) key at the same time jumps the movement by ten times the distance.

3. Use the keys (Ctrl + J) puts this selection onto a new layer, repeat this key press to put a second copy above, if preferred, just for safety and ease of use.

4. Delete the background layer [bottom layer usually], next highlight the remaining or top layer with a mouse click to activate it.

5. This should leave an emblem or button on a “clear” background [see fig. 1d], or two layers if a second copy was made..

6. Crop the image to taste to include just the selection area [see fig. 1e], using crop tool (C).

fig 1d

fig 1a fig 1b 2. Make either a square or round selection as preferred, I use a round shape [see fig 1c ~ A], with the selection marquee tool (M). Keeping the shift key pressed while dragging

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7. Add any text or icons as desired to fit the image, [see below how to make a curved shape to the letters and words].

8. When happy with the design of the button, flatten the layers and save the file twice with two different memorable names [I usually use the same title + copy of it for the second version].

Creating a Copyright Badge - Eric Ladbury

Easy Way to Make Text Into a Curved Shape 1. To create a curved line of text in Photoshop [see fig 2a & b], go to the pen (P) tool.

fig 2a

fig 2b

2. Click inside the button shape [see fig 2c] at the desired starting point for the curve with a single click to create an anchor point [see A].

the mouse button down, drag out a control line which appears [see C], and finally release for the second anchor point. This control line has an adjustment point at each end. Selecting the lower point of the control line by pressing the control key (Ctrl) and hovering the cursor over the point engages it, release the control button and whilst still holding down the mouse button drag the line downwards and slightly right towards the four-o’clock direction, while watching the shape of the line alter into a curve, move in or out to shorten or lengthen the control line, watching the curve change as the adjustments are made. Try gentle moves in and out, swinging left or right, up or down, making small adjustments, also pick up the top end of the control line anchor point and with similar small changes the curve can be aligned to the button perimeter.

When happy with the new curved line, press control and click anywhere away from the line to complete the shape.

4. Next select the type tool (T) and in the options bar [the top bar in the screen], select font, style, size, quality and most important alignment, and adjust suitably. The alignment icons are three small squares of lines, left align, central align and right align, for this exercise select the central one, it makes centring the text much easier on the curve.

5. Without pressing a button move the cursor over the “top centre” position of the curved line just drawn in step four [pen curve – see D]. When the cursor changes from a small square to a wavy line, left click, this now shows a single vertical line, which is the text cursor to mark where the lettering starts. Type in some suitable words e.g. “John Brown”.

6. When satisfied with the wording, click on the move tool at the top of the tool box to release the typing. NOTE DO NOT use a keyboard “short cut letter” as this will add another letter to the script already placed on the button, the PS program is still in type mode and will recognising this as a placement on the text line and not a command.

7. In the layers palette there should now be a new layer marked with a “T” at the top of the stack of layers. Right click in this layer and from the drop-down menu that appears, and select “Rasterize Type” (about a third of the way down), left click it. This has converted the text layer to an ordinary “normal” layer and any standard tools can now be applied to it, altering size, opacity or position etc., on the screen.

fig 2c 3. Move the cursor to a point at the end of the desired shape’s position [see B], this shows a straight line, DON’T release the mouse button, by left clicking and HOLDING

8. Repeat steps I to 7 above but this time create the curve around the lower half of the “Button” [See fig 2a]. When filling in the text this time, put in “copyright” or “copyright applies” to match the first lettering.

Creating a Copyright Badge - Eric Ladbury

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9. NOTE to place the © emblem in the middle [see fig 3a], go to the “Custom Shape” tool (U) in the tool box [see A]. Next go up to the “Top Bar” and from the “Shape” emblem (extreme right), click the down pointing arrow, this displays a new palette [see B], and from the bottom row click on the ©, shape. There should now appear in the small window above the © emblem. Moving into the screen, the cursor now turns to a (+) cross shape, using the mouse move into the top left of the centre of the “button” and holding down the left mouse button and the “Shift” key at the same time, drag outward (moving down and right), there now comes into view a © sign. Drag to a suitable size and release both mouse button and shift key. Press once the “V” key (V), and whilst holding down the left mouse button, move the “©” design to the desired position centrally in the button [see C]. Finally, if not chosen earlier, by reselecting the shape the colour of the © can be altered to taste by clicking on “fill” and “stroke” colour boxes in turn, and either one or both can be changed by selection of the colours available.

10. When finally happy with the design of the “Button” and it fills all your needs, go to the layers palette and either flatten the stack of layers into one layer by making sure you have selected the top layer as the active one, then pressing “control”, “shift”, and “E” keys together. An alternative, is, when the top active layer is selected, press “Control” +“Shift”+ “Alt” and “E” keys together, [It can be done with just the left hand with a little practise]; this produces a consolidated layer of ALL the visible ones below, without loosing the separate layers, thus allowing return to the file later for alterations to be applied if desired.

11. To add the cream and make the button look more 3D, simply apply the special effect from the Layer Style by selecting the (fx) with a click and from the drop-down menu that appears select “Bevel Emboss” which brings up a new palette with the Bevel & Emboss box ticked [see fig. 4a]. Go to the centre section and click and hold the left mouse button on the “Size” slider [see A], drag to taste whilst watching the “button” and release when happy. From the “Technique” window above [see B], click the down pointing arrow and from the menu select your preferred look [I use Smooth as it seems the best]. In the “Glass Contour” [see C], choose the best option available, [again my preferred is from the second row second one in from the left]. Finally go to “Shading” and click inside the small circle next to “Angle” [see D], when applying this click, watch the review to the right below the Preview box [see E], or look at the original button. As a slight alternative to the last command click and hold the left mouse button and slowly move the mouse icon around the inside of this circle while watching the effect.

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Creating a Copyright Badge - Eric Ladbury

fig 3a

fig 4a

fig 5a

Placing the Button into a New Picture 1. With this new top layer, in the “Button” image [using either method from paragraph 9b above], visible and active, open the target (host) image which requires the copyright button placed into the picture. Next go back to the “Button” image, allowing both files to be open at the same time on screen. The next step is to transfer a copy of the completed button layer from the “Button” file to the “Target” file. In the “Button” window select the completed button layer with a left mouse click and hold, dragging this layer from the palette and hover “inside” the target window image then release the mouse button. There should now be a copy of the “Button copyright” layer in the top of the palette in the “Target” image.

2. In the “Target” window this new layer can be selected (made active by a single click in the layer in the palette), thus allowing the “button” to be moved around the target image by either left click and hold, and dragging the button, or use the (arrow) keys; also the size can be adjusted to taste by selecting the “Free Transform” tool [Edit>Free Transform] or short-cut (Ctrl + T). Finally press the enter key to complete the re-sizing alteration [see fig.

5a] showing two styles of button.

DON’T FORGET TO SAVE THE NEW “BUTTON COPYRIGHT” IMAGE IN A SAFE PLACE, USING A MEANINGFUL NAME [e.g.

Your Name Copyright file] AND MEMORABLE PLACE.

Creating a Copyright Badge - Eric Ladbury

Eric Ladbury

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