Welcome to the SE region July 2024 Newsletter
1. Introduction
2. What has happened in the SE region since the last newsletter
3. News in the region
4. FUTURE events
5. Planned events for the next 10 months
6. Hello to new members
1.Introduction
The weather seems to have finally changed. A mild winter, lots of rain and then spring means there are lots of flowers out there. Great photography subjects, but not easy. If you want some help then try Celia Henderson, who we used to host Photoshop workshops for the RPS SE with particular emphasis on flower photography. Celia hasn’t gone away as she now hosts her workshops via DI, the Digital Imaging special interest group. Click here for details.
2.What has happened since the last newsletter?
Paul Stillman has been busy. He led a visit to the Arundel Wetlands and is going to lead another at the British Wildlife Centre, (see later). A good time was had by all apparently. I wish Kent was not such a big county as I’d like to go on all our click events. It does seem to be a popular format which we will keep going.
3.News in the Region
The next MEMCOM, (regional and group head meeting), is shortly. We are due to discuss:
• SLAs; this an acronym for Service Level Agreements. It appears to be a set of standards that we as a region are expected to adhere to. This is not a bad thing at all as we will know what is expected.
• Blackthorn Upgrade Follow-up; this is the next phase of bringing the web driven booking up to scratch. Several regions/SIGs, including us, have opted to us an external booking system because the old system was so complex and unwieldy. The new CRM release needs to be a whole lot better and user friendly to be acceptable.
• Distinctions; the major change here is the abolition of LRPS distinctions via print to wholly digital. Despite an initial changeover date of April, as I understood from previous communications, I see there are no dates available until the summer.
• Impact of RPS House sale on Community Activities; in case you didn’t know RPS are intending to sell their Bristol Centre next year.
• Finance; this is about the abolition of the monies donated per member to each region and clawing back some of the substantial balances sitting in regional accounts. My view is that this is not unreasonable, although some regions will struggle without this donation. We are relatively well off as we try to stand by a principle of running events at cost only.
4.FUTURE Events
1.British Wildlife Centre
This event has been confirmed. Paul Stillman will be leading it on Monday 30th September. We have the whole centre to ourselves. It is limited to 12 persons in the whole centre and is especially arranged for photographers. We are charged a reduced cost compared to the normal £140 pp that the BWC normally charge. Our cost is £135, which includes a light lunch. I expect this event to sell out quickly, so here is a direct link to book.
2. From Pictures to Projects
You received a special newsletter outlining this workshop last month. Paul tells me he has 11 people who have signed up for it. He is therefore putting on another on Saturday 21st September.
Why Join This Course?
This course is perfect for photographers at all levels who aspire to:
• Exhibit their work
• Create a photo book
• Achieve distinctions like the ARPS or FRPS
• Simply enjoy the process of building a meaningful body of work
Course Highlights
▪ Structured Learning: During the day, you'll learn to generate project ideas, conduct research and experiment with techniques
▪ Interactive Session: Participate in the full-day interactive sessions on July 20th or the 21st September, 2024, from 10:00 to 16:00.
▪ Personalised Feedback: Receive limited personal feedback and mentoring following the course
▪ Valuable Resources: Gain unlimited access to recorded sessions and Paul’s ebook "Mastering Project Photography" upon course completion.
▪ Ongoing Support: Enjoy limited email and online support and mentoring following the course.
Course Structure
The course is structured to help you build a body of work on a subject of your choice. The highly interactive format includes online personal feedback and mentoring following the course. You'll learn the fundamental skills and methodologies needed to complete a successful project and enhance your future photography endeavours.
Agenda
1. Introduction to project photography
2. Case studies of successful projects
3. The creative process: relevance and application
4. Generating and evaluating ideas
5. Importance of research and how to conduct it
6. Learning to experiment
7. Writing a Statement of Intent
8. Planning your next steps
Cost:
£99 for RPS members, enroll Today! Places are limited on the masterclass so, don’t miss this opportunity to transform your photography and develop your creative potential. Click this link to book now
3. Bewl Water click event 14/7/24
We have 8 people so far attending for what promises to be a great day. Tom Gisby, the RPS event leader, says that there is something for everyone to photograph
• Wildlife such as Herons, Geese and fish
• Sports such as sailing and rowing
• Beautiful woodland walks around the 800-acre site
• You may even see a Spitfire fly over from nearby Headcorn
Only 3 spaces left, so book here
5.Planned events for the next 6 months and a taste of future events
You can see the proposed programme until December 2024 below, followed by ideas for 2025 RPS SE event programme: June 2024 - December 2024 (Status of event correct as of 01/07/24)
Bewl Water click event (pay on the door)
14/07/2024
Places available
This is a click event, walking around Bewl Water with the opportunity to take photographs of the wildlife, water and beautiful surrounding countryside. The only cost is the car park.
Lullingstone orchid flower photography click event (pay on the door)
04/09/2024
The web link takes you to the Lullingstone own web page. We will provide link for the event very soon
This event is proposed in September, hoping that the Orchids, which are under grown glass are still available. The only cost is the entrance fee. This will a private tour as there will be no public on this day.
British Wildlife Centre
30/09/2024
Places available
Based at the British Wildlife Centre, Lingfield. A great opportunity to photograph native British wild animals up close. The price is very competitive, as it is only for this group, making it an excellent opportunity for photographers.
Knole Park click event (pay on the door)
27/10/2024 The web link takes you to the Knole Park own web page. We will provide link for the event in July
Knole Park is near Sevenoaks. It is a SSSI and has plenty to photograph. The only cost will be the entrance to the park and we will then concentrate on the 1000 acres of woodland. The link is to the actual Knole Park website which is a NT location. The only cost is parking and entrance fee. (Free to NT members)
Photographing autumn colours click event
10/11/2024 The web link takes you to the Bedgebury own web page. We will provide link for the event in July
This is a face to face click event without a tutor to capture the majesty of autumn colours at Bedgebury. The colours at this time of year are magnificent. Street Photography in London click event (no link yet)
15/12/2024 Timing confirmed
This is a street photograph day in LONDON. Brick Lane with its markets and vibrant community life is the probable location. There will be no fee
21/02/2025 LRPS distinction advisory day 2025 (no link yet)
01/04/2025 Use your phone as a camera (no link yet)
15/04/2025 Margate click event (no link yet)
20/04/2025 Bluebell Photo Workshop click event 2025 (no link yet)
11/08/2025 Broadstairs Folk Week ’25 click event
6. Hello to new members from 16/05/24 through to 26/06/2024
Eddy Bartlett, Susan Leathers, David Harland, Steve Bloom, Lee Robertson, Emanuel Ribeiro, Paul Coppin, Timothy Draper, Maria Gilbert, John Spencer, John Spencer, Raluca O’Callaghan, Trevor Cane, Job Dexters, Miranda Gavin, Graham Franks, Liban Elmi, Luke Clampitt, Peter Allen
If you have any ideas for the region or want to help, please contact me at southeast@rps.org.
John Gough, RPS SE Regional Organiser