Micro four third lenses

The following has been received from club member Graeme Cattell:

Maxwells Electricals in Northallerton are discontinuing all of their camera products, Fuji Film Digital and Panasonic, at great Sale prices.

There is a small range of micro four third lenses in a display cabinet which are at bargain prices, even compared to the latest web sites. I bought a 7 - 14mm wide angle zoom and saved £349 on the best web prices! These will fit Olympus as well.

They also have a selection of cameras, but I have not checked the prices against the web. I would assume that since the lenses are heavily discounted, the cameras would be as well.

Jane Bown

I was sad to read of the death last week of the photographer, Jane Bown who worked for the Observer newspaper for 60 years. In the opinion of myself and many others she was the finest portrait photographer of the 20th century although far less well known than many others of lesser ability. She always shot in B&W, using only natural light and went on assignments with her equipment in a shopping bag. I have two books of her photographs which cover the entire range of subjects from rich to poor, famous to unknown. If you want to take a look at some examples of her work, copy and paste the following links in your browser - https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=jane+bown+photographer+national+portrait+gallery&biw=2560&bih=1242&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=fAegVLysH4TjaP_WgqAH&ved=0CC8QsAQ or read the feature in the Observer at http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2014/dec/28/jane-bown-remembered-obit

PAGB e-news 129

Click here to read Issue 129 of the PAGB e-news.
In this issue there is a code to get tickets for £10.95 instead of £18 on the door or £13.95 pre-booked. If we could get 10 club members to all go on the same day we could even get the tickets for £9.95 each. Anybody want to organise it?

Photography News 15

The latest issue of Photography News can be read here.

NCPF Website

As you know, due to serious damage it became necessary to rebuild the NCPF website. The site is now up and running, and remains at the same web address.

Over the coming days/weeks the webmaster will be endeavouring to replace the archival material on the site, and appreciates your continued patience whilst this takes place.

Inner Landscapes, Wilder Shores

An exhibition of photography by Garry Brannigan

Garry Brannigan’s fourth exhibition at The Station sets out to reveal an intrinsic beauty within Northern Britain’s upland landscape through 33 new photographs made during 2013 and 2014.
Garry is one of the country’s most popular instructors in the art of landscape photography and his exhibition “Inner Landscapes, Wilder Shores” features photographs made in Swaledale, Northumberland, Borrowdale, the Isle of Skye, and also Glen Torridon and Inverpolly in the North West Highlands of Scotland and Lewis and Harris in the Outer Hebrides.
In each photograph prominence is given to the subject ahead of the photographic process, while at the same time exploring a fascinating paradox…it is often a photographer’s vision, expressed through composition and technique, which brings an aesthetic to the picture and enables the viewer to then appreciate the unique qualities of the subject.
The exhibition runs until January 8 and The Station Gallery is open every day from 9am to 10.30pm (except Christmas Day). Entry is free.
***Garry will be giving a talk about the creative process involved in making the photographs in the exhibition on Tuesday, January 6 starting at 7.30pm. Please get in touch directly with Garry if you would like attend as places are limited. The number to call is 01748 821041 or email: info@rivertoridge.co.uk  Tickets cost £7.
Directions to The Station:

Garry Brannigan's website:

PAGB ENews 128

Click here to read issue 128 of the PAGB ENews.

Birds of Prey Photography

Colin Carter is oganising a photography session at the Thirsk Birds of Prey centre. Full tuition available if needed or left alone to get shots if more experienced.
Colin recommends a dSLR and a lens around 300mm (200mm on DX) or over for the best opportunities.
This will be the centre's closed season so participants will have the place to themselves.
The price is £50 each with no more than 15 participants. If anyone is interested please contact the centre direct and book a place sooner rather than later.
Colin is their resident photographer They now take all the static birds outside the centre for much better photographic opportunities, backgrounds, lighting, perches etc.
The centre's website is www.falconrycentre.co.uk

NCPF Website

As many will have realised, there is a problem with the NCPF Website.

Unfortunately it is about as serious as it can be, because the bespoke background structure has been corrupted.

Please be assured that the NCPF are working towards a solution and that they will keep clubs informed as best they can. That being said with the best will in the world it will take a few weeks to get a working website back up and running.

The NCPF Executive is of course fully involved and will take whatever steps are necessary to ensure that the Federation continues to function during this period..

Lightroom Workshop Organised by the RPS Northern Region

RPS Biennial Exhibition

Congratulations to SPS member, Rob Louw, whose image Two Zebras Bite the Dust has been selected for the 2015 RPS Members’ Biennial Exhibition, which will tour the UK during 2015.

Only 100 images have been selected for the exhibition from 3284 images submitted worldwide, so it is indeed a great achievement.


The other accepted images can be viewed here.

SPS Website

Currently it is not possible to open the SPS website at the Home page you can access the other pages by typing www.stokesleyps.org.uk or clicking on this link.

Rest assured that the site has not been hacked. I have Norton Security checking any web page that I browse and it says that the SPS website is safe.

Photography News Issue 14

The latest issue of Photography News is available here.

SPS Website Down

You may have experienced problems getting on to the SPS website in recent days. There is a problem with the hosting servers which they are working on. Hopefully the site will be up and running again soon.

Birds of Prey Workshops

Dear Photographer,
We're pleased to let you know that we've now agreed dates for our 2015 one day bird of prey workshops.
The dates are June 26, July 31 and August 7, all of these are Fridays.
As usual we'll have a wonderful array of owls and raptors, beautiful scenic locations, bad jokes, and Richard's mum's amazing homemade soups and puddings. New for 2015 we've also arranged for perfect weather on each day. OK, that last bit's a lie, but we'll enjoy whatever Cumbria throws at us.
Anyway, if you'd like to book onto one of the days, please drop us an email sandatoonATaol.com. The workshop page on our website is www.toonphoto.com/workshop.
Steve & Ann Toon
Web: Ann & Steve Toon Wildlife Photography
Blog: Beat about the Bush
Rhino blog: Project African Rhino

1st Competition Results

All of the images submitted for the first 'Open' competition are now on the web site  under the link [Galleries / Competition Galleries 2014-2015]. 
These links will be updated on a rolling basis as each competition comes around.

PAGB E-News 127

Issue 127 of the PAGB E-News can be read here. This issue contains the resultf of the recent print championships plus all the pictures from the winning club, Dumfries.

PAGB Print Championships

On Saturday 25th October Stokesley PS represented the NCPF, along with Sunderland PS, in the PAGB print championships. At the end of round one Stokesley were in 32nd place out of 36 with a score of 116 from 12 prints. Sunderland's score was 115. The top 9 clubs then competed for the Trophy with the remaining 27 clubs competing for the Plate competition. Our score from 5 prints was 57, as was Sunderlands, and we finished in equal 21st place.
For the full results click here.

Photography News 13

The latest edition of Photography News is out now and can be read here.

A new free online video training course

FREE Colour Printing Masterclass - a 10 part online video training course. Marrutt Digital has published a free 10-part video training course “Colour Printing Masterclass” on YouTube. It is for professionals and enthusiasts who want to bring their colour inkjet printing standards up to the highest possible level.
Go to www.marrutt.com/colour and you get instant access to the audio-visual movies without having to navigate YouTube. There is a total of 4 hours of expert tuition.
A final training video on Black & White inkjet printing will be published by Marrutt in the autumn.
“Within these videos, we demonstrate correct colour principles with the aid of a standard calibrated, accurate colour inkjet print, which we are happy to mail out free of charge. Simply e-mail us with your full postal address, and the words “Test Print” in the subject line to: digital@marrutt.com, said John Read, MD of Marrutt. This latest training course has been added to a large library of free Marrutt online training videos on YouTube under the search words “Inkjet Printing Masterclass”.
“We have had many years of experience in helping professional photographers and enthusiasts to achieve the best possible results from their inkjet printers and with these Masterclass videos we will be able to help a great number more around the world,” said John Read.

NCPF Website Updates

The following updates have been made to the NCPF web site since the last update message and all can be accessed here

1. Home Page
A last call for entries into the NCPF Beamish Trophy

2. About the Federation/Executive Minutes
The Minutes for the August 26th meeting have been posted.

3. Diary/NCPF Programme
Updated with details of the NCPF Presentation Evening and a visit by Sandy Cleland to Morpeth CC in November.

PAGB E-News 126

Click here to read Issue 126.

This issue has hot news from the recent PAGB Executive Meeting, articles about Composition and the UPP plus a brand new regular column - Ask Famous Dave

PS: I'm a member of UPP if anybody wants more information.

Photography News Issue 12

Issue 12 of Photography News can be read here

NCPF Website Updates

The following updates have been made to the NCPF web site since the last update message and all can be accessed here.

1. Northern Counties International Salon of Photography www.northerncountiessalon.org.uk
The full results and galleries of all the main winners have now been posted

2. News
Details and pictures of our members' successes in this year's Northern Counties Salon.

3. Directory Updates
An amendment to the Post code for Hartlepool CC club premises

PAGB e-news 125

Click here to read issue 125 of the PAGB E-News.

Click here to read the Print Championship advertising supplement

PAGB Awards Worksho

The closing date for registration to attend the PAGB Awards Workshop is the 26th September. This is an opportunity for members to get their work assessed and to get advice on the feasibility a future application for a CPAGB or DPAGB distinction.

PAGB E-News 124

Click here to read issue 124 of the PAGB E-News. There is a very good MFIAP panel in this issue.

NCPF Website Updates

The following updates have been made to the NCPF web site since the last update message and all can be accessed here.

1. News Items
ARPS and ESFIAP distinction have been granted to two members of NCPF Clubs

2. Diary
The pages have been updated with new dates including Durham PS' exhibition in October and for the Northern AV Group.

3. Directory Updates
An amendment for Whickham PC's entry

4. PAGB 'e-news'
Issues 124 has been uploaded.

NB:- Results from the recent Northern Counties Salon will be published as soon as is possible.

The Northern AV Group

If you are interested in making AVs this is the meeting to go to.

More Information on Barry Beckham

If you have applied for tickets or are planning to attend the day with Barry Beckham on 22nd October please read the message from Howard Wilson below.

Thank you to those of you who have booked for this event already and thank you to all the club secretaries who have notified their members. I am still waiting for bookings from some people who said the were definitely coming and it is frustrating to hear on the grapevine that some people are alleging that their members have not been informed.
All of those who have booked should have had a confirmation from me, with their number. If you have not, please let me know.

Time is now moving on and it will not be long before Barry and Carol leave Australia and head for the UK. For that reason alone, I would like pre -orders for discs to get to me by 24th Sept if possible.

Click here to download a booking form for our day with Barry Beckham and here for the discounted rates for tutorial discs.

To read the full document below click here

Exhibition at Whickham

Tanfield Steam Gala Weekend

” The Tanfield Railway is the oldest existing railway in the world and recreates local rural and industrial railways of the North East. During the 13th & 14th September, we will be holding our annual Steam Gala Weekend named ‘Mining Machines’, which is promising to be one of the best and interesting events in the railways calendar, with huge photographic potential.

During the event; sideshows and displays will be across the 3 mile site including our unique vintage workshops, engine and carriage sheds and rural country stations. An intensive timetable service will be in operation, including demonstration coal, mixed and passenger trains.

On Friday 12th September, BEFORE the main event, we will be holding a unique experience. From 6pm until 10pm, all locomotives participating in the gala will be in steam, in and around the Shed area at Marley Hill. With the magnificent backdrop of the 1854 Marley Hill Engine Shed, and the fading light of the sunset; photographic shots will become unique and unusual.

A very special visiting locomotive is soon to be announced which will also be taking part in the Photographic Evening!

The event costs £10.00 per person. Tickets can be bought online at http://www.tanfield-railway.co.uk/ or at the Entrance on the night.

The programme of events are as follows:

6pm – 7.30pm : Locomotives prepared for lighting and cleaned.

7.30pm – 9pm : Moving locomotives into different photographic spots.

9pm – 10pm : Disposing of locomotives and Shed Photographic shots.”

I will be going and hope some of you will join me. If you want to share cars let me know and I will make arrangements. I can't see how you can book on line so we can pay when we get there.

Carol Hudson

PAGB E-News 124

Click here to read Issue 124 of the PAGB E-News. In this issue there is a stunning MFIAP panel of images.

NCPF Website Updates

The following updates have been made to the NCPF web site since the last update message and all can be accessed here.

1. News Items
Well done to South Shields PS for their success in the PSA Web Site Competition.

2. Diary and NCPF Programme Pages
The pages have been updated with new dates and information, including Whickham's Exhibition in September and future NCPF events which are being planned between now and April.

Staithes Festival

On the weekend of the 12-14th September, the third Staithes Festival is to be held.  It could be a good weekend with lots going on in the village and there should be plenty of opportunities for photography.  Apart from picture taking there are herring pies, fish chowder etc, which is an even better reason for going!
You could be there on the Saturday working on the principal that if the food is as good as it sounds then a further visit on the Sunday would be required to ensure that standards are being maintained. Oh yes, and take a camera as well.

PAGB E-News 123

Click here to read issue 123 of the PAGB E-News.

PLEASE NOTE The admission price to the Midland Salon advertised on page 8 of this e-news has been reduced to ONLY £3.00! Check admission times before you go at www.mcpf.co.uk

PhotoLive in Edinburgh, Leeds and London. As a member of a camera club, the organisers would like to offer you a discount on the price of a day or seminar ticket. Use code PAGB20 and get 20% off. CLICK HERE to book your tickets.

BRITISH PHOTOGRAPHIC COUNCIL CONCERNS OVER CONSEQUENCES OF NEW COPYRIGHT LAW
The government has adopted “friendless, unnecessary, poorly explained and fraught with risk new copyright legislation, against united opposition from the photographic sector”. Click HERE for the full statement

NCPF Website Updates

The following updates have been made to the NCPF web site since the last update message and all can be accessed here.

1. Diary/NCPF Programme
a) Details and entry forms for the NCPF Beamish Trophy Competition have been posted.
a) The date for the 2015 NCPF Annual Competitions has been posted.

2. Directory Update Page
With the circulation of the 2014/15 NCPF Directory, this page has been refreshed and already has one update.

Heather Workshop on the North York Moors

Janet & Richard Burden, who were speakers at the club in March this year, are running a two day workshop photographing heather on the North York Moors next week. The workshop includes dinner, bed & breakfast at the Milburn Arms in Rosedale.  For more information click here.

PAGB E-News 122

Click here to read issue 122 of the PAGB E-News.

There's an interesting article by Andy Beel FRPS who shares his thoughts on the creative process in photography and also an article on UK Photographers' Rights.

If you are thinking of applying for one of the PAGB's Awards for Photographic Merit (APM) Northern Counties are hosting an APM workshop on Saturday 18th October. For more information and a booking form see page 10.

Croft Circuit 2nd and 3rd August

Croft are holding their nostalgia weekend this Saturday and Sunday. Motorsports, vintage cars, re-enactment groups from WW2 plus military vehicles. Plenty of photographic subjects.

Steve Gosling Workshops

2014

2014 has been a busy year for me with lots of overseas photo trips and workshops. I’m pleased to say that the majority of the workshops have sold out but there are still places on the following: -


News of photography workshops from Steve Gosling

ICELAND

I am running an autumn photo workshop with Icelandic landscape and nature photographer, Daniel Bergmann from September 25th to October 5th. No one knows Iceland like Daniel and we’re sure to benefit greatly from his local knowledge and have a great time visiting some wonderfully photogenic locations – Iceland is a landscape photographers dream. At this time of year the autumn colours should be at their best and we’ll also have a chance to witness & photograph the Northern Lights. This is an all inclusive trip – just get yourself to Iceland and the rest is taken care of. For more details and booking information please see http://www.danielbergmann.com/workshops/iceland-autum-photo-tour

OLYMPUS OMD DAYS

There are still places left on one of my Olympus OMD days – the creative photography workshop in Blackpool, Lancashire on 12th November (http://www.olympus-imagespace.co.uk/index.php/whats-on/event/156-olympus-om-d-workshop/0 ). You’ll get a day’s tuition from me plus the chance to use the fantastic Olympus OMD plus lenses courtesy of Olympus UK for just £50 (places subsidised by Olympus UK). Bookings can be made via the link.

2015

THE FAROE ISLANDS

Following our successful workshop in Scotland earlier this year I am running two workshops next year with Irish landscape photographer, Peter Cox. The first of these will be in the Faroe Islands from April 27th to May 3rd. The Faroe Islands (located between Iceland and Scotland) offer wonderful vistas with soaring mountains and dramatic cliffs & coastlines and to date it’s a location that hasn’t been over photographed (but the stunning scenery ensures that won’t last for long so our workshop offers the chance to get some unique images of this truly photogenic landscape). And as well photographing the islands from the land we will also be offering the opportunity to do some aerial photography from a chartered helicopter. This is an all inclusive workshop so tuition from Peter and I, transport, food & accommodation are all included. For more information and to book see http://photocourses.petercox.ie/courses/the-faroe-islands

THE ISLE OF SKYE

The second workshop I’m running in 2015 with Peter Cox is on the Isle of Skye. The workshop will run from the 15th to 24th November – a winter workshop that offers the potential for some dramatic weather and light as well as the opportunity to do some night photography and get some different images of this much photographed location. We will be based at the wonderful Eilean Iarmain Hotel offering top quality food & accommodation in a wonderful setting. The workshop will be all inclusive. Details and costings are being finalised but if you’d like to register your interest (no commitment required at this stage) and get priority for booking please email me.

NORTHUMBERLAND COAST & THE LAKE DISTRICT

For the last two years I have run workshops with fellow landscape photographer Mark Banks. In 2015 we are offering two 3 day events – on the Northumberland Coast (March) and the Lake District (October). Specific dates and costings are to be finalised but if you’d like to put your name down for a priority booking (again no commitment required at this stage) then please let me know.

OLYMPUS OMD DAYS

I am currently planning an extensive programme of workshops for next year that I will offer in conjunction with Olympus UK. Again they will provide cameras and lenses that participants can use during the workshop. I am looking at locations in both the UK and overseas so if you’d like to see a workshop run in a location near you please let me know as soon as possible.

An Invitation from Ripon PS

On behalf of Ripon City Photographic Society I am delighted to invite your members together with family and friends to visit our Annual Photography Exhibition on Saturday, 16th August at Allhallowgate Methodist Church, Victoria Grove, Ripon, HG4 1LG. The exhibition is open from 9.30am to 4pm with an official opening by The Right Worshipful, the Mayor of Ripon, Councillor Mick Stanley at 10am.  Members’ work in print, digital and other formats will be on view. Admission is free but there will be an opportunity for a voluntary retiring donation. You can vote for your favourite print, digital image or 'other media' in the display and one lucky winner will be drawn from all entries at our first meeting of the season and be able to select a print of their choice. In addition there will be home-made cakes and drinks available so you can rest, relax and chat.

The one-level venue is accessible to all and is opposite the bus station in the centre of Ripon. There are pay and display car parks next to and almost opposite the church near to Sainsbury’s Supermarket. 

Don't just come for the exhibition though – Ripon and its environs offer a wonderful variety of photo opportunities. The city is unique in having a fabulous Law and Order Trail with the Old Workhouse, the Old Court House and the Police and Prison Museum within a few minutes walking distance of the exhibition venue. Artefacts and architecture abound. We have further great architecture in and around the City centre and also at the Edwardian Spa Baths next to the Spa Park Gardens. Here there is a multi-trunked tree that has been reduced in height, with each trunk being sculpted into a character from Alice in Wonderland. If you still want more food or drink after sampling our fare in the exhibition, we have some great independent coffee shops - Oliver's Pantry and Chinereys to name just two, plus some of the more well-known high street names. Not for nothing is Ripon known as Yorkshire's 'Garden Racecourse' and if you want to experience or photograph the Sport of Kings a programme of racing is scheduled from early afternoon on the 16th. Further afield there is Fountains Abbey (free to National Trust members) and Newby Hall and Gardens (free to members of the Historic Houses Association). If you decide, as our city signs suggest, one should, ‘stay awhile amidst its ancient charms’ you can witness the Ripon Hornblower performing the setting of the watch at 9pm. He blows his horn on the four corners of the obelisk on the Market Square, thus assuring residents of their safety, a tradition that has gone on, unbroken, since 866!

 I hope I have whetted your appetite and we at RCPS will be delighted to meet you at our exhibition and welcome you to our beautiful city.

Best wishes

David K Uffindall

Press and Publicity (RCPS)

NCPF Website Updates

The following updates have been made to the NCPF web site since the last update message and all can be accessed here.

1. Home Page
Updated Information and booking form for the delayed NCPF Portfolios

2. News items
A report on the PAGB Inter-Club PDI Championships at Warwick and congratulation to one of our members on his ARPS

3. Diary
Update on Tynemouth and Whitley Bay's big event in October

Photography News Issue 10

The latest edition of Photography News can be read here.

Keith Readman

I am sorry to have to inform you that Keith Readman passed away peacefully in hospital on Friday 4th July 2014.

The funeral service will be held in St Hilda's Chapel, Teesside Crematorium on Thursday 17th July 2014 at 1.45 pm.

North East Wildlife Competition Success

Congratulations to club member Paul Forster's daughter, Lauren, on her success in the The North East Wildlife Competition 2014.

Each Person could enter six photographs only in any of the six categories . This year had a total of 1,289 entries which then was short listed to One Hundred .

All Photographs had to be taken in the North East and include information regarding Species, date and location.

Lauren had five short listed photographs. She came second place with her image of a mating pair of Common Blue Butterflies taken in July 2013 at Coatham Marsh,

For this she received a £100.00 pair of Opticron 8x30 binoculars.

The Award ceremony took Place at the Hancock Museum on Thursday 3rd July . Lauren's winning image is shown below.

NCPF Website Updates

The following updates have been made to the NCPF web site since the last update message and all can be accessed here.

1. Home Page
Notice from Hexham PS re their Annual Exhibition.

2. Northern Focus
The Spring Edition has now been uploaded

PAGB E-News 120

Click here to read issue 120 of the PAGB E-news. If you would like to attend the PAGB Print Championships, where Stokesley PS will be one of the 2 clubs representing the NCPF, you need to book your tickets now.

PAGB E-News

PAGB E-News 119 can be read here.

Photography News Magazine

Issue 9 of Photography News is on line now. As always, Photography News is packed with interesting articles, pictures equipment news and reviews an more …You can register to view Photography News Issue 9 here.

NCPF Website Updates

The following updates have been made to the NCPF web site since the last update message and all can be accessed here.

1. Home Page
Important notices/updates, regarding the Website and the Portfolio Secretary.

2. News items
i) The results and pictures from the 2014 PAGB (Alliance) Inter-Federation Competitions.
ii) A report and pictures from the recent NCPF Beamish Weekend

3. Affiliated Clubs
Numerous updates received from the Publications Officer in respect of club details.

PAGB ENews 117

Issue 117 of PAGB's ENews can be found here.

PAGB E-News 116

Click here to read the latest PAGB E-News.

Stop Press - PAGB Awards.

The Credit Print Section and both Master Sections for the April 2015 Adjudication are already full. Entries are still being accepted at Credit PDI, Distinction Print and Distinction PDI levels. The PAGB are now planning an additional Adjudication in August 2015 - details will be available soon.

The PAGB have already received the first Application for November 2015!

For Sale Nikon Lenses

A college has for sale a number of Nikon DX lenses, as he has change over to Panasonic 4/3rds equipment

Tokina              SD 12-24 F4 (IF) DX (inc filter)                       £260

Nikon               AF-S 18-70 1:3.5-4.5 G ED (inc filter)             £110

Nikon               AF-S 18-200 1:3.5-5.6 G ED VR (inc filter)     £230

Nikon               AF-S 70-300 1:4.5-5.6 G ED                           £290

Box's and instructions inc and all are in excellent condition

If any one is interested please contact John Hopkins on

01287 631788 or E-mail - john-sps@ntlworld.com

Permajet in association with ePHOTOzine - Competition for Black & White photographs

Closing date 30th June 2014.

Imagine ‘British life’. What do you see? Is it fashion forward thinking? Is it bunting, high tea, supper, smiles and sun? Or do you see something quite different?

PermaJet have teamed up with ePHOTOzine for this free to enter Printed Life in Black and White competition. It offers photographers the incredible opportunity to show their work to an international audience of photo industry professionals & be awarded hundreds of pounds worth of prizes.

• Check out the list of Award Prizes.

• Learn what our judges will be looking for by reading our Guidelines.

Birds of Prey Photography

I am writing to all clubs in the region to let you know that our new Falconry Centre has opened at Walworth Castle, near Darlington on 29 March 2014. Some of your members may already know of us, as we were formerly Northside Falconry, based near Barnard Castle.

As well as opening 5 days a week during which there will be two flying displays daily, we also provide a range of the experiences that are detailed in the attached brochure. However, the following two experiences might be of particular interest to your members

Photography Experience in conjunction with Going Digital - A wonderful day spent taking close-up and action shots of hawks, falcons and owls in exceptional and natural surroundings. Those attending will have unlimited access to the birds throughout the day. They will learn how to take great portrait and flying shots of the birds and the workshop includes classroom instruction, two photography sessions with ample time for shots of the birds, and a review and opportunity to discuss your images as a group. Further information and bookings can be found at http://www.goingdigital.co.uk

Photography Afternoons – An opportunity to take close up and flight photographs with the birds, using your own skills and knowledge. We have many photographic props for you to use around the castle to ensure that you get unforgettable photographs. The birds that you will be able to photograph include: barn owls, kestrel, Tawny Owl, Scops Owl, Little Owl, Peregrine, Turkmenian and Indian Eagle Owl, Red Tailed Hawk, and Harris Hawks to name but a few.

You can meet some of the birds at our blog http://www.walworthbirds.blogspot.co.uk.

These afternoon events run from 13.00-16.00 hours with a maximum of 10 people, and costs £35 per person (includes tea and biscuits). The current available dates are:     

11th June 2014

9th July

13th July

6th August

27th August

10th September

Bookings can be made by emailing: mailto:enquiries@walworthcastlebirdsofprey.co.uk?subject=Photography Enquiry

And further information can be found at http://www.walworthcastlebirdsofprey.co.uk.

Please do not hesitate to contact me should you require any further information.

Kind regards

Tori Goodall

07815 756 386

Walworth Castle
Darlington
DL2 2LY

NCPF Weekend at Beamish

Guy and I are planning to go to this on Saturday 31st May, leaving Stokesley at about 9am. We have room for 2 passengers in the car so if any club member would like to go with us please get in touch.

NCPF Website Updates

The following updates have been made to the NCPF web site since the last update message and all can be accessed here.

1. News item
Ten more members of NCPF Gain awards from FIAP and PSA.

2. Diary and NCPF Programme
Full details and downloadable Application Forms now available for the PAGB Awards for Photographic Merit Workshop (October) are now available.
Also details of the NCPF/Sony Lake District Day of Photography (July)

3. Home Page
Info re a new unified definition for Nature and details of a discount for members entering this year's Northern Counties International salon.

Never Delete Images from your Memory Card in the Camera

I found these very interesting comments on a forum which I visit with respect to deleting images from your memory card while out shooting.  I have permission from the author to reproduce it here.


When I worked for Kodak, they absolutely insisted on two basic principles:

• Do not ever, under any circumstances, delete ANY images in-camera. They were so insistent on this that it was a sacking offence to do so (and, yes, they did check every job). The point was that assessment of images on the small camera-back screen has a number of inherent drawbacks:
  

1. Irrespective of the shooting mode, the camera-back image is a JPEG processed with camera default settings. It bears only a passing resemblance to the RAW image actually shot.
2. The resolution camera-back is so relatively low that detail is often simply not visible. This detail may be important.
3. There is no way on earth that we could accurately assess anything on a 3" diagonal screen which would subsequently be viewed on a 27" diagonal screen.
4. An apparently 'duff' shot may not be usable in it's own right - but it may be a source for cloning to improve a different shot. (Think of cloning open eyes from a duff shot onto a better shot which suffers from closed eyes.)
5. So-called 'Chimping' is best left to the experts - the Chimps. Useful for checking for closed eyes / nice smiles but very little else in terms other than sheer curiosity. No monkeying around!
   

• Only ever format the card(s) IN-CAMERA.
  

1. Different cameras (even within the same marque, different eras) have different ways of organising the data. At that time (and possibly still, to this day), many but not all cameras used a 12-bit FAT. This was not always compatible with the computer OS - some 16-bit, some 32-bit, now many don't even use a FAT as the camera knows it. Format in computer, while very tempting, may lead to unusable cards. Plus, it's logical to format in the equipment being used to record subsequent images.
2. Different brands of card could occasionally throw up compatibility problems with certain cameras. We had a fair number of difficulties specifically with Lexar cards in Canon cameras and settled on SanDisk as being the most reliable brand - or, rather, the least unreliable!
   

Since those days, I have always worked on those two principles (with a third one of never shooting any job on less than 4 cards - simply to spread the risk of loss). One problem with digital is that anything other than a full capture tends to be completely blank - with film there was at least something which could be rescued in some form.
Perhaps it's a matter of supreme caution but adhering to those two basic principles will come as close as possible to guaranteeing results. You may 'get away' with a less rigorous technique - but then again you may not. Why take the risk?

Carol Hudson's LRPS Panel

John Hopkin's LRPS Panel