Stockton Infinity Bridge

A few of my images of the Infinity Bridge taken on the clubs outing to Stockton's Millennium bridge.
As Dave noted - we were pleased we made the effort.

Mike

Flickr Group

It's really good to see so many pictures being added to the blog.  Please don't stop posting but at the same time don't forget that Simon has set up a Stokesley PS Group on Flickr where you can also share your pictures.  Link


Paula

Stockton Millennium bridge

Some views of the Clubs thursday outing to the Millennium bridge. We thought John meant the nice curvy bridge, which transpires is the Infinity bridge. Anyway about 6 of us turned up, and we were all pleased we made the effort as the sunset was spectacular, here are some images of the evening. I really enjoyed playing with different setting through the evening.

Dave

Staithes 1st July

4 of us turned up in Staithes on what could only be described as a dismal evening. However Keith Smith, Dave Purnell and myself were contemplating whether it was worthwhile to wander around to the otherside of the bridge and harbour area, when we were joined by a new member who had hot footed it from Hutton Rugby to join us. Her name is Mo, and if any of you were on the Stokesley evening you will remember who she is. Anyway, to show we were a keen photographic society and eager to create images regardless of what the lighting conditions were and to impress Mo we did cross over the bridge. Below are a selection of the evening and shows you can come up trumps if you have the patience.

This first one is the classic view, just as the sun peeped out for a few mins.

And of course a mono version

I then tried some reflections of the houses which I was more excited about

So there you have it some traditional and other style views of another successful club trip. p.s. I thought I would spare you my Farne Is shots.

Dave

Farne Islands 2010

I've decided to add a few photos at a time as it will take me ages to sort them all out.  I feel that I improved this year compared to my first, shorter, visit last year.  Definitely want to try again next year.

Paula

Yet more puffins

Having finally had a chance to look through my (300+) shots, here are some of my favourites

More Farne Islands Photos

Choosing these was a real problem- so many puffin photos! I am giving you a less conventional one - more Angel of the North from behind. I am also putting a seal photo in. Hope you like them and thanks again to Simon for organising it.

Farne Islands

Thanks to Simon for organising the trip - it was a great day out. Here are a few of my images from the trip.

Farne Islands

Many thanks to Simon for organising this trip. A grand day out. Here are a few of my favourite pics so far.

Farne Island Trip

Thank you Simon for organising a great day out.

Farne Islands

An excellent day Simon, but I cannot compete with your aerial shots of the Puffins. I also had a lot of out of focus pics, I can see a second visit is required sometime to try and perfect my
technique.

Watch the birdie

Farne Islands

Thank you Simon for organising the club trip to the Farne Islands yesterday.  We were so lucky with the weather and I'm sure everybody had a great day.


Your first picture of puffins is great.


Paula

First Farne Photo

Really enjoyed the trip to the Farnes yesterday. Thought I should set an example by posting a picture! Have only had a quick scan of them so far - lots and lots of blurred 'flight shots'!

Here's one I liked for content rather than technical quality - "Give them to me"!

Holidays

Just to let you know that I shall be away from 1st. to 22nd. June.I hope the outings to Runswick Bay and Whitby are successful.
In dire emergency I can be contacted on 07976301341.

John C Davies

Infinity Bridge event last weekend

Last Monday night three of us went over to Stockton to see what was happening at the Bridge. It was illuminated to celebrate its first anniversary. There were very few people there almostly wholly photographers and we stayed there most of the night. Here are a few sample photos.

Carol Hudson

Photography Evening in Durham Cathedral

There is a special photography evening on 1st June 2010 from 6.30pm to 9pm in Durham Cathedral.

Tickets are £10.00 per camera which will include a cup of tea or coffee from the Undercroft Restaurant. The restaurant will be open throughout the event for refreshments and light meals.

Weather permitting, the Tower will be open, though there is an additional charge of £5.00 for adults and £2.50 for children to climb the Tower.

No flash is permitted in the Cathedral but tripods are welcome.

All photography taken on the day is for non-commercial use only and must not be used for any purpose other than personal use.

To attend, please complete a booking form and return it to Diane McIlroy at the Chapter Office. This event will be repeated during July. Cheques should be made payable to Durham Cathedral.

Paula 

Relevant webpage to download booking form and email chapter office is:

http://www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/introduction/news/201

Sharpening

I have found a very good article on sharpening with CS4 and Adobe Camera Raw. It is on the Members' Only page of the club website.


Paula

PAGB News

The latest edition of PAGB News is on the Notice Board page of the club website.  It includes details of a photographic holiday in Turkey, which looks very interesting.  Details also of an extra PAGB Awards assessment day to be held in December 2010.  There was an 18 month waiting list for anybody wanting to take part so this is a welcome addition.


Paula

Award Winners' Pictures

Thanks to a lot of hard work by John Hopkins pictures from this year's award winners, including those in 2nd and 3rd place, are now on the club website.  www.stokesleyps.org.uk/awardsgallery.html


Paula

BLUEBELLS

I suggest we give the bluebells a miss this week and try again next Thursday

SUMMER PROGRAMME

All Meeting Times at 7pm except for the Tall Ships when it is suggested you get there as early as possible.

Please note: first 2 outings are reversed compared to original listing.

Thurs 6 May 2010, Newton Woods, Newton Car Park

Thurs 20 May 2010, Stokesley, Town Hall

Thurs 3 June 2010, Runswick Bay, Car Park, (bottom of bank)

Thurs 17 June 2010, Whitby, Car Park, (opposite Co-op)

Thurs 1 July 2010, Staithes , Crab & Lobster

Thurs 15 July 2010, Teesdale/Stockton Riverside, Millenium Bridge

Thurs 29 July 2010, Paddy's Hole, Park Adjacent

Mon 9 August 2010 , Tall Ships, Hartlepool, Tall Ships Village - Victoria Harbour

Thurs 26 August 2010, Saltburn, Car Park, (bottom of bank)

Tall Ships - It is essential that you use the 'park & ride' or alternatively the 'park & walk' as it is likely to be very busy.

The 'park & ride ' sites are confirmed as:

North of Hartlepool - At Hart Village on A179
South of Hartlepool - At Greatham on A689
Corus Car Park at Brenda Road

The cost of parking is £10 per car and includes a free shuttle bus to the event and back.

The 'park & walk' sites, (approx. 1 mile walk), are:

West View Road, (nearest)
Coronation Drive, Seaton Carew
Oakesway Industrial Estate


John C Davies

Farne Islands confirmed

So far 13 of us have 'signed up' for a trip to the Farne Islands on Thursday 24th June - an early start from home for a 10.00 departure from Seahouses. If anyone else is interested in coming along drop me line at simon(AT)sandlallen.co.uk

2009/2010 Competitions

The full results of last season's competitions are now on the website.  Award winners gallery will follow in the next week or so.


Paula

Exhibitions at The Alnwick Garden

COMING THIS JUNE….The English Garden at Night, with Linda Rutenberg


Noted Canadian photographer, Linda Rutenberg, has chronicled the secret night-time world of the world’s most sumptuous gardens, including The Alnwick Garden, in her new book, The English Garden at Night. Linda will visit The Alnwick Garden in early June, hosting talks and demonstrations with questions and answers, a masterclass featuring an after-dark photography opportunity and offering the chance to view new images in The Treehouse Roost. Click here for more information.


ALSO COMING TO THE ALNWICK GARDEN….


THE INTERNATIONAL GARDEN PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR COMPETITION, from 18th May


A unique exhibition of winning and finalist images from the second International Garden Photographer of the Year competition (www.igpoty,com) is coming to Alnwick for the very first time. This fantastic competition brings us work from the very best garden photographers in an outdoor display from the 18th May to 13th July 2010. In the Cherry Orchard you'll find wonderful images of wildlife and trees, set against the backdrop of 18th century walls. In the Lower Garden, cross the grass to find fascinating photographs from the competition's edible garden category.


Paula

Next Seasons Competition Themes

Judges and Competition Themes for 2010/2011

This season an attempt has been made to involve local people with an interest in art/photography and let them choose the themes for their competition.
The following have been asked, and agreed to carry out the judging.

1st Comp – 28th Oct 2010
Michelle Bianco and Anna Howell, From Bianco Nero gallery Stokesley
Theme – ‘Vernacular and Agricultural structures of North Yorkshire’
“We are primarily interested in the forms, shapes and textures of functional, man-made structures and the way that they integrate into the landscape. We are also interested in the way the building’s use and the area’s topography and climate influence the form of the structures.”
‘Vernacular’ – Indigenous building style using local materials and traditional methods of construction and ornament.

2nd Comp – 25th Nov 2010
Mike Corbyn – Local landscape artist, see web site for landscape styles
Theme – ‘Roads, railways tracks and paths’
“This offers a variety of interpretation and treatment and accessibility, covering, car parks and street and junctions, overpasses and underpasses etc “

3rd Comp – 27th Jan 2011
Sue Cross – Assistant Chief Constable living in Stokesley,
Champions in our Community - it could be community activities like the markets, coffee mornings, SPIOTA and the flowers they tend, – town fair/show, St Georges Day parade, and family fun events – River clean up, local characters, Traffic wardens, School patrols etc.

4th Comp – 10th Feb 2011
Mono – Arnold Hubbard


5th Comp – 24th Feb 2011
Open Theme – Jane Black


6th Comp – 24th Mar 2011
Sue Ford – Local Artist, Leven Arts member etc
Open Theme on – Whitby concentrating on the unusual

NCPF Annual Competition

For the full report and results click here.

Club Competitions

I am pleased to say that all the competition galleries for the 2009/2010 season are now on the club website.


Paula

N.E. Wildlife Trusts Photography Competition 2010

This is a new competition. There are three categories:
1. Best Wildlife Video
2. Best wildlife Photograph
3. Best Urban Mammal Photograph

There will also be an overall North East Wildlife Image.

The closing date is 2nd June 2010.

Full details on www.urbanwildplaces.co.uk

Next Thursday print/digital display

As mentioned at the previous evening, we are going to trial a method of displaying a digital image of the print on display to aid those at the back, especially if its a small intricate print. With that in mind, if anyone is going to show a print and chat about it, can you send me a digital version so that I can load it up on the clubs laptop ready for the evening, just saves time and fiddling about.
Thanks, hope there is plenty to make it a good evening.
Dave

More frogs

The frogs arrived late in our pond this year, 19 days later than last year, but they have spawned immediately and the quantity is about the same even though there are fewer frogs. Last year the count was at least 33 but this year the most we have counted is 21. There may be more as they are not the easiest creatures to count when they can easily hide.
I've taken scores of photos and have not yet looked at many but here are a few of them.

Frogs a wooing will go

I was around at a friends house today and the pond was packed with frogs so I now have a selection of images

Farne Islands anyone?

After several years of meaning to I'm determined to make a trip to the Farne Islands this year. The day trip on the boat is quite expensive (£28 + £12 landing fees if you aren't in the National Trust). There would be a (small!) reduction in the boat trip price to £25 / head for a group of 10 or more booked in advance. If anyone would be interested in going along please let me know and I will try to arrange something. I was thinking of mid-late June

Don McCullin

Last weekend I went to see the exhibition of photographs by Don McCullin at the Imperial War Museum (North) at Manchester. He was already one of my photographic heroes and I wasn't disappointed. The photographs were stunning and moving, dealing as they do with the depths of human misery in war and famine. If you want to see the power of black and white images (all hand printed in the darkroom by Don himself), I can't recommend this exhibition too highly.

Irene Froy in print

Irene Froy has a small portfolio in the Camera Clubs section (p 90) of the latest (April) edition of Digital SLR User Magazine

Hard Disk Problems

Hi,

Does anyone know of a local firm that can recover data from a crashed Hard Disk? It's data recovery I need rather than a repair job.

Thanks,

Keith

Know about comments without searching for them

When you look at the Blog you have to look quite hard to see that somebody has commented on a post.  But if you become a follower of the Blog you should get notification of any comments when they are added, unless you are following anonymously.  To register as a follower scroll down and on the left hand side you will find the Follow Button.

Keith Smith added the following comment on the Saltburn PS on Monday.

I visited the Saltburn exhibition last week. It was well worth the visit. Some very interesting images which were given plenty of space unlike the way we have to cram our pictures into the small hall.

Paula

Take a View Exhibition

Stunning images of England's nine National Parks from the 2009 Landscape Photographer of the Year Awards which celebrate the rich diversity of landscape on offer in the UK.  Danby Moors Centre from 4th to 28th March.

Paula

Northern Light Exhibition

Ryedale based photographers Janet and Richard Burdon, Tracey Phillips and guest photographer David Sault will be exhibiting a compilation of colour and monochrome landscape photographs plus a selection of creative images of the natural world with similar but subtly different styles which express each photographer's artistic impression of their subject.  At Sutton Bank Moors Centre from 19th to 29th March.

Paula

Cheap backing card for print mounts

Recently one of the competition judges mentioned that mounted images should always have a backing card to protect the image from damage. He suggested that a suitable card was available from Leaders a catering wholesaler, situated on Stockton Road Middlesbrough[Stockton Road runs parallel to Snowden Road]. The card measures 51cm by 32cm and costs £6.75 for 50 sheets, compared to about a pound for a sheet of A2 card which will only back 2 A3 prints.

Improvers' Group Meeting

Unfortunately, no-one is available to co-ordinate the Improvers' Group meeting on Monday 8th March, so we will have to cancel this meeting. We will cancel the room booking on Monday morning unless we have a last minute offer.

The next meeting will be as normal on Monday 12th April.

Northallerton Battle Result

On Monday night we had our annual print and digital image battle with Northallerton Camera Club, this time playing away. Sadly we lost in both sections but the results were close. In the prints they won by only 1 point 417 to 416 and in digital by 4 points 414 to 410. All individual scores will be available to view at the next club meeting.

Next Comp and Trophy owners

Hi all a reminder that this coming thursday 4th Mar is the handing in day for the last competition.

Can all last seasons trophy winners start thinking of returning the trophy's over the next few weeks, so that I can get them engraved in time straight after the next comp.

Thanks
Dave