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Last week we had an entertaining evening with Liam Haines as we wandered in his company around Asia. He has versatility as a photographer, is a video wizard who gathers plaudits and awards and a man with a fantastic sense of humour. We are lucky to have him as a member in OffShoot!
Covid restrictions are eased, the vaccines are rolling out and, thankfully, the numbers have reduced and outings are back on track. Who would have thought this would happen so quickly after the gloom and doom of the past year. There is still a bit of uncertainty and, realistically, it is difficult to see us back in the school hall soon. But Covid has given us the benefit of ‘thinking outside the box’ with guest speakers from a far distance.
The outings committee has been busy organising activities for you so join us for some photography and craic in equal measure.
Next Monday Night
On 28th June you provide the material. We have a star-studded panel of members ready to look at your images and offer their advice that you may improve in your photographic journey. It was Socrates who said ‘the only thing I know for certain is that I know nothing’; we all know a little but for certain we all have something to learn from the photographic masters, who created art in their images. Here’s some food for thought:
“Your first 10,000 photographs are your worst.” Henri Cartier-Bresson
“You don’t take a photograph, you make it.” Ansel Adams
“It’s not the camera but who’s behind the camera.” Anonymous
There is nothing like putting your images into a competition and getting positive and instructive feedback that enables you to improve the quality of your images. On the other hand, it can be a nervous and somewhat intimidating ordeal to open your soul for examination by others, which is why this is not a competition and the photographer will be totally ANONYMOUS.
Outings
Now that we are, more or less, let loose outings are now the opportunity to meet members, enjoy the craic and even take some photographs as well. By the time this newsletter wings into your in-box we shall be readying ourselves for a trip to Ardgillan Castle and Skerries. Lough Boora, Malahide Castle and Hunting Brook Gardens are imminent so get your raincoat ready (!) camera fully charged and the card formatted and join the fun.
Alas, we will still have to maintain the registration so you are asked to book your place. In line with government guidelines, the numbers limit on members attending outdoor events (Outings) will be effectively lifted from 1st July. However, it is proposed that members registration for Outings will be continued to facilitate contact tracing in the event that we experience a Covid outbreak within the group.
Thoughts for the Day
"You don’t make a photograph just with a camera. You bring to the act of photography all the pictures you’ve seen, all the books you’ve read, all the music you’ve heard, all the people you’ve loved." Ansel Adams
"Don’t shoot what it looks like. Shoot what it feels like." David Alan Harvey
Street Photography
On 5th July Joe Houghton (https://www.houghtonphoto.com) will take us on his personal journey in Street Photography after which it’s your turn to go out and practise. Street photography can be both challenging and at the same time one of the most rewarding genres of photography. It means candid, unposed photos of people and it’s not easy – it requires patience, hard work and sometimes even some bravery to be able to approach and photograph complete strangers.
We’re not lawyers but generally speaking taking photographs in open public spaces is legal whereas inside a shop is not. It’s all about a reasonable expectation of privacy and respect. If someone doesn’t want their picture taken respect their wishes. The streets are full of interesting people, and another is sure to come along shortly. The ethics of photographing children and the homeless is difficult and probably best avoided.
Keep taking pictures and on 19th July we’ll show your street images This is not a competition but a good way to get out and shoot people! Please submit your images, by midnight on Wednesday 14th July.
Upload to: https://www.dropbox.com/request/dpBMeQahDoxR9mBvUdtx
Congratulations
Congratulation to Jerome Fennell who, from more than 1000 images has had his image Lockdown Safari shortlisted for the Biodiversity Photographer of the Year competition. Good Luck in the next round Jerome!
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