DYNAMIC RANGE

Guitars topped the list of props that arrived to the photoshoot, I think it totalled 4, along with a small harp. A garden hose, galvanised watering can, suitcase and two teddies were amongst the other props brought along to be included in people’s shots.

As always ideas on paper, and timings planned, work seamlessly, however in reality and with the time disappearing fast, things can go a bit haywire.  However as with all these things, there is much to be learnt and numerous  ideas to be taken away for future use, even just by watching others.  I believe that most of the photographers would have gone away with a shot or two they were happy with, and using some imaginative processing ideas will come up with some gems. The idea behind this event was to let you experience a live shoot with a professional model, at a modest cost, and find out what is possible.  I think the experience took away some of the fear that many of us have in talking, and communicating with a model, and expressing the ideas we are trying to achieve.  But Bex was such a joy to work with, putting everyone at ease and assisting us all so much.  She was just as keen for us to get the shots we envisaged and really helped in the process. The ensuing gallery of pics stems from Paul’s concept for his shot, using Simon’s parachute, of course Simon owns a parachute don’t you all have one in your loft?  This was implemented by group involvement, with a ladder and a wind blower and a brave model. We hope Paul got the shot he envisaged and then we all got a minute or so to take some shots ourselves.

We hope it gave you a taster of what is possible, gave you a desire to have another go, perhaps, in a one to one with a model, hire some studio space with one or two others, or borrow some of our lights and have a go at home.

I said to Simon, once he has recharged his batteries and regained his energy, we will look back on a great day, and like childbirth, when we have forgotten about the labouring, we might do it again! His reply, was, being a man he hasn’t a clue about childbirth! Simon worked so hard to give everybody a great experience, it was really appreciated by all present.

Thanks to Sue Chapman for the behind the scenes shots and fun titling!

A brief idea of the plans for our next get together!

Please bring with you a book on Photography that you are willing to loan for a month. Your favourite photographer, a book that inspires you, one that has taught you things or just one containing stunning images, we can then circulate them and enjoy looking at them until the April meeting. It could even be a self published book !

All you want to know about Websites for Photography! Well not everything of course! There will be a discussion about websites, various types, simple, complex, Amateur, Professional, pricy and free. We’ll talk about their merits and self promotion. We will also have some examples of members sites for you to see. I am sure we will hear about the pitfalls and the successes of creating an online presence.

The Story of a Photoshoot, from the germ of an idea to the finished image!!!

We hope to bring you an illustrated talk about this experience, hopefully showing how ‘Projects’ can be a great experience, a learning curve explorative and great fun!

Forward planning discussion for the booked Model Photoshoot on May 26th

Look forward to seeing you there.

Just a brief reminder of our meeting this coming Sunday, it’s a slightly different format to include our lunch. We are commencing at 11 am, giving us a chance to socialise a bit more than normal and then starting lunch at about 12.30. Hoping we can have some constructive discussion on things to do in the coming months, so do have a think during your sleepless hours!!!

Please bring images or prints for discussion if you have any. Anyone planning any Photographic projects we would love to hear what you are up to.

Anyone who is planning to come on Sunday and who hasn’t told me, just email me so I can cook enough. Are there any dietary requirements? There will be a Vegetarian choice available.

See you Sunday.

Thought I would highlight the Joe Cornish talk in April,open to non RPS members too. Last week to book for Early Bird Prices.

If anyone, who is an RPS member, is interested in entering the DIG Print Exhibition, we are collecting your entries at the Dynamic Range Group meeting on the 27th January. These will then be delivered to the selection in Birmingham in February. Here are the details, and you will need to send in digital copies of your prints.

This is an excerpt from the website

Entries are invited each year for the DI Group’s Print Competition. Every entrant is guaranteed at least one acceptance into the Group’s touring Members’ Exhibition. Prints are selected at the Group’s Annual General Meeting by a panel of three eminent photographers, who also choose the RPS Medal and Trophy winner and the six RPS Ribbon winners. Selected images are published in DIGIT.

DIG members enter 3 prints for selection into the exhibition. They are guaranteed to have one selected. The selectors are Irene Froy EFIAP MPAGB HonPAGB BPE4*, Roger ParryMPAGB ARPS EFIAP Hon PAGB  ESFIAP and Eddy Lane ARPS DPAGB EFIAP

Might be worth making an effort to enter this free entry Exhibition, it was the Digital version of this competition that Sue Dixon received a Gold Medal for and trophy for the Best Image. You never know what might happen!

Do let me know if you are going to enter.

February Meeting

The plan for the February meeting is a sociable Lunch, a time to chat and discuss our future meetings and projects.  Could I ask you just to indicate if you are coming on the 17th February, just for catering purposes, here is a jotform to complete.ONLY 9 REPLIES TO DATE

I am planning a short visual presentation prior to lunch, could I ask Lensbaby photographers to send me TEN of your favourite images taken with any of these lenses? A little bit of “Blurb” about what lenses used and general information about what you like about your images would also be appreciated. Sorry that this is biased to LB users only on this occasion!

JUST A REMINDER DO USE TO SEND IMAGES https://wetransfer.com/

See you on the 27th.

JANUARY 27th

Our speaker Dr Barrie Brown is bringing us ‘Looking back through the lens: a psychological study of photographers‘

He has received survey returns from 10 people but is happy to receive more, so if you haven’t already , please download this survey, supplied by Barrie, follow the instructions and return direct to Barrie by Friday 18th January.

If you feel uncomfortable filling out the survey, but wish to bring in an image for discussion, please bring it on the day on a pendrive.

Also just to reiterate, Barrie asks, ‘In preparation for the presentation on Sunday 27 January, please reflect on what it is about the image, that you have sent in, over and above its technical qualities, that makes it so personally satisfying. Please bring your thoughts about this with you to the meeting’

It promises to be an interesting morning of insight and discussion, be good to see lots of you there.

FEBRUARY MEETING

The plan for the February meeting is a sociable Lunch, a time to chat and discuss our future meetings and projects.  Could I ask you just to indicate if you are coming on the 17th February, just for catering purposes, here is a jotform to complete.

I am planning a short visual presentation prior to lunch, could I ask Lensbaby photographers to send me TEN of your favourite images taken with any of these lenses? A little bit of “Blurb” about what lenses used and general information about what you like about your images would also be appreciated. Sorry that this is biased to LB users only on this occasion!

EMAILS ABOUT FUTURE MEETINGS

If you are receiving this email, but would rather be removed from the list, please email me and I will delete you. There are many reasons that you might be unable to attend anymore, and would prefer not to be bothered with further communication from the DR Group over the future months.

• ‘What we really need from the group is to make any suggestions for any other ‘Tableau vivant’ topic and to create a list of interested members who want to WORK on the project. Simon, Ian and Tony will help mentor the project but the Group will drive the concept forward. So, at our next meeting, we need to establish: 
• The Topic for shooting and 
• The members of the Group”

Please come with your suggestions.

JANUARY 26th

I need your input for the January meeting! Our speaker Dr Barrie Brown is bringing us ‘Looking back through the lens: a psychological study of photographers‘

Audience participation is required, to that end, please download this survey, supplied by Barrie, follow the instructions and return direct to Barrie by Friday 18th January, but it can be, as soon as you like before Christmas, so you don’t forget. But I will remind you.

Should be fun and an insight into our inner workings!

DECEMBER 9th

A Reminder for the December 9th  Meeting please produce an ATMOSPHERIC IMAGE to be critiqued by our Guest Speaker Steve Hedges who is coming to talk on, “Creating Impact and Mood” and has also agreed to run an Afternoon Workshop in Canterbury taking in the Christmas lights and shops with a couple of places still available as of 23/11/19