Gordon Jenkins APAGB – 28th November 2009
Went to the L&CPU Annual Digital Projected Image Knockout competition on Saturday night. The competition was won by Wigan 10, with the best image going to Steve Pepper of Crewe PS.
At the end of the evening, Austin Thomas of Wigan 10 was awarded a PAGB ribbon, Catherine Scorah picked up the trophy on behalf of Wigan 10, and John Royle of Crewe PS collected the trophy for best image on behalf of Steve Pepper.
One further presentation was to Gordon Jenkins, who received the APAGB from L&CPU President Norman Thompson LBIPP. I was roped in to take a snap of the presentation, and to make life more interesting my flashgun batteries decided to die in the middle of proceedings.
Bob Dennis on Judging and Competitions – 5th October 2009
This Monday saw a visit from Bob Dennis APAGB CPAGB BPE2*, of Bebington PS. Bob talked at length on competitions and judging, and concluded his lecture with a selection of his award-winning landscapes.
Bob imparted knowledge that it has taken some of us years to gain through personal experience: as an example, for entering competitions such as the BPE’s or the L&CPU Annual, it is worth bearing in mind that the judges will only see your photo for 5 seconds or so. In order for it to succeed it must have ‘impact’. Read the rest of this entry »
Judging – 1st League Digital Competition – 28th September
After seeing the first three projected images in the ‘A’ Section this evening, I realised I was in trouble, and would likely have to raise my game if I wanted to win anything this season. I spoke to Vic Pigula after the judging, and he said he felt the same way – the standard of entries beat his old club’s annual competition for quality. Mrs P said nothing, but snook quietly into 2nd place with a photo of a rather cold-looking monkey. I managed two 16’s and a 17.
Judge for the night was Colin Douglas ARPS AFIAP DPAGB BPE4*, from St Helens Camera Club. He reminded us that if we felt our photos didn’t score high enough tonight, there’d always be another night when they might score even lower!
What’s in the bag? – 21st September
“What’s in that Bag? Ever wondered what our fellow photographers carry in their gadget bag and why they bought it in the first place! Tonight some of our members will show those useful and maybe not so useful items they have. Should be a fun as well an informative evening.”
Another missed evening, I’m afraid – due to a heavy cold. I asked John Walker how it went, he said Mr Jenkins had ordered him to keep it clean, so only fresh items of ladies underwear were in his bag on the evening …
Alan Angel FRPS: Mono portraits and more – Monday 14th Sept 2009
Tonight, Manchester photographer Alan Angel FRPS gave us an entertaining talk on portraiture and monochrome photography. He kicked the evening off with strongly-lit portraits of boxers and body-builders – he even threw in some female body-builder photos for the ladies in our audience. Judging from the reaction, I don’t think any of them will be dashing off to the gym any time soon though …
Following on from the portraits, Alan moved on to a selection of photographs of buildings in the Manchester area, relating how a security guard had given him the ‘you can’t take photos here mate’ routine. Then on to some mono landscapes, and photographs of ‘ordinary’ people. Alan concluded with some portraits of Man City stars of yesteryear.
Alan says the three main things in his life are keeping fit, footy and photography. I can’t believe he’s that serious about footy – what with being a Man City supporter ‘n’ all …
Quote of the evening by Alan: “The only thing some judges like is the sound of their own voice … “
Leigh Preston FRPS – Monday 7th September 09
The opening night of the new season saw Leigh Preston FRPS visiting the club. Unfortunately I had a job on – photographing at a charity golf match in Knutsford – so I missed his talk. More importantly, I do believe it’s Leigh’s round – I missed that too …
Maybe next time, Leigh!
Big Drum Day – Sunday 23rd August
Went with my wife to the Big Drum Day at Astley Hall, Chorley. As well as several drum bands, we were entertained by dancing girls from Viva Brasil. So – off I went, camera in hand to capture them for posterity – or something. I’m not sure my wife approved – see photo below!
Unfortunately as the afternoon progressed, rain began to fall, so after a coffee and some cake in the nearby cafe, we departed early. Read the rest of this entry »
Blackpool Air Show
Read on the internet that a free air show was being held later today, so toddled off there with wife, daughter and grandsons to see what was going on. The show started at 15:00 with a fly-past of the Red Arrows, followed by a demonstration of Air-Sea rescue by a Sea-King helicopter. Later came stunt-planes, wing-walking, the Battle of Britain flight, the only Vulcan still flying, then a full display by the Red Arrows.
Grandson #1 quite enjoyed this, grandson #2 just drooled as usual. Read the rest of this entry »