Sunday 27th November 2016
NCPF Awards Presentation
 
This year's NCPF Awards Presentation took place on Sunday 27th November 2016 at 2.00pm at Clare Vale Community Centre.
 
Myself and Alan Carr went along to represent Cramlington.
 
Alan Carr was awarded the 'Norman Jeffcoat Trophy' for 'Best Landscape'.  Presented to Alan by Alan McCormick ARPS.
 
I collected certificates for the following members.
 
The Robert Chalmers Trophy for Best Beginners Prints;-
"Girls Just Wanna Have Fun",2nd place, Elizabeth Lockey,
"Follow Me", "Eyes", both highly commended, Pop Brannon,
 
The Jane Black Trophy Best Beginners PDI;-
 "Follow Me", Highly Commended,  Pop Brannon,
 
The Myles Audas Trophy Best Club entry PDI ;-
North Tower, highly commended,  Jamie Welsh
 
The Bewick Trophy, Best Colour Prints;- 
Blackrock Cottage, highly commended, Jamie Welsh.     
 
I also collected "Portfolio" certificates for Jim Meikle, Elizabeth Lockey, Alan Lockey, Bob Finlay, Jamie Welsh and Adam Burness.        
 
Colin Livingstone
Secretary

​"Chin" Harry Hall FRPS
 
This week's guest speaker. Harry Hall FRPS from Alnwick and District Camera Club.
 
As an avid mountaineer Harry has climbed and photographed many expeditions around the world.  He has combined these two passions into his presentation tonight.
 
 Harry won his FRPS with images taken of the nomads of Tibet. "Chin" (Leaving) was a talk about the Nomads of the northern regions of Tibet and their way of life.  Over the years Harry has made friends with many of these people. He explained their way of life and the impact technology is having on them.  His talk covered living in extreme conditions, political and environmental geography, social and climate change, even animal welfare.  Of the moves to urban areas for the younger generation, seeking education for their children.
 
A very interesting and educational talk interspersed with landscapes and portraits of this nomadic way of life.
 
Harry stayed for a Q&A with members and then Lauren thanked him for his presentation.
 
Colin Livingstone.
Secretary

Exchange Visit with Ponteland Photographic Society,
 
This week we were treated to a variety of presentations by members of Ponteland Photographic Society. Led out by June Atkinson, who described the ethos of their club and also the role it played within the local community.
 
June then went on to her own presentation, which was a pictorial tour of her recent African Safari.  June flew to South Africa with "Enlightened Media", led by Trai Anfield.  First stop was the picturesque  Richards Bay for a spot of Whale watching, then onto the Zimanga Game Reserve for the rest of the tour. Staying in a 4 star hotel which turned out to be very appealing. Then over the course out next few days out to photograph Lions, Giraffes, a small herd of Elephants, and many local birds.  Later down into underground hides built next to reflective pools to photograph various animals and birds night and day.
 
Next up was Tony McCann, who took us on his own journey of development.  Tony's love of wild life and many birds, plants and the joy of visiting Rwanda to photograph Gorillas. Sporting images from both the commonwealth and Olympic Games.  A selection of street photography based around approaching people and asking them to pose for you. Some very interesting portraits. Some of Tony's more recent work consists of a variety of creative techniques using high shutter speeds to freeze water and the deconstruction of everyday foods such as a beef burger.
 
Last but by no means least came Peter Russell with a great selection of aircraft images most of which are taken with old lenses purchased on EBay, and shot with manual focus. Very difficult as you can imagine with the speed of the aircraft. Everything from the infamous Vulcan to the Royal Navy's Sopwith Camel bi-plane. Peter also talked about his collection of old camera's including an Agfa Solinette.  Peter's latest acquisition created a series of images you rarely see, because they are all from unusual angles and viewpoints. This is Peter's newest venture into the world of Drone photography. A selection of Northumberland views including many of Dunstanburgh Castle.

At the end of the presentation I thanked our guests on behalf of the club and the members showed their appreciation. We then gathered for informal talks and nibbles and coffee before dispersing into the cold night air.

Some of their images can be viewed here. (Ponteland Images) 
Colin Livingstone.
Secretary.
 
Received from June Atkinson today;-
 
"Peter, Tony and I would like to thank the club members for a warm welcome and kind hospitality.
We look forward to our next exchange when we can share your expertise and experiences."

​"Printing for Pleasure" Anne Swearman
 
Anne Swearman, APSA, PPSA, DPAGB, EFIAP is a member of Whitley Bay Photographic Society and our guest speaker tonight.
 
Starting her presentation with a collection of colour images from her forays on the west coast of Scotland, she explained her love of "wet" water and talked us through a set of images depicting distant mountains with the foreground filled with sweeping landscapes, moody clouds and seascapes, a lighthouse backed by foaming waves, always looking for that elusive light to compliment her subject.
 
One of Anne's loves is natural light through a window; she demonstrated this with a selection of images. Japanese Anemone shot through a piece chiffon to create a soft texture, portraits of Beamish that are reminiscent of watercolour paintings and a selection of delicate still life subject.
 
Anne never lets the weather beat her and wellington boots are an integral part of her kit, depicted in her selection of stormy skies and rainstorm in a beautiful collection of mono landscapes.  She has recently been travelling around Northumberland to create a series of images of rolling fields, lonely trees and the patterns created by the harvest.
 
Anne also has a love of architecture and from interiors of Seaton Delaval Hall to Lowry like scenes and the muted tones in both colour and mono of a spiral staircase, which created some lively debate as to which version our members preferred.
 
Our President Lauren Clayton thanked Anne for her entertaining and thought provoking presentation.
 
Colin Livingstone
Secretary

​ 1st Open PDI Competition
 
The first open PDI competition saw the usual diversity of shots from the members and the usual high standard too.  The judge, Trevor Roxby, mentioned it had been a very difficult competition to judge, owing to the standard of shots, and said he would have given a lot more images highly commended, had he been permitted.
 
73 images were submitted, and the results were as follows.
 
Highly Commended awards were given to Julia Robson (2), Jamie Welsh, John Ridley and Jim Meikle.  Congratulations to you all.
 
The Final Five Placings were.
5th A New Day Dawning.....Bob Finlay
4th Kestrel......Pop Brannon
3rd Blue Surfer......Colin Livingstone
2nd Alien Girl......Lauren Clayton
1st Fatigue......Bob Finlay
 
At the end of the evening, Lauren thanked Trevor for taking the time to judge our competition and he was given the usual "thank you" round of applause.
 
The top three images can be viewed here. > Top Three Images.
 
CONGRATULATIONS to all the winners, and many thanks to all the members who entered. Much Appreciated.
 
Alan Lockey,  PDI secretary.