Friday 3 December 2010

Before Colour: photographer William Eggleston in black-and-white

From the Guardian
"Eggleston in black-and-white? It seems a contradiction in terms. But here, finally, is the evidence that even the most famous colour photographer of all once saw the world around him in monochrome. It is quite a surprise.


A new book, published by Steidl, is called simply Before Colour. It's a great title: specific to the arc of William Eggleston's development, but suggestive of the wider impact that his first colour images had on photography in general. We now often divide the history of photography into before and after colour – a shift of consciousness that is often put down to Eggleston's ground-breaking show at MoMA in 1976, which shocked critics with its dramatic, heavily saturated dye-transfer prints. In fact this wasn't the first time that colour photography had appeared in a major American gallery: photographer Stephen Shore exhibited colour images of America at the Metropolitan Museum of Art four years earlier, and also caused something of a critical storm."

Continues

Wednesday 1 December 2010

The Weird Adventures of Eadweard Muybridge - BBC IPlayer

Eadweard Muybridge born and died in Kingston upon Thames, but spent much of his time in the USA, this BBC programme tells the interesting story of this pioneering photographer.

"Pioneer photographer, forefather of cinema, showman, murderer - Eadweard Muybridge was a Victorian enigma. He was born and died in Kingston upon Thames, but did his most famous work in California - freezing time and starting it up again, so that for the first time people could see how a racing horse's legs moved. He went on to animate the movements of naked ladies, wrestlers, athletes, elephants, cockatoos and his own naked body, projecting his images publicly with a machine he invented and astounding audiences worldwide with the first flickerings of cinema. Alan Yentob follows in Muybridge's footsteps as he makes - and often changes - his name, and sets off to kill his young wife's lover. With Andy Serkis as Muybridge."

IPlayer   and the Wikipedia entry

Monday 29 November 2010

Photojournalist Ron Galella - BBC IPlayer

Widely considered to be the world's first paparazzi photographer, the controversial American photojournalist Ron Galella was sued by Jackie Kennedy and had his jaw broken by Marlon Brando. Throughout a career spanning more than 40 years, Galella's stalking tactics have attracted criticism, hostility and lawsuits. But his relentless pursuit of the famous has enabled him to amass an archive of 3 million photographs that represent a unique record of modern American celebrity culture.


In this film, the award-winning programme-maker Leon Gast follows Galella as he revisits some of his old haunts and recalls his encounters with the stars who have tried - and usually failed - to evade his lens.
 
Available until 28 December

Friday 26 November 2010

Members evening - 2nd December

Members Evening


  • Special General Meeting - Richard Weston MCC Secretary
  • Box Brownie a revolution in photography - Fred Dawson
  • Roland Adams will display images from the Saguaro Camera Club Arizona USA, he will explain about the links between Malden and Saguaro Camera Clubs.
  •  Duncan Grove will talk about his successful panel for his Royal Photographic Society Fellowship and hints for those who may be considering applying for a RPS distinction.
  • The members evening will include a Christmas raffle, donations of prises would be most appreciated.

  

Thursday 25 November 2010

Landscape Photographer of the Year Awards 2010

Landscape Photographer of the Year Awards 2010


from the Guardian "More than 100 of the best images from the Landscape Photographer of the Year Awards can be seen at the National Theatre in London from 22 November until 16 January – admission free. Tickets for talks & tours at the exhibition by Awards founder & landscape photographer, Charlie Waite, are also on sale. The book, Landscape Photographer of the Year: Collection 4 by AA Publishing, showcases 175 winning & commended entries and will be published on 1st November.

The Awards are held in association with Network Rail and Natural England. More information can be found at www.take-a-view.co.uk

British photographic history - Information and discussion on all aspects of British photographic history

the British photographic history blog which was launched at the start of 2009. There are now over 700 members, in addition to many other regular readers. They range from museum and gallery curators, photographic academics, collectors, dealers and representatives from the photographic press from around the world. The blog provides a forum for news of events and happenings within the British photographic history community. This can include lectures or meetings, exhibition news, jobs in the field and general news affecting collections of photographic material or individuals within the field. BPH will also include relevant book and website reviews from time to time. While the focus is on Britain it may, on occasion, include material that is of wider interest from Europe, the United States and Asia.


British photographic history blog

Wednesday 24 November 2010

Striking images shed light on the behaviour of fluids

From the BBC website some amazing photographs showing the behaviour of fluids.

Are your old camera lenses radioactive ??

In designing optical lenses, it is often desirable to employ glass with a high index of refraction. The greater the index of refraction, the greater the bending of the light. Since this reduces the necessary curvature of the glass, the lens can be made thinner and lighter. Unfortunately, glass with a high refractive index can also have a high dispersion.  By adding radioactive thorium to the glass, a high refractive index (over 1.6) can be achieved while maintaining a low dispersion.

Continues

Wiki page

Saturday 20 November 2010

Duncan Grove is awarded a Fellowship by the Royal Photographic Society

I would like to congratulate Duncan Grove a long stranding member of Malden Camera Club on being awarded a fellowship by the Royal Photographic Society (RPS).  The Fellowship is the highest Distinction of the Royal Photographic Society and recognises original work and outstanding ability in a specialist field.

The RPS were delighted to recognise Duncan’s work in this way, especially since as far as they can remember this is the first time that a panel of tennis images has resulted in this Distinction. This achievement reinforces Duncan’s success in recent years of gaining acceptances in five of the last six of the Society’s International Exhibitions.    Link to further details

Kodak Box Brownie

Kodak No. 2 Cartridge Hawk-Eye Model B Box Camera
I visited St James Christmas Fair and whilst looking through the bric-a-brac found a Kodak Box Brownie Camera I negotiated its purchase for the sum of £1

The camera is a Kodak No. 2 Cartridge Hawk-Eye Model B box camera, constructed of card, wood, metal, leather and glass; made in England between 1927 and 1930.
Embossed name on carrying handle reads, "No. 2 CARTRIDGE HAWK-EYE MODEL B"

Embossed markings on rear leatherette read, "MADE IN GREAT BRITAIN by KODAK Limited

Use "KODAK" Film No. 120"

It has a single-speed rotary shutter, fixed focus, and two waist-level viewfinders with tiny ground glass screens for portrait or landscape shots. The pull-up tab located at the top centre of the front portion interrupts the rotation of the shutter, allowing timed exposures until the shutter release is operated a second time or the tab is pushed back down and takes 120 film.
Camera opened

The social impact of the Brownie camera cannot be overestimated the first Box Brownie model appeared in 1900.  It was part of the accelerating process of introducing new technologies into everyday use as consumer items. It allowed amateurs to record special or not so special events or even to attempt artistic expression. Cheap, easily portable cameras made the 20th century the first to leave a democratically comprehensive pictorial record, at least in the West. Photography is now a ubiquitous accompaniment to everyday life. The camera still impresses with its simple, economical, and elegant design

More from Kodak

Wednesday 17 November 2010

Eric de Maré's secret countryEric de Maré's sublime photographs of British industrial buildings forced postwar architects to look again at the landscape. His influence is still felt today

From the Guardian

"In the 1990s, the award-winning British architect Michael Hopkins was searching for someone to take black-and-white photographs of his buildings. He contacted Eric de Maré, the visionary chronicler of the postwar British landscape, then in retirement. "It was like watching an old gunslinger back in action," says Hopkins. "The first shots were a little off the mark. Then he found his aim and was bang on target. Those photographs are some of my proudest possessions."


continues

Wednesday 10 November 2010

Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery

I have visited the last two Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait exhibitions at the National Portrait Gallery  I found them  most enjoyable and encouraged my interest in portrait photogrpahy. The National Portrait Gallery backs onto the National Gallery  and the main entrance is in Charing Cross road, entry is free.

"The Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize 2010 presents the very best in contemporary portrait photography, showcasing the work of talented young photographers and gifted amateurs alongside that of established professionals and photography students.

Through editorial, advertising and fine art images, the entrants have explored a range of themes, styles and approaches to the contemporary photographic portrait, from formal commissioned portraits to more spontaneous and intimate moments capturing friends and family.

This year the competition attracted nearly 6,000 submissions from over 2,400 photographers from around the world. The selected sixty works for the exhibition include the four prize-winners and the winner of the ELLE commission.

Exhibiting many photographs for the first time, the Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize 2010 is a unique opportunity to see images by some of the most exciting contemporary portrait photographers working today"
 
Link to web site

Saturday 6 November 2010

One legged cyclist at speed in Richmond Park

I went to the Park to practice panning. The hiil provides a steady supply of subjects. This is panning shot . I only noticed he had one leg when I put the picture up in Lightroom

Thursday 4 November 2010

Royal Photographic Society: Gain recognition for your achievements with the Society's prestigious Distinctions and Qualifications

The Royal Photographic Society's Distinctions are recognised as measures of achievement throughout the world. When you work towards a Distinction you will improve your photographic skills and also know that once you have been successful the quality of your work will be recognised worldwide.

Distinctions are awarded either on the basis of a portfolio of work which may be photographic images or it may be research, or by successful completion of a recognised course.

There are three levels of Distinction and, in addition, the Imaging Scientist Qualifications which are specifically aimed at engineers, scientists and technologists and provide vocational qualifications relevant to a professional career in imaging science.

Licentiateship: The Licentiateship (LRPS) is normally the entry level Distinction and is awarded for a good level of basic skill and competence.

Associateship: The Associateship (ARPS) is awarded for a high standard of technical competence and individual creative ability.

Fellowship: The Fellowship (FRPS) is awarded for exceptional standards of excellence and distinguished ability.

Information about all assessments, and applications for 2010, can be found on the Licentiateship, Associateship & Fellowship pages.

Distinctions Handbook  (PDF 950.80KB)

Further information and links

Home Office reaffirms street photography rights

British Journal of Photography reports:-

In a letter sent to Francis Maude MP, in response to issues raised by photographer Mark Singleton, Theresa May says that as the Home Office continues to review police's anti-terrorism powers in relation to photography, it expects that the introduction of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill will help reduce the number of cases of police's misuse of such powers.

She writes: "The bill will include proposals to introduce Police and Crime Commissioners. This will be the key to ensuring that greater accountability is at the heart of policing in England and Wales [...] The public will be able to elect - for the first time - an individual who will provide a visible and accountable link to police priorities and activities." She adds that the reform will free the police from the bureaucracy and central guidance generated by Whitehall, the Association of Chief Police Officers and that of other organisations.

However, she says, the ACPO will continue to play an important role in the issuing of guidance, and she expects the "ACPO to show strong leadership in promoting and supporting the greater use of professional judgement by police officers and staff."

May also addressed Singleton's concerns regarding the requirement, by certain police forces across the UK, for photographers to carry identification, as it is the case in the City of London. But, as the Home Secretary refuses to be drawn into the legality of such a move - arguing that the requirement is "an operational matter" and, as such, is "the responsibility of the Chief Officer of the force concerned," - she argues that the Government "has no plans to introduce any requirement for photographers to carry identification. Let me assure you that people have the right to take photographs in public places for legitimate reasons and the Government will do everything it can to uphold that right."

May's letter was published by SceneThat, an organisation that campaigns for photographers' rights. A copy of the letter can be seen here [PDF link].

Last week, media law specialist Rupert Grey, who is a partner at the legal firm Swan Turton, addressed the current legal situation, less than six months after Section 44 of the Terrorism Act 2000 was declared illegal and scrapped by the current government. While photographers can no longer be stopped under Section 44, they still have deal with three other issues, Grey argued - Section 43 of The Terrorism Act, charges of harassment and charges of making or retaining indecent images of children.

Speaking at The Social, an event organised by the British Journal of Photography with The Photographers' Gallery, Grey explained that under Section 43, a police officer may stop and search a photographer, if they have reasonable grounds to suspect that he/she is a terrorist or has in their possession anything that suggests they might be.

But, he added, police officers have no right to demand to see photographers’ images, or to delete images without getting a court order. If the photographer is a professional photojournalist, they are entitled to protect their sources – and that includes photographs – by refusing to show the shot, a point Grey regarded as “very important”.

However, Grey urged photographers to take a constructive approach both to shooting in the street and dealing with members of the public and the police force. “If a police officer stops you, bear in mind that they have to consider the worst possible scenario,” he said. “If they make the wrong decision, they face the possibility there could be a terrorist attack that was their fault. Ask them why they have stopped you – at least then you know where they’re coming from.”

He added that in his conversations with the Met and ACPO he detected a willingness to co-operate with photographers, and a recognition of their role as the ears and eyes of the public. New guidelines – following the suspension of section 44 – will be published by the Home Officer and the ACPO shortly, and Grey recommended that photographers should read them and have a copy in their photographic bag at all times

Wednesday 3 November 2010

Results of the final round of the Club Print Competition 2010

Results from the final round of the Print League competition held on 28 October

My Learning Log

I have just started my learning log for the Open Arts College course on the "Art of Photography". I will being using it to write up the assigments and projects that I am required to complete. The first asignment explores the relationship between the focal length of the lens and the angle of view

Monday 1 November 2010

Members photographic blogs - Duncan Grove

 I spent some time looking at a blog by Duncan Grove a longstanding member of MCC. The blog gives an excellent insight into Duncan's photographic interests and achievments, particulary his sports photography.

Club outing to Nymans in Sussex

Despite some showery rain, the outing to Nymans was well attended and every one enjoyed taking the opportunity to capture the autumn colours and walk through the extensive gardens and woods. Enrico Di Vito images of Nymans are available on his Flickr page.  I managed a very muddy walk down to the lake to take this photograph of the woodlands


Bartosz  Morawiec and Enrico Di Vito


Tuesday 19 October 2010

Members Images show and tell

Thursday - October 21:  A number of members have kindly offered to present a number of  thier own images and tell the story behind the images. 

This will be an interactive event with the opportunity for memebers of the audience to ask questions.

Members should also have their prints for next weeks print competition ready to hand into Brian Bailey. 

Wednesday 13 October 2010

British wildlife photographer of the year 2010

The winners of the 2010 competition have been announced. The winning photograph shows a familiar bird in its conventional setting, but the visual impact is extraordinary. Competition judge Greg Armfield from WWF said: “This is a unique and striking image. One that captures perfectly the power, chaos and intensity of the ocean as it surrounds the majestic gull.

Winning images and pictures receiving judges’ commendations form part of a series of nationwide exhibitions, including a premier launch and awards event at Hoopers Gallery, London.


14th - 30th October 2010 Hoopers Gallery, London

V&A Connects: Photographic Possibilities

V&A Connects: Photographic Possibilities


What: Talk

When: Tue 26 October 2010—Tue 26 October 2010 18:30

Where: Lunch Room

Choose tickets

Talk : An evening of inspiration, networking and discussion for creative industry students and professionals. With Photographic Practices Research Group, University of the Arts, London, and inspired by the V&A exhibition Shadow Catchers: Camera-less Photography.

V&A Exhibiton of camera-less images

Victoria and Albert Musuem

The first photographs ever made were created without the use of camera. This display explores the camera-less image from its discovery in the 1850s to the present day. Drawing together unique examples from the V&A collection this display showcases the work of the key figures in the history of photography, including Anna Atkins, Man Ray and LĂ¡szlĂ³ Moholy-Nagy.


13 October 2010 – 27 March 2011
Free admission

Slide show of images

Monday 11 October 2010

Open College of Art

I have embarked on a major challenge, over a period of years I am hoping to obtain a BA degree in photography through the Open College of Arts .

The first module is the "art of of photography".

Details about the degree

One reason for doing the degree is to provide my focus to developing my photographic skills. The course whilst delaing with technical skills places a greater emphasis on compostion and the art of photography.

As I will no longer be Chairman of Malden Camera Club after January 2011I will have a little more time to devote to doing photography and talking to people.

Saturday 9 October 2010

MCC Meeting 14 October

Cliff Carter is to give us a talk on Photoshop Elements. He enjoys being able to help members get more enjoyment from using Elements and most of my evenings depend to a large extent on audience participation.

Anything from the basics of getting an image into the computer, to correcting imperfections and making new images, using the many available tools and techniques.

Dungeness


Dungeness
Originally uploaded by Fred Dawson
This was my entry for the Club safari Competition. The images  feature a nuclear power station, lighthouse, decaying fishing boats and houses; all set in the bleak shingle landscape of Dungess on the South coast. Because the land is so flat the sky is very big. I highly recommend Dungeness for anintersting day out

Friday 8 October 2010

Wednesday 6 October 2010

Photographic events at River House Barn Walton Surrey


The Art of Photography:
From Plate Camera to Computer
Wednesday 6th – Sunday 24th October
Opening Hours:  Wed-Sat 11am – 4pm  Sun 2.30-4.30pm
FREE ENTRY

In a rare opportunity to see early prints from The Royal Photographic Society’s Collection – ranging from 1845 to 1940 – this exhibition contrasts the work of the pioneers, including staging and multiple negatives to make composite prints, with outstanding work from today’s RPS digital photographers who use their cameras and computers to develop exciting images and art.   Consumer digital cameras and easy access to imaging software have led to greater awareness of the use of manipulation in everything from airbrushed models on magazine covers to celebrity and political set-ups.   You will see from this exhibition that the debate about truth and illusion in photography is far older.          Entry to the Exhibition is FREE.

There will be a Private View on Tuesday 12th October from 6pm to 8pm -immediately following this there will be an illustrated talk by Peter Nicholls, senior Times photographer, on Photo-journalism.   

Tickets for this talk are £8 from the Box Office on 01932 253354.

After training in photography Peter Nicholls worked on local newspapers and a provincial news agency before moving to Fleet Street in the late '80's. There he worked for the UK's first colour daily, Today, before joining the Times in 1995 where he is now a senior photographer.   Covering a whole host of themes, his most recent work is born of the 'war on terror' and has taken him to Iraq and Afghanistan, where he has been embedded with British and US troops, as well as operating unilaterally. 

He has also travelled extensively in Africa and many other strife-torn parts of the world to cover famine, floods and conflict, including the middle-east.   He will talk about his life in photo journalism, showing a selection of his photographs.
 

Photo Study Day
Sunday 17 October
10am – 4pm
Tickets £25 (£15 students) inc. lunch
Box Office:  01932-253354


In conjunction with this photographic exhibition, a Study Day on Sunday 17 October from 10am – 4pm for years 12 & 13 students and adults will be run by Steve Caplin, a digital artist who specializes in satirical photomontage illustration.  His work is commissioned by newspapers and magazines around the world.   Steve is the author of nine books, including the best-selling How to Cheat in Photoshop and the newly published Art and Design in Photoshop.

Don’t miss this chance to see some of the rarest and greatest photographs the RPS has in its archives!!

Riverhouse has plenty of FREE parking and a fully licensed cafĂ©-bar serving light lunches during gallery opening hours.  It is only 30 minutes from Waterloo.

Further information on 01932-254198
www.riverhousebarn.co.uk


Giant 'walk-in' camera

A giant black & white photographic paper specially designed to be used with a 'walk-in camera' has been made by Ilford.

Measuring 3.5x4m, the Imago 1:1 camera requires the subject to enter one of two chambers - the paper acting like a film slide to capture a 'life-size portrait' without the use of a negative.

British firm Harman Technology has this week announced new b&w paper for the camera, available in both RC and Baryta bases.

Though not commercially available in the giant format, Harman Direct Positive Paper is now on sale in smaller versions to the general public (see below) - suitable for pinhole camera projects, says Harman.

Harman's managing director Steven Brierley said: 'The Imago 1:1 camera is a remarkable undertaking and we were keen to get involved with this project and use our unique expertise to assist in providing a new kind of direct positive paper that performs exceptionally well within an exceptional camera.'

Developed in Germany, the Imago camera was made using welded iron plates and a tarpaulin by a fine arts professor from Nuremberg.

The subject is able to photograph themselves using a mirrored image to guide them.

The life-size picture is then projected onto 60x200cm paper, developed and available to collect in ten minutes.

The new Harman Direct Positive Paper, which is available in 4x5in and 16-20in formats priced from £9.69 for 25 sheets - is aimed at fine art photographers and other niche areas of photography.

Article in Amatuer Photographer

Postcards from the future: illustrators imagine how London could be affected by climate change

A display of photomontages imagining how London could be affected by climate change is on display at the Museum of London from 1 October 2010 to 6 March 2011. The display and events form part of the Mayor’s Story of London festival and the events are funded by Renaissance London. Like postcards from the future, familiar views of the capital have been digitally transformed by illustrators Robert Graves and Didier Madoc-Jones. They bring home the full impact of global warming, food scarcity, rising sea levels and how all Londoners will need to innovate and adapt to survive.


A postcard booklet of the photomontages is available in the Museum of London shop for £8, and limited edition prints can be purchased from the Postcards from the Future website

These images are made possible by the imaginative use of Photoshop etc 

BBC Street photography now

Photographing strangers in a public space is regarded by some as a little odd. Yet pictures of our daily life are what come to define an era and many of the great pictures of the past decade would fall into this category.

Street photography though is far more than that. It can be hard to define and many practitioners have their own ways of shooting. But what's fascinating about the street photographic scene is that it's open to anyone with a camera. You do not need special access; even the most basic disposable camera can be used. All you need is time, patience, shoe leather and a good eye.

Continues

Exhibition Canon Pro Photo Solutions

From Canon

After the overwhelming success of Canon Pro Photo Solutions 2009, we're back in 2010 with a bigger and better show.

This event will not only offer advice from industry experts, hands on demonstrations, inspirational seminars and portfolio reviews but will also provide professionals with techniques on how to maximise profit in the current climate.

Canon Pro Photo Solutions is free on registration or £8 entrance on the door for non-registrants, refunded against any purchase made at the show on the day.

Opening Times:
Tuesday 26th October - 10:00am - 7:00pm
Wednesday 27th October - 10:00am - 5:00pm

Monday 4 October 2010

Street photography now

BBC reports
Photographing strangers in a public space is regarded by some as a little odd. Yet pictures of our daily life are what come to define an era and many of the great pictures of the past decade would fall into this category.

Street photography though is far more than that. It can be hard to define and many practitioners have their own ways of shooting. But what's fascinating about the street photographic scene is that it's open to anyone with a camera. You do not need special access; even the most basic disposable camera can be used. All you need is time, patience, shoe leather and a good eye.

continues

Thursday 30 September 2010

Street Photography Now Project

Street Photography Now Project is a collaboration between The Photographers’ Gallery, London and Sophie Howarth and Stephen McLaren, authors of Street Photography Now (Thames and Hudson).

Each week from 1 October 2010, a leading contemporary street photographer will issue a new instruction, written to inspire fresh ways of looking at and documenting the world we live in.

Over the following six days photographers around the world are invited to upload one photograph in response, to form part of a Street Photography Now Project Gallery on Flickr. After six days the next instruction will be issued.

The Project will run for 52 weeks. The aim is to build a global community of photographers exploring the rewards and challenges of documenting public life. All photographers, including those who contribute to the Instructions, will be encouraged to comment and respond to the images posted to the Flickr groups.

Though not a competition, at the end of the Project one photographer will be chosen who has made the most outstanding contribution to the project across a number of weeks. They will be awarded £1000 of Thames & Hudson books and have their work displayed on The Photographers’ Gallery digital Wall for All.

The Street Photography Now Project was launched in September 2010, as The Photographers’ Gallery closed its doors for the redevelopment of its building on Ramillies Street. The Project will run for one year and is scheduled to end when The Photographers’ Gallery reopens in late 2011.

Link

Tuesday 28 September 2010

The Photography Show - Download free podcast episodes by Ted Forbes on iTunes.

A weekly discussion of all things photography related. We'll discuss developing your photogaphy business, improving your photography skills, reviewing cameras, gear and equipment and much more.

American but interesting


The Photography Show - Download free podcast episodes by Ted Forbes on iTunes.

Photoshop Disasters

Have you seen a truly awful piece of Photoshop work? Clumsy manipulation, senseless comping, lazy cloning and thoughtless retouching are our bread and butter. And yes, deep down, we love Photoshop.
Have a look at this blog

Thursday 23 September 2010

CIWEM Environmental Photographer of the Year 2010 award winners

CIWEM Environmental Photographer of the Year 2010 award winners

Chairman's evening 23 September

Tonight I will spend some time asking for views about Malden Camera Club in particular

  • This year’s programme Good and bad points
  • Outings
  • Annual exhibition
  • Workshop evenings
  • Competitions
  • Club website
  • How you would like to see the club develop
John Rowe will be available to give advice on preparing mounts.

I will then give presentation on Internet resources etc for photographers and how these help support Malden Camera Club. After coffee Jackie will show some pictures she took on her climb of Mt Mount El'brus in Russia which is Europe’s highest peak at 5642 m.

We will also be using the new Club laptop and projector for the first time







The UK Picture Editors' Guild 2010 press photography contest winners

The first-ever winners of the UK Picture Editors' Guild press photography contest have been announced at a gala dinner held in London.


Martin Argles of The Guardian collected the 2010 SABMiller Press Photographer of the Year award in addition to gaining the prize for his photo essay of the doomed final days of Gordon Brown's premiership

Sarah demands that Gordon Brown return for a photograph in the kitchen of their house in Scotland

Tuesday 21 September 2010

Having a laugh


Having a laugh
Originally uploaded by Fred Dawson
After last weeks meeting where we were treated to a presentation on Portraits, I took this image at a dinner dance. I like to think that I captured the the smile and laugh. It was taken using flash, this produced the dark background removing any distractions. The shot was angled looking up.

Wednesday 15 September 2010

How to take stunning photographs

Avaible on Chanel 5 OD

Celebrity photographer Harry Borden instructs two budding snappers in how to turn simple snapshots of friends and family into stunning portraits. Harry's students are then put to the test with assignments that include producing a heroic portrait for the Help for Heroes charity.

Chanel 5 Web site How to take stunning photographs

Friday 10 September 2010

BBC IPlayer The Edwardian Family Album

Peter Snow celebrates the Edwardian age by examining pictures from the period, a time that saw an explosion in photography for the masses.


From formal studio portraits to lively snapshots and from glittering postcard collections to colourful scrapbooks, our Edwardian ancestors kept fascinating social documents of their lives, which have been passed down through the generations to the descendants who appear on the show. Recorded at the glorious Edwardian mansion of Manderston in the Scottish Borders, the programme uncovers the historical backdrop to treasured family heirlooms, from the advent of the motorcar to the sufragette movement, and from extremes of wealth and poverty it has all been captured in what has proved to be the golden age of popular photography.

See on IPlayer

Dungeness


Cottages - Dungeness
Originally uploaded by Fred Dawson
Dungeness offers many interesting photographic opportunities, a nuclear power station, light houses, decaying fishing boats, bungalows and acres of shingle. It’s within easy reach of London on the Kent coat between Rye and Folkestone.

Dungeness features in the Guardian Camera Club report on Rob Painter  who participated in the housing photography monthly assignment.

“The great thing about these pictures of shacks in Dungeness is the light. It looks like Rob took these on a perfect summer's day and the quality of the light along with the sunburnt grass has given a hot, dusty feel that hangs over all the images in the set.

The clean light has given a stillness which complements the simple way that the photographs have been shot with no converging verticals.There is a good range of tight and wider shots, that hold the viewer's attention. There is an absence of people, but for some reason this doesn't matter, the shacks are more like found objects than dwelling places. Good work and wait - the pictures makes you want to visit Essex!”

The only thing I would say is about the geography is wrong Dungeness is not in Essex but I do share his sentiments about the unique landscape that is Dungeness

Astronomy photographer of the year 2010

From the Guardian a selection of entries from this year's competition, held at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich. See here for details

Thursday 9 September 2010

Denbies Harvest Photograph Competition

Harvest Photograph Competition


After the success of previous years, Denbies Wine Estate is pleased to be hosting the annual harvest photograph competition in conjunction with Andy Newbold photography. The competition welcomes photographers of all abilities to capture their interpretation of harvest at Denbies Wine Estate. Harvest is the most significant time of the vineyard. In the brief window of October the foundations are laid for the wine production of the coming year. Denbies produces in excess of 300,000 litres of grape juice a year, which is reflected in the energy, enthusiasm and celebration that surrounds the harvest.

“We are always impressed by the quality and standard of work that is submitted and we look forward with anticipation to receiving this year’s entries” commented Jane Callaghan Events Co-ordinator at Denbies Wine Estate.

All entries will be judged by a local professional photographer Andy Newbold. Andy is based in Leatherhead and has a vast knowledge of photographic techniques. This year 1st prize is a family portrait sitting in courtesy of Andy Newbold photography, 2nd prize is a Denbies Christmas hamper (to the value of £75) and 3rd prize is a mixed case of 6 bottles of Denbies Wine. The winning photograph of last year’s competition can be seen in the forthcoming events leaflet.

The closing date for entries is 5th November and the entry fee is £3.50 for each photograph or £10 for four photographs. All of the profits will be donated to charity.

Denbies Wine Estate is the largest in England and is in the heart of Surrey with 265 acres of vines. Denbies is located in Dorking, Surrey with direct rail access from London Waterloo and Victoria mainline stations.

Surrey Gold Harvest Award (1st prize) Family Portrait Sitting Courtesy of Andy Newbold photography

Redland Harvest Award (2nd prize) Denbies Christmas Hamper (to the value of £75)

Juniper Hill Harvest Award (3rd prize) Mixed case of 6 bottles of Denbies wine

Competition Rules.


1. Access to the vineyard must be kept to public footpaths. Denbies is a working vineyard with moving vehicles’, extreme caution must be taken at all times..

2. The competition is open to any amateur photographers.

3. There is an entry fee of £3 for each photograph, and £10 for five or more photographs.

4. All entries must be accompanied by an entry form and the correct entry fee. Cheques should be made payable to Denbies Wine Estate*.

5. All entries must be in the form of prints, either traditionally or digitally produced, between 7x5 inches and 12x10 inches in size. Prints must not be framed. Each print must have the entrant's name, address, contact telephone number clearly written on the back. A suitable stamped addressed envelope must be provided for their return.

6. All photographs must be the copyright of the entrant and must be their own work.

7. Every care will be taken with submitted entries but Denbies Wine Estate cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage however caused.

8. Prizes are as stated and no alternatives can be offered. The judges' decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

9. Denbies Wine Estate reserves the right to use entered photographs for publicity for the competition, including on its website, free of charge. The copyright remains with the photographer.

10. Entries may be submitted at reception or sent by post to Marketing Department. Denbies Wine Estate, London Road, Dorking, Surrey RH5 6AA.

11. The closing date for the competition is 5th November 2010.

*All proceeds will be donated to charity

Entry forms are available from Denbies Reception or by emailing the events department at: events@denbiesvineyard.co.uk.

http://www.denbies.co.uk/

9th September print competition


Off and away
Originally uploaded by Fred Dawson
Tonight we have the fourth round of the Club print Competition on the set subject of water.

Friday 3 September 2010

Bring and buy sale 2nd September

The first meeting of the autumn season was the bring and buy sale which was well supported. This has provided the  Club with a wellcome boost to our finances by raising around £145.

Football injury


Football injury
Originally uploaded by Fred Dawson
Taken at the recent Malden Camera Club photoshoot at Kingstonian Football match against Hornchurch. we are all grateful to Roland Adams who organised the photoshoot and to Kingstonian football club for their hospitality and all they did to make the shoot such a sucess

Thursday 2 September 2010

Tate Britain - Exhibition Eadweard Muybridge

Exhibition Eadweard Muybridge

8 September 2010 - 16 January 2011 (Press view: 6 September 2010)
Tate Britain, Linbury Galleries

Supported by the Terra Foundation for American Art

Admission £10 (£9 concessions). For tickets visit www.tate.org.uk/tickets or call 020 7887 8888

Open daily 10.00 – 18.00, and until 22.00 on the first Friday of every month for Late at Tate

The pioneering Anglo-American photographer Eadweard Muybridge (1830-1904) will be the subject of a major retrospective at Tate Britain in autumn 2010. Bringing together over 150 works, this exhibition will demonstrate how Muybridge broke new ground in the emerging art form of photography. From his iconic images of motion to depictions of the sublime landscapes of America, the exhibition will present the full range of Muybridge’s work, exploring how he created and honed remarkable images that continue to resonate powerfully.

Born in Kingston upon Thames in April 1830, Muybridge studied photography before building his career in America. Perhaps best known for his extensive photographic portrayal of animal and human subjects in motion, he was also a highly successful landscape and survey photographer, documentary artist, war correspondent and inventor. Muybridge’s revolutionary techniques produced timeless images that have profoundly influenced generations of photographers, filmmakers and artists, including Francis Bacon, Marcel Duchamp, Jasper Johns, Cy Twombly, and Douglas Gordon.

This broadly chronological exhibition will focus on the period of rapid technological and cultural change from the late 1860s to 1904. It will include the celebrated early experimental series of motion-capture photographs such as The Attitudes of Animals in Motion 1881, and the later sequence Animal Locomotion 1887. It will also consider how Muybridge constructed, manipulated and presented these photographs and will feature his original zoopraxiscope, which projected his images of suspended motion to create the illusion of movement.

Muybridge’s carefully managed studio photographs contrast with his panoramic landscapes of America, in which he balanced professionalism with a truly artistic sensibility. He was fascinated by change and progress and his photographs recorded both the natural beauty of this vast continent, and the rapid colonial modernisation of its towns and cities. The exhibition will include many of his series of images of the Yosemite Valley, along with views of Alaska, Guatemala, urban panoramas of San Francisco, and his 1869 survey of the construction of the Eastward bound Railroad through California, Nevada and Utah. These photographs form a unique social document of this fascinating period of history, as well as representing a profound achievement of technological innovation and artistic originality.

Muybridge travelled between Britain, America and Europe throughout his career, studying photography, and later lecturing around the world. In 1874 while living in San Francisco he shot his wife’s lover and had her son placed in an orphanage, but was subsequently acquitted of the crime as a ‘justifiable homicide’, a story retold in Philip Glass’s opera The Photographer. He returned to England in 1894, and died at home in Kingston in 1904.

The exhibition was conceived by Philip Brookman, Chief Curator, Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington and curated at Tate Britain by Ian Warrell, Curator of 18th and 19th century British Art, and Carolyn Kerr, Head of Programme Management. The exhibition is organised by the Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington D.C. A fully illustrated catalogue, published by Tate Publishing, will be available.

For further press information please contact Selina Jones/Alex O’Neill, Tate Press Office

Call 020 7887 4906/4942 Email pressoffice@tate.org.uk Visit www.tate.org.uk

Sunday 15 August 2010

Fuji Sensia R.I.P. - British Journal of Photography

Fuji Sensia R.I.P. - British Journal of Photography
Fujifilm Professional has just announced thatits Japanese HQ has ceased making its Fujichrome Sensia slide film range "with immediate effect". In a statement the company said the UK holds sufficient stocks of most speeds of Sensia to satisfy demand until December.

Friday 23 July 2010

Our image of children rests on who takes the picture | Libby Brooks | Comment is free | The Guardian

Our image of children rests on who takes the picture Libby Brooks Comment is free The Guardian

Our image of children rests on who takes the pictureWhile adults fret about taking photographs of children, the young happily post pictures of themselves online. An interesting and thought provoking article on photography and children.