Photography News 04

Profile

The PAGB If you are reading this, you are almost certainly a member of a camera club or photographic society. At some point in your time as a clubmember you very likely will have heard the initials PAGB, which stand for the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain. But what, if anything, does the PAGBmean to you or, indeed, to your club? President, Leo Rich, explains all INSIDERVIEW

Unfortunately for some reason I was born a ‘committee man’ so it was inevitable: when I became a member of a camera club, I joined the committee and then became their representative on the federation. It was a short step to becoming the federation representative on the PAGB and eventually I became secretary for the Awards for Photographic Merit (APM). I loved that post so much I did ask the Executive to permit me to stay in that role during my two-year presidency term, which started in April 2013. The success of the APM is very much due to a small committee that works in great harmony with the federations, each of which takes it in turn to host the adjudications that are normally held twice a year. Unlike international exhibitions we use six judges to appraise the work. Many judges have told me this is the most exacting form of judging of all – and I have to agree. I think becoming a club committed man all started around 1985 so we should be in line for some celebrations when I hand over the presidency of the PAGB in 2015. Being president is not hard work, well not if you enjoy it as much as I do. It does have a ‘London Bus’ feel on occasions in that nothing seems to happen for a while then two, or more, events come

Words by Leo Rich

I became interested in photography at the age of 12 when I discovered my late grandfather’s folding bellows camera. I read and taught myself how to shoot and process film and when colour became affordable, I moved to colour slides – that was my passion. I do upset print photographers when I refer to slides as being the ‘ultimate’ form of photography as you have to get it right in the camera and not fiddle afterwards. This has, of course, gone out of the window with the digital revolution, though I do try and stick to the principles. I suppose I would be classed as a reactive rather than creative photographer. If I do take a creative picture, it is usually a mistake. I have always classed myself as ‘an amateur jobbing photographer’ taking anything that catches my fancy. If anything, my greatest passion is taking people pictures on location. I also love wildlife but would never consider myself a nature photographer. I joined my first club in 1979 and have been a keen club photographer ever since, as well as entering national and international exhibitions.

Being president of the PAGB is not hardwork, well not if you enjoy it asmuch as I do

• Offers its own Awards for Photographic Merit with three levels of competence: Credit (CPAGB), Distinction (DPAGB) and the top award, Master (MPAGB). • Maintains its own list of judges who have been approved by the PAGB to adjudicate at inter- federation, national and international exhibitions and competitions. • Provides a patronage service to federations and clubs running national exhibitions or special events which includes the provision of medals and ribbons. • Runs a recorded lecture service where, for a small sum, clubs can hire CDs on a range of subjects for the entertainment or education of members. • Organises a number of competitions and exhibitions either for federations to enter directly or for clubs selected by them to act as their representatives. • Offers guidance to federations and clubs by dealing with photographic issues which affect us all. • Publishes a free e-newsletter that every club member can sign up for. • Promotes clubs and federations at major imaging exhibitions. Keyrolesof thePAGB

TOP Melia and family. Taken near Bundi in Rajasthan.

ABOVE Leopard with Kill. Taken in Ranthambhore National Park. RIGHT Unnis charging, Ranthambhore

National Park, India. FAR RIGHT On their way home.

Photography News | Issue 4