Camera clubs
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Therewas a goodmix of photographic abilities, a friendly atmosphere throughout and it was a good opportunity to get to know people better
COLIN CLOSE
“This was the first time I’d attended the Practical Group and the sun was shining, although that’s not always a good omen for decent photographs. There were eight of us meeting at the clock tower including three members who seemed to have a lot of local knowledge about the area. We were quickly joined by a ninth member before we had gone far. “The thinking beforehand was to do portraits with models emerging from the group. The organiser Roger was very willing and had come looking a bit scruffy in his hoody. Though someone whispered ‘he always looks like that’. He quickly got into ‘down and out’ mode and we had him posing in a doorway sat on the step – on the shaded side of the street I hasten to add. At various times we moved around other models, including Mark and Jill. The highlight for some was seeing Roger in a skip! “Most of us used available light and reflectors though a couple of members were keen on trying remote flash units. The group seemed to work well with members contributing ideas and helping each other with technical issues. There was a good mix of photographic abilities, a friendly atmosphere throughout and it was a good opportunity to get to know people better.”
MARKHEATH “The shoot had a good attendance which was important as practical shoots allow members to socialise as well as giving the perfect excuse to exchange knowledge and techniques. We naturally gravitated towards shots with models as the JewelleryQuarter provides an excellent background. “A few shots in the doorway started the creativity flowing and, firing on all cylinders, it wasn’t long until more extravagant posing took place, such as in a skip! This was a unique take on using the surrounding area effectively and a shining example of how being resourceful can create original photography. “The knowledge exchanged between photographers has allowed the Bromsgrove Photographic Society to grow together rather than letting people vanish and only show their ideas when competing. Shooting in a group allows you to see how others work. This in turn improves your own techniques and without realising it you can have a positive effect on what others are doing too.”
A fewshots in the doorway started the creativity flowing and, firing on all cylinders, it wasn’t long untilmore extravagant posing took place, such as in a skip!
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Issue 11 | Photography News
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