RPS Southern Region February 2016 Newsletter by Royal Photographic Society

Newsletter February 2016 Welcome To Your Spring 2016 Newsletter! Despite the cold, wet and sometimes dreary days that we have been experiencing over the winter months, many of you have got out and about and captured some stunning photographs at our events. However, many of us at some time have thought that it is probably best to remain at home, wanting to get out, but lacking in inspiration. For sure you’re not alone, as life is full of challenges demanding our time and attention and photography is no different. That is why, in 2016 we would like you to get more involved in your region to meet other photographers and have your say in how you will achieve your photographic goals this year. We hope to organise more educational workshops in the Southern Region to get ‘Back to Basics’ on the principles of photography. Not only will this help newcomers and encourage existing members to get more out of their membership, but may inspire some of us to try different approaches. We also hope to plan joint workshops with special interest groups. Discussion with the Travel Group is already underway, in preparation for future events. We will continue to plan more of the ever popular, distinctions advisory days throughout the year, but also support other areas of your membership. We will continue to organise via Meetup, less formal events for those who simply want to meet for a social gathering in a less structured environment. Why not come along to meet us sometime? We also would like to run a longer term project so if you have any ideas we welcome your suggestions. Perhaps you fancy being part of an exhibition in the region later in the year? Or just need help on your own personal projects, whether it be in abstract fine art photography or landscape photography in the great outdoors. With your involvement, we hope to make 2016 a rewarding year full of potential to improve your photography. Paul

Paul Gilmour LRPS Regional Organiser

Contents 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15

Welcome Lucy Sharpe Distinctions Event Guernsey Event Copyright Volunteer Event Landscape Event Astro-‐ Photography Event LCE Show Dave’s Quick Tips Event Report Loomies Event Report Swanwick Event Report Kinson Points Of Contact Shooting From The Hip

Image Credit © Kate L omax 2016

02: Lucy Sharpe LRPS -‐ Distinction Success Via The Exemption Route

Lucy Sharpe LRPS, explains how she applied for her Licentiate Distinction by exemption, and we take a look at her very uniquely styled work. “I have always enjoyed taking photographs, but like many people had never taken the time to learn how to use my camera properly. In 2011, I decided to change that and enrolled in evening class in A-‐Level Photography. The course focused mainly on manual techniques. I bought a second hand Pentax camera, and slowly (sometimes painfully) learned to use it, including how to develop and print images in the darkroom. In the second year I worked in the studio using digital & medium format cameras. I loved it all. What started as a fun hobby quickly escalated into a bit of a passion and I found myself spending more and more time either taking photographs or reading about photography. In 2013 I gained an A* A-‐Level grade and purchased my first DSLR, a Nikon D7000. I carried on doing short courses, this time learning more about the digital side and I spent time experimenting, trying to find my own style. Our A-‐Level tutor told us about the Royal Photographic Society. However, I initially hesitated to apply because I imagined it would be quite a complicated application process. To my surprise, when I looked at the RPS website I found because of my A-‐Level I was entitled to apply for an exemption. The exemption process, far from being complicated was actually very straightforward. I had to complete an application form and return it with proof of my A-‐Level grade. A couple of months later, after the board met, I was excited to receive an email to confirm I was being awarded LRPS status. These days I work full time and don’t always have as much time to practice as I would like, so I am enjoying the benefits of being a member of the Society. Reading the magazines and entering some of the competitions has encouraged me to keep snapping and I hope to attend some more courses soon. I am currently building a website, although it isn’t live yet, and hope to start working towards the ARPS soon. Watch this space!” Exemptions Find Out More Online Lucy Sharpe LRPS.

Image Credit: © Lucy Sharpe LRPS.

03: Want To Know More? Why Not Join Us In Guernsey?

Attending a Distinctions Advisory Day as a spectator allows you to listen to expert critique to know more about what is expected of you when submitting your panel for assessment. Details overleaf.

Celebrating Distinction Successes Mrs Susan Hendrick Mr Andrew Beeson Mr Peter Dawes Mr Glyn Fonteneau Mr Russ Foote Ms Jill North Dr Lilian Hobbs Mr Ivor Toms Miss Dawn Blight Mr Chris Dixon Ms Suzanna Mayer Mr Roger Mendham Mrs Debbie Smith Mr Tim Sherwood

FRPS

ARPS ARPS LRPS LRPS LRPS LRPS LRPS LRPS LRPS LRPS LRPS LRPS LRPS

Many congratulations to our members who successfully gained their distinction. Would you like to know more? Click the links below Distinction Guidelines Online

Check Out Distinction Successes

Get Advice Online

27th February 2016 10.00 – 16.00

04: The Guernsey Advisory Day! Don’t Miss This Super Opportunity! Southern Region Distinctions Advisory Day Spectator Places Still Available – Tickets £10.00

Take advantage of this super opportunity to visit St. Peter Port, Guernsey, in preparation to attain Distinction success at LRPS, ARPS, or FRPS level, in the categories of: Creative, Travel & Natural History. As a spectator, you will learn how to present your panel, what standard is expected, and learn from observation about the potential pitfalls in preparing to submit your panel for your Licentiate, Associate or Fellow Distinction.

Panel assessors for LRPS and ARPS will be Nick Despres FRPS & Steven Le Provost FRPS. The Panel assessor for FRPS will be past president, Roy Robertson HonFRPS. Roy Robertson HonFRPS will also present An Introduction To Distinctions.

To Book & Pay Online http://www.rps.org/events/2016/february/27/distinctions-‐advisory-‐day-‐-‐-‐guernsey

Saturday 27th February 2016 10.00 -‐ !6.00 The Harry Bound Room Les Cotils, Peter Port, Guernsey, Channel Islands, GY1 1UU Regional Organiser: Paul Gilmour Email: southern@rps.com

Condor Ferries -‐ Poole to Guernsey are advertising some super offers on day trips VAT Free Shopping! http://www.condorferries.co.uk/offers/uk-‐to-‐guernsey “ Guernsey has a rich source of subject matter. We have our wonderful coastline, which has a range of rocky coves and long sandy beaches which offer changing views due the weather through the year. Guernsey also has a very picturesque harbour in St. Peter Port, together with several old jetties and ports around the island, and on top of all that we have a large number of German fortifications from the WWII and Martello towers and forts from the Napoleonic era. “-‐ Jayne Priaulx LRPS Jaonneuse Bay, Guernsey © Jayne Priaulx LRPS

11.30 – 15.00 New Greenham Arts Centre, Greenham, Newbury, RG19 6HN Tel: 01635 817444

05: Copyright Issues For Photographers 06 March 2016

Copyright Issues for Photographers Andy Finney is the RPS representative on the UK Copyright Council. While not a rights lawyer he takes a keen interest in such things and in his talk he will explain the basics of how copyright works and what you should know, as a photographer. This will include what you should do to protect your own rights as a photographer, especially if you post images online. Andy is also very keen to hear your thoughts on intellectual property, so there will be time for a discussion afterwards.

Workshop Tutorial on How to Protect your Online Images

Bournemouth Photographer, Dave Peckham will show you how to use popular Adobe software programs; Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop and Elements to protect your online image. The afternoon workshop will also cover how to add copyright, full metadata and watermarking and how to work flow your images from one program to the next. Tea and coffee will be provided but please bring a packed lunch.

How to book

To secure your place, please ensure you book and pay as spaces are limited. You can book online using the book online button above. Download Information Pack

RPS Members £10.00 Non Members £15.00 Book Online Alternatively, you can click here to book by post & pay by cheque by completing the attached booking form. Although we also welcome payment on the door, please contact the organiser if you wish to pay on the door. Please note, until payment is made, your place is not secured. Any questions, please contact David Ashcroft LRPS @ mailto:dashcroft@me. com

Image © David Peckham

06: Ever Thought About Volunteering As A Team Member For Your Region?

We are always on the look out for new team members! We plan to hold the next Annual General Meeting soon, which is the perfect time for new team members to join us. Volunteers are valued members of the RPS who engage with our Region in offering their time and enthusiasm, in helping to organise and run regional events. You may have thought about getting more involved, and if so, please do get in touch by emailing me at southern@rps.org. Perhaps you have specific skills, such as IT experience, in book keeping, event management or simply want to help out and any way you can. We look forward to hearing from you soon 10.30 – 19.30 Meet At Chichester Cross, Chichester, Sussex. PO19 1HD

07: Landscape Group Inaugural Event, Chichester and West Wittering Two hours urban photography, followed by lunch and then move on to West Wittering, where the intention is to do some long exposure photography and finish with sunset. Free to all RPS members and their partners. £5 to non-‐members payable on the day. To book, please contact Paul Graber (see below) no later than 21st March 2016. Email the event organiser Paul Graber

02 April 2016

Image Credit ‘Sand Fuschia’ ©Kate Lomax 2008

3rd April -‐ 10.00 – 16.00 Marwell Hotel, Thompson’s Lane, Colden Common, Winchester S021 1JY

08: Introduction to Astrophotography With Dr Lilian Hobbs LRPS

Topics to be covered include: • What is Astrophotography • Photographing the Night Sky Part 1 • Photographing the Night Sky Part 2 • The Moon • Bright Galaxies using your DSLR • Planets using a small telescope • Solar photography including eclipses • What’s next, I am hooked, a peek at Advanced technique

In this session Lilian will introduce you to the world of astrophotography. She will show you how to photograph the stars and constellations, the moon, a comet that should be visible in April, meteors and bright galaxies using your DSLR or video camera or even a GoPro and with equipment which you may already own. Many of us may have a small telescope hiding in a cupboard somewhere, Lilian will show you how to attach your camera to that telescope or spotting scope and image the moon or the bright planets like Jupiter which will be well placed in April. Astrophotography isn’t all about night time work, it includes the sun as well. Lilian will show you how to safely photograph the sun and the transit of Mercury across the sun in May.

Unmissable! 03rd April

About the Speaker Dr. Lilian Hobbs LRPS has been an astrophotographer for over 40 years, she is currently President of the Southampton Astronomical Society and her observatory has been featured on the BBC Sky at Night. Lilian is the author of the ETX telescope book and a regular speaker to local astronomy groups. Her astronomy photos can be seen at http://www.lilianhobbs.com/astronomy

Book Online

Other Information Free tea, coffee and cold drink refreshments, along with snacks will be served. Lunch is not included in the price, so please bring your own, or pre-‐order directly with Marwell Hotel. Free parking on site.

Tickets RPS Members Non RPS Members

£30.00 £45.00

Image Credits: M1 Crab Nebula & Moon Runway © Dr Lilian Hobbs

21st April -‐ 11.00 – 18.00 The Novotel Hotel, 1 West Quay Road, Southampton SO15 1RA

09: The LCE Southampton Photo & Video PRO Show 2016

21st April 2016

FREE ENTRY – VISIT OUR STAND Limited Free Parking Is Available At The Novotel – Visitors Please Enquire At Reception Meet the Royal Photographic Society at this year’s London Camera Exchange Photo & Video Pro Show! Discover what events are coming up here in the Southern Region, learn about the distinctions process and many special interest groups you can join. There are exhibitions and competitions along with online courses and workshop to develop your photography skills.Learn all about membership and what the many benefits of being a member include. A special 20% discount will be offered for anyone who visits us at the show and then joins up as a member!

The LCE Southampton Photo & Video PRO Show 2016

Canon & Nikon sensor clean clinics will be in session, offering a FREE basic sensor clean on your Canon or Nikon DSLR by Pro Service Centre technicians! (One only per show visitor). Free Live Interactive Studio-‐Style Workshops by Manufacturer Specialists/Photographer Ambassadors are to be held. Details to be confirmed, but proposed as follows (no pre-‐booking available). Times are approximate: 11.30am to 12.30pm -‐ Sony UK live Photo/Video demos/workshops (in conjunction with Manfrotto & Lastolite) 12.45 to 1.45pm -‐ Canon UK live Photo/Video demos/workshops (in conjunction with Manfrotto & Lastolite) 2 to 3pm -‐ Nikon UK live Photo/Video demos/workshops (in conjunction with Manfrotto & Lastolite) 3.15 to 4.15pm -‐ Olympus UK live Photo/Video demos/workshops (in conjunction with Manfrotto & Lastolite) 4.30 to 5.30pm -‐ Manfrotto/Lastolite UK Ambassador running live workshop on using Click For Lastolite & Manfrotto products (Studio Lighting inc LED Panels, More Backgrounds & Reflectors, Tripods, Manfrotto Digital Info Director)

10:

10: Dave’s Quick Tips

Dave Peckham takes us through his favourite shortcuts and stress savers. A little basic knowhow goes a long way to a containing frustration whilst working through the editing processes of your captures. Dave is highly respected as a tutor in photography & digital imaging techniques, and can be contacted by emailing davepeckham@mac.com or by telephoning 07434 170644

Lightroom and Photoshop Quick Tips

These are quick tips for, at the moment, Lightroom and Photoshop but can be expanded to photography, workflow, and colour management. The advice in this current article, will probably be known to the more experienced photographers. I am sure however, that my tips & shortcuts will be helpful to new or less experienced photographers.

Lightroom:

If using Lightroom as your default editor avoid using the 'auto white balance' setting on your camera. Use the WB for the lighting condition (sunshine, shade etc) you're shooting in. This will make your editing and work flow so much easier and quicker by using the synchronisation setting in Lightroom to batch process all the images taken at that colour temperature. The other option is to set your camera's WB Kelvin setting to a set value (say between 5000 and 5500 Kelvin) and then use the eyedropper tool in the Develop Module in Lightroom to correct the WB/colour temp and again synchronise all images taken at that setting. Keyboard Shortcuts: Click on > ctrl + @ on a PC > cmd/apple + speech mark” Key to create a Virtual Copy Click on the backslash key whilst editing in the Develop Module to compare what you have done to your image with what it looked like at the I mport stage. (the original) Photoshop: Try and always duplicate your image once imported into Photoshop to avoid the destructive element of the software and most importantly to protect your original file If editing a jpeg in Photoshop, save it as a Tiff or PSD to avoid any more compression loss thereby allowing the file to retain as much of its original data/information as possible. Keyboard shortcuts: My tip for keyboard shortcuts is to not worry too much about them. Don't try to remember them all, just concentrate on the shortcuts for the edits you do regularly. The more you use Photoshop the more those shortcuts will stick in your mind.

11: Event Report – Loomies Moto Café 27th December 2015 Good Food, A Jovial Atmosphere & Unique Photo Opportunities! It is never easy, choosing a date for an outdoor photoshoot. December 27th as it happens, turned out to be one of those days where the sky was soulless, the visibility was marred by a fine mist hovering at ground level, and fine drizzle settled on everything from foliage to the, otherwise gleaming, chrome exhaust pipes of the custom motorcycles parked outside our venue, Loomies Cafe. Loomies is situated on the A32 Alton Road near the junction with the A272 in West Meon, Hampshire and is a popular stop for motorcyclists. As I drove along the A32 toward our venue, I considered that we would be very blessed indeed if anyone actually turned out on this seemingly grim December morning, for our first 'Meetup' event, to photograph what could turn out to be an empty car park of an empty Moto Cafe. How wrong was I? Sixteen photographers arrived, enthusiastically grabbing a coffee and tucking into some breakfast while I checked everyone in and issued name badges to my ‘die hard’ group of photographers! Gradually, the rain abated enough for us to venture outside and investigate the surrounding landscape. Meanwhile, a few bikers started to arrive, the lull of a cooked Sunday breakfast overpowering the dampened spirits of post Boxing Day blues. Some photographers stayed inside, getting involved in technical discussions and the debates about the merits of contemporary art photography. Others exchanged contact details whilst sharing their Flickr albums. The indoor photographers also approached breakfasting bikers, offering to take a portrait shot. This activity lifted both the breakfasting patrons and the photographers, and in next to no time, an upbeat and almost jovial atmosphere bounced around the eatery. Reviewing the shots taken on the day while browsing our Meetup Flickr site, https://www.flickr.com/groups/rps_southern/. The images are amazingly diverse, from landscapes to crash helmets, yet all reflect the day as it truly was. A good, social shoot, brimming with unique photo opportunities! Well worth turning out for! If you are not yet a member of our Meetup group, please follow the link to join us! http://www.meetup.com/rps-‐ southern

12: Event Report – Swanwick Lakes 17th January 2016 A Wonderland Of Colour One of the benefits of braving soft rain on a January afternoon, is the natural colour boost that compensates for the flat light conditions. As I wandered around the vast site with stunning lakes, woodland walks and nooks and crannies, I became aware of how mother nature’s lamination enhanced otherwise run of the mill colour combinations. The picture right, was snapped as I wandered along the footpath. I captured not for content, more as a colour reference point. On arrival, Mike, John and myself headed for the information centre, where the volunteers will kindly make you a coffee for a donation and enjoy relaxing around the fire, or gazing out on to the secluded bird conservation area, a birder’s paradise, watching all manner of species come visit to forage for food. The day of our visit, great excitement broke out as a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker chose Swanwick Lakes as his lunch venue. How wonderful it was to engage with the almost celebratory atmosphere at the lookout post as the rare visitor set up his watchful station at the atop the tallest woodland specimen he could find. . Outside again, we separated John and Mike venturing around the lakes, while I stayed on the flatter, more accessible ground, although there is an accessible route available for wheelchair visitors. I felt very spoiled for photo opportunities, surrounded by such natural beauty. Mike and John found some interesting samples of fungi in the woodland surrounding the lakes, along with some really interesting ivy formations. Despite being a tad damp and muddy, our visit to Swanwick was a great way to get out with our cameras, offering us an enormous variety of capture opportunities. It is a lovely venue for families too, and certainly worth a visit at any time of the year. Photos can be viewed on our Meetup page, http://www.Meetup.com/RPS-‐Southern/

Have you joined us at Meetup yet? Click the logo to visit us!

13: Event Report – Distinctions Advisory Day 24th January 2016

The Joy Of Sharing

As a team member and spectator, I have approached my event report purely from a personal point of observation and admiration for all of those brave souls who submitted their respective panels for advice on the day. I was the smiling face on the desk welcoming our participants who were mostly quite nervous of baring their photographic soul to the world. At the same time, most participants were really excited to finally be able to share their work with others, and receive invaluable professional critique on the standard of their work in relation to the distinction they were planning to submit for. Walter Benzie HonFRPS and Vanessa Slawson FRPS delivered valuable advice, and our participants certainly left with constructive strategies for their planned submissions firmly in place. As I quietly observed everyone carefully unpacking their panels, most beautifully mounted and carefully placed in order, I was in awe, realising how proud I am to be a member of The RPS. We do promote exceptional standards way above many photographic and camera based organisations. We are about the art of the shot, the professionalism in our technical approach, and the quality of the final print. I am very proud of my LRPS and wear my lapel pin at every event I attend. I look forward to working toward my ARPS, when I finally decide on my subject matter…. What it is to be fickle! Fickle I may be, but there is a ‘contemporary’ space for me at the Royal Photographic Society. Have you ever considered, how many special interest disciplines and genres that the RPS, embrace? Gosh. Everyone is catered for. So, to get back to the day. It was such a delight to talk to many of our guests and participants about their work, what inspires them , and how they approach their art. If you are thinking of applying for your next qualification, you really should think about coming along to an advisory day, firstly perhaps as a spectator, and then as a participant. Knowledge is power! Longbridge Cutters hosted a super stand, with demonstrations of cutting quite complex mounts. I personally was amazed at the capability of some their mount cutters, and listened intently as Eden explained the technical know how and walked me through their ‘How To’ range of books. Lots of new friendships were forged during the lunch break and I even found some of our photographers outside making the most of the foreboding trees on the small common in front of Kinson Hall! Creative joy was certainly the order of the day!

14: Points Of Contact Let Us Help You to Get The Most Out Of Your Membership!

This page is interactive. Click any of the logos to be taken to the relevant site, including RPS Southern’s site. As a region we are growing rapidly and to ensure that there are many points of contact, we have set up social network accounts to help you to engage with all the activities available for you across the region. Visit our RPS Southern page, our Facebook page, our Meetup page, our Flickr page, and become an active part of our growing regional community. Never miss important news or new event announcements. You can also email or telephone any of the regional team should you wish to. Our contact details can be found on the ‘About Us’ page on the RPS Southern Webpages.

Your Regional Team is: Paul Gilmour LRPS -‐ Regional Organiser Simon Wardle ARPS -‐ Regional Treasurer Marie-‐Ange Bouchard ARPS -‐ Assistant Treasurer David Ashcroft LRPS -‐ Event Organiser Lilian Hobbs LRPS -‐ Event Organiser Dave Peckham -‐ Event Organiser Martin Silman -‐ Event Organiser • Kate Lomax LRPS -‐ Newsletter Editor • • • • • • •

15: Shooting From The Hip …..

Or In fact the head, the chest, or indeed anywhere I can attach a GoPro to….

The decision to invest in a GoPro was a difficult one. Firstly, there was the cost. Per square inch, very expensive. Then there was the ‘which model’ stress ball, which I kicked around for a couple of months.

Being blessed with a technical ineptness that comes into it’s own when I am required to press buttons in any sequential order, I eventually stuck with my usual buying strategy; Buy the best you can afford because there are more ‘auto’ functions. Not the case however with the GoPro Range. The GoPro Black, doesn’t have a touch display. Buying the extra kit to bring it up to ‘criteria’ standard would have been pricey. The digital display on the front of the camera is so small, I personally would need glasses and a magnifier to read it. Not really an option when you are hanging over the side of a boat trying to shoot wide angle video with the hand that isn’t hanging on for dear life. The second GoPro to enter this house was a mid range Hero 4 Silver, this model boasts, among it’s many features, a touch screen display, so for me, it is super easy. I can access all the settings from the touch screen. I adore it. Click on the interactive photographs to find out more! If you buy a GoPro, your very next purchase is likely to be an accessory kit. I bought my good quality kit (shown right) from Amazon for £25 and has so many attachments, I am sure I could convert myself into a fully animated silver surfer in just a few clicks. My dog winces when he sees my accessory box come out. He knows that it is simply a question of time before I figure how to attach the camera to the dog, I have, so far, photographed immensely varied subject matter, from frog spawn frog colony underwater to some great landscape shots with the chesty strap. One of which is on the cover of this newsletter. Hands free photography is a boon if , like me, you walk with sticks. I have one handed photography down to a fine art, but no handed is an absolute revolution! My Go Pro with it’s super wide angle takes in the whole vista. Suddenly, my photography is fun again and adding my GoPro to my carefully selected Nikon J5 kit, I can now go out into the field and know I am booted and spurred ready for any opportunity for creative capture that presents itself. The GoPro is so tiny, it fits snugly into my pocket or handbag. Don’t be fooled by the GoPro’s compact design, it boasts Wifi, a 12mp camera at up to 30fps high speed capture & It is waterproof to over 130 feet. Fabulous for underwater shots. quite an amazing piece of kit, in comparison to other, cheaper sports cameras available. Imagine the creative possibilities of photographing in liquid. The GoPro people also have come up with an app for your smartphone, which means that you can view what your camera is looking at via your smartphone, when the display is out of sight, such at the bottom of your pond. Those of you coming to our super Astrophotography event in April, will hear Dr Lilian Hobbs explain how to use your GoPro in conjunction with a telescope. Wow, can’t wait! I have included some of my GoPro Images on the closing page. Editorial By Kate Lomax -‐ Product Image Credit Amazon.co.uk

Under the pond’s duck weed sprinkled surface. A lump o f frog spawn entangled in root

The Falkland Gardens, Gosport, Hampshire.

Deeper investigation in the pond reveals huge deposits of frog spawn