RPS Landscape Group Newsletter, May 2017

NEWSLETTER MAY 2017 / VOL. 2 / NO. 4

CONTENTS 01 Editorial 02 News Round-Up 03 Around Lock Eck Seshi Midella's reflections on last month's field trip in Argyll.

Š Seshi Midella

Editorial Welcome to your May newsletter. Our main features this month are reports from field trips around Loch Eck and to Bolton Abbey and the River Wharfe. Thanks to all those who have contributed images to these and the galleries posted to the website, and in particular to Seshi Midella for his reflections on the Loch Eck trip.

This month we can announce two new filters workshops. Russ Hoddinott will lead a workshop in Cornwall next month, details of which will appear on the website shortly. Mark Banks' North Yorkshire workshop in September is available for booking.

Residential and non-residential places are still available for the Annual Conference and AGM - see page 10 for more details.

I am lucky enough to be getting away for a couple of weeks at the end of the month, so the next newsletter will not be out until the middle of June. As ever, your contributions will be most welcome.

With kind regards Jim Souper Newsletter Editor

06 Bolton Abbey & the River Wharfe A report on last month's field trip in North Yorkshire.

08 What's On A selection of exhibitions and events, including both photography and other forms of art, of possible interest to group members.

09 Events Details of group events and new event categories 11 Members' Gallery More members' images

Submissions The deadline for submissions to the June newsletter is Sunday 11th June.

If you have an idea for article, please send a brief synopsis of the purpose and content of the piece. Please submit your images as jpegs, sized to 72 dpi and with 1200 pixels along the longest edge.

Please send all submissions by email to: landscapenews@rps.org

NEWSLETTER MAY 2017/ VOL. 2 / NO. 4

News Round-Up LPOTY on tour The Landscape Photographer of the Year touring exhibition is now at Leeds Station, where it continues until 13th May. Its next stops are:  

Birmingham New Street (15th to 27th May) London Charing Cross (29th May to 10th June) London Paddington (12th to 24th June).

Suilven footpath Restoration Work is underway to restore the footpaths to Suilven, often described as Assynt's most spectacular mountain.

The work, most of which will be completed during this year and next, is being project managed by the John Muir Trust. More information can be found on their website.

A special edition 10th Anniversary book has just been published, including some of the best images from the first 10 years of the competition.

TPOPY 2017 Open for entries The 2017 Travel Photographer of the Year competition is now open for entries. There are three portfolio and three single shot among the list of categories.

The portfolio categories are Celebration of Humanity, Earth & Climate and Taste of Adventure.

The closing date is 25th September 2017. Full details can be found at www.tpoty.com.

SIGLINK

There are a number of forthcoming events from

other Special Interest Groups, which may be of interest to Landscape Group Members.

The Digital Imaging Group's Expo 17 will take place on 23rd September at the Holiday Inn Birmingham Airport. Speakers include landscape photographer Paul Sanders.

The Documentary Group are supporting a twoday workshop, Focus on the Next Level, over the weekend of 7th & 8th October. Four members of the Chichester-based Focus Group will examine a number of ways that could change the way you approach and plan your photography, and share their experiences of how to get work seen by a wider audience.

MEMBERS' NEWS

Do you have any news, an award or exhibition for example, that may be of interest to members? If so, please email landscapenews@rps.org.

NEWSLETTER MAY 2017 / VOL. 2 / NO. 4

Around Loch Eck

by Seshi Midella I was fortunate enough go on the recent field trip around Loch Eck, in Argyll. It was not the novelty of the place but the allure of the unknown that attracted me. It’s a place that is not so popular amongst the photographers as compared to the Highlands. I understand that preparation is the key for successful landscape photography, but have realised during past field trips that having prior knowledge of a place may impact your learning or refining your photography skills. Hence, I decided to go in with an open mind without expectations to this obscure location. By the end of the day, I would be happy to have a few good pictures, a few new acquaintances and to have learnt something new.

The pre-trip notes sent to us by the organiser were just perfect, immaculate and very helpful about what we were going to do - but what about the weather? We cannot control the elements of nature to provide us with the right ingredients but on the day, the timing was perfect by the grand landscape of the Loch in front of me. The light, clouds and the mist were so good that the picture had to be taken.

The mundane landscape was transformed into a beautiful scene during the interplay of the elements of nature. I hurried to get some shots to move on to the next location, quite pleased.

Last drop of water

© Ken Rennie

The next stop was the “Coire Ealt Waterfall. The walk to the falls was not demanding, nor the most scenic one, which could distract the photographer.

It was a mundane walk, hike and scramble to reach the fall. All along the ascent, I was constantly trying to be without prejudice and not be expectant of the results, but thinking this effort better be good. The images made could not be described as unique or exceptional but by the end of the descent, you reflectively realise that photographing the waterfall would never have been possible on my own. In fact, I was not even aware of its existence until this particular morning. © Seshi Midella

© Alan Gray

After a quick lunch at the Benmore National park, we set off to Puck's Glen. It is basically a gorge with series of small waterfalls and rivulets. Having seen and photographed a few of cascades, albeit slightly on a grander scale before, it felt familiar and contemptuous. However, I tried look at it from a different angle, unlike the grand big scene of the loch. I started to look closer and more intimately, looking for small elements, little details that could fill my new telescopic lens. The result was macro shots of the waterfall, wet rocks, roots and tree barks - all representation of small landscapes in themselves, yet abstract in nature. These were the micro-scenes in my grand landscapes.

NEWSLETTER MAY 2017/ VOL. 2 / NO. 4

© Seshi Midella

© John Urquhart

© Brian Flemming

Roger Stewart

The most surprising visit of the day was to Glen Massan rocks -unusually sculpted rock, formed by the flow of water and razor sharp stone edges with deep and fast flowing water around them. The result was interesting pictures with peculiar and strange rock combinations.

The photographs themselves may not suggest the hard scramble but by the end of the day, there was some variety and distinctiveness in my shots. © Morton Gillespie

The social context to a field trip, the conversations, and little laughs is the unseen or non-photographed part of a field trip.

At the start of the day the light, clouds, mist, the lake, wind, the woods, my fellow photographers and the pressing time presented to me a chaotic picture. By the time of the group photograph was taken, I tried to present some order through my pictures. The final joyful picture at the end of the day is beautiful memory of the experience of all the elements described above, which were all essential and complementary. The Loch experience itself is an episodic memory and I can fondly recall it anytime. © Morton Gillespie

NEWSLETTER MAY 2017 / VOL. 2 / NO. 4

© Roger Stewart © Brian Flemming

Butter Bridge

© Alan Gray

Puck Glen Falls

© Alan Gray

© John Urquhart

© Morton Gillespie

A gallery images from the day can be viewed here. © Seshi Midella

NEWSLETTER MAY 2017 / VOL. 2 / NO. 4

Bolton Abbey and the River Wharfe

by Jim Souper Ten fellow group members joined me in early April, for what I hope was the first of many field trips in Yorkshire. With the weather better than forecast, we met at the Cavendish Pavilion, from where we were able to access a range of riverside and woodland walks.

In the morning, half the group headed up river towards the Strid, while the rest walked down river to the priory ruins.

© Bob Smith

After lunch back at the Pavilion, a small group of us made our way up the Valley of Desolation to photograph Posforth Force, while the rest of the group headed out to the riverside locations they had yet to visit.

All in all a most enjoyable day in great company - thanks to all who came along. A more complete gallery of images made on the day can be viewed here.

© John Patterson

© Nigel Plant © Paul Bullock NEWSLETTER MAY 2017 / VOL. 2 / NO. 4

River Wharfe

© John Patterson

Posforth Force

Strid Wood

© Steve Hartley

The Strid

Morning Light

© Jim Souper

© Steve Hartley

© Stephen Collinson © Nigel Plant

NEWSLETTER MAY 2017 / VOL. 2 / NO. 4

What's On Exhibitions On Landscape Exhibition II: Inspired by First Light Northallerton The second On Landscape photography exhibition, co-curated by Jo Rose, Curator at Joe Cornish Galleries and Tim Parkin, editor of On Landscape.

Prix Pictet: SPACE London The Prix Pictet aims to harness the power of photography to draw global attention to issues of sustainability, especially those concerning the environment. The work of 12 shortlisted photographers is on show at the V&A from 6th to 28th May. The Radical Eye: Modernist Photography from the Sir Elton John Collection London Classic modernist images from the 1920's to 1950's, at the Tate Modern until 21st May. Elger Esser: Morgenland London A new series created during his travels in the Eastern countries of Lebanon, Egypt and Israel from 2004 to 2015. At the the Parasol Foundation for Contemporary Art until 21st May. Charlie Waite: A Moment in Landscape Bosham Charlie Waite returns to the Bosham Gallery with his latest work. Showing until 29th May. Wolfgang Tillmans London Alongside portraiture, landscape and intimate still lifes, Tillmans pushes the boundaries of the photographic form in abstract artworks that range from the sculptural to the immersive. At the Tate Modern until 11th June.

Yan Wang Preston: Mother River Bradford A photographic odyssey taking the viewer on a journey along the entire length of the Yangtze, often known as China’s Mother River. At Impressions Gallery, Bradford, until 24th June.

A selection of exhibitions & events which may be of interest to landscape group members

Britain in Focus: A Photographic History Bradford In partnership with BBC Four, this exhibition explores the changing ways we share and consume photographs, At the National Science and Media Museum, Bradford until 25th June.

Poetics of Light: Pinhole Photography Bradford Original prints of pinhole photography from around the world. At the National Science and Media Museum, Bradford until 25th June.

Insight Astronomy Photographer of the Year London Winning and highly commended images from over 4,500 entries to the 2016 competition will be on show at the Royal Greenwich Observatory until 25th June 2017.

Tim Rudman: Iceland - An Uneasy Calm Isle of Wight Another chance to see Tim Rudman's powerful black and white images of Iceland, at the Dimbola Lodge Museum and Gallery until 16th July.

British Art: Ancient Landscapes Salisbury Featuring the work of some of the greatest names in British art from the last 250 years, as their work records and reflects on some of our most treasured ancient landscapes. At the Salisbury Museum from 8th April to 3rd September.

Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2016 London The exhibition features a collection of 100 exceptional images, drawn from more than 50,000 entries. At the Natural History Museum until 10th September 2017.

Conferences, Fairs and Festivals LOOK/17/ Liverpool International Photography Festival Exhibitions and events across Liverpool until 14th May. Photo London Now in its third edition, Photo London has established itself as a world-class photography fair and as a catalyst for London’s dynamic photography community. From 18th to 21st May. NEWSLETTER MAY 2017 / VOL. 2 / NO. 4

EVENTS Welsh Waterfall Walk Saturday 6th May 2017, 10:30 to 16:00

Guided Walk along Hadrian's Wall Sunday 10th September, 10:30 to 17:00

Visit to Penmaenmawr Quarry Thursday 1st June, 19:00 to 21:30

A day with Nigel Hicks Sunday 17th September, 10:30 to 16:00

Penmaenmawr, Conwy (North Wales Region event) A rare opportunity to visit one of the last working quarries in North Wales, this promises to be an interesting and fascinating visit. See here for details.

Bovey Tracey, Devon (South West Region event) Nigel will talk to us about his own work, his courses, publishing books and his work with National Geographic Creative. See here for full details.

Lee Filters Factory Visit Tuesday 20th June, 11:00 to 15:00

Long Exposures on the Lancashire Coast Sunday 8th October

Glynneath An informal walk to photograph some of the waterfalls along the rivers Nedd, Pyrddin, Mellte and Hepste, with Peter Douglas-Jones, See here for full details.

Andover, Hampshire A rare opportunity to see Lee filters being made!

See here for more details.

Using filters for landscape photography Friday 30th June Cornwall Led by professional photographer Russ Hoddinott, this outdoor workshop will share Russ's expertise in using filters for landscape photography at locations in Cornwall. Details will be available on the website shortly,

Norfolk coastal field trip Saturday 24th to Sunday 25th June Happisburgh Guided photographic trip to part of the Norfolk coast.

See here for contact details.

Using filters for landscape photography Sunday 3rd September, 11:00 to 20:00

Northallerton Led by professional photographer Mark Banks, this outdoor workshop will share Mark's expertise in using filters for landscape photography at locations around the Tees estuary. See here for details.

For details of all Landscape Group events listed above and of additional workshops and events of interest to group members, please visit the group's events page.

Steel Rigg (Northern Region event) Geoff Chrisp is leading a walk supported by Marj Baillie LRPS along part of Hadrian’s Wall and points of interest will include the iconic Sycamore Gap, Steel Rigg, Crag Lough. See here for further details.

Blackpool This day will be ideal for improving your longexposure skills at various interesting locations along the Lancashire coast. See here for details.

Stourhead National Trust house and gardens 14th October, 9:00 to 13:00

Near Mere, Wiltshire With hills, water and classical architecture overlaid by a fabulous collection of trees and shrubs, Stourhead was described as "a living work of art" when first opened in the 1740s. See here for details.

Landscape Group weekend conference Friday 3rd to Sunday 5th November

Near Skipton, North Yorkshire The highlights of this, our first conference and Annual General Meeting, include a talk by Charlie Waite and a workshop on how to gain an RPS distinction with landscape images. The weekend will also include guided location shoots in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales and several opportunities for delegates to exhibit some of their own work.

See here for full details.

Could you host an event?

If you know of a promising and photogenic location in your area, and you would be willing to organise an informal session for other members of the Group, please email to rps.landscape.events@gmail.com.

We welcome all volunteers and would very much like to hear from members in all parts of the UK.

NEWSLETTER MAY 2017 / VOL. 2 / NO. 4

Event categories

The categories below aim to help members understand what is on offer at any particular landscape group event. They are also a guide for potential event leaders who might be worried that their photographic skills are not sufficiently strong for them to lead an event.

Group A – Field trips where the guide has a good knowledge of the location (e.g. good viewpoints, good subjects, good times of day, tides if relevant etc.) and will have ideas about what to do in case of unhelpful weather or light conditions, but does not wish to offer any advice on photography skills or techniques.

Group B - Field trips where the trip leader has a good knowledge of the location (as in Group A) but is also willing to offer general technical support and advice to inexperienced photographers. The leader is NOT expected to be an expert in anything but should be sufficiently experienced to pass on knowledge of the basics.

Group C - Field trips that focus on a particular technique – such as long exposures or photographing at night. The leaders of these events will primarily offer advice about technique and location knowledge will be sufficient to enable participants to learn and practice the technique(s) concerned.

Group D - Workshops that primarily focus on skills or technique and where location is irrelevant or is a secondary consideration. These may take place indoors or outdoors. The workshop leader may have limited knowledge of the location but will be experienced and skilled in the topic of the workshop.

Booking Confirmations A few members have contacted us because they were unsure as to whether or not they were booked on an event. Here is a brief guide to how you can check this for yourselves.

When you book a landscape event through the RPS website, the system should send you a confirmation email.

If you have not received it and want to check if you are booked on an event, then login to your account on the RPS website, select the tab labeled events and tick the box for events you are booked on. Any events you have booked will show up in orange.

Annual Conference and AGM We still have tickets for both residential and non-residential delegates for our first Annual Conference and AGM.

Our keynote speaker is Charlie Waite. In addition, we have talks by Steve Gosling, Carol Emmas and Jesse Alexander. Peter Paterson FRPS will lead a distinctions workshop on Saturday morning.

The weekend will also include guided location shoots in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales and several opportunities for delegates to exhibit some of their own work.

Click here to book your place

NEWSLETTER MAY 2017 / VOL. 2 / NO. 4

MEMBERS' GALLERY

High Tide at West Kirby

© John Patterson

At the Strid

Winskill Stones

© Stephen Collinson

© Ken Rennie

Strid Wood

© Paul Bullock

Submission Guidelines Please send your Members' Gallery by email to landscapenews@rps.org.

Please submit your images as jpegs, sized to 72 dpi and with 1200 pixels along the longest edge. It would also be helpful if you would provide a caption and a note of any RPS distinction that should be added to your credit for the image.

The deadline for the next newsletter is Sunday 11th June 2017. Thank you!

NEWSLETTER MAY 2017 / VOL. 2 / NO. 4