RPS Southern Region Newsletter: Summer 2019

Volume 2 | 2019

New slet ter WELCOME

Summer days in the Solent by Jana Murray

Welcome to the Southern Region Newsletter for summer 2019. It's been a busy year so far with Advisory Days, our Regional LRPS Assessment Day and photowalks.

Read on to see event reports and a full list of events for the rest of the year, including Distinction Advisory Days across the region, workshops and our special Imaging Festival in partnership with Sony.

For this edition our Q&A is with professional photographer and Southern Region Committee Member Bhupinder Ghatahora.

Have a lovely summer and we hope to see you soon at some of the events.

Best wishes, Paul Cox ARPS, Regional Organiser 1

EVENT REPORTS Old Basing Photow alk, 9t h March 2019 Report and photos by Antony Topham

The recent photo walk to Old Basing proved very enjoyable for the seven of us who attended. The weather was mild with a mixture of clouds and blue sky that is great for photography. After meeting at the pub we wandered up to the church and had a look around it, before

continuing our walk. The pace was leisurely giving us ample time to take photos and the walk lasted about 2 hours.

Afterwards we rendezvoused at the pub for refreshments and a good chat. It was certainly a place well worth visiting.

Lit t leton LRPS Advisory Day, 31st March 2019 Report by Paul Cox A high number of spectators were treated to some excellent panels and gained a good insight into the required standard of images and presentation for the LRPS distinction.

The success of the day affirmed the need for us to repeat the formula in the coming years in the Southern Region.

Our thanks go to the two Advisors for the day, Martin Addison FRPS and Roger Ford FRPS for their invaluable insights and diligence in giving their full attention and considered advice for each entrant and their panel.

Our Advisory day at Littleton Hall in Winchester was very well received by panel entrants and spectators alike.

Panel entries were oversubscribed, once again, confirming the popularity of the RPS?s distinctions programme.

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LRPS Assessment Day, 19t h May 2019 Report by Jana Murray

There is a flurry of activity when I arrive at Littleton Hall for the Southern Region LRPS Assessment Day. Anthony and Chris are in the kitchen making pretty designs with Jaffa cakes on plates while Paul, our Regional Organiser, is flitting around, looking smart as always in his beautifully ironed waistcoat. As he briefs me on the day ahead, he is animated and focused - we are volunteers from the Southern Region and it?s our job to help the day go smoothly. ?Right, we have 26 LRPS panels being assessed today. I?ve been to Waitrose and bought lunch for the Assessment Team. Here?s the list to sign everyone in.?

The assessors sit side by side in the front row directly opposite the print stand, meticulously erected that morning by Andy Moore LRPS, the RPS?s Head of Distinctions, who is now busy removing tissue paper carefully protecting the first panel as he prepares it for display.

As I take my seat behind the makeshift welcome desk the first panelists start to arrive from Hampshire and beyond. They trickle in, some alone and others with partners, but all looking like rabbits illuminated by car headlights, and I am not surprised. Some of them may have worked for years to reach this point in their photography journey, painstakingly taking, editing and mounting photos to perfection or at least to the best of their ability. The big day has arrived when they will find out if their efforts have paid off and it?s terrifying.

There is also a Distinctions Committee Observer present, Simon Leach FRPS, whose role is to ensure the process is followed and support the Chair if needed.

Vanessa is now in the spotlight and explains the process to the panelists: ?To be successful you must pass all the criteria for the LRPS distinction. The assessors will review the panel from their seats to gain an overall perspective before checking images more closely.

Everyone will vote and then two panel members will share their thoughts on the panel and make comments relating to the LRPS criteria, pointing out the images that have or have not fulfilled the criteria. There may be some discussion between them before a second final vote is taken. Can everyone please be silent while the judging is taking place.?

Now we?re all seated and there is a deathly silence in the hall as we wait with bated breath for the event to commence.

The lovely Ben Fox ARPS from the Distinctions Team appears and diffuses the sombre atmosphere with a friendly welcome to this Regional Assessment Day in Winchester before we meet the Chairperson, Vanessa Slawson FRPS.

By now Andy has discreetly placed the first panel on the print stand and the judging commences.

Vanessa introduces the five assessors, Nigel, Hazel, Ian, Viveca and Linda,all carefully selected for their wealth of photography experience. With a mixture of ARPS and FRPS distinctions behind them and excellent public speaking skills, they will assess images to criteria set by the RPS and succinctly explain why a submission meets or does not meet the required standard.

After a minute of concentrated reflection from their seats the assessors approach the print stand and start scrutinising the photos. They are typically on two rows although they can be arranged however the panelist wishes.

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From a distance the panels may look stunning, but a close-up inspection will identify any technical flaws. The assessors then return to their seats and vote using small red and green cards, not visible to the audience behind them.

A referral means that the photographer can resubmit the same photo with the post-production issues corrected or with a substitute photo. As he was not recommended, he remains anonymous. This is a near miss and means that the other nine images have reached the required standard and will not be re-assessed when the submission returns.

However, the new image must fit within the panel.

The first assessor presents his feedback: ?This photographer shows a good understanding of light in difficult lighting conditions, they have handled contrast well, there is a variety of subject matter in the panel and the layout works well.?

As the assessors painstakingly inspect each and every one of the panels with the same attention to detail and fairness that is required, I find it fascinating listening in like a fly on the wall.

The second assessor then presents her feedback agreeing with his comments but adding that she has some concern about over-controlled highlights in one of the photos. The panel discuss in more depth of before Vanessa asks for the final vote and announced the panel?s decision.

The next member is offered a resubmission, meaning the panel is generally up to standard but there are some minor technical issues that need addressing.

?I am pleased to announce that we will be recommending this panel to the council for the LRPS Distinction.?

There are a few panels that are not recommended proving that achieving LRPS is not a walk in the park and all the criteria must be carefully met.

In this case the assessors have decided to let the small flaw go.

At times, when panels are obviously borderline, I feel like I am watching an edge of the seat thriller. There is a flaw but it?s not serious and the rest of the panel is deemed excellent. In this case the assessors intensely debate the flaw before deciding whether they can accept it or not. The audience waits with bated breath, willing the best for the photographer, then delighting in seeing the relief and joy on his face when Vanessa announces he is recommended.

Until this point the photographer has been anonymous but as the audience burst into applause she can now be mentioned by name.

She is identified as an attractive, bubbly woman sitting in the row in front of me, so I am able to closely observe her reaction. Her relief is palpable. This may have been the most nail biting few minutes of her life, but she did it and she is overjoyed. As she reaches and hugs her family next to her, they are already planning how they will celebrate that evening. This is a milestone in her photography journey, and it merits a celebration.

One panel, all in monochrome, is so striking there is no doubt in anyone in the room?s mind that it will be recommended. The assessors follow the process and very quickly recommend it before moving on to the next one. What a talent that photographer has!

The next panelist is not so successful. There is an issue with one of his photos which seems to have been over-darkened in post-production. To be awarded the LRPS distinction every single photo must match the criteria and this one doesn?t. The panel make the final vote and Vanessa addresses the audience:

It is an intense day for the panel, assessors and spectators and, as a photographer yet to submit an LRPS panel, I soak up the knowledge like a sponge.

I notice the assessors use certain key phrases that seem to come up time and again, some negative and others positive. They are helpful pointers for preparing my own panel.

?Unfortunately, we cannot recommend this panel due to a technical issue in one of the photos but, as it is only one image, we can offer a referral to the photographer.?

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Posit ive Feedback

Negat ive Feedback

Sharpness good

Over-controlled highlights

Contrast managed well

Over sharpened skin tones

Variety of subject matter

Pixellation

Clear point of interest

Eyes not sharp

Good movement

Halos

Range of depths of field

Graduated filter overdone

Good colours

Banding

Good composition

Artifacts

Cohesion in colours

Parts of macro image not in focus

Good viewpoints

Not sure where to look

Good use of light

Empty space

Good use of shapes

Not enough visual awareness

Appropriate shutter speed

Distractions in image

Good ability to capture decisive moment

No point of interest

Good energy

Not enough attention to detail

Lots of imagination

Lack of critical sharpness

Range of approaches

Pictures not ordered correctly in panel

Range of lenses

Presentation not up to standard

Good creativity

Poor mounts

Fantastic attention to detail

Unnatural colours

Sense of design

Focus not on subject

Good mirroring of images

Cohesion of panel not right

Sees in an original way

Over sharpened

Great subtlety

Colour cast

Good use of different techniques

Drab, flat lighting

Empathy with subject

Muddy shadows Over cropped/over enlarged Lacking consistency Lacking in subject matter Obvious cloning Wrong colour balance

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There is no doubt that the standard required for the LRPS is high, requiring both talent and attention to technical detail, but it is achievable with hard work and dedication, as the ones who were recommended proved.

beaming as they grab a cheeky chocolate digestive for the car journey home. Those who were not approved this time are simply relieved it is all over. The panel and chair will provide detailed feedback so they can learn, improve and re-submit a panel at a later date. They may be disappointed, but they have moved on in their photography journey and there is always the next time.

As we pack up the hall, the sombre mood has lifted. It?s been a good day that has run smoothly.

Those who were recommended are positively

London Camera Exchange Pro Show Sout hampton, 19t h May 2019 Report by David Ashcroft LRPS

Dave Peckham manning the RPS stand at the LCE Southampton show

For the fourth year running the RPS Southern Region attended the London Camera Exchange (LCE) Pro Show at the Novotel Hotel in Southampton.

talks and demonstrations from Brand Ambassadors and professional photographers.

The Southern Region attended the event to meet up with our members and hopefully encourage new membership. In all the event was a great success and our stand was busy for the whole show.

The event showcases the latest equipment from the likes of Sony, Canon, Nikon, FujiFilm, Olympus and Panasonic together with a host of lens manufacturers and accessory suppliers.

Hopefully the event will run again next year and I would encourage all our members to attend the event if possible.

LCE were offering discounts throughout the show as well as free sensor cleaning. There were also 6

UPCOMING EVENTS We have an exciting set of events planned for the second half of 2019 including Distinction Advisory Days, monthly photowalks and workshops. Have a look at the latest event program below or check out the regularly updated even t pr ogr am m e on the website where details will be added once available.

Event Programme - June to December 2019 DATE

EVENT

LOCATION

June 5th

Photowalk

Avebury Stone Circle

June 14th

Photowalk

Netley Abbey

June 16th

Longridge Workshop

Littleton Village Hall, Winchester

July 12th

Photowalk

Newbury Canal

July 14th

Distinction Advisory Day (A&L)

Otterbourne Village Hall, nr Eastleigh

August 5th

New Members Meeting

Fryern Pavilion, Chandlers Ford

September 1st

Workshop ? Photoshop Layers

Fryern Pavilion, Chandlers Ford

September 5th

Illustrated talk by Tony Worobiec FRPS ?

Coastal Landscapes

Castel Douzaine Room, Les Beaucamps, Guernsey

September 6th

Landscape Workshop, Tony Worobiec FRPS

Castel Douzaine Room, Les Beaucamps, Guernsey

September 6th

Photowalk

Winchester City

September 7th

Landscape Workshop ? Tony Worobiec FRPS

Castel Douzaine Room, Les Beaucamps, Guernsey

September 8th

Distinctions Advisory Day (A & L)

Guernsey, venue TBA

September 8th

Photowalk

Portland Bill

September 15th

Celebration of Photography (L, A & F)

Littleton Village Hall, Winchester

September 29th

Distinctions Advisory Day (A & L)

The Spring Arts Heritage Centre, Havant

October 4th

Photowalk

Autumn Colours at Hillers Gardens, Ampfield

October 6th

Southern Region & Sony Imaging Festival

Ashburton Hall, Hants CC, Winchester

November 1st

Photowalk

Winter Woodland, The Vyne, Basingstoke

November 24th

Distinction Advisory Day (A&L)

Old Basing Village Hall, Basingstoke

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Mount Cut t ing Workshop, 16t h June 2019 Learn how to cut mounts like an expert at this specialist one day workshop presented by the UK's leading mount cutting experts, Longridge.

With an initial hands-on demonstration followed by four workshops, you will leave with a plethora of mount cutting ideas.

You can book your place through the w ebsit e.

Workshops and Advisory Day in Guernsey Online bookings are now open for a series of weekend events in Guernsey in the Channel Islands, presented by Fine Art Photographer Ton y Wor obiec FRPS. On Thursday 5th September at 8pm, Tony will present an illustrated talk on 'Coastal Landscapes' followed by two workshops on Friday and Saturday, "Photographing Landscapes Whatever the Weather " and 'The Intimate Landscape'.

The weekend will conclude with an Advisory Day on Sunday 8th, which will be announced in more detail when arrangements are finalised.

The workshops and Advisory Day are open to all Channel Islands residents as well as those from further afield who may wish to travel and join us.

Photo by Tony Worobiec FRPS

Places are limited and early booking through the even t s page on the website is advisable.

Port land Photow alk, 8t h September 2019 Paul Rigg is running another photowalk at the ever popular Portland Bill Lighthouse on the 8th September.

Join Paul for endless photo opportunities, including seascapes, industrial archeology, wildlife and people watching, and of course some good company.

To book, please visit the w ebsit e.

Photo by Paul Rigg LRPS 8

Celebrat ion of Photography 15t h Sept em ber 2019, Lit t let on Village Hall, Lit t let on , SO22 6QL Join us in September for a Celebration of Photography. This special day is a great opportunity for anyone wishing to view successful bodies of work close up and develop their understanding of photography and our Distinctions.

The Distinctions Team will present a range of submissions from all genres.

you can become one of the many thousands that have gained Distinctions with the Society. You will also will be able to ask questions and find out more about the RPS Distinctions and how we can help you improve your own photography.

Learn and be inspired by others as successful applicants talk about their experiences and present their submissions.

Spaces are limited, so book your place early through our w ebsit e.

We will explain what our assessors are looking for, what you need to do, what to avoid and how

Sout hern Region and Sony Imaging Fest ival 6t h Oct ober 2019, Ash bu r t on Hall, Win ch est er We are delighted to announce our Southern Region Imaging Festival on the 6th October in Winchester, supported by Sony Cameras.

The event will include talks and demonstrations from Sony, Longridge, Fotolight and Rotolight.

Sony will have a full range of their digital cameras available to test out with a memory card provided to take home.

Award winning photographer Rober t Pu gh will carry out an easy to understand live tethering demonstration using the model Pip Atkins and a ?Tribal Leader ? theme.

Rob will demonstrate how to create amazing portraits using Speed-lights and gels. Starting with just one Speed-light he will continue to build the stage by adding multiple lights to create the final image. Using a styled model, he will show you where to position your first light and work out what your camera settings will be.

Rob will break all the rules by shooting at f2 in the studio and look at the details in the image. Most importantly, we will tether our camera to the computer and demonstrate why you should tether.

Please visit the w ebsit e to book.

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Photo by Robert Pugh

VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES Have you ever considered volunteering with the RPS?

time, or effort, just help out with events and maybe idea generation and become a little more involved with the RPS organisation in the region.

We are currently looking to boost our volunteer group with members who would like to play an active role in the organisation of Southern Region events, Advisory Days and workshops. If you think you would like to give some time to the RPS as a volunteer, then please get in touch.

We are actively seeking a volunteer to take up the specialist role of Social Media Editor. If you think you may be suitable for this role and would like to find out more, or you would like to be a general volunteer, please contact the Regional Organiser, Paul Cox, either by email or via his mobile 07748 115057.

We don?t expect volunteers to give up lots of

BLOGS We regularly update the website with new blogs.

Read Helen Longridge's second blog about mount cutting Getting it Right - The Art of Presentation.

If you missed our last newsletter 's Q & A with Mark Sheldon FRPS have a r ead.

If you'd like to contribute a blog of your own please contact our Web Editor, Chris Tank on southernweb@rps.org

CONGRATULATIONS Many congratulations to Southern Region members who were successfully awarded Licentiate distinctions at our Assessment Day in the Southern Region on 19th May:

Brian Allen Linda Collins Yvonne Green Valerie Griggs James Kelly Helen Otton

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MEMBER Q & A Bhupinder Ghat ahora Interview by Jana Murray

In this newsletter we meet Bhupinder Ghatahora, the RPS Southern Region's treasurer and the organiser of our monthly photowalks.

Q: You r ear ly passion f or ph ot ogr aph y led you t o doin g BA(Hon s) in Ph ot ogr aph y. Wh at did you lear n on t h e cou r se?

Q. How did you f ir st becom e in t er est ed in ph ot ogr aph y?

I completed my BA (Hons) Degree in Photography & Digital Imaging in 2002. It gave me the opportunity to learn photography both theoretically and practically as well as the business of photography. It involved different

I became interested in photography at an early age. I used to observe my Dad using his SLR during holidays and special occasions. Seeing the image through the viewfinder fascinated me, especially the moment it came into focus. My Dad would set the aperture and shutter for me and I would hang the camera around my neck using the broad strap and walk around showing off the camera. I would hold up the camera and look through the viewfinder, then focus until I could see a clear image and press the shutter release. Then I would hold the camera firmly and wind to the next frame.

format film cameras, understanding location and studio lighting and developing and printing our own films.

The course was challenging; some projects were set at a commercial level and had to be completed in a time frame. To fulfill the set task, I had to select the correct camera equipment (SLR, Medium or Large format cameras) and the choice of film or slide, lighting and subject. As well as being challenging, the course was a fun way of learning and exploring my hidden talents.

The most valuable lesson I learned during my degree was how different films react to light and have their unique characteristics to produce an image. At the time access to digital cameras as a student was not easy - instead of using image editing software we used enlargers in the dark room to ?burn and dodge? to create the perfect image. With film cameras, you had to make sure that whatever you photographed was of a high standard as every frame you clicked was money.

To my surprise on my 10th birthday I received a Kodak 110 film camera. I wasn?t sure at first what it was as I had never seen a rectangular shaped camera before. I wondered how to focus as there was no protruding lens or focus ring. I learned that it was a point and shoot style camera. My present also included two 110 film cartridges which my Dad helped me load, then briefed me on how to take a picture and wind to the next frame. I remember vaguely that I finished the first cartridge in a few minutes and went to my Dad and said the camera wouldn?t wind. I received an odd glare from him then, as he helped me load the second one, was told to use the film sparingly.

Q: How did t h e qu alif icat ion h elp you est ablish you r self as a pr of ession al ph ot ogr aph er ?

My BA (Hons) Degree definitely helped me become established as a professional photographer, although there was a lot more that I needed to learn before I could call myself professional.

From that moment onwards I carried my precious camera everywhere and passionately used it to take photos that were special to me.

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To be a professional photographer I believe one has to continue learning and practicing photography at the highest level. I have always taken my profession seriously and embraced every opportunity to learn ? this is only possible through experience and with time.

photography equipment. There is a significant gap between professional photographers using high end camera equipment and the average person using a mobile phone.

Q: Wit h ever yon e n ow sh oot in g on t h eir m obile ph on es, ar e t h er e st ill oppor t u n it ies t o m ak e a livin g as a pr of ession al ph ot ogr aph er ?

My degree and memberships to professional photography bodies give confidence to my new clients that they are in good hands even before discussing the business requirements.

Yes, there is always a need for professionals as they are experts in providing exactly what the client requires with the necessary attention to detail. The average mobile phone photographer will not have the full breadth and depth of knowledge to understand client needs and advise them.

Being a photographer is not just about taking good photographs though - your personality must shine out when you are on a shoot.

My photography has been diverse over time, tapping into various fields - I have not limited myself because demands on professionals change and new opportunities are created.

The photography industry has specific demands requiring specialist equipment and often dedicated and complex setups which are often not available to the average opportunist mobile phone photographer.

At present I specialise in Location, Portraits and Modelling Portfolio Photography.

Q: Wit h t h e lau n ch of m obile ph on es w it h h igh -qu alit y cam er as ever yon e can be a ph ot ogr aph er . Wh at ?s you r view on t h is?

As with all professions, there is a market for professionals in all fields of photography, regardless of how many practicing amateur photographers there are.

Since advances in technology and the accessibility of communication through social media, photographic equipment, either through camera, phone or other means, has become a lot cheaper than before. It is a misconception through ignorance that taking good photographs seen through the ?normal? eye are as good as those taken by professional photographers. We cannot compare the quality of an image taken on a mobile phone to one taken on high-end photography equipment, whether it be DSLR or Medium Format and above.

Q: Wh at advice w ou ld you give t o an yon e w ish in g to becom e a pr of ession al ph ot ogr aph er ?

My advice for anyone wishing to become a professional photographer is to get a photography-based qualification as it allows you to understand the field better and make informed decisions. The qualifications teach the basics of photography and give you the confidence to grow.

Two of the main contributors to image quality are the sensor and how it captures light and processes it using complex algorithms to create the final image, and the lens which determines how the light is directed on the sensor.

As a photographer, you need to explore the many career paths available and then specialise in your chosen field and build a strong portfolio to show to your clients. This could be in print format or the current trend through websites and social media platforms.

Mobile phone markets may compete with each other on image quality, but the technology is not advanced enough to compare with professional

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Q. Wh at do you lik e t o ph ot ogr aph in you r f r ee t im e?

Some of my favourite images are taken without any significant planning or a particular subject in mind. This image is a typical example. I took this image when I was on a holiday in Anglesey in Wales; the view and the light from where I was stood looked so amazing it would have been shame not to photograph it.

I am very passionate about my photography and I am always taking photographs. In my free time I love landscape, nature and street photography. I often carry a camera with me even when not on a professional photo shoot as some of my favourite photographs I have taken are on the spur of the moment. I have invested in a small, fully controllable, high-end camera that also allow me to manually control all settings and priority modes.

Q. Can you sh ar e t h r ee of you r f avou r it e im ages an d t ell u s t h e idea beh in d t h em .

I took a series of photographs for a personal project on tattoos which eventually evolved into a larger unexpected project that led to me publishing all the images in a book available to purchase on Amazon.

Q. You ar e a loyal su ppor t er of t h e RPS an d Tr easu r er f or t h e Sou t h er n Region . Wh y w ou ld you r ecom m en d join in g t h e RPS?

This was a fashion style portrait shot on location in Basingstoke. I used available light and fill-in flash to highlight the model?s eyes and her hair. I used the foliage in the background to create a natural back drop.

I would recommend that any photographer joins the RPS because it provides an opportunity to take their photography to the next level through the RPS distinctions. It is a great platform to meet like minded photographers, great for socialising with the community and learning from each other. Most importantly, you are giving back to the community by being part of an organisation that is recognised globally - this is truly rewarding. I am proud to be part of one of the world?s oldest photographic societies, founded in 1853.

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CONTACTS Sout hern Region TITLE

NAM E

EM AIL

Regional Organiser

Paul Cox ARPS

southern@rps.org

Southern Secretary

David Ashcroft LRPS

southernsecretary@rps.org

Southern Treasurer

Bhupinder Ghatahora ARPS

southerntreasurer@rps.org

Basingstoke

David Ashcroft Bhupinder Ghatahora

Emails as above

Bournemouth & Dorset

David Peckham

davepeckham@mac.com

Channel Islands

Eric Ferbrache ARPS

rpsciorganiser@gmx.com

Portsmouth & East Hants

Martin Silman

southernevents@rps.org

Salisbury & South Wilts

Paul Rigg LRPS

paulrigg@outlook.com

Southampton & South Hants

Paul Cox ARPS

southern@rps.org

Web Editor

Chris Tank

southernweb@rps.org

Publishing Editor

Jana Murray

southerneditor@rps.org

Social Media Editor

Position vacant

Ar ea Coor din at or s

Specialist Volu n t eer s

Volu n t eer s Salisbury & South Wilts

Anthony Topham

atopham9@gmail.com

Documentary Group (main)

Mark Philips

doc@rps.org

Documentary Sub Group (Chichester)

Janey Devine FRPS

docse@rps.org

Digital Imaging Group

Barry Senior (Hon FRPS)

digsouthern@rps.org

Landscape Group

Jim Souper

landscapenews@rps.org

Region al Special In t er est Gr ou ps

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