RPS Benelux Chapter Issue 6 Winter 2024

eJournal

Issue 6 Winter 2024

www.rps.org

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Issue 6 Winter 2024

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Editor & Designer eJournal Katherine Maguire ARPS Proof reading Sue Goldberg LRPS Treasurer Jeroen Dorrestein Organiser Carol Olerud FRPS Webmaster Katherine Maguire ARPS

The Royal Photographic Society Benelux Chapter

Copyright The copyright of photographs and text in this eJournal belong to the author of the article of which they form part, unless otherwise indicated.

Liability Disclaimer The author of an article is responsible and liable for all content, text and images provided by them. Neither the RPS Benelux Chapter nor the editor is responsible or liable for any content therein.

Cover photo Prem Muthu ARPS

Issue 6 Winter 2024

Introduction

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Views from the Benelux Chapter Organiser – eJournal Winter Edition 2024 Our last Study Group on Tuesday 5th November was in Het Palet in Rotterdam with seven members. We meet monthly, with Zoom sessions on the other month. We like to have both face-to-face meetings as well as the Zooms so as many people as possible can join in.

During our SG in Het Palet, we talked a lot as well as shared our photos. We print them out, this enables us to shuffle them around and is easy for all of us to see all the photos at once.

Madeleine Lenagh came along with her recent award-winning book, Perpetual Motion with seascapes. Absolutely beautiful work. Please do take a look at her website. https://lenagh.nl/home/books/ Anne Oehlen brought a few prints and two hand made photo books. The small photo books were delightful to see.

So creative.

Sue Goldberg LRPS had some photos of her recent trip to Croatia and other Balkan countries. There is an opening to start some kind of documentary story from these photos.

Jeroen Dorrestein joined in with the discussions, as did Ton van der Laan LRPS. Katherine Maguire ARPS brought along her panel of photos which she has been working on for over two years now, it’s towards her Fellowship. Spending so much time on her body of work has shown us just how good it is to persevere, keep working on it, fine tuning what you want to say and getting the best quality in your prints. The Fellowship Distinction is the highest level you can get and really needs to be distinctive and special, so spending your time and attention to every detail is not to be under-estimated. It will be well worth it in the end.

I coordinated the evening, we had tea, coffee and biscuits. We each pay €5,00 to cover costs for the rent and drinks.

Sometimes people drive up from Brussels to join and we enjoy meeting them! You don’t need to be a member of the RPS to come. If you are interested in joining us every other month, why not come to Rotterdam and see what it’s all about. We are a friendly bunch, all passionate about photography, and discussion is easy in this informal setting.

Of course, the Zoom sessions also welcome everyone, so we look forward to seeing you all in the next one on December 3rd. The January 7th meeting will also be a Zoom, as it’s winter and you can’t be sure of the roads. Our Study Groups are the first Tuesday of the month. For more info, please check our website events page. https://rps.org/chapters/benelux/events/current-events/

Carol Olerud FRPS RPS Benelux Chapter Organiser November 2024 (photos by Carol Olerud FRPS)

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RPS Benelux Chapter Summer Challenge 2024

22 Photo safari in Kenya Joaquim Capitao

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IN THIS ISSUE

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Australian Waterscapes Photos Carol Olerud FRPS

50 The TALK-WALK-TALK Project Janet Haines ARPS

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In this Issue

54 TALK-WALK-TALK Woodlands

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78 Bourganeuf Jan Ros ARPS

RPS Fenton Medal

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In this Issue

96 86 Dark rooms of …

Lens op de Mens

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Members’ Photos

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In this Issue

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Facts about the Benelux Chapter

108 Upcoming Events

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About the eJournal

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Issue 6 Winter 2024

2024 Summer Challenge -

“Movement” The Results Carol Olerud FRPS October 2024

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2024 Summer Challenge

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We received 37 submissions on the theme of “Movement” from 14 photographers from our Benelux Chapter Members & Friends. Thank you all so much for participating!

Our jury members, Holly Stranks FRPS and Alexandra Prescott FRPS enjoyed judging all the submissions. Each jury member was asked to give three points per category (Technical, Aesthetics and Theme) for each photo with a maximum of nine points per photo, giving highest total of 27 points per photo.

We then had a Zoom meeting to discuss these results and to agree on the placement of the top ten photos!

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2024 Summer Challenge

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Before we see the winners, firstly let’s introduce our jury. Holly Stranks FRPS and Alexandra Prescott FRPS were asked to take on the task which they both were happy to do.

You will remember that Holly Stranks FRPS gave us a presentation after our AGM in 2023 showing her photographic journey to her Fellowship Distinction panel.

Holly Stranks FRPS Holly lives in East Anglia in the UK with her beloved labradors Pippa & Penny and her husband Dave (an excellent dog wrangler for photos!) Holly achieved both her ARPS and FRPS with panels featuring dogs, but she does enjoy other types of photography especially Landscapes and Seascapes. https://hollystranks.com/holly-stranks-frps

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2024 Summer Challenge

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Alexandra Prescott FRPS you also know, she has joined in with some of our Zoom sessions and given valuable feedback and comments.

Alexandra Prescott MA FRPS

2017 RPS Licentiate, 2019 MA Contemporary Photography 2020 – founded Fellowship Peer to Peer support group.

2021 RPS Fellowship – Contemporary Photography 2023 Licentiate Assessor 2023 Invited to join Gamma Photoforum. GAMMA PhotoForum.

Contemporary studio work reflects Vanitas influences.

Published articles in various magazines. Exhibitions in Newcastle, Edinburgh and York. https://fergalsimages.com

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Jury comments: Holly: As with all competitions the standard of the images varied greatly, on both the technical side and the way the competition title was interpreted.

My own approach to judging this was to study each image in turn and award marks in the three categories as given to us. The first thing to consider is that no matter how good an image is, if the judge cannot link it to the theme then it will not get full marks. Most of the images fitted the theme of “Movement” well – there is nothing wrong with making a viewer of your image think, but in a competition the image should convey the theme.

Personally, I believe images should be of a good technical standard – even in more abstract and fine art images for example. If I am submitting an image to be seen by others, if it doesn’t pass my own test of technical ability I won’t share it. This is a good benchmark to consider when entering competitions. You don’t have to have the best and latest photographic equipment, but the image should still have good technical standards.

Finally, we looked at the aesthetic of each image. This was simple and subjective to judge – do I like it? It is not a case of would I want this on my wall, it is still possible to admire someone’s work even if you do not personally like a genre or technique. However, we all have our own likes and dislikes and that is why so many people enter competitions with their favourite images only to be disappointed that they did not get first place.

If you are happy that you have put in the best possible image and have double checked it over for any little areas that might get picked up on, then that is the way to go. If you like it and the idiot judge doesn’t….what do they know?

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2024 Summer Challenge

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Alexandra: I was delighted and privileged to be asked to co-judge the RPS Benelux Summer Challenge: “Movement” with Holly Stranks FRPS. We were asked to mark each image in 3 categories, technical, aesthetics and theme with a maximum of 9 marks for each category. It was not an easy exercise, there was innovation with interpreting the theme leading to some inspirational compositions and demonstrating some excellent technical and aesthetic craftsmanship. The top entries deserved their place.

For those that didn’t do quite so well, compare your image to the leaders.

What was it that took the images to the next level?

Interpretation of the theme is the narrative of the image, so if the movement (theme) wasn’t obvious, make it so next time. Go out and take a specific image(s) as well as looking in your back catalogue. This will encourage your own path of continuous development.

Aesthetics, the pleasing visual qualities of an image encompass colour, balance, pattern and scale. Could these have been improved in your image?

And finally, the technical elements, the camera craft and post editing. Was your sensor/lens clean. Some were not. Did you manage highlights and shadows so that there was tonal quality rather than black and highlight burn out?

Thinking about your submission will help with your development. Best wishes for a good place in the next competition.

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2024 Summer Challenge

Zoom session with both the jury members The Results: Photographer Jan Ros ARPS André Bergmans Prem Muthu ARPS Minke Groenewoud - Beerda LRPS EFIAP QFSA k-BMK Jan Ros ARPS Jan Ros ARPS

Title: Hong Kong Movement 1 Gypsy High in the Sky

Moon Cake Festival Kuching New-York City - Brooklyn Bridge Magda Korthals Going Upstairs Michael Selwood ARPS Little fans of light silk flap Minke Groenewoud - Beerda Masts in Harbour LRPS EFIAP QFSA k-BMK Gerald Phillipson ARPS Dancers

Placement 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

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2024 Summer Challenge

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Photographer Title: Katherine Maguire ARPS Bikes Crossing the Bridge Michael Selwood ARPS Quadrille Katherine Maguire ARPS Sprinter André Bergmans A Day at the Races Amar Verma Kite Surfing Gerald Phillipson ARPS Redchanks Amar Verma River Dart Devon UK Michael Selwood ARPS Shimmy Like my Sister Carol Olerud FRPS Splashes Joaquim Capitao Cycling in Utrecht 2 Katherine Maguire ARPS Bike Joaquim Capitao Cycling in Utrecht Carol Olerud FRPS Sparkly Sea Shore Magda Korthals Diagonal Joaquim Capitao Shaking off the Water Minke Groenewoud - Beerda The Swing LRPS EFIAP QFSA k-BMK John Tissandier Diving for Treasure

Placement 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

Felicity Handford Amar Verma John Tissandier Carol Olerud FRPS Gerald Phillipson ARPS Magda Korthals John Tissandier Claire McDermott Claire McDermott Claire McDermott

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Ripples in the Breeze Birth of River Cuervo Spain Muddy Glory Little Wave Breaking Waves Wild Trees Freestyle across a sea of grass 6059 Descending Vicarious

Thank you to everyone for participating RPS Benelux Chapter Organiser Carol Olerud FRPS

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2024 Summer Challenge

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2024 Summer Challenge

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See our website for all the images

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2024 Summer Challenge

Hong Kong: Jan Ros ARPS

Movement 1: André Bergmans

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2024 Summer Challenge

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Gypsy: Prem Muthu ARPS

High in the Sky: Minke Groenewoud - Beerda LRPS EFIAP QFSA k-BMK

Moon Cake Festival Kuching: Jan Ros ARPS

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New-York City - Brooklyn Bridge: Jan Ros ARPS

Little fans of light silk flap: Michael Selwood ARPS

Going Upstairs: Magda Korthals

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2024 Summer Challenge

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Masts in Harbour: Minke Groenewoud - Beerda LRPS

Dancers: Gerald Phillipson ARPS

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Issue 6 Winter 2024

Photo safari in

Kenya With Alision Mees ARPS

Joaquim Capitao

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Photo safari in Kenya

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As a kid growing up in Portugal, I was always fascinated with the African animals I saw on a number of TV shows. Occasional visits to the zoo left me with a strange feeling: I wanted to see those animals, but not confined to an environment that was not where they belonged!

The idea of going on a safari somewhere in Africa started taking shape already then. When I got a bit more serious about my photography that idea started to be a bit more precise, and I wanted to go on a safari in which photography would be the focus of the group.

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Photo safari in Kenya

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Photo safari in Kenya

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In mid-2023 I saw an announcement from the RPS Travel Group concerning a photo safari in Kenya organised by Alison Mees ARPS. A few things made me think this was the opportunity I had been looking for: First of all, I checked Alison’s web site and saw she was an experienced wildlife photographer, with several years of work in East Africa and regularly guiding photo safaris in that region.

Secondly, the safari would take place in relatively small nature conservancies rather than in large national reserves. Everyone I talked to who had experience in safaris invariably mentioned that in conservancies you never got the “traffic jams” that you can observe in larger reserves. Alison confirmed this in the video call we had before I booked.

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Photo safari in Kenya

Finally, the number of participants was limited to four, which meant there would be six persons in one eleven-seat vehicle, ensuring ideal conditions for photography (getting down from the vehicle being generally impossible for obvious safety reasons).

The concept of the conservancies is based on ensuring that wildlife and local communities live in harmony. Wherever possible, I believe this is a more effective way of conserving nature than an approach based on opposition between human presence and wildlife conservation.

The Ol Pejeta Conservancy, in central Kenya, was previously a cattle ranch. Nowadays, cattle are still managed in the conservancy and the income from this activity helps support the costs of management/ranger protection for the rhinos (both black and white) that live there.

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Photo safari in Kenya

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The Mara Conservancies, including the Olare Motorogi Conservancy where we stayed, were formed from land owned by the local communities.

The communities earn revenue from leasing their land, where the wildlife can roam freely, and tourists benefit from low impact tourism, with far less vehicles in a conservancy than in the Game Reserve or National Park.

The safari was equally split between these two conservancies.

We stayed four nights in each one of them, in both cases in camps run

by Porini, the Porini Rhino Camp in Ol Pejeta and the Porini Lion Camp in Olare Motorogi. Both camps were wonderful, with very large and comfortable tents and excellent food.

I also had one night in Nairobi before the safari and another one at the end. I found that the initial one was very good, not only to ensure that I would be there in time to take the internal flight to Ol Pejeta the next morning but also to allow for a good rest after the long trip from

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Photo safari in Kenya

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Brussels and before the real thing started. The time in Nairobi before the return flights allowed me to visit the Karen Blixen house/museum, a worthwhile visit for anyone spending a few hours in Nairobi.

As the name of the camps suggested, Ol Pejeta is a great place for rhinos, both white and black, while Olare Motorogi is excellent for big cats, and in particular for lions. But the variety of animals, including birds, in both conservancies was just amazing.

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Photo safari in Kenya

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Seeing all these animals at sometimes very short distances and in their natural environment was certainly an unforgettable experience, but some moments deserve a special mention: • Seeing young lions, cheetah, jackals, hyenas, elephants, playing with their siblings and/or with adults was wonderful and we had good demonstrations of how playing is also a preparation for adulthood, with lots of hunting practice.

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Photo safari in Kenya

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• A herd of about a dozen elephants, big and (relatively speaking) small, crossing a river, taking their time to drink and even to suckle as they went across, was amazing and I was impressed at being surrounded by elephants when they got to the bank of the river where we had stopped.

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Photo safari in Kenya

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• A cheetah hunting and killing a Thomson’s gazelle was a demonstration of speed and power, while serving as a reminder of how tough life is for these animals, some of them having to be killed so that others can survive. We also saw two failed attempts by the same cheetah the next day, proving that feeding herself and her cub is not an easy task, even when you are terribly fast.

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Photo safari in Kenya

You can never be sure which animals you will see on a safari. The grass being quite tall, mainly in Ol Pejeta, made it difficult to see them sometimes, and having expert guides was essential to be able to locate them and then follow them for a while. We were reasonably sure we would see lions in both conservancies and that was indeed the case. There was a good likelihood of seeing cheetah in Olare Motorogi, and we ended up seeing them in both conservancies.

As for the rhinos, plenty of white rhinos, but only a very brief sighting of a black rhino one day, with the opportunity for a couple of (not great) photos. We also saw a black rhino very early in the morning, before sunrise, and quite far from us, so no photo opportunities there.

Finally, while everyone we saw in Olare Motorogi seemed to be looking for leopards, no one could set an eye on one. Which means there is something to look forward to in my next safari!

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Photo safari in Kenya

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Photo safari in Kenya

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Photo safari in Kenya

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Specifically on photography, changing lenses in a bumping vehicle and in a dusty environment is not a good idea. I therefore took with me two camera bodies, one with a 100-500 mm zoom and one with a 24-70 mm zoom. I ended up using almost exclusively the longer zoom, as 100 mm was wide enough for most situations. I found that when the wider-angle zoom could have been useful the animals were so close to the vehicle that I could not get a good angle on them and take good photos. As for bird photography, I brought back some nice photos of perching birds, including the beautiful lilac-breasted roller, a striped kingfisher, several eagles, vultures, and the beautiful kori bustard, the largest flying bird in Africa. The

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Photo safari in Kenya

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opportunities for photographing birds in flight, however, were limited, and I got only a few photos of vultures and some eagles. The main reason for the limited opportunities was that we were either stopped photographing something interesting on the ground or moving. And taking photos from a vehicle moving on rough tracks or even off-track is not an easy task…

One final word to say I had a wonderful time, with great company and excellent guiding and expert advice from Alison and from the local guides/drivers, both on photography and on animal behaviour. And being in conservancies rather than the popular national reserves was well worth

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it, as we were often alone or with just a few more vehicles when following a group of animals. I believe the largest number of vehicles we were in was eight, and in more sensitive situations the rangers would be present and not allow more than five vehicles near the animals at any time.

All photographs © of Joaquim Capitao

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Australian Waterscapes Photos

Carol Olerud FRPS

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Australian Waterscapes

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From October 2024 to April 2025 Carol’s photos are part of a joint art exposition in 'De Componist Healthcare Centre' in Nieuwegein, The Netherlands.

Sunset over Straddie

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Australian Waterscapes

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Sunset over Heron Island Four artists are presented: Charlotte van Zwol, Ineke Oudes - both painters- and Monique Parmentier and Carol Olerud FRPS, - both photographers. They all show landscape or abstract works in various styles and sizes. A good mix of work to cheer up the patients waiting to see their healthcare providers.

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Australian Waterscapes

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Sunrise over Green Island Australia is a beautiful country and the theme of water appeals to Carol greatly. Having been born and bred in Queensland and living close to the sea, it’s no wonder she enjoys it so much. Along the coast of Queensland you have very many beautiful coral islands with gorgeous white sandy beaches. You are spoilt without even realising it.

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Australian Waterscapes

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Wattle at Brown Lake Carol has travelled here most recently in 2015 and in 2019 to island hop, snorkel and marvel at the wondrous scenery. This is very good for any mental health issues, you calm down and without even knowing it, become mindful of your day. Sun, sand and sea are remarkably healing.

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Australian Waterscapes

Giant Gums at Mildura

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Australian Waterscapes

Brown Lake at Straddie

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Australian Waterscapes

Frenchmans Beach

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Australian Waterscapes

Heron Island

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Australian Waterscapes

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The Loggerhead Turtle and School of Fish were taken at Lady Elliot Island and are printed on large canvas 50x70cm. The other photos are all 30x40cm on Plexiglas with a beautiful finish to them.

Lagoon at Cylinder Beach

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Australian Waterscapes

Location: Gezondheidshuis, Diepenbrocklaan 1-4, 3438 XZ Nieuwegein.

Open weekdays 08:00-17:00 (free to visit) More info at www.carololerud.com

Loggerhead Turtles at Lady Elliot Island

www.kunstgein.nl

All photographs © of Carol Olerud FRPS

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Australian Waterscapes

Lady Elliot Island Lagoon Fish

School of Fish at Lady Elliot Island

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Issue 6 Winter 2024

The TALK-WALK-TALK project And why you might enjoy it

Janet Haines ARPS

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The TALK-WALK-TALK project

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Kuekenhof © Janet Haines ARPS

TWT, as we tend to refer to this programme, has now become really popular with RPS members in the UK. The organising team is now trying to encourage more international members to participate and get the same pleasure of engaging with the wider RPS community. This is how it works.

Twice a year we set a theme; right now it is Woodlands. In early 2025 we are going to be doing Parklands and Gardens. It is a three-part project and firstly you sign up to participate. We then hold an online TALK with a presentation from a photographer who is well known for producing stunning work in the theme. There is also an opportunity for those attending the TALK live to ask questions. The talk is recorded for those who need to watch in their own time, so you don’t lose out.

The WALK is when everyone goes off to take their own images in the given theme. You usually have around 6 weeks to do this.

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The TALK-WALK-TALK project

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Then the final part is the TALK which is where each photographer submits their 3 best images. These are then viewed online with other international members discussing the shots and choosing 1 or 2 images to go forward to the final project Zine.

The project helps you to consider shooting something which may be outside your normal comfort zone, having first had the talk to give inspiration and guidance as to how to get the best results. Then by all coming together at the end to discuss our work we each learn from one another, as well as the pleasure of seeing how others have chosen to photograph the given subject.

For you in the Netherlands the spring 2025 timing will be just perfect as your country is such a riot of colour whether the tulips are still performing or the cherry blossoms are out. You have beautiful parklands in most of your larger towns and don’t forget ‘gardens’ can include allotments, birds, animals or insects; even people in the gardens. Statues and greenhouses could equally be considered, so long as they are obviously within the Parkland and Gardens environment.

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The TALK-WALK-TALK project

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The TWT programme is perhaps one of the few organised events within the RPS where both UK and international members can engage on equal terms. We do hope you will join us in 2025.

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TALK-WALK-TALK Woodlands

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TALK-WALK-TALK Woodlands

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TALK-WALK-TALK (T-W-T) is a project run jointly by RPS Landscape and Digital Imaging groups. The theme for September to November 2024 was Woodlands.

On 23 September 2024 a talk ‘Woodland Ways' was given by Paul Mitchell, if you were unable to attend the talk on the night, a recording was provided 48 hours later. Walks were then held during the month of October, either in organised groups or individually. With final talk sessions being held in the first two weeks of November 2024.

This time around, 4 members of the Benelux chapter took part in the Woodlands project, each doing an individual walk.

The photographers who took part are: Katherine Maguire ARPS Anne Oehlen Madeleine Lenagh Astrid Preisz Each photographer will tell you their experience of taking part in T-W-T Woodlands.

Katherine Maguire ARPS

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TALK-WALK-TALK Woodlands

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Het Amsterdamsebos:- Katherine Maguire ARPS

© Katherine Maguire ARPS

I did a number of walks in the “Het Amsterdamsebos”, located to the southwest of Amsterdam. It was easy for me to reach by public transport.

It was designed in the 1930s to be a cross between a great park and forest that provides Amsterdammers with a place where they could enjoy nature, recreation, and sport. It is made up of woodlands, open fields, waterways, horse trails, footpaths and cycle paths.

During Paul’s talk, he suggested that you needed to go underneath the canopy and walk among the trees. This was something that I was unable to do because doing so would risk a fine as it against the house rules. So all my photographs had to be taken from the either the cycle or footpaths.

Even by doing 3 walks I was only able to cover about 1/5 of the total area.

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TALK-WALK-TALK Woodlands

© Katherine Maguire ARPS

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TALK-WALK-TALK Woodlands

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© Katherine Maguire ARPS

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TALK-WALK-TALK Woodlands

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Another thing I got from that talk was to avoid having the sky in the images and to get close as possible to the trees. The forest lies below sea level. I am not normally a landscape photographer but I enjoyed doing my woodlands walks and will return to the forest to photograph some of the parts that I did not cover this time round.

© Katherine Maguire ARPS

During the final talk, the 3 images from each photographer were discussed and we voted which of their images should go through to the next round.

With 9 photographers being involved in the talk, with had to vote for our 1st and 2nd choice. When all the votes where counted we had the 2 images that would be included in the T-W-T Woodlands eZine.

There will also be an international eZine with all the photos from the international members that took part.

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Experiencing TWT Woodlands:- Madeleine Lenagh

© Madeleine Lenagh

This was my first time participating in a Talk-Walk-Talk event. I had signed up because the theme, photographing woodlands, has always felt challenging to me. So I was pleasantly surprised during Paul’s first talk to discover that my previous attempts to photograph in the woods weren’t as clumsy and chaotic as I thought they were. I went away feeling a lot more self-confident than before.

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TALK-WALK-TALK Woodlands

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We international participants were invited to either go out alone or form walking groups with nearby RPS members. I prefer photographing alone as it helps me focus upon what calls to me in the landscape. And I can go spontaneously, when the conditions feel right.

© Madeleine Lenagh

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© Madeleine Lenagh

I went out to the woods several times during the space of the project, each time to a different location (The area around Haarlem is rich in woodland estates) and in different weather/light conditions (early morning sun, drizzling rain, and heavy fog).

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I was happy with quite a few of the images I ended up with and it was difficult to choose between them. And I’m pleased with the feedback I got at the end and grateful that one of my images was chosen to send into the final publication of the project.

© Madeleine Lenagh

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TALK-WALK-TALK Woodlands

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Dreaming the forest :- Astrid Preisz

© Astrid Preisz

As an international member with no other members nearby, it's not always easy for me to take part in RPS challenges and projects. So, when I read about the woodlands project, I was thrilled that there was a work-around that gave me the opportunity to be a part of it.

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TALK-WALK-TALK Woodlands

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I love forests. I struggle with forest photography.

© Astrid Preisz

I have often gone to my favourite forests only to return frustrated and without images that reflect my enjoyment of being out there. I desperately needed a change of perspective.

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© Astrid Preisz

From the very first Zoom session with Paul Mitchell, I realised that I had probably put too much pressure on myself. Unlike my other photography, where I usually go into the landscape with a very open mind and a lot of playfulness, I seemed to be carrying a huge mountain of expectations in my backpack when I went into the forest. I couldn't see the forest for the trees.

As it happened, I had signed up for a weeklong "Contemplative Photography Retreat" with John Barclay and Alister Benn in the Scottish Cairngorms, which fell right between the introductory session and the final session of the international group. What a wonderful opportunity for me to explore the forest in its most beautiful autumn dress.

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© Astrid Preisz

During my wanders I was finally able to let go of my preconceptions and let myself be found by impressions, compositions and different moods. I think it was the first time I really was able to combine the joy of simply being in the forest with making images that really spoke to me.

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Talk-Walk-Talk Woodlands:- Anne Oehlen

© Anne Oehlen

One of the things I took away from the inspiring talk about woodland photography by Paul Mitchell, was the advice to take a tripod and a polarising filter with you when photographing in the woods. So, I tried the first time I went into the woods, but unfortunately, I came back without usable images and with a protesting back.

I chose to go to the nearby patch of woodland, which is within 10 minutes walking distance from home. It is not the most beautiful and exciting forest, but I could go back there as often as I liked.

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© Anne Oehlen

So, I went back several times (without tripod to be honest). The first time the weather was dull and grey, and, in the end, I decided to try some ICM and branches against the sky.

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© Anne Oehlen

The second time it was slightly foggy, so I was hoping for lots of beautiful images, but it still proved very difficult to find a composition that worked.

Still there was one image with lots of felled trees between rows of beeches that intrigued me as it seemed to confront the trees with how they most likely would end up too.

The last time I went into the forest it was sunny, which can be difficult when photographing in the woods. I loved the branches lighting up in the forest where the sun caressed them. I tried to capture that effect with a low-key image where the branches created a kind of calligraphy against the dark background.

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TALK-WALK-TALK Woodlands

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Today, November 12, we had our final talk where we met on Zoom and looked at each other’s images, which were beautiful and also surprisingly different. Only one image could go forward to be published in the Woodland zine, so that was a tough choice, which we made in two voting rounds.

Later it turned out we could send in three images per participant, which was corrected after the meeting.

© Anne Oehlen

It was great fun participating in the project, even if we could not participate in an organised walk, as those were all in the UK. But, as someone in the group said, going alone has its advantages too. You can focus fully on your photography.

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RPS Fenton Medal

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RPS Fenton Medal

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During the AGM on 21st September, the Fenton Medal Awards were announced.

The RPS Fenton Medal is named after Roger Fenton, one of the founders of the RPS who served for several years as its Honorary Secretary. It was first awarded in 1980 and since 1998 it carries with it Honorary Membership of the Society. No more than three or four Fenton Medals are awarded each year.

The award of the RPS Fenton Medal is made to a member or non-member who has made an excellent or notable contribution to the work of the Society.

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RPS Fenton Medal

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One of the recipients this year was our Benelux Chapter Organiser, Carol Olerud FRPS.

Born in Brisbane, Australia to Dutch parents and now living in The Netherlands, Carol is an active photographer in all its aspects. A long-time member of the Royal Dutch Fotobond and since 2017, a member of the Royal Photographic Society, UK. Carol gained her Associate Distinction in 2018 and then her Fellowship Distinction in 2021, both in the genre of Contemporary/Conceptual. Carol has been taking photos since she was 12, when she first got a small instant camera.

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She is the RPS Benelux Chapter Organiser since 2020, an active group of photographers from all over, they meet monthly, be it on Zoom, or in person in Rotterdam. The Chapter also does photo walks, workshops, photo challenges and every two years, they support the International Photo Festival in Pelt, “Lens op de Mens”, where they also have their Members’ print Expo. The next one being in 2025.

An eJournal is produced quarterly so the Chapter is showcased nicely.

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The main type of photography Carol enjoys is people! Documentary, contemporary, street photography, social documentary, weddings, funerals, pregnancy and even birth. Carol likes to work on series and recurring themes. Carol photographs for her local theatre, DE KOM, be it of children’s performances in dance, music, theatre or events in the foyer.

Carol has been sitting on jury’s, locally, nationally and also internationally.

Being of dual nationality and bi-lingual, with Australian English as her mother-tongue, this enables Carol to do this well.

The RPS has been fantastic, opening many doors, to meeting new people, doing projects, making books, joining competitions, joining online talks, this list is endless – Carols says the best part is that it’s in English!

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For more info on Carol, visit her website, also to see her panels for F and A. Her F is of a sensitive nature, so please be prepared (if that’s even possible). www.carololerud.com

Carol is also on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carololerud/ For full information see the RPS website: members awards 2024 recipients All photographs © Carol Olerud FRPS

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Bourganeuf Be inspired by others

Jan Ros ARPS

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Bourganeuf

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Bourganeuf

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As we were walking in the French countryside in the old village of Bourganeuf, I was reminded of the Belgian Photographer Stephan Vanfleteren. Once I saw a series by him of abandoned stores.

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Bourganeuf

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Bourganeuf

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Bourganeuf

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Bourganeuf

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This was my inspiration as I walked through the deserted streets of Bourganeuf. The empty windows indicated that the villagers had moved away. A sad sight that at the same time told the story had a measure of beauty in it. I want to share this inspiration with you.

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All photographs © Jan Ros ARPS

Bourganeuf

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The Dark Rooms of...

Evgeny Bondarenko An interview series

By Marcel Borgstijn “The Dark Rooms of... is an interview series in which a photographer talks about his or her darkrooms, the digital and the mental, or technical and inspirational. What makes you click?”

Marcel Borgstijn

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Dark rooms of...

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This interview has been previously published on Marcel’s site Darkrooms and is with Dutch photographer Evgeny Bondarenko.

See the original interview on Darkrooms Marcel has given his permission for it to be republished in the RPS Benelux eJournal

By the way, if you haven’t read the previous four interviews Darkrooms series, you can find them here.

in the

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I

Dark rooms of...

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Who are you?

My name is Evgeny Bondarenko, 40 years old, I live in Ukraine. I have worked in heavy engineering for most of my life, but now I work in a print shop. I’ve been into photography since 2007. In 2009 I learned about the work of Japanese street photographer Daido Moriyama, since then I have been fond of black and white street photography, but I had a break from 2011 to 2018, during which time I did not photograph

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Technical

I

Do you think technique is important?

I don’t think technique is important, but different kinds of cameras can reduce post-processing time.

I

What equipment do you use?

From 2007-2019 I used Olympus SP510-UZ with Marumi 0.5x wide (focal length 19mm), 2019-2022 - Ricoh GX100, 2022 - Nikon Coolpix S7000 + Ricoh GX100

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And what software?

I only use Lightroom + 2 presets

How do you edit your photos?

It takes about 2-3 months from the time the photo is taken, to processing.

I apply a “High Contrast” preset for all photos from the photo walk, then individually for each photo small adjustments or apply a second “Medium Contrast” preset if the first doesn’t work. The processing and selection process takes about another 1-2 months.

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Inspirational

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Where lies your heart?

This is some kind of lightness in photographs, ease of obtaining them, I don’t understand how other photographers do it, but this is what you need to strive for. Half-day reflections on photography led me to the following conclusion: the equipment, artistry and value are not important, the resulting photograph is not important - only the path...

I

Do you have your own style?

I don’t have my own style, I use the “are, bure, boke” style [Editor: are, bure, boke - Japanese phrase meaning 'grainy, blurry and out of focus'. This refers to a photography style that became popular in Japan in the late 1960s, affiliated with the work of Daido Moriyama.]

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Where do you get your inspiration from?

Reading articles about photography, watching YouTube videos, looking at photos on Instagram, browsing photo books in the library, talking to photographers. But there is still some constant desire to walk around and take pictures.

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Where do you get your inspiration from?

I don’t take photos as part of any project, I usually take photos in my spare time at the weekend by myself or with another photographer, walking around the city without a specific purpose, where the road will take me.

I am currently involved in the ROZOU project, which was founded by Japanese street photographer Tadashi Onishi - I show my work and that of other street photographers in the city street using a projector.

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Dark rooms of...

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Does your project start with an idea or with a loose image?

I have no plans to finish the ROZOU UKRAINE project, but maybe that will happen when I run out of photos and have nothing to show. You can check out previous ROZOU UKRAINE volumes via my instagram account.

I

What is your favorite photo and why?

I don’t have a favorite photo, I have a few that show the stages of my own development in photography

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Dark rooms of...

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Future

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What do you want to achieve?

I want street photography to develop in my country and increase the number of people who are passionate about it.

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What would you like to know from others? You may ask one photographer one question. What would that be?

Question for Daido Moriyama - Do you press the shutter button when you are experiencing your own emotional peak or do you somehow understand that at a given moment in time the place itself is at the peak of its emotional impact?

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Where can we see more?

All my photos are on the website: lblfoto.blogspot.com On my Instagram account https://www.instagram.com/b_strt/ you can see recent work and stories. Next to that you can also see all the previous ROZOU UKRAINE volumes.

NOTE: Evgeny is featured in the first issue of Darkrooms Magazine with his project ‘This is the way’. You can read the magazine here: here.

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Lens op de Mens 2025 Internationaal Fotofestival Pelt

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Lens op de Mens

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For all our Non-Members and Friends, you may now enter your photos for the next edition of:

Entries for Lens op de Mens 2025 are now open

We are very pleased to invite you to submit your best photos for the 5th edition of international photo festival Lens op de Mens in Pelt, Belgium.

After a particularly successful fourth edition, our festival has continued to grow into an established name within the photography landscape.

Professional as well as passionate amateur photographers from all over the world are invited to show their work to a large number of visitors. Their images will again be on display in the streets and squares of Overpelt centre alongside numerous guest exhibitions by top photographers from home and abroad.

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Lens op de Mens

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The main theme of this edition, of course, remains ‘man, human beings’ in the broadest sense. The sub-theme for 2025 is ‘the vulnerability of man’.

With ‘vulnerability’, Lens op de Mens wants to reflect on defining and sometimes radical, raw moments of life. Moments, which make a difference, built on a foundation of respect and acceptance, witnessing resilience and hope.

Therefore, in 2025, we will give a special award for the photo that most strikingly captures the vulnerability of people and society around us.

Practically • register/login and upload a maximum of 10 photos • confirm your participation by paying € 20 per photo • an international jury selects images based on photographic and content qualities

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Lens op de Mens

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• your selected images automatically stand a chance of winning several awards • every participating photographer will be personally informed of the selection and of course invited to the opening of the photo festival on 8 June 2025 Tip: we have created a comprehensive step-by-step guide. Be sure to check it out before you get started with your registration.

Photos can be sent in until 3 February 2025 But don’t hesitate and submit your best photos now for the 5th edition of Lens op de Mens in 2025.

www.fotofestivalpelt.be

8 June - 28 September 2025

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Lens op de Mens - Fotofestival Pelt vzw | Notenlaan 10, 3900 Pelt | O.nr.

0750.633.312 | RPR Antwerpen afd. Hasselt

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Members’ Photos In this section, you can see photos from our members,

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Members' Photos

© Magda Korthals

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Members' Photos

© Anne Oehlen

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Members' Photos

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Members' Photos

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© Minke Groenewoud - Beerda LRPS EFIAP QFSA k-BMK

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Members' Photos

© Minke Groenewoud - Beerda LRPS EFIAP QFSA k-BMK

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Facts about the Benelux Chapter Here you can find the break down of chapter membership, the number of distinctions obtained, the special interest groups joined and the various countries the members are located in.

42 members

6 countries

Special Interest Groups

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Facts about the Benelux Chapter

Countries

Distinctions

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Upcoming Events

© Minke Groenewoud - Beerda LRPS EFIAP QFSA k-BMK

3 December 2024

7 January 2025

Online Study Group Meeting

Online Study Group Meeting

An opportunity to share your work and get feedback from a friendly group of people.

Everyone is welcome - members and nonmembers, this is a free online event. Zoom link will be sent out before the event. For further details please our events page.

An opportunity to share your work and get feedback from a friendly group of people.

Everyone is welcome - members and nonmembers, this is a free online event. Zoom link will be sent out before the event. For further details please our events page.

Time: 20:00 until 22:00

Time: 20:00 until 22:00

Location: Online Zoom Meeting

Location: Online Zoom Meeting

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Upcoming Events

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4 February 2025

1 April 2025

Study Group Meeting

Study Group Meeting

An opportunity to share your work and get feedback from a friendly group of people.

Everyone is welcome - members and nonmembers. It costs €5 per evening, which includes a drink and biscuit. For further details please our events page.

An opportunity to share your work and get feedback from a friendly group of people.

Everyone is welcome - members and nonmembers. It costs €5 per evening, which includes a drink and biscuit. For further details please our events page.

Time: 19:30 until 22:00

Time: 19:30 until 22:00

Location: Het Palet,

Location: Het Palet,

Duikerstraat 29, Rotterdam.

Duikerstraat 29, Rotterdam.

4 March 2025

6 May 2025

Chapter AGM & Talk

Online Study Group Meeting

The AGM will be held online, Following the AGM we will have guest presenter, further details will follow.

For further details please our events page.

Time: 19:30 until 22:00 Location: Online Zoom Meeting

An opportunity to share your work and get feedback from a friendly group of people.

Everyone is welcome - members and nonmembers, this is a free online event. Zoom link will be sent out before the event. For further details please our event page.

Time: 20:00 until 22:00 Location: Online Zoom Meeting

3 June 2025 Study Group Meeting An opportunity to share your work and get feedback from a friendly group of people.

Everyone is welcome - members and nonmembers. It costs €5 per evening, which includes a drink and biscuit. For further details please our events page.

Time: 19:30 until 22:00 Location: Het Palet,

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About the eJournal

© Katherine Maguire ARPS

We plan to produce an eJournal on a regular basis.

The current release dates for 2025 are: 14 February for Spring 2025 16 May for Summer 2025 15 August for Autumn 2025 16 November for Winter 2025

Deadline for contributions Is last day of the month before the release date.

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Contributions Articles

Contributions from the members and friends of the Benelux chapter are welcome, whether that be an article or details of the current photo project that they are working on.

Member photos We also wish to encourage members and friends to submit photos for the Members’ photos section New Members The eJournal can also be a place that gives our new members an opportunity to introduce themselves to the chapter.

Cover Photos Individual photos are also welcome for the cover page,.

Photo Submission Requirements Please send images with the following specifications: • • • •

3000 pix long side Image quality 8 no watermark or text in the image no borders around the image.

When naming your photos please use the following convention.

FirstName_LastName_For_eJournal_Title.JPG The submitter of the article(s) or photo(s) is responsible for compliance with Data Protection and Copyright Acts.

Please send your photos via WeTransfer.com to the following email address beneluxweb@rps.org For articles, please send an email to beneluxweb@rps.org Remember to include “for eJournal” in the subject line.

eJournal Issue 6 Winter 2024