CAPTION: During one of my many photo hikes through the enchanting Upper Franconian forests, I wandered into a picturesque valley known as the “Langen Tal” — or as the locals affectionately call it, the “Valley of Love.”
There, resting gracefully on a weathered tree branch, I discovered this beautifully preserved snail shell. Its delicate spiral form, bathed in gentle forest light, stood as a quiet reminder of nature’s artistry and transience.
Using my 105mm macro lens, I carefully framed the scene to highlight the shell’s subtle textures and soft tones, capturing a fleeting moment of calm and stillness in the woodland’s embrace.
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EDITORIAL
DEAR MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OF THE RPS GERMANY CHAPTER
It gives me great pleasure to introduce the thirdquarter edition of our RPS Germany Chapter eMagazine — a publication that once again reflects the outstanding creativity, commitment, and growing momentum within our community.
Over the past months, we have witnessed a remarkable increase in member engagement: more submissions, more discussions, and a wonderful spirit of collaboration that continues to define our Chapter.
The enthusiasm of our members is particularly evident in this quarter’s Photo Work feature. Ten photographers shared their personal visions — a notable rise compared to previous editions — and together, their images demonstrate an inspiring breadth of photographic expression.
It is heartening to see how our members continue to challenge themselves, explore new techniques, and contribute to a body of work that truly embodies the RPS ethos of learning, sharing, and inspiring through photography.
This issue presents an especially rich mix of stories and perspectives. Nature’s Tiny Wonders celebrates the captivating details of spring and summer through the lens of macro photography, while Robert Driscoll takes us on a visual journey through the landscapes of the Eifel region — a source of inspiration for anyone who enjoys travel and outdoor photography.
We also celebrate the outstanding achievement of Grahame Soden, whose success at the PX3 competition in Paris demonstrates the calibre of talent within our Chapter.
Another highlight is the tribute to Kenneth R. Warr FRPS, whose visionary leadership and tireless dedication helped shape the Royal Photographic Society over two decades. His legacy continues to inspire all of us who value the Society’s mission to advance photography as an art and a science.
Looking ahead, I feel optimistic and inspired. The coming months will bring further opportunities for creative exchange — from exhibitions and online meetings to new learning initiatives and photographic projects.
I warmly encourage every member to become involved, to share ideas, and to continue building the supportive and dynamic network that makes our Chapter so special.
My sincere thanks go to all contributors and supporters of this edition. Your enthusiasm, generosity, and creativity are the driving forces behind everything we achieve together. Let’s continue this journey with curiosity, passion, and the shared joy of photography.
Warm regards,
Chris Renk Editor & Chapter Organiser RPS Germany Chapter
NATURE’S TINY WONDERS FROM SPRING INTO SUMMER
Macro photography capturing spring’s blossoms, pollinators, and the vibrant energy of early summer life.
34
A WEEKEND IN THE EIFEL
Robert Discroll explores the scenic Eifel region, photographing castles, villages, and landscapes — perfect inspiration for travel and photography enthusiasts.
52
PHOTO WORK 3RD QUARTER 2025
Ten photographers, ten visions — this quarter’s gallery reveals the growing creativity and diversity within the RPS Germany Chapter community.
IN THIS ISSUE
RPS GERMANY MEMBER STRIKES GOLD AT PX3
Grahame Soden strikes Gold in Paris with perspectives that surprise and inspire.d moments.
92
KENNETH R. WARR FRPS
Celebrating Kenneth R. Warr FRPS, whose visionary leadership transformed the Royal Photographic Society through two decades of innovation and growth.
94
DATES & EVENTS
OCTOBER - DEZEMBER 2025
Online Meeting, Release dates eMagazine, Webinars and Online Training of the Chapter.
Chris Renk
Fragaria vesca – Chris Renk
Chris Renk
NATURE’S TINY WONDERS FROM SPRING INTO SUMMER
Chris Renk
As spring unfolds into summer, the natural world bursts into colour, movement, and life. In Nature’s Tiny Wonders: From Spring into Summer, photographer Chris Renk takes you on an intimate journey through this vibrant transition.
With his Nikon Z9, 105 mm macro lens, and occasional use of a Nikon SB-910 flash with diffuser, he captures the shimmer of dew, the delicate wings of butterflies, and the industrious energy of bees and hoverflies.
Across 20 images, Chris combines technical mastery with patient observation, showing how light, composition, and timing reveal nature’s hidden rhythms. Each photograph tells a story of growth, transformation, and seasonal energy, encouraging readers to slow down and witness life at its smallest scales.
Whether you’re a fellow photographer or simply a lover of the outdoors, join Chris in exploring how every petal, droplet, and wingbeat marks the ever-changing dance from spring to summer.
There’s a moment each year when winter finally loosens its grip, and the world begins to hum again. Buds swell, insects stir, and sunlight warms the meadows.
As a macro photographer, this transition from spring into summer is my favourite season — a time of constant change, where each day brings new textures, colours, and movements to explore.
In this photo essay, I invite you to join me on a journey through that seasonal shift.
Across 20 photographs — from “Dew Drops” on emerging blooms to “Dragonfly Close Up” basking in the morning light — I’ve tried to capture the pulse of nature in motion.
Each image reflects a fleeting moment, when growth, transformation, and energy coalesce into a visual story.
My aim is not simply to show beautiful flowers or insects, but to convey what it feels like to witness life unfolding — the quiet rhythms and the exuberant bursts of colour that signal the arrival of summer.
Galanthus nivalis – Chris Renk
Chris Renk Nature’s Tiny Wonders: From Spring into Summer
Chris Renk
Omphalodes verna – Chris Renk
MY JOURNEY INTO MACRO PHOTOGRAPHY
My fascination with the small began years ago on a misty May morning. Lying in a meadow, I noticed sunlight skimming the dew-laden grass, turning every blade into a string of jewels. With a modest DSLR and macro lens, I glimpsed a world infinitely rich in detail.
Macro photography became more than a hobby — it became a lens through which I slowed down and truly observed life. I discovered how a bee balances delicately on lavender, how the curve of a poppy petal catches light, and how early morning shadows reveal hidden geometry in nature.
Today, as a freelance photographer and organizer of the Royal Photographic Society’s Germany Chapter, I share this sense of wonder with others. Through workshops and field trips, I teach not just technique, but mindfulness — the art of observing without disturbing, of capturing without intruding.
This essay continues that exploration, documenting spring’s metamorphosis into summer through flowers, pollinators, and fleeting moments of stillness and movement alike.
Footprints of Time, Seeds of Hope – Chris Renk
THE GEAR THAT LETS ME GET CLOSE
For this series, my Nikon Z9 is the central tool, offering precision and responsiveness for fleeting macro moments — a butterfly’s wingbeat or a bee’s landing. Paired with the 105 mm macro lens, I achieve close intimacy without disturbing my subjects.
Occasionally, I switch to a 70–200 mm telephoto lens for skittish insects or to compress a field of flowers into layered compositions. The 24–70 mm zoom lets me contextualize a scene, capturing a meadow’s expanse or a grouping of blooms.
When natural light is insufficient, I sometimes use my Nikon SB-910 flash with diffuser to sculpt soft, dramatic light. This technique highlights textures, lifts shadows, and adds depth without overpowering the scene. It’s particularly effective when photographing insects in shaded areas or dewdrops glistening in the early morning.
A lightweight carbon-fibre tripod, a focusing rail for precise adjustments, and a small LED panel complete my typical kit. Yet no amount of equipment replaces patience, observation, and empathy — qualities that are essential when photographing nature’s tiniest wonders.
Bellis perennis – Chris Renk
Ochlodes sylvanus – Chris Renk
Chris Renk Nature’s Tiny Wonders: From Spring into Summer
Chris Renk
Erica Carnea + Apis mellifera – Chris Renk
Chris Renk
Tiny Wonders: From Spring into Summer
Chris Renk
Trifolium medium – Chris Renk
CHASING THE LIGHT — NATURE’S GENTLE GUIDANCE
Wandering through meadows as spring turns to summer is a quietly meditative experience. Light drifts across flowers, casting subtle highlights on petals and leaves, and shifting with every passing cloud. Early mornings are particularly special — dew still clings to each blossom, insects stir, and the air feels electric with potential.
I often pause and simply breathe, letting the rhythm of the meadow guide me. The quality of light determines how flowers glow, how insects shimmer, and how textures reveal themselves. Using my Nikon Z9, along with the 105 mm macro lens and occasionally my SB-910 flash with diffuser, I can gently enhance this natural illumination without disturbing the scene.
Chasing light in macro photography is less about controlling it and more about noticing it. By observing how sunlight moves across petals or how shadows shift beneath leaves, I can plan my approach and decide where to position myself for the most compelling composition. Nature sets the stage, and I follow patiently, guided by its subtle cues.
Chris Renk
Geranium ibericum – Chris Renk
Dahlia sp. – Chris Renk
Chris Renk Nature’s Tiny Wonders: From Spring into Summer
Chris Renk
Tiny Wonders: From Spring into Summer
Chris Renk
PHOTOGRAPHING FLOWERS — WANDERING, OBSERVING, AND COMPOSING
Walking through meadows in late spring and early summer is a feast for the senses. Every step brings new surprises: a cluster of blossoms catching sunlight, a trail of pollen glimmering in dew, or the gentle sway of stems in a warm breeze. It’s a profoundly relaxing experience — one that invites patience, curiosity, and mindfulness.
I often pause in the middle of a field, letting my eyes wander slowly over the landscape. Observing the flowers in this way allows me to notice details that might otherwise be overlooked: the subtle curves of petals, delicate textures, and the tiny insects moving from bloom to bloom. Taking the time to watch these interactions informs how I frame my photographs and what moments I choose to capture.
Finding the right angle is a process in itself. Sometimes I kneel low, almost at ground level, to emphasize depth and the underside of petals. Other times I tilt slightly to align the sunlight with the blossom, allowing it to glow naturally. I am constantly aware of what is happening in the background: neighboring flowers, leaves, or moving insects can either enhance the composition or distract from it. By carefully observing this background activity, I can position myself to isolate subjects or incorporate their surroundings in a way that tells a richer story.
The key is to move slowly, observe closely, and interact with the meadow with humility. Every bloom is unique, and capturing its essence requires time, patience, and a willingness to become part of the landscape. It’s a form of meditation, a dialogue with nature, and a deeply satisfying way to connect with the changing seasons.
Viola tricolor – Chris Renk
Hepatica nobilis – Chris Renk
Chris Renk
Tiny Wonders: From Spring into Summer
Chris Renk
Araneus diadematus – Chris Renk
PHOTOGRAPHING INSECTS — OBSERVING MOVEMENT AND PATIENCE
Insects bring motion and energy to the meadows, transforming static flowers into living, dynamic scenes. Watching them is both calming and invigorating — the way bees collect pollen, hoverflies skim blossoms, and butterflies pause briefly before taking flight offers endless fascination.
Capturing these tiny creatures requires patience, attentiveness, and empathy. I spend time observing their behavior, noting patterns, and anticipating movements. Sometimes I hold my breath as a bee lands on a lavender spike, or track a butterfly’s erratic path from blossom to blossom. Each movement informs how I approach the shot and which angle will best convey the interaction between insect and flower.
Finding the perfect perspective often involves physically adjusting my body — kneeling, leaning, or crouching — to align with the insect’s eye or follow the natural curve of a flower. The goal is to immerse myself in the scene without disturbing it.
At the same time, I pay attention to background activity. Neighboring flowers, moving leaves, or other insects can either complement the composition or clutter it. By watching how the scene unfolds, I can decide when to include these elements or isolate my subject for maximum impact.
Ultimately, photographing insects is an exercise in mindfulness. It’s about observing movement, sensing timing, and capturing fleeting interactions. Each successful image is a small reward for the patience, attention, and calm presence required to witness these delicate, vital moments.
Chris Renk
Melanargia galathea – Chris Renk
Chris Renk Nature’s Tiny Wonders: From Spring
Melolontha – Chris Renk
Chris Renk
Tiny Wonders: From Spring into Summer
LOCATION — SCOUTING AND TIMING
Seasonal awareness is key. I record bloom dates, insect activity, and sun angles in a field notebook. Spring mornings offer dew and calm light; summer afternoons provide contrast and warmth.
Favourite spots include wildflower meadows along the Isar River, quiet garden corners in Munich, and shaded forest edges. Observing the environment before photographing allows me to anticipate moments — catching a bee’s path or a butterfly’s landing.
Timing is everything. Dawn and dusk offer both gentle light and cooperative subjects. Between these hours, sometimes it’s best to observe quietly — the awareness itself sharpens vision.
Aster amellus – Chris Renk |
Chris Renk
POST-PROCESSING — ENHANCING THE NATURAL RHYTHM
Post-processing extends creative intent. Using Lightroom and Photoshop, I adjust exposure, white balance, and local contrast to reflect the natural mood.
Focus-stacked images are blended carefully. Flash-lit images may need subtle highlight and shadow refinement to balance artificial light with ambient glow. Colour grading conveys seasonal progression — pastel spring hues evolving into saturated summer tones.
The goal is immersion — viewers should feel morning dew, warm sunlight, and the pulse of pollinators, not notice digital manipulation.
Felicia amelloides, – Chris Renk
Chris Renk
Chris Renk
Dasysyrphus albostriatus) – Chris Renk
Chris Renk
Tiny Wonders: From Spring into Summer
Chris Renk
ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS
Photography should honor, not disturb, wildlife. My guiding principles:
• Leave no trace — avoid trampling or compacting soil.
• Never move or touch insects — they are the story’s protagonists.
• Use flash sparingly — sudden bursts can startle sensitive species.
Macro photography connects us to life’s smallest wonders; ethical practice ensures they continue to thrive.
Anguis fragilis – Chris Renk
Chris Renk
Tiny Wonders: From Spring into Summer
Chris Renk
Ischnura elegans – Chris Renk
Chris Renk Nature’s Tiny Wonders: From Spring into Summer
FINAL THOUGHTS — THE PULSE OF TRANSFORMATION
Macro photography reveals change at the smallest scales. Spring blossoms yield to summer abundance; insects arrive, feed, and vanish; colour deepens and shifts.
Through Nature’s Tiny Wonders: From Spring into Summer, I’ve sought to document life in motion — every petal, droplet, and wingbeat a note in nature’s ongoing symphony. Photography allows us to witness, respect, and celebrate transformation.
Step outside. Observe, photograph, and cherish the rhythms of growth and energy. With patience, empathy, and curiosity, every frame can tell a story — a story of renewal, motion, and the ever-changing dance from spring into summer.
— Chris Renk
ConneCt with Chris renk
Website: www.chrisrenk.com
Behance: https://www.behance.net/ChrisRenk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chris.renk
Coccinella septempunctata – Chris Renk
A WEEKEND
Robert Discroll
Weinfelder Maar – Robert Discroll
IN THE EIFEL
Robert Discroll
Robert Discroll
A WEEKEND IN THE EIFEL
Robert Discroll
The Eifel region, extending across western Germany, is often overlooked by travellers rushing between Cologne and Koblenz. In this beautifully written travelogue, Robert Driscoll, a member of the RPS Germany Chapter, takes us on his weekend adventure through this rural, volcanic landscape. Combining history, culture, and a keen photographic eye, Robert guides us to some of the region’s hidden treasures: from the fairy-tale Burg Satzvey to the iconic Burg Eltz, the medieval charm of Monschau, and the sweeping bends of the Moselle River near Bremm. Whether you are planning your own trip or wish to enjoy a virtual journey, Robert’s narrative and images will make you see the Eifel in a whole new light.
After many trips driving back from England to Germany via the ferry, I often found myself speeding along the motorway from Aachen past Cologne to Koblenz — always passing but never stopping in the Eifel.
To my right stretched this rural, volcanic region, often dismissed as “the back of beyond.” This reputation is partly thanks to the popular German TV comedy Mord mit Aussicht (“Murder with a View”), which portrays its fictional town of Hengasch (literally “hanging backside”) as quirky and isolated.
Curiosity finally got the better of me, and I set out to explore the Eifel on a long weekend trip. What I discovered was far from remote or backward — instead, I met welcoming locals and found a landscape full of photographic gems.
Burg Satzvey – A Fairytale Beginning
My first stop was Burg Satzvey in Mechernich, a beautifully preserved 12th-century water castle. In the early morning light, the castle is bathed in a golden glow, and it is pleasantly quiet, making it ideal for photography.
I went straight to the water’s edge to capture the full reflection, then stepped back to include some of the gardens in the shot. Burg Satzvey regularly hosts jousting tournaments in the gardens, making it a lively place worth revisiting.
Robert Discroll
Burg Satzvey– Robert Discroll
Science Meets Nature – Effelsberg Radio Telescope
Just a short drive away lies the impressive Effelsberg Radio Telescope, one of the largest fully steerable radio telescopes in the world. Its remote location in the Eifel is ideal for science — and a striking sight for photographers.
Radio Telescope at Effelsberg– Robert Discroll
Radio Telescope at Effelsberg– Robert Discroll
Robert Discroll
Robert Discroll
Monschau– Robert Discroll
Monschau –The Jewel on the Belgian Border
From there, I headed west to Monschau, a charming old town near the Belgian border.
Its narrow streets and half-timbered houses draw many weekend visitors, and it’s an excellent spot for a leisurely lunch.
In early spring, when the river rushes through town, it becomes a perfect location for long-exposure photography.
Bad Godesberg
– Evening on the Rhine
That evening, I stayed in Bad Godesberg near Bonn, where Schloss Drachenburg (Dragon Castle) and Drachenfels (Dragon Rock) form a dramatic backdrop along the Rhine.
Bad Godesberg – Robert Discroll
Robert Discroll
Burg Eltz – The Hidden Treasure
The next morning began with one of Germany’s most spectacular castles: Burg Eltz near Wierschem, close to the Mosel River. Often compared to Bavaria’s Neuschwanstein, it boasts a storybook charm that rewards an early visit. Rather than taking the shuttle bus, I walked 15 minutes through the forest to enjoy different perspectives of the castle. I took my photos around 9:00 a.m.; by 10:30, the car park was full — proof that the early bird really does catch the worm.
Burg Eltz – Robert Discroll
Robert Discroll
Burg Eltz – Robert Discroll
Burg Eltz – Robert Discroll
Burg Eltz – Robert Discroll
Robert Discroll
Moselschleife Bremm – Robert Discroll
Reichsburg– Robert Discroll
Cochem & the Mosel
A short drive away is Cochem, dominated by the impressive Reichsburg castle. I photographed it at 8:00 in the morning, bathed in strong side light — a good reason to return in the evening for softer illumination. Not far from Cochem is the striking Mosel bend near Bremm, a challenging climb but definitely worth the effort for sweeping views of the river valley.
Robert Discroll
Moselschleife Bremm – Robert Discroll
Weinfelder Maar & Monreal – Peace and Timelessness
Heading back into the heart of the Eifel, I stopped at Weinfelder Maar, a tranquil volcanic crater lake with perfect reflections.
My final destination was the village of Monreal, a preserved gem where time seems to have stood still.
Prosperous from cloth-making in the 17th century, Monreal’s half-timbered houses and the ruins of two hilltop castles create a picture-perfect scene for photographers.
Monreal – Robert Discroll
Weinfelder Maar – Robert Discroll
Robert Discroll
Monreal – Robert Discroll
Monreal – Robert Discroll
Robert Discroll
Monreal – Robert Discroll
The Perfect Ending
I ended my weekend with a hearty meal in the beer garden of the Old Vicarage — the perfect conclusion to a trip filled with history, scenery, and photographic inspiration.
Robert Discroll
MEMBER’S PHOTO WORK
Every quarter, Members are asked to send in their best photos of the current quarter to provide stimulation for the others.
3rd quarter 2025
The Chapter’s latest photo showcase highlights a remarkable increase in participation, with ten photographers contributing their recent work. This encouraging growth underlines the dynamic spirit of our community — a group that thrives on diversity, experimentation, and artistic exchange.
As always, the submitted images tell stories from different worlds of photography. At the top of this quarter’s gallery, a keen-eyed squirrel enjoying a nut reminds us of the beauty found in everyday encounters with nature. Its soft light and fine detail speak to the patience and timing of the photographer behind the lens.
Another image captures the raw power of a lightning strike over a small town — an awe-inspiring reminder of nature’s drama and unpredictability. Nearby, an old industrial machine coated with rust tells a quieter, almost nostalgic story of the passage of time and forgotten craftsmanship.
From the natural world, the exhibition transitions into the realm of architecture and abstraction. A graceful spiral staircase unfolds in elegant curves, perfectly balancing geometry and rhythm. Another composition studies sunlight and shadow along a stairwell wall — a minimalist yet emotional interpretation of line and texture.
The architectural theme continues with a clean, modern study of angular white façades and turquoise balconies — a dialogue between structure and sky. In contrast, a striking portrait of a tattooed model adorned with butterflies merges fantasy and human expression, demonstrating bold creativity and technical skill.
Portraiture also finds more introspective tones this quarter. One image shows a delicate, ethereal figure bathed in red light, blending dream and reality through layered reflections. Another selfportrait captures a photographer in the act of photographing himself, a witty play on identity and perception in the digital age.
Finally, the black-and-white still life of a dining table surrounded by soft window light closes the collection with quiet intimacy — a moment frozen in timeless simplicity.
Together, these ten works form a mosaic of perspectives — vivid proof that the RPS Germany Chapter continues to nurture not only technical skill but also personal vision.
Each contribution enriches the dialogue within our photographic community, showing that curiosity and creativity remain at the heart of what we do.
Each participant is responsible for compliance with the Data Protection Ordinance and the Copyright Act.
Participants please send the photos to the following email: germany@rps.org
FACTS ABOUT THE GERMANY CHAPTER
Learn more about the current composition of the Germany Chapter, its members’ locations in the federal states, its Distinction Holders, and the Special Interest Groups in which the members participate.
49 Members
3 Countries
Grahame Soden ARPS
RPS GERMANY MEMBER STRIKES GOLD
GRAHAME SODEN’S UNEXPECTED PERSPECTIVES SHINE AT PX3
Chris Renk
The Prix de la Photographic, Paris (PX3) is one of the most prestigious international photography competitions, attracting thousands of entries each year. In 2025, RPS Germany Chapter member Grahame Soden ABIPP captured the spotlight with a Gold Award in the Fine Art/Still Life category for his panel Look Down. He also received Honourable Mentions for Look Up and The Dracula Doll.
Through these three projects, Grahame demonstrates the transformative power of perspective: whether capturing the fragile beauty of fading flowers, the vast wonders of the sky, or the eerie reinvention of a child’s doll. Each series challenges us to reconsider what we overlook in our daily lives and to embrace the unexpected.
Discover how Grahame’s artistry earned international recognition in Paris— and why his work continues to inspire photographers and viewers alike.
Each year, the Prix de la Photographie, Paris (PX3) celebrates the very best in international photography, drawing thousands of entries from around the globe. Recognised as one of the most prestigious competitions in the field, PX3 showcases both established masters and emerging talents.
In 2025, RPS Germany Chapter member Grahame Soden ABIPP distinguished himself in this world-class field, capturing a Gold Award in the Fine Art/Still Life Professional category for his panel, "Look Down."
He also received Honourable Mentions for his panels, Look Up and The Dracula Doll.
Together, these works illustrate the breadth of his vision and his ability to challenge viewers to see the world from unexpected angles.
Grahame Soden ARPS
A GOLD AWARD FOR “LOOK DOWN”
At the heart of Grahame’s success is Look Down, a poetic meditation on transience and detail. Having left behind his days photographing high-octane professional sports, Grahame now explores the quieter beauty of still-life and macro photography. His images capture cut flowers at the delicate threshold between bloom and decay, alongside other small treasures rediscovered through the intimacy of a macro lens.
“I get great pleasure from seeing cut flowers slowly fade, as I am doing, and attempting to capture the moment before they are gone forever,” Grahame reflects.
This honest parallel between the fragility of flowers and the passage of life imbues Look Down with emotional weight. The images invite us to pause, look closer, and find beauty in moments that might otherwise slip by unnoticed.
Wasp Nest – Grahame Soden ARPS ABIPP
Grahame Soden ARPS
Red Rose – Grahame Soden ARPS ABIPP
Sunflower #1 – Grahame Soden ARPS ABIPP
Red Rose – Grahame Soden ARPS ABIPP
Sunflower #3 – Grahame Soden ARPS ABIPP
Sunflower #2 – Grahame Soden ARPS ABIPP
Grahame Soden ARPS
White Rose – Grahame Soden ARPS ABIPP
LOOKING SKYWARD WITH “LOOK UP”
In striking contrast, Look Up directs the viewer’s gaze skyward. Inspired by Oscar Wilde’s famous quip — “We’re all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars”— Grahame turns his lens to celestial and atmospheric wonders.
The panel presents an infrared partial solar eclipse, a radiant super moon, a shimmering sun halo in black and white, mother-of-pearl clouds, a vast sub-Arctic sky, and the Northern Lights painted in unusual cobalt blue.
These photographs remind us of the awe-inspiring phenomena above us, often overlooked in daily life.
“There’s a lot going on up there, and this is my interpretation of some of the beauty,” Grahame notes.
Look Up captures not just the visual drama of the skies, but also the wonder and curiosity that drive us to seek light in the darkness.
Grahame Soden ARPS
Supermoon 2024 – Grahame Soden ARPS ABIPP
Grahame Soden ARPS
Northern Lights #2 – Grahame Soden ARPS ABIPP
Northern Lights #1 – Grahame Soden ARPS ABIPP
Grahame Soden ARPS
Sky over Lapland #4 – Grahame Soden ARPS ABIPP
Grahame Soden ARPS
Sky over Lapland #2 – Grahame Soden ARPS ABIPP
Sun Halo in Black & White – Grahame Soden ARPS ABIPP
Grahame Soden ARPS
Infrared Image of Partial SolarEclipse – Grahame Soden ARPS ABIPP
Sky over Lapland #3 – Grahame Soden ARPS ABIPP
Sky over Lapland #1 – Grahame Soden ARPS ABIPP
Grahame Soden ARPS
THE UNCANNY WORLD OF “THE DRACULA DOLL”
Perhaps the most surprising of Grahame’s PX3 submissions is The Dracula Doll. A onceordinary child’s toy, reimagined through Grahame’s artistic vision, becomes an unsettling yet compelling subject.
“I had an idea when I bought it as to how it should end up, and this is just about what I had envisaged,” Grahame explains.
Unlike his observational still-lifes or celestial studies, this image is a rare example of Grahame creating a photograph entirely from imagination, visualised before it was brought to life. The result is a piece that unsettles and intrigues, reminding viewers that photography can be as much about invention as discovery.
The Dracula Doll – Grahame Soden ARPS ABIPP
CELEBRATING ACHIEVEMENT AND PERSPECTIVE
For Grahame, success at PX3 is not only a recognition of artistic vision but also of discipline—the patience to refine images, to meet competition standards, and to present work with technical mastery.
For the RPS Germany Chapter, his achievement underscores the calibre of talent within the community and the diverse ways members are engaging with photography today.
Grahame’s panels—whether gazing down at fading petals, up to the aurora, or into the eyes of a doll—remind us of photography’s power to shift perspective.
His PX3 recognition is not just a personal triumph but also an inspiration for others to explore unexpected ways of seeing.
In celebrating Grahame Soden’s achievements at PX3, we celebrate photography’s ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.
By looking down, looking up, and even reimagining the everyday, Grahame invites us to step outside routine perception and embrace new perspectives.
His Gold Award and Honourable Mentions stand as a testament to his vision, creativity, and the enduring value of curiosity behind the lens.
https://odensdawn.zenfolio.com
Grahame Soden ARPS
GRAHAME SODEN ARPS ABIPP
KENNETH R. WARR FRPS
A LEGACY OF DEDICATION AND RENEWAL
In July 2025, the Royal Photographic Society lost one of its most dedicated and visionary figures: Kenneth R. Warr, who passed away at the remarkable age of 100.
As Secretary of the RPS from 1970 to 1990, Kenneth guided the Society through two transformative decades marked by structural modernisation, growing membership, and a bold relocation from London to Bath.
His foresight shaped the RPS into a more inclusive, accessible, and forward-looking organisation—one that continues to carry his legacy today. Introducing the Licentiateship distinction, expanding regional activities, and championing photographic education, Kenneth’s leadership inspired generations of photographers and volunteers alike.
This article pays tribute to his life, his enduring commitment to the Society.
When Kenneth R. Warr took office as Secretary of the Royal Photographic Society in 1970, he inherited an organisation steeped in history but facing modern challenges. Over the next twenty years, his steady leadership would redefine the RPS, balancing tradition with transformation and guiding it into a new era of vitality and purpose.
Warr’s tenure coincided with a time of profound change in both photography and society. Recognising the need for renewal, he initiated structural reforms that decentralised the RPS’s operations, giving rise to Regional Organisations and expanding Special Interest Groups—from Nature and Visual Journalism to Historical and Archaeological photography. His vision ensured that members, regardless of location or specialty, could find a home within the Society.
Perhaps his most enduring contribution was the introduction of the Licentiateship (LRPS) in 1972. This new level of distinction opened the door for many aspiring photographers to gain recognition and confidence early in their creative journeys. The move reflected Warr’s inclusive philosophy—an understanding that photography thrives when enthusiasm is met with opportunity.
Under his guidance, the RPS navigated one of its most ambitious transitions: the move from London to Bath. It was a decision born of foresight and financial prudence. Warr recognised that rising costs in Mayfair threatened the Society’s long-term sustainability, and he led the search for a new home where photography could continue to flourish.
The eventual establishment of the RPS in Bath—and the creation of the National Centre of Photography—stands as a testament to his strategic mind and quiet determination.
Beyond administration, Warr was a true ambassador for the photographic community. He fostered events, exhibitions, and competitions that brought together professionals and enthusiasts alike, from the “Sports Photographer of the Year” to exhibitions celebrating visual storytelling.
His openness also extended to the distinctions process, where he encouraged transparency and learning by allowing observers to witness assessment sessions.
For his outstanding service, Warr received the Fenton Medal and was later made an Honorary Fellow of the Society—honours that reflected not only his achievements but also his unwavering commitment to photographic culture and education.
Outside his professional life, Kenneth Warr lived with the same warmth and generosity that marked his years of service. He was a devoted family man, a choir singer, a community volunteer, and an editor for a Talking Newspaper for the Blind—evidence of a life lived in quiet dedication to others.
As the RPS Germany Chapter celebrates his legacy, we remember Kenneth R. Warr not only for what he accomplished, but for how he did it—with integrity, humility, and a lifelong belief in the power of photography to connect people across generations.
Honouring
CHAPTER ZOOM MEETING 2025
Meetings
MONTHLY ZOOM MEETING
STARTING 19:00 EST
13.10.2025 10.11.2025
Links will be provided via email. If you arn’t a member of the DEU Chapter and wish to participate as well, please contact us via the following email: germany@rps.org
Hybrid Workshop
MINIMALIST PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY WITHIN A STUDIO
Sat, 15th Novemberl 2025 10:00 - 17:30 CET
Booking link coming soon
For upcoming meetings and events, please visit frequently our Chapter Page on RPS.org.
https://rps.org/germany
Here is an overview of the specific publication dates:
2ND QUARTER 2026: 05.07.2026
3RD QUARTER 2026: 05.10.2026
The Magazine will be published via email as well as on the RPS’s account on ISSUU.
CHAPTER TALKS & WORKSHOPS
Credit: Chris Renk
DEADLINES FOR PHOTO WORK
You would like to submit pictures to the quarterly project “Members Photo work”?
Here is a list of the deadlines for each quarter:
3RD QUARTER 2025: 30.09.2025
4TH QUARTER 2025: 31.12.2025
1ST QUARTER 2026: 30.03.2026
2ND QUARTER 2026: 30.06.2026
Please send us the photos with a minimum resolution of 3000 x 3000 pixels and 300dpi.
For the naming of the photos please use following naming convention: FIRST3LETTERSOFYOURSURENAME_ QNUMBEROFQUARTER-YEAR_IMAGETITLE.JPG
Each participant is responsible for compliance with the Data Protection Ordinance and the Copyright Act. Participants please send the photos to the following email: germany@rps.org
EXIBITIONS
Kunstkirche Fröndenberg “MINIMALISM”
29.05.2026 - 28.06.2026
Vernissage: 29.05.2026 19:00 CEST
DEADLINES ENTRIES e MAGAZINE
Since the magazine is published by the chapter itself, we are very flexible regarding the time schedule for submitting texts, pictures, and dates for events.
We ask for enough time in advance to avoid complicating the editor’s life.
As a rule, the editor should receive contributions about 30 days before the publication date.
Otherwise, inform us that you need additional time to contribute.
Please take the publication dates from the adjacent column.
