RPS Landscape Group Newsletter, February 2017

NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2017 / VOL. 2 / NO. 1

CONTENTS 01 Editorial 02 Landscape Photography Susan Brown FRPS shares some views on the genre 04 Going for L Mark Reeves LRPS shares his experience of gaining a Licentiate

Keld Waterfall

06 My Favourite Place Swaledale by Dorcas Eatch and Crickhowell by Paul Bather ARPS

Š Dorcas Eatch

Editorial

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

Welcome to the first newsletter of 2017 and, if it is not too late, Happy New Year!

To kick the year off I am delighted to feature an article by Susan Brown FRPS, expressing some of her views on landscape photography.

09 Events Details of group events 10 Members' Images More Featured Images

Mark Reeves, our Events Manager, has continued to build up the programme for 2017. Among the immediate highlights are special access for a dawn shoot at Stonehenge (filling fast!) and a filters workshop with Jeremy Walker.

Submissions

Work is also well underway on a weekend conference and AGM for the late autumn. We hope to publish more details in the March newsletter.

Mark has also found time to share his experience of the RPS distinctions process. It would be great to include similar articles in future newsletter, so please get in touch if you would like to contribute.

We welcome a new committee member this month, Arron Davis, who has joined us as Treasurer. You can find out more about Arron and the committee on the group's committee page.

Jim Souper Newsletter Editor

The next newsletter will be out in at the beginning of March 2017. The deadline for submissions is Sunday 26th February.

If you have an idea for article, please send a brief synopsis of the purpose and content of the piece.

Please submit your images as jpegs, sized to 72 dpi and with 1200 pixels along the longest edge.

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

NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2017/ VOL. 2 / NO. 1

Landscape Photography

by Susan Brown FRPS

Susan Brown's interest in photography has spanned some thirty plus years, and has evolved from darkroom to digital. She sits on the both the Licentiate and Multi Media Panels and is Deputy Chair of Pictorial and Creative. She also sits on the Distinctions Advisory Board.

What is Landscape Photography? A landscape needs a soul and communicate an observation or personal experience. All woods, streams, rivers, mountains and coastlines have their own character. To communicate in Landscape I feel it is important to become intimate with that character to discover the essence to succeed.

There are those who consider themselves purists who think the intrusion of man, either in person or by influence in a scene, not to be a true landscape. I feel landscape photography has moved on from this perception, and we now have urban landscape, sea defences, power lines etc. all accepted as landscape photography, also abstract interpretations with Intentional Camera Movement, Multiple Exposure etc. There are endless opportunities to find your own niche in landscape photography with few constraints.

The advances in camera and digital processing technology over recent years is astounding, boundaries are being pushed to their limits. There can therefore be a tendency to over process and make a scene look unnatural. I personally prefer to use technology to enhance an image with discretion and subtlety, if the process is too obvious the landscape itself loses its ability to communicate its heart.

Birds on the Sand

Š Susan Brown FRPS

NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2017 / VOL. 2 / NO. 1

There are often misconceptions that the Royal Photographic Society feels Landscapes unacceptable for a Distinction. This concern is unjustified. Like all genre it is the standard of photography that makes a panel successful not the genre, and like all genre, Landscapes have to communicate an emotion. However, I accept that Landscapes appear to be undervalued when it comes to exhibitions.

Landscape Photographers success is often being at the right place at the right time. How often do you hear someone commenting ‘weren’t you lucky to have such light’. More often it is planning not luck. A successful landscape photographer will have checked weather forecasts, tide times, wind strength and direction, they will check the photographers ephemeris to check the angle of sun, often travelled an hour or so in the dark to be in situ before sunrise and, if sometimes the planning pays off, is that luck?

Squalls on the Horizon

© Susan Brown FRPS

We are lucky as Landscape photographers in that time is on our side. Sports or nature photographers often have to take hundreds of shots to get the one they want, and have to work fast. We can put our camera on a tripod, consider the composition in detail, study and sense the scene, decide where the focal point will be, the best shutter speed etc: and only then, record the image.

We are all influenced in some way by others, but try not to be imitative. The result may be technically perfect but will probably lack the soul of the originator of the image that inspired you.

Over the last 10 years, my main interest in Landscape Photography has been the sea. Always take what you feel, not what you see. Feel the sea, the salt spray on your face so you can taste it and then see the sea. Organize, press the shutter – oh what satisfaction!

Susan Brown FRPS www.susanbrownphotography.co.uk

NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2017/ VOL. 2 / NO. 1

Going for L

by Mark Reeves LRPS Just under one third of landscape group members hold RPS distinctions; the other two thirds do not. To help those who are considering applying, we hope to feature a series of successful landscape panels in future newsletters. In the first in the series, Mark Reeves relays his experience of achieving his Licentiate.

Ever since I became interested in photography in the eighties, I have enjoyed landscape more than any other genre. So, when I decided to embark on the path to RPS distinctions, it was inevitable that my images would be landscapes. Of course, the Licentiate (L) panel, unlike the Associate (A) and Fellow (F) panels, isn’t required to have a theme, but as the only decent images I had were landscapes, I had no choice!

Not being at all sure whether my photography was good enough, I attended a couple of assessment days as an observer. Not only was this enormously valuable in helping me to understand the standard required, but it was also hugely enjoyable, being entertained by the wide variety of images (and standards!) being presented.

With my confidence slightly boosted, I decided I would submit a panel of images to an advisory day. A friend from my camera, club who already held the ARPS, was kind enough to review my first collection of images. He give his views as to which were good enough and which weren’t, which served to display a use of various techniques and how they might be arranged in a panel.

As with many L applicants, I was slightly reluctant to incur the costs of printing and mounting so I attended my first advisory day with projected digital images (PDIs). Whilst this costs little in the way of time and materials, it does leave the photographer at the mercy of the visual technology. It also relies on having one’s own equipment properly calibrated, something I barely understood at the time. Having seen another candidate’s images completely ruined by technological incompatibilities, I decided that in future I would print my images. Anyway, the outcome as regards my own images was mixed, but overall encouraging and so I went away to work on replacements for some of the panel.

Some months later, armed with some new images of which I felt confident, I applied for assessment. The excitement, seeing my images presented before the panel of assessors at HQ in Bath was intense. Unlike the advisory days, these are fairly formal affairs. Darkened room, bright spotlights, hushed whispers and pregnant pauses while the assessors scrutinise and deliberate. Stephen King has nothing on this lot!

As it happens, the panel was very complimentary about the images themselves but pointed out a slight problem (banding) which I had not spotted on two of the prints. As a result, my panel was referred – I was invited to reprint and resubmit just the offending images. My problem was that I only owned a cheap printer and I couldn’t eliminate the problem myself.

Instead, I took the images to a professional printer and the problem was solved. Within a few days, I received notification that I was to be recommended for a licentiate distinction.

So, was it worth it? Hell yeah! I believe that the whole process really helped me to develop my photography enormously and it was also very enjoyable. I am now in the latter stages of preparing for A assessment. Oh, and I have bought a much better printer!

NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2017 / VOL. 2 / NO. 1

All images © Mark Reeves

NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2017 / VOL. 2 / NO. 1

MY FAVOURITE PLACE Swaledale

by Dorcas Eatch I had an appointment to keep and I knew I was going to be late as I pushed my Metro round the wintery black bends.

Braking sharply as deer bounded across the road, slower now as the headlights pulled in stone walls, claustrophobic as long fingered branches tapped on the roof. Heart beating, I drove over the bridge, up the hill and into a large village, centred around a green.

My first visit to Reeth on a photography workshop was many years ago and even to this day, when turning left in Reeth, I just look forward to the secretive dale that is Swaledale. It was where I developed my love for changing shutter speeds at waterfalls, spending hours at Wain Wath trying out different lens and different exposures.

Resting Sheep

Considering how many top trails criss cross over the area and the hills you have to wonder - where is everyone? I mean, the B&Bs are full; the Coast-to-Coast luggage vans are forever passing you but where are the people? You just do not see them as they walk the high route. That’s what makes it so special, the quiet, the escape from mobile phones, from wifi, a digital detox, the clear air, the sinus blasting smell of sheep and moorland.

It just slows you down and makes you smile

.

Images Š Dorcas Eatch Keld waterfall

Silver Hill

Angram Barn, Autumn

NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2017 / VOL. 2 / NO. 1

MY FAVOURITE PLACE Crickhowell

by Paul Bather ARPS, AFIAP I recently visited Crickhowell, a picturesque town on the eastern side of the Brecon Beacons National Park. The town is situated in the Usk Valley with a range of walks for all abilities either around the outskirts of the town, along the river Usk or a short distance away along the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal.

Brecon Falls

There are a wide range of photographic subjects easily accessible locally be it waterfalls, woodlands or canal scenes. I have included a couple of pictures from my recent visit. I will definitely return and would recommend Crickhowell as a base to anyone who enjoys fine food, walks and scenery.

Images Š Paul Bather

Conflicting Currents

Stone Sculpture

On the trail to Sgwd-Yr-Eira

Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal near Crickhowell

Woodland Scene

NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2017 / VOL. 2 / NO. 1

What's On Exhibitions Landscape Photographer of the Year London Winning entries from the 2016 competition are on display on the balcony of Waterloo Station until 5th February.

Fox Talbot: Dawn of the Photograph Bradford An exhibition exploring the life and career of Henry Fox Talbot, 'the father of photography'. Showing at the National Media Museum, Bradford until 8th February 2017 Iceland: An Uneasy Calm - Tim Rudman Bradford Sixty four, silver gelatine prints, all captured on film and developed using traditional darkroom techniques and manipulation, unveil the beauty and yet uncompromising harshness of the Icelandic landscape. On show at Bradford College until 9th February' Journeys: Open Studio Photographers Whitstable Work by a diverse group of photographers, interpreting the theme of journeys in its widest sense. Showing at the Somerset Maugham Gallery, Horsebridge Centre, Whitstable from 8th to 14th February.

Wildlife Photographer of the Year Edinburgh The exhibition of images from the 2015 competition, on tour from the Natural History Museum, is on show at the National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh, until 19th February 2017.

Cold Places: Pictures from the Poles Chester This exhibition showcases photographs from awardwinning photographer Sue Flood's visits to the Arctic and Antarctic Circles, alongside Inuit pieces from her collection and a selection of her polar survival gear. At the Grosvenor Museum, Chester, until 22nd February 2017.

Sea, Sand and Steel Darlington Chris Walker's black and white project of the Teeside coast. Showing in the Town Hall exhibition space, until 10th March.

A selection of exhibitions & events which may be of interest to landscape group members The View from Here | Landscape Photography from the National Galleries of Scotland Edinburgh A selection of landscape photographs from the 1840s to the present day, drawn entirely from the permanent collection of photographs at the National Galleries of Scotland. At the Scottish National Portrait Gallery until 30th April 2017.

The Radical Eye: Modernist Photography from the Sir Elton John Collection London Classic modernist images from the 1920's to 1950's, at the Tate Modern until 21st May. Wolfgang Tillmans London Alongside portraiture, landscape and intimate still lifes, Tillmans pushes the boundaries of the photographic form in abstract artworks that range from the sculptural to the immersive. At the Tate Modern from 15th February to 11th June.

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

Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2016 London The exhibition features a collection of 100 exceptional images, drawn from more than 50,000 entries. The images reveal the astonishing diversity of life on our planet, from urban foxes to mountain hares. At the Natural History Museum until 10th September 2017.

Conferences, Fairs and Festivals The Photography Show Birmingham The UK's largest photography show returns to the NEC, Birmingham from 18th to 21st March 2017.

Do you have an exhibition of your own?

Do you know of a local exhibition which may interest members?

Please let us know at landscapenews@rps.org.

NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2017 / VOL. 2 / NO. 1

EVENTS Workshop - using filters to improve your landscape photography Saturday 11th March, 9:00 to 16:00 Bristol Harbour This full day workshop led by professional landscape photographer Jeremy Walker will start with theory and then go out into the field for practical tuition and image making.

The group size will be limited to a maximum of 15.

Each participant will be able to borrow a range of Lee filters for the duration of the workshop and will have access to exclusive discounts following the event. See here for full details.

Special Access Stonehenge dawn shoot Sunday 12th March, 6:30 to 8:00

The Landscape Group has secured a limited number of places for an early morning shoot. It will take place at dawn and participants will be able to gain close access to the stones. With a maximum number of 30 visitors, this promises to be an ideal and rare opportunity for some great photography.

Following the 1-hour Stonehenge visit, participants will be able to visit some of the other magnificent local sites. See here for full details.

Around Lock Eck Saturday 1st April, 10:00 to 16:00

Near Dunoon, Argyll A Field trip to the beautiful Loch Eck in Argyll, led by David Fiddes whose images were featured in the December newsletter. See here for details.

Bolton Abbey and the River Wharfe Wednesday 5th April, 9:30 to 16:30

Near Skipton Bolton Abbey offers a range of riverside and woodland walks. Highlights include the Strid and the ruins of the 12th Century priory. There are some trails accessible to wheelchair users, while others may wish to make their way up the Valley of Desolation to photograph Posforth Force.

See here for full details.

Could you host an event?

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

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

Nash Point and the Heritage Coast Saturday 8th April, 10:00 to 16:00

Nash Point, St Donas An informal photo-walk to photograph Nash Point Lighthouse and low tide rocks on the Glamorgan Heritage Coast, with Peter Douglas-Jones, See here for full details.

West Brecon Beacons photography walk Saturday 22nd April, 10:00 to 14:00 Llanddeusant An informal, but strenuous, photo-walk with Peter Douglas-Jones. See here for full details.

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

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

South Coast Scenic Shoot Sunday 7th May, 8:00 to 17:00

Near Havant, Hampshire A field trip to some of the most scenic locations of Hampshire and SW Sussex. See here for details.

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

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

See here for more details.

Norfolk coastal field trip Saturday 24th to Sunday 25th June Norfolk - exact location to be confirmed Guided photographic trip to part of the Norfolk coast. See here for contact details.

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

NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2017 / VOL. 2 / NO. 1

MEMBERS' IMAGES

Silver Birch Fast Flowing

© Paul Bather ARPS

Canal Side Walk

© Paul Bather ARPS

Waterfall

© John Patterson LRPS

© Paul Bather ARPS

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

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

The deadline for the next newsletter is Sunday 26th February 2017. Thank you!

NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2017 / VOL. 2 / NO. 1