Hi All,
We have just had our April 08 competition and as the resident judge and member I must say how much I enjoyed the evening.

The expertise and quality of the entries has risen tremendously since our first competition some 12 months or so ago. (and Brian has bought his new DSLR)

On each of the competitions, I’ve have tried to balance my criticism while concentrating on different aspects of creating that special final image, from composition, sharpness, cropping through to capturing something different by waiting for that magical moment of light to work for you, to ensuring you capture the unusual to make your image stand out above all the others.

The committee has long been debating introducing a Group 1 alongside the Group 2 and 3 we have at the moment. With the improvement in the quality of images being submitted at the present time a Group 1 will definitely have to be formulated at the end of the year. This will give a more even and balanced representation of skills within the groups, so long as the number of entries stays high or even increases.

Although I have enjoyed judging and will continue to do so, I feel that from time to time we should, and will, seek to introduce new judges, to give different criticism and views, this I feel is important for the further progression and development (sorry) within the club.

The introduction of Elements and Photoshop to many of the members recently, has led them to display great enthusiasm to carry on exploring the possibilities of working with these programmes, and naturally, a wish to be able to display these new skills.
We should therefore consider introducing a “fine art” category periodically so that they can show off their newfound artistic skills.

Finally just one more comment, I have belonged and visited a “few” clubs over the years but rarely have I found such an enthusiastic and friendly bunch of people to share my passion for photography with….. Thank You.

Geoff B

I love your robin and would like to pick your brains as I am rubbish at these kind of photos.

What kind of camera and lens did you use? Did you use a tipod? And how long did it take you to get the perfect shot? I imagine that taking an image like this requires a great deal of patience. Lastly, what camera settings were used (Mr.Robin is lovely and sharp, and the background has just the right amount of creamy blurring).

Please don't me tell it was all down to luck.....

Regards, Madeleine

Having spent roughly a year as a fully paid up member of Caston Camera Club I like to think that I've learnt a thing or two about photography (mainly thanks to Geoff, David & Brian).

I now know a little bit about good composition,exposures, shutter speeds, editing, lenses etc., etc., etc. So imagine my consternation after encountering the work of the 'celebrated' photographer Martin Parr.

His photographs are taken in lurid technicolor with scant regard to what would normally be considered as good composition. His subject matter is usually various aspects of working class life, but unlike his predecessors in the field of documentary photography he seems to have little or no respect or empathy for the people he is photographing. To me his work seems to be a crude and cynical form of exploitation.

Naturally, the art world thinks that he's the bees knees and he receives rave reviews from every quarter. He seems to be the photographic equivalent of Tracy Emin, and I don't think much of her work either.

Am I being a complete philistine? Or are there others out there who share my views?

Regards, Madeleine