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Derek Smith • 15 March 2018

Sorry, unable to grab the .rss feed from the zenfolio site, so copied.

http://www.louthphotographicsociety.com/blog en-us (C) Louth Photographic Society ph.sec.lps@gmail.com (Louth Photographic Society) Thu, 08 Feb 2018 15:50:00 GMT Thu, 08 Feb 2018 15:50:00 GMT http://www.louthphotographicsociety.com/img/s/v-5/u349382545-o648549513-50.jpg http://www.louthphotographicsociety.com/blog 120 82 http://www.louthphotographicsociety.com/blog/2018/2/update-jan/feb-start

Good to see members returning to the Club after the Break. The first 2 weeks were taken up with viewing the LPA Print Portfolios, which turned out to be a wealth of images in both colour and B&W. It was a difficult task to select the Club preferences to go forward, but it was achieved. Well done to Chris in Chairing the events, alongside Roger for his input.

7 Feb saw a great evening, led by Peter Cory, giving a very descriptive talk about his journeys through North Africa, then after the break with two tours of Russia. His DPIs from Slides and Prints from times past were expertly manipulated and managed and the evening displayed tales of austerity through to sheer opulence.

Our next event is 14 Feb - DPI Comp, 'Patterns in Nature' 'Open' and 'Tetney Blow-wells'. Images through to Graham as soon as possible, with a cut-off of Midnight Sunday LATEST.

]]> ph.sec.lps@gmail.com (Louth Photographic Society) http://www.louthphotographicsociety.com/blog/2018/2/update-jan/feb-start Thu, 08 Feb 2018 15:49:51 GMT http://www.louthphotographicsociety.com/blog/2018/1/upcoming-events January 24 sees a return to the Club after the Christmas Break. This date, followed by January 31, sees two special evenings, displaying the very best in the form of the LPA Folios for both colour and mono. Historically, the quality of these evening's works are extremely high and should provide a catalyst for members to 'get out there and give things a go'. Following this, on February 7, our own member (Peter) has an evening showing his work from numerous visits to Russia (believed to be DPI).
Members may note that Graham has sent out the request for programme input ideas; please support him in this and return in good time, to allow him to formulate the programme so there can be something to hopefully please everyone.
PM
]]> ph.sec.lps@gmail.com (Louth Photographic Society) http://www.louthphotographicsociety.com/blog/2018/1/upcoming-events Tue, 16 Jan 2018 17:42:57 GMT http://www.louthphotographicsociety.com/blog/2018/1/2018---a-happy-new-year-to-all May I take the opportunity to wish all members a very "Happy New Year" and best wishes for all endeavours in 2018. I hope you all had a good festive break, including Christmas, and look forward to seeing members back at the LPS. Can I further encourage members to view the remaining programme for the year and see where they can contribute.

PM

]]> ph.sec.lps@gmail.com (Louth Photographic Society) http://www.louthphotographicsociety.com/blog/2018/1/2018---a-happy-new-year-to-all Mon, 01 Jan 2018 13:18:35 GMT http://www.louthphotographicsociety.com/blog/2017/11/29th-november-competition-night Wednesday 29 November : Tony Gaskins : DPI Competition

Another robust turnout from the membership, to listen to an eminently qualified and experienced Judge in the form of Tony. This was Tonys second visit to the Club, so we must be doing something right if he's prepared to return! The 3 themes for the evening's DPI Sections were 'Breaking the Rules', 'Open' (Mono) and 'Local Architecture' (Colour). Tony had previewed the DPIs on the laptop and explained it was going to be a difficult task ahead, a good reflection of the quality of work on offer. He went on to afford a very detailed, fair and experienced critique of each image, giving time to pick up on the positives, as well as proffering advice where he though an image could be strengthened. For the showing of the DPIs, I personally sat at the back and was amazed at both the diversity and quality of work on show throughout each theme. In the end, Tony selected his worthy choices and gave his rationale as to why they made the 'final cut'. Well done to all who took part, and to Tony, for a great, valuable and entertaining evening. I believe there was something of value and education for us all in the evening's event.

To the team in the background who keep things going, a hearty 'Thank you' to John for his projector work, Roger and Carol for the points recording, and Dave for providing the hot refreshments at half time!

On behalf of all members of the LPS, we offer our very best wishes to David the President; our thoughts are with you at this time.


]]> ph.sec.lps@gmail.com (Louth Photographic Society) http://www.louthphotographicsociety.com/blog/2017/11/29th-november-competition-night Thu, 30 Nov 2017 17:15:03 GMT http://www.louthphotographicsociety.com/blog/2017/11/louth-panorama Wednesday 22 November : Richard Gurnham : Louth Panorama and its People

Another fascinating insight into the life of early Louth and its people was brilliantly explained tonight by Richard.

It is his third visit to the Club since my membership, and each visit brings not just a fresh approach, but new stories of times, both good and bad of the history of Louth and its people. Richard extracted numerous images from 'Brown's Panorama', displayed them in DPI format and had eloquent stories to tell of each, based upon his extensive research and knowledge. Keen to impart this information with meticulous precision, there were stories ranging from Publicans, Doctors and Lady Nymphs, right up to Police and JPs. As ever, we can only imagine the hardships people of the time endured.

All too soon the time limit on the evening arrived - despite many untold stories waiting in the wings.

I'm sure Richard will devolve further in his latest book (due out in 2018).


]]> ph.sec.lps@gmail.com (Louth Photographic Society) http://www.louthphotographicsociety.com/blog/2017/11/louth-panorama Thu, 23 Nov 2017 06:51:15 GMT http://www.louthphotographicsociety.com/blog/2017/11/donna-nook I visited Donna Nook today to see how the Seal numbers are doing.
It was pleasing to see a healthy number of mums and pups.
Many of the pups were very close to the fence line, with some actually touching it.
I went at 7am to see a magnificent sunrise, and catch the first light on the Seals at the southern edge of the fence line.
There were numerous Wardens constantly on patrol, and speaking to them, they advise that the pupping season is approaching its peak.
Birthing happens along the complete fence line, and a range of lenses from 50-400 on full frame or crop will cover 90% of needs.
It goes without saying, that Nov/Dec is cold, but this morning was bitter. Get well wrapped up!
Paul

19-11-17

]]> ph.sec.lps@gmail.com (Louth Photographic Society) http://www.louthphotographicsociety.com/blog/2017/11/donna-nook Tue, 21 Nov 2017 11:25:50 GMT http://www.louthphotographicsociety.com/blog/2017/10/street-photography---part-2 Wednesday 25 October : Mike Bennett : Street and others Pt2

Tonight saw another strong attendance from Club members, for the welcome return of Mike Bennett. The President started by thanking Mike for attending at short notice. It certainly was a further coup for the membership having a second serving of Mike's DPI images and immaculate AV. The images were as diverse in street theme as last time, with different viewpoints of known landmarks, interspersed with human action. As an addition to his expertise in street genre, Mike gave insight, knowledge and practical skill through DPI work in other fields, including Transport and wonderful Portrait work. Theme music and images captured more stories in AV. I hope the dual lectures provide some stimulus for members to get out and have a go, remember the DPI of the year Comp has opportunity to enter images for this genre.

PM

]]> ph.sec.lps@gmail.com (Louth Photographic Society) http://www.louthphotographicsociety.com/blog/2017/10/street-photography---part-2 Fri, 27 Oct 2017 11:28:40 GMT http://www.louthphotographicsociety.com/blog/2017/10/october-print-competition At the meeting of 18th October Louth Photographic Society held a Print Competition.

Our Judge for the evening was a welcome return of Jorj Malinowski who ably sorted out the 25 Open entries and the 20 British Wildlife entries. It was encouraging to see an increasing number of entries and Jorj commented that he was seeing even better quality images.

Sid Pearce took first prize in the Open section with Wrinkles, and Graham Harrison gained first in British Wildlife with Young Robin. Full details of the results and the winning images can be found on the Competition

Next week 25th October sees a change of programme with a welcome return of Mike Bennett with more images including his speciality of Street photography.

P. Huke.


]]> ph.sec.lps@gmail.com (Louth Photographic Society) http://www.louthphotographicsociety.com/blog/2017/10/october-print-competition Sun, 22 Oct 2017 05:48:24 GMT http://www.louthphotographicsociety.com/blog/2017/10/on-the-street
Wednesday 4 October : Street Photography and extras : Mike Bennett
Club events, following the Summer Break have been outstanding quality, and tonight was no exception. A genre of photography which is new to many, perhaps on the fringe of their comfort zone or bordering with slight trepidation, was unfolded in a professional, educational and motivational way by Mike. Starting with his personal belief of the topic, his discussion covered both his ethic and factual stance in terms of go/no go areas for this specialist field. Mike displayed crafted DPI work from area's including Grimsby, Lincoln, Nottingham, Sheffield and some outstanding work from within London. Colour and mono DPI told a story to the viewer. His approach through gritty, contrasty, sometimes sombre B&W showed great empathy with his subject. Extra showing during the evening included some Studio work, selective tone work and wonderful Photoshop skills. Finally, beautifully crafted and executed Audio Visual work balanced the images with carefully selected music taking the audience on a journey of perfect storytelling.
For me, it was enthralling, a new concept and one I would like to try; hope you all enjoyed it too.
PM
]]> ph.sec.lps@gmail.com (Louth Photographic Society) http://www.louthphotographicsociety.com/blog/2017/10/on-the-street Thu, 05 Oct 2017 05:44:29 GMT http://www.louthphotographicsociety.com/blog/2017/10/photoshop-workshop "Photoshop workshops

We are planning to start Photoshop workshops this Autumn. An Open evening is being held on Monday, 9th October at Church House, Louth starting at 7.30 pm.

At this meeting we are fortunate enough to have Brian McCarthy who will demonstrate what can be achieved with Photoshop and how it can be used to improve your images. We will also discuss how the workshops will be run

All interested are invited to come along and find out more about the workshops and our Society, or contact Peter Huke on 01507 605158"

P.H.

]]> ph.sec.lps@gmail.com (Louth Photographic Society) http://www.louthphotographicsociety.com/blog/2017/10/photoshop-workshop Mon, 02 Oct 2017 11:18:28 GMT http://www.louthphotographicsociety.com/blog/2017/9/presidents-evening
Wednesday 27th September: President's Evening.
David Hewson : Aperture Priority and Depth of Field.
Starting on time, David gave a wonderful lecture on controlling the 'Depth of Field' in an image, by the selective use of Aperture. Interspersed with a beautiful array of natural wildlife images in both Print and DPI format, David showed how a zone of focus, with front to back depth, and a focal point, could be used to great effect in composition and exposure. Throughout the evening his images 'popped' with vibrancy, as the audience were led on his journey (both geographically and technically), into achieving his image. David took time to answer questions as they arose, and gave some valuable tips into the use of Aperture Priority, including the rationale behind his preference for its use in his specialist field of work. Technically, although aperture selection, focal length, distance and Crop v Full Frame come into the equation, David spoke of the need to have the image in mind to start with. Exposure Compensation, Macro and the use of the Histogram also featured. The images were made available to view at the end of the evening and David continued to talk to members. A hugely insightful evening and one which must surely prompt members to 'Turn the dial' to Av and have fun learning...
PM
]]> ph.sec.lps@gmail.com (Louth Photographic Society) http://www.louthphotographicsociety.com/blog/2017/9/presidents-evening Thu, 28 Sep 2017 15:18:26 GMT http://www.louthphotographicsociety.com/blog/2017/9/lincoln-shutter-imps Just a reminder that the Lincoln 'Shutter Imps' Photographic Exhibition is currently running in the Lincoln Central Library until 30th September. It covers a variety of genres and is Free to view. I have been today, and there are a diverse selection of wonderful images from some very talented individuals.

PM.

]]> ph.sec.lps@gmail.com (Louth Photographic Society) http://www.louthphotographicsociety.com/blog/2017/9/lincoln-shutter-imps Sat, 23 Sep 2017 12:39:43 GMT http://www.louthphotographicsociety.com/blog/2017/9/competition-night Wednesday 20 September

Wednesday 20 September was advertised as a 3-theme DPI evening with an external Judge. Unfortunately, the Judge was absent, so our President David Hewson very kindly 'stepped up to the plate' for the evening to undertake the Judging role. This was David's first evening back, and it was good to see him looking well. There was a robust number of images on display - totalling nearly 70, split between the themes of 'Sunrise/Sunset', 'Open' and 'Man's effect on the environment'. Each theme contained images in which members used their interpretation and skills to good effect, to give the Judge a challenging evening. Scores were close, but congratulations go to Graham Elvidge in coming first in 2 out of the 3 themes, Stirling work indeed!
Continued thanks to those who assist in making the evening a success.
As a heads-up, David returns next week (27th) to stand and deliver an evening on aperture and depth of field control, something which he uses to great effect in his work. Certainly an evening not to be missed.
PM
]]> ph.sec.lps@gmail.com (Louth Photographic Society) http://www.louthphotographicsociety.com/blog/2017/9/competition-night Thu, 21 Sep 2017 16:54:14 GMT http://www.louthphotographicsociety.com/blog/2017/9/return-to-the-club Return from the Summer Break

Wednesday 13th September saw a very welcome return back to the Club Room for the LPS Members after the Summer Break. The evening (as advertised in the local Newspaper and Lincs FM Radio), consisted of seven Members displaying and talking about their 10 favourite PDI works. The range of work on offer was diverse and excellent, and it proved to be a very good start to the Autumn Season.
It was good to see some new faces in the audience too, let's hope the show of skill and calibre has whetted the appetite.
Graham asked to remind of the PDI Comp next week; cut-off for entries is midnight next Monday.
Please keep abreast of the programme, and Peter will inform of all activities, including the forthcoming Photoshop Workshop.
PM
]]> ph.sec.lps@gmail.com (Louth Photographic Society) http://www.louthphotographicsociety.com/blog/2017/9/return-to-the-club Thu, 14 Sep 2017 06:25:42 GMT http://www.louthphotographicsociety.com/blog/2017/9/exhibition I have been into Lincoln this morning and had a social coffee with a good friend, who is an outstanding nature and wildlife photographer. He advises me that a local gathering (which he is a member of), the "Shutter Imps" are holding a 2-week display of their photographic work from 18-30 September in the Central Library. Entrance is free.

Louth Photographic Society

by Graham Harrison 6 July 2025
Good Morning All Last Sunday I went to the Armed forces day at Cleethorpes, there were not so many people about as I think most wanted to see the Red Arrows on Saturday. There was an excellent display from a group of first world war re-enactors who were mounted and in the uniform of the Lancers as well as a limited air display the highlight been the Spitfire. Last week was also the run for life in Louth, Sam from Colorgrafix did the run in memory of Paul Malley and raising money for cancer research. Sam asked the club for sponsorship so we sent her a donation from us all. Last Friday 21 members and partners enjoyed a meal at the Royal Oak, Cawthorpe, it was good to be able to socialise with each other with a few drinks and a very good meal. I hope everyone had a great night. This week, Wednesday 9th July, we are holding a PDI (Projected Digital Image) competition, with the categories of "Local Flowers in Their Environment (25 miles limit)" and "Open". I am going to judge the Flowers with Dave Turner judging the Open. Regards Graham
by Derek Smith 3 July 2025
Most people are aware of “writers block”, where a writer sits staring at a blank page, and can’t think of a story to write, well photographers suffer from a similar affliction, with a camera sitting on a shelf, and we can’t think of anything to photograph. I believe that change in one way or another can invigorate our photographic creativity, one of our members renowned for his seascapes, has begun taking photos of birdlife, creating some stunning images. My favourite photographic genre has been in fashion and portraiture for the past 6 years, but I’ve lost the “joy” in the genre, so now I want to take more landscape, and macro photography, varying my style. I have just changed my camera system, and now I’m excited to try out the new lenses and watching endless YouTube videos to learn about the new camera system, as well as getting out, and trying the new techniques, these are some of the images from my new camera system. Another method of invigorating your photography is to start a project, think of a subject, and build a portfolio of images, watching how your photography improves as you take each image over time. Joining a camera club is another way to invigorate our photography. Many of our members have stated that their photography has improved since joining, being inspired by the talks, workshops, and regular competitions. The competitions are important both from a learning perspective, but also from the challenges in the subject matter. Recently I was dashing around trying to photograph “Wildflowers in the Environment” for our next competition, a lot of the roadside verges had been mowed reducing the wildflowers locally. Next, I tried some churchyards, there was some “Ladies Bedstraw” flowers in Scrivelsby churchyard, but it didn’t make for a convincing photo, I found some wildflowers along a footpath that did work. I did find another convincing photo in a local church yard, but still I had only two out of three photographs, and the deadline for competition entry submission was fast approaching. Driving out of Horncastle I spotted an ideal wildflower candidate, so quickly turning the car around, parking on the verge, and laying flat on the ground I was able to take one of the best images of the three, and with a lens that I wouldn’t normally associate with this style of photography. In conclusion, dust off that camera, take some photographs, and rediscover the simple joy of photography.
by Graham Harrison 26 June 2025
We had a really good turn out for the visit to Rimac last night and the weather was fantastic for taking wildlife photographs. There was plenty to photograph from moths and butterflies to many different birds, there were also plenty of wildflowers as well. I think we all took plenty of photographs so the competitions should have plenty of entries this year. We spent just over two hours photographing and walking round then some of us visited the Prussian Queen in Saltfleetby, where we were made to feel welcome and quenched our thirsts.
by Derek Smith 25 June 2025
Paul Malley, a gentle, genial, giant of a man sadly passed away recently after a long illness. Paul had been a longtime member of the Louth Photographic Society, and had served in several roles, Treasurer at one time, and latterly as a stalwart active member on the Committee. Always ready with helpful knowledge, and advice, Paul was calm in a crisis, and insightful, able to understand both sides of a discussion, and suggest a compromise. An outstanding photographer, dedicated to his craft, he produced some excellent images, some of which are shared here. Rest in peace my friend, you will be much missed by Pam, family, friends, and members of the Louth Photographic Society.
by Graham Harrison 22 June 2025
Good Morning All Last week at the club we held our monthly print competition, there was a good entry of just over 40 prints and of a very good standard. Tony Gaskins won the subject, Britain's Coastline with an excellent photograph of Whitby and Dave Tuner was 1st in the Open with an excellent misty morning photograph at Buttermere. Thank you to all that entered, and all the results are on our website. This week, Wednesday 25th June, we are going to Rimac near Saltfleet, I have heard there is quite a bit of wildlife there at the moment, let's hope we are lucky. If we meet in the car park at 6.30pm and set of as a group though we usually get stretched out as we go. I have attached a map, but if you are on a corner and there is a track going towards the sea at the area shown on the map you should be ok. Regards Graham
by Derek Smith 19 June 2025
Our print competition with the categories of “Britain's Coastline”, and “Open” was held last night. Gail Wrigg, the LPA President, was the judge for the evening, and there were some stunning prints submitted into the competition to review. The images were judged fairly, majoring on the technical imperfections of the images, depth of focus, composition, elements within an image that could have been removed, and improved cropping of an image. Gail always connects with the audience with her critique of the submitted competition entries. It's surprising how the print medium looks, and feels so different from an image viewed on a screen, just very alive, and tactile. The competition results have been updated on the Competition page of our website.
by Graham Harrison 16 June 2025
Good Morning All, I visited Welton-Le-Wold nature reserve the other evening, a bit like a small Red Hill, there were a lot more wildflowers there than Red Hill but again not many insects, it may be better in the daytime? It is only about two miles from Louth as well. Last week was the LPA battle at Scunthorpe, only Dave Turner went taking our prints with him, not a good result for Louth, 1st Grimsby 258, 2nd Scunthorpe 245 and 3rd Louth 236, quite a difference from the first round but that's LPA battles. The next round is at Cleethorpes, it would be good if a few more members could attend. It will soon be our annual dinner at the Splash, any more deposits this week please and menu choices by midnight Wednesday please, otherwise you may go hungry. This week, Wednesday 18th June, we hold our monthly print competition, with the categories of “Britain's Coastline” and “Open” there has been a good entry so should be a good night. Regards Graham
by Graham Harrison 8 June 2025
Good Morning All Last week we visited Red Hill nature reserve, a very good turnout, but the wildlife didn't seem to know we were going, it's quite worrying though the lack of any butterflies or any other insects of any sorts. Hopefully we all got some photographs before we visited the Three horseshoes at Goulceby. I did photograph an unusual caterpillar but couldn't manage to identify it? This week we are away in the LPA Battles at Scunthorpe, for anyone planning to attend it is at the Pavilion, Bramley Crescent, Bottesford DN16 35N this Wednesday 11th at 7.30pm. I don't think I will make it due to work but hopefully some members will attend. There will be no meeting at Louth this week as members will be a way at Scunthorpe. The following week, Wednesday 18th June, we are holding the monthly print competition, if you can email your titles to Dave Turner by midnight Wednesday 11th if you have not already and bring your prints in on the night by 7 pm as no one is there to collect them this week. There are still a few deposits for the meal to come in yet, but in two week's time will be ok. If you can send your menu choices to me if you are attending by midnight 0n the 18th June please, as they need typing out and sending to the Splash two weeks in advance. Well, I think that's all, Regards Graham
by Derek Smith 6 June 2025
When you use a digital camera for the first time it’s tempting to shoot in fully “Auto” mode, however if you continue using this mode you will be missing out on the full functionality, and capability of your camera. What I would suggest is to use one of the other modes, most photographers use the semi-automatic “Aperture Priority”, denoted by the A or Av on the mode dial, this is not as daunting as it may at first sound. There are 3 variables to obtain a properly exposed photograph, aperture, the lens opening letting the light onto the camera sensor, shutter speed, a slow 1/60 sec shutter speed allows a greater amount of light to reach the sensor than 1/250 second, and ISO, which adjusts the sensitivity of the sensor to light. Using “Aperture Priority” mode (A or Av) allows the photographer to take control over the camera settings for improved photos, and greater creative control. Switch to "Aperture Priority" mode and use the dial, or touchscreen to vary the lens opening size, displayed as an "F" number in the viewfinder or rear screen. A lower F number allows a greater amount of light to reach the sensor, reducing depth of field. A higher F number increases depth of field. To put this into perspective, I like to think of the aperture values in terms of bands: – f/1.2 – f/4 for portraits, or subject isolation, with a narrow “depth of field” f/4 – f/7.1 for wildlife, and architecture photos f/7.1 – f/16 produces great landscape images with a large “depth of field” ensuring the photo is sharp from the foreground to the distant background. These aperture values are not meant to be arbitrary, but rather to provide some guidance, the “depth of field” will vary depending on the focal length of the lens, the size of the sensor, and the distance of the photographer to the subject. The ISO value can be set to Auto ISO, or fixed at a set value, if the shutter speed drops below 1/60, the image may become “soft” the ISO can be increased to raise the shutter speed, thus ensuring a sharper image. The two images of Filey crazy golf course demonstrate the advantage of choosing an “Aperture Priority” over “Auto” mode. With the camera in “Auto” mode an aperture of f/4.5 was chosen by the camera, and the foreground rock becomes soft. Selecting “Aperture Priority”, and choosing f/8, the image is now sharp from the foreground to the background.
by Derek Smith 5 June 2025
At Red Hill nature reserve last night members had the opportunity to practice their macro skills. The evening was bright, but with a chilly wind, both of which made macro photography fairly challenging. Macro photography needs patience and a wealth of subjects, we didn’t see any butterflies, only a couple of grasshoppers, and a ladybird. In the wildflower meadow the orchids hadn’t grown fully yet, there was plenty of Birds Foot Trefoil around, I managed to get a reasonable shot of a grasshopper, and a grass seed head, which are posted on here. It was good to see so many members attending; it was a chance to get down to ground level and see the beauty of macro / close up photography.