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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 Derek Smith 29 January 2026
Last night Dave Mann gave an excellent talk on his visit to Beamish in May last year. Dave explored much more of the Beamish site than when I visited in April last year, Dave mentioned the difficulties of getting on some of the vintage transport around the site, I experienced the same during my visit. It's a fascinating historic working museum and well recommended for a visit. Many thanks Dave for an entertaining evening.
by Graham Harrison 25 January 2026
Good Morning All Last week at the club we had our yearly project night, last year it was one photograph a month with the same focal length, there is a full report on the evening on our blog page, but four members did last year's project with newer member Sam Collet showing photographs at the club for the first time, some excellent photographs taken in Japan. It would be good if a few more members took part this year, just one photograph a month with the subject being water. Attached is my January photograph from last year, it would work for this years project as well. This week, Wednesday 28th January, our catering manager Dave Mann will be having a week off and showing some of his photographs. His presentation will be a mixed bag of photographs. Don't forget to send Dave Turner an email with your titles for the print of the year. Entries will need bringing in on the 4th February. Regards Graham
by Derek Smith 22 January 2026
We held our "Project Night" last night, the theme being "Prime Time", one photo each month taken over the previous 12 months, using the same focal length "prime" lens. Myself, Harry Kerman, Keith Rossington, and Graham Harrison, had each completed the project and were able to show their results as projected images at the meeting. The results of the project were very interesting, seeing how each photographer had approached the theme, and their interpretation of the project. I have posted here one image from each photographer. The evening was rounded off by one of our newer members, Sam Collett, displaying some of his images taken on a visit to Japan, his wildlife photography was stunning in detail, and quality, well done Sam.
by Graham Harrison 18 January 2026
Good morning All Last week at the club we held our monthly competition, a PDI, with the categories of "Insects" and "Open". There was a good level of entries and some excellent photography. The competition was judged by Colin Lusby of NELPS Photographic Society. The "Open" category was won by Dave Turner with an excellent landscape of Llanberis, and I managed a first place in the subject competition with a Willow Emerald Damselfly, still quite rare but I photographed this one at Bressingham Gardens Norfolk. The results and photographs are on are website under competitions. This week, Wednesday 21st January, is our project night, only four members took part, hopefully more will take part this year. The subject was "Prime Time", one photograph a month with the same focal length lens. To finish the evening, Paul Twomey is showing his mini lecture that he missed last time, and newer member Sam Collett is showing some of his work. The new project subject is Water, one photograph a month including water. There is plenty of water about at the moment, the rivers are flowing well for a start. Dave Turner will now accept your titles for Print of the year, the same subjects as the PDI of the year but with the addition of Best mono in competition as well. This is chosen by the judge from any mono print in the six subjects. Regards Graham
by Derek Smith 15 January 2026
It was our first meeting after the Christmas break, it was good to be back and the meeting was well attended. We held a PDI competition with the categories of “Insects”, and “Open”, our judge for the evening was Colin Lusby, who is a very experienced judge, and he gave many useful tips, and suggestions on how to improve our images for greater impact. Dave Turner took the well deserved top spot, in the “Open” category with his image of “Moody Llanberis”, landscape photography doesn’t just need a good view, the skill is in capturing the mood, the light, and the shadows, as well as the scene – Dave has captured the scene perfectly, it’s a view that anyone would love to hang on their wall. In the “Insects” category, Graham Harrison took the top spot with his perfectly sharp Willow Emerald Damselfly, this is a beautiful green iridescent insect pictured on a stalk, an excellent capture. The Competition page on the our website has been updated with the top three images in each category, and the score sheets.
by Graham Harrison 11 January 2026
Good Morning All I photographed this Treecreeper bird at Linwood Warren recently. We start back again this Wednesday 14th January with a PDI competition, the categories are "Insects" and "Open" to be judged by Colin Lusby of NELPS. The list of entries has been sent out and we have a good entry, fifty images altogether. The following week we hold our project night, "Prime Time", we have four members showing their images from the project. Regards Graham
by Derek Smith 9 January 2026
The use of monochrome images seems to be coming back into fashion of late. Many of a certain generation will remember when monochrome was everywhere, television, newspapers, magazines, films, and our own photos (black and white film was less expensive), I remember in the mid sixties when the Sun newspaper (a broadsheet at that time) and the Daily Herald began a rivalry to publish the most colour photos into each edition. Monochrome images can sometimes convey a mood, and detail that’s not always evident in a colour photograph. Converting a digital colour image to monochrome can take a fair amount of skill, sometimes it’s helpful to visualise the image as a monochrome before even taking the photo, when editing the blacks have to be rendered as pure black, and the whites rendered as pure white, with a range of greys in-between, otherwise an image can look “muddy”. If your camera allows possibly try shooting some images in monochrome. Portraits, architecture, landscape, street photography, and trees often make the best monochrome images, and rarely wildlife, although my image of a lizard is quite effective. I shall be running a “Photo Editing” workshop on the 4th February, and members will have a chance to try converting colour digital images to monochrome.
by Graham Harrison 4 January 2026
Good Morning All I have been out a few times with my camera, there are a lot of Fieldfares around in large flocks at the moment, the only trouble is they soon take flight so are quite hard to get near, this one was from the car window. Our first meeting back in the New Year will be January 14th opening with a PDI competition, the categories are "Insects" and "Open" judged by Colin Lusby, please send your entries to Harry with a closing date of midnight the 7th January. The following week is the project night where members were asked to take part and using a prime lens take one photograph a month. Myself and Derek have done the project could any members who have taken part let me know please so I have an idea how much time will be left over. We are hoping to enter the N&EMPF club PDI competition and LPA club PDI competition, Harry as usual will organise an entry for us but if you can send him up to six of your very best PDI's when you have time, please. The main rule is it can't have been in the competition before. You may need to send them in two files as LPA use a size of 1920 x 1080 and NEMPF 1600 x 1200. The new project for this year is water, one photograph a month which includes water. The projects will be then shown January 2027. There is also the LPA individual PDI competition you may want to enter, Derek sent details a few weeks ago but information can be found on the Lincolnshire Photographic associations website. Regards Graham
by Derek Smith 1 January 2026
So, why did I swap my Olympus OM-D E-M5 iii camera, and associated lenses for the Fuji XT-3 and lens system, and return to Olympus / OM Systems just a few years later? The Olympus E-M5 iii was, and still is a very capable camera, with a 20Mp micro four thirds sensor, and fully weather proofed, my camera upgrade path was to the OM-D E-M1 iii, but it would have cost me at least £1000, providing me with dual SD cards, and a few extra controls. It was cheaper for me to sell all my Olympus gear, and buy into the Fuji ecosystem, the XT-3 had the dual SD card slots, and promised to have improved image quality. The Fuji lens selection was extensive, and I bought a pair of zoom lenses, and a couple of prime lenses. Later on I bought the Fuji XS-20 as an everyday carry camera, but it was forever warning of overheating. I was content with the Fuji system for several years, I would liked to have photographed more birds, and wildlife, however the reach (focal length) of the 70-300mm Fuji lens was a limiting factor. I took some of my best photographs with the Fuji system, and the Fuji 16-80mm zoom lens was one of my favourite all-round lens. The turning point for me was the launch of the OM Systems OM-1, with a stacked BSI sensor, and subject detection AF, I could have chosen a Nikon, or Canon camera system but the lens selection was limited at that time for the latest mirror-less cameras. I sold all the Fuji gear, and bought a used OM-1 camera for £850, closely followed by a 12-45mm f/4 zoom lens, the 17mm f/1.8 prime (an all time favourite of mine) the 25mm f/1.8, and the 45mm f/1.8 prime. I’ve repurchased the Olympus E-M5 iii, as it’s a great small everyday carry for travel, and general photography. The lens I bought last year was the 60mm f/2.8 macro lens, which has enabled me to take some great insect photos. For bird, and wildlife photography I have been using the Olympus 70-300mm zoom lens, but I’ve just upgraded that to a OM Systems 100-400mm zoom lens, which is stabilised to 7 stops of IBIS on the OM-1, and is fully waterproof, and dustproof. As the micro four thirds sensor is smaller than a full frame sensor, you have to double the focal length to obtain an equivalent viewing angle to a full frame camera, thus the 100-400mm lens becomes equivalent to 200-800mm on a full frame camera. For this coming year I intend to be more focused (no pun intended) on landscape, and wildlife photography, watch this space. Whatever camera, or phone you’re taking photos with just enjoy your hobby, and keep learning and improving.
by Graham Harrison 31 December 2025
Good Morning All I hope you all had a very good Christmas and wishing you all a happy new year. I tried to find one photograph that summed up the year. Regards Graham