Our guest speakers last Thursday night were Kate Stevenson and Clare Harte, Wildlife and Landscape photographers with an expert knowledge of their subjects and whose Scottish Sisters Photography website is a must-visit destination. Kate and Clare travel extensively throughout Scotland using their detailed knowledge of the country’s wildlife and topography to produce remarkable photographs.
Osprey, Sea Eagle, Red Kite, Red Squirrel, Red Deer, Pine Marten and several varieties of Owl are just some of the creatures which they have sensitively photographed in their natural environments. Both photographers volunteer with Natural History organisations so contribute to the preservation of the natural world as well as adding to their extensive knowledge and understanding of their subjects. A large turnout of members for this event added to the atmosphere of the evening with Kate and Clare being generous with their time in answering many questions at the Question & Answer section afterwards.
We have just participated in the Scottish Photographic Federation Interim Digital Championship, with one of our Club photographers among the Medal winners. Along with the S.P.F. Interim Print Championship these are major events in the Scottish club calendar, usually held in-person, in central Scotland. Due to the pandemic that has not been possible since 2019 with the events held online hence the word Interim in the description. No decision has yet been made regarding the location of this years Print Championship.
The event had two sections. The Plate competition required clubs to enter 15 images. Falkirk C.C. entered the Ian Bowie competition which required 20 images. This is named after the late Dr Ian Bowie Hon. FRPS APSA EFIAP, a highly respected and accomplished photographer, lecturer, judge, administrator and former member of Paisley Colour Photographic Club.
The three judges were Gerald Chamberlin DPAGB EFIAP from the Northern Counties Photographic Federation, Robert Millin MFIAP EFIAP/D3 MPSA FBPE DPAGB from the Lancashire & Cheshire Photographic Union and Clive Tanner FRPS MPAGB APAGB from the Kent County Photographic Association.
At Falkirk, our thanks are due to our External Competition Secretary and selection team. Also to our contributing photographers: Elaine Woodford; Nancy MacArthur ARPS CPAGB; Debra Duncan; David Jones; Charles Woodford; Agnes Clark LRPS; Jim Falconer; Dave Ferguson LRPS; Catherine Anderson and Jackie Walker. Their photographs secured a highly respectable 8th place in the competition.
Jackie Walker was the highest achieving Falkirk photographer, being awarded a Scottish Photographic Federation Silver Medal for the best Nature image with Grumpy Hare Day. A superb achievement.
Next week we hold 3 From 6 where Club photographers have been invited to contribute photographs of 3 topics from a selection of 6. The photographers will talk about their motivation for taking each image and discuss them with the audience.
Take care and thanks for looking in.