Donald Polson was a talented Choral singer, and an enthusiastic photographer. He was a committed Falkirk Camera Club exponent of Slide Shows and of Audio Visual sequences and active in the Club during the late 1980’s and 1990’s up until his death in 1996.
Donald was also a keen Wildlife Photographer and took great satisfaction in encouraging others to try this challenging field. He advised Club members to start at home with flowers & plants in the garden before perhaps having a go at birds feeding. He would then suggest venturing out into public parks & gardens then to the countryside.
When Donald died we wanted to mark his great passion for photography, his ability of freely passing on his knowledge to others, and for contributing to the life of Falkirk Camera Club. So started the Donald Polson Wildlife competition.
Starting in 1998, it was called a Wildlife Competition, as opposed to a Natural History competition, because it was originally aimed at new wildlife photographers although, as the years have passed, the competition now benefits from Club members who have become particularly skilled Natural History photographers. The essence though remains the same, to remember Donald’s contribution to the life of our club and to follow his example in encouraging Club members to try wildlife photography, perhaps for the first time.
To judge this year’s competition we were delighted to welcome Gordon Rae MPAGB FIPF ARPS, an accomplished Natural History photographer from Dumfries C.C. Like all photographic clubs and societies we are indebted to judges and lecturers. They often, but not always, come from other such groups but voluntarily travel around the country each week passing on their knowledge and experience. Gordon’s adjudication was full of practical, constructive, and helpful advice which we look forward to putting into practice over the next few months.
Badger At Last Light, an endearing photograph of a young badger looking directly at the photographer, by Catherine Anderson was this year’s winner.
Gordon brought some of his own photographs too which he discussed during the second half of the evening. Describing how he photographed the birdlife of the island, he took us on a circular tour of Iceland. Species which are rare, or not found, in the UK can be common in the north Atlantic so it was a fascinating journey. Photographs of the Red Throated Diver, and also the Great Northern Diver, were particularly striking.
On Thursday 1st February we welcome photographer Andy Stark for a practical evening. Club members are asked to bring your camera, tripod, flashgun, and a small item to photograph.
Thanks for looking in.