Falkirk C.C. members have enjoyed a busy summer with photo-walks around local landmarks, visits to the countryside and cities of central Scotland, and out to the Isle of May. Photographing the Red Arrows flying above Edinburgh Castle was a highlight and street theatre performances during the Festival Fringe have been a popular destination. We now look forward to the first night of our new season at Falkirk Trinity Church in the town centre at 7:30pm on 12th September. Everyone is invited to gather in the café from 7pm onwards. See the New Members Welcome link on our homepage and please use the Contact Us facility for any questions.
Scottish National Portrait Gallery – Edinburgh
We know that coming along to a new group for the first few times can be a bit daunting. Fortunately we all have a common interest so, whether you use the camera in your ‘phone, a compact camera, or a more conventional camera you are welcome to drop in. The first meeting is a Welcome evening when we’ll explain a little of what we do and we’ll also have look at a few photographs. Hope to see you there.
Award Winning Macro-photographer & Buglife Ambassador Paul Fraser is our first visiting speaker on 19th September. Paul studied Marine and Freshwater Biology before going on to study for an MSc in Fisheries Management. After graduating from the University of Glasgow, he went on to work as a Freshwater Biologist and later an Aquatic Ecologist. Whilst identifying aquatic invertebrates via microscopy work, Paul realised he was captivated and awestruck by the details he could see.
During 2020, because of the Covid Pandemic, he was confined to working from home. It was during this time he took up macro-photography in his garden to keep his passion for insects alive and to educate his young children on the mini beasts they encountered each day. Since then, his love for photography and insects has pushed him to develop his skills.
During 2023, Paul won WeNaturalists ‘Photographer of the Year. His photography has been featured by the BBC, the Glasgow Times, and he has published articles about his passion for insect-photography. He is also a recognised ‘Ambassador’ for the Buglife invertebrate conservation charity.
Paul currently works as an outdoor educator delivering an educational conservation-based programme titled ‘Nurture Nature’ to young adults and adults with additional support needs.
During the last year, Paul has taken his passion for all things great and small to a new level. His presentation about the roles of insects and how to photograph them, entitled ‘Fantastic Beasties and Where to Find Them’ has been delivered across numerous camera clubs in Scotland.
Thursday 26th September brings one of our ever-popular Member’s Night. They are a great opportunity to look at topics raised by club members. It might be a look at the work of a particular photographer, exploring and demonstrating a technical area, or a mixture of both.
Our 2024 – 2025 season will feature workshops on camera handling & techniques and we will hold additional discussion groups on post-processing and printing. F.C.C. photographers have wide and varied interests in different genres of photography with Still Life, Portraiture, Natural History, Landscape, Sport and Street Photography being just some of the topics we see. So, if you have an interest in photography and would like to learn more, you are welcome to come along.