Themed Competition
Last Thursday night we welcomed Clive Watkins, from Irvine C.C., to judge this seasons new Themed Competition. Following a review by a panel of club members this season’s club competitions follow a completely new format and club members had a choice of two themes, Street Photography or Movement in Motion.
Although labelled competitions, they are a learning opportunity. Judges are accredited by either the Scottish Photographic Federation, the Glasgow & District Photographic Union or from a similar background, and their task is to deliver constructive and encouraging advice and comments. With involvements in the S.P.F. and the Royal Photographic Society Clive was ideally placed to be the first visiting judge of this season. He clearly explained his methods at the start of the evening, delivered clear and encouraging critiques and happily talked with individual photographers.
Results:
Monochrome Prints
1st: Kissing Cousins by Nancy McArthur ARPS CPAGB
2nd: Mississippi Steamer – Movement by Paul Morgan
3rd: River Carron Detail by David Jones
Colour Prints
1st: Laissez – faire by Doug Paterson
2nd: Stirred Not Shaken by David Jones
3rd: Wired and Weird by Nancy McArthur ARPS CPAGB
Projected Digital Images
1st: Riders in the storm by Graeme Barclay
2nd =: Lift off by Graeme Barclay
2nd =: Fringe Performer by Catherine Anderson
3rd =: Going Home by Ian Pratt
3rd =: Marmalade Hoverfly by David Jones
3rd =: Urban Rush by Alan Waddell
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Daredevil Photographer
An exhibition of photographs by Alfred Buckham ( 1879 – 1956 ) has just opened at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery. Initially an amateur photographer who became a Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society he went on to teach photography before joining the Royal Naval Air Service during WWI. A highly experienced flyer he taught, then requested active service in, reconnaissance photography and was based near Edinburgh. At the time the average life expectancy of a reconnaissance photographer was one week ! He was a bit of a daredevil flyer once recommending that his students refrain from flying in winter because it was “ quite alarming when ones hands freeze and can’t move “. His photographic technique was to stand up in the rear seat of a bi-plane and, lean over the side to get the right angle. Although there were significant advances in photographic film he continued to use cameras using glass plates throughout his career, becoming an expert in composite photographs combining at least 3 plates to make a print. He also kept a box of glass plates of clouds to use in his composites. Alfred Buckham Daredevil Photographer, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1, Queen St., Edinburgh. EH2 1JD. On now until 19th April 2026. Admission Free.