Donald Polson was an active Club member, always willing to share his knowledge, with a strong interest in photographing wildlife and for constructing Audio Visual sequences combining colour transparencies with music or commentary. He was part of a group of Club members who took their own, and Club, sequences around other community groups in the district. When Donald passed away in 1996 we wanted to mark his contribution to Club life so, the Donald Polson Wildlife Competition was born.
It was called a Wildlife Competition, as opposed to a Natural History competition, because it was originally aimed at new wildlife photographers so the rules were less stringent. It started in 1998 when we still used film so image manipulation, not now allowed under International Natural History rules which are issued by photographic governing bodies such as the Fédération Internationale de l’Art Photographique ( www.fiap.net ), was not an issue.
In order to encourage participation the Club approach to the rules of this competition are still slightly relaxed when compared to International Rules although, as the years have passed, our club now benefits from members who have become particularly skilled Natural History photographers. The essence though remains the same, to remember Donald and to follow his ethos in encouraging Club members to try wildlife photography, perhaps for the the first time.
The judge this year was our own Club Vice President, Dave Ferguson LRPS. A highly accomplished photographer, and accredited judge, Dave delivered positive and encouraging feedback to entrants highlighting areas for improvement. He also commented on the high standard of competition entries as indicated by the high number of Commended and Highly Commended entries. A testament to the philosophy of the late Club member who inspired the event.
A breakdown of entries and images will appear on this website in due course, but in the meantime, congratulations to this years winner Catherine Anderson.
News will appear too about our participation in the Scottish Photographic Federation Digital Championships where one of our members was awarded an S.P.F. Silver Medal.
Following on from the inspiring visit from Damian Shields on 19th January, we have another highly anticipated presentation on 2nd February. Kate Stevenson and Clare Harte delivered an exhilarating presentation online during lockdown. Next Thursdays presentation will be in person when we have the opportunity to see and hear about their photography.
Take care, and thanks for looking in.