Over 30 years ago, Falkirk Writers Circle and Falkirk Camera Club met through their respective representatives at Falkirk & District Arts & Civic Council, now operating as Falkirk Arts Network. They realised that Photography and Writing can each be used for similar purposes from reporting news events to each being a means of self expression and so, began an annual collaboration. The photographers give the writers photographs from which they make a selection then produce pieces of poetry or prose inspired by those images. During its early years the event took the form of an exhibition with photographs and writing being displayed together. There was then a gap of a few years however, 14 years ago the event returned in its present form.
Now titled Talking Pictures, both groups meet together one evening in March. Against the backdrop of the projected photograph the photographer explains their motivation for producing the image followed by the writer who will read their piece of poetry or prose. The writing can be serious or thought provoking, amusing or entertaining, but the joy for the photographers is to hear how the skill and imagination of the writers has been set in motion by their images.
This year was special. Due to the pandemic, our last Talking Pictures was in 2019 so it was a joy for F.C.C. to welcome our friends from F.W.C. for the first time since 2019.
An evocative image of a single flower among leaves by Jim Falconer opened the event. It inspired a moving poem by Jean Currie about age and the passing of time. Among others, an atmospheric image by Charles Woodford featuring a red telephone box on North Uist brought smiles from Val Pohler’s piece about someones struggle with old technology. An image entitled Balancing Act, by Steve Sommerville, brought a tale from Dougie Shepherd with a profound twist at the end. A thought provoking image from Nancy MacArthur inspired an equally thoughtful piece from Mary McArthur. Runaway Bride, a photograph by Elaine Woodford inspired Douglas Ramsay to write a humorous piece about a bride who arrived at the alter full of hope and expectation, only to find she was standing beside the wrong groom. Oops.
Thanks to everyone who contributed to the evening and to Falkirk Writers Circle who organised the raffle.