Chepstow Bridge
Careful planning ensured that members were at Chepstow Old Bridge at the right time for sunset and high tide to coincide to give some lovely light and reflections for their photography. There was also a chance for some shots of the full moon later. While at the bridge the photographers were joined by the local wildlife - "Sammy" the seal, and some friendly ducks! To see the full sized images go to the Gallery.
f/8 Studios, Gloucester
On Sunday 28th November members of the Club visited f/8 Studios in Gloucester for a session. The plan was to allow club members access to using a professional studio lighting set up as many have never been in, let alone worked in, a studio before. The images show the reality of a studio set up and the type of images that can be produced. With the expert tuition provided by studio owner, Paul Davies, all those involved came away with some stunning images of the model, Joanna, and an understanding of what is possible when working in a studio. The f/8 Studio is open to anyone and has numerous events; details can be found at https://www.f8-studio.co.uk/
Another session will be booked in Spring/Summer in 2022.
Margam Park
It was well worth the early start, (we had to be at Margam by 8am), for our outing to photograph Margam Park's deer. We had great views of the deer and a lovely sunny morning. After three hours of photographing the deer herd we were ready for a tasty breakfast roll at the cafe! Everyone enjoyed the day. Many thanks to John Crowland for organising the trip and to Margam Park for their helpfulness. To see more images from the day go to the Galleries page (Field Trips and Outings).
Rhossili
This August trip to Rhossili to photograph the sunflowers and the landcape was a very enjoyable day. The sunflowers were not as good as they have been in previous years, but the weather was good, the picnic great and the scenery wonderful. To see more images from the day go to the
Field Trips and Outings gallery.
Nash Point
A group of us spent an enjoyable evening at Nash Point photographing the amazing cliffs of the Heritage Coast, the rock formations and patterns on the beach, and trying some slow shutter speed sea images. Many thanks to John Crowland for organising the event. To see more images go to the Field Trips and Outings Gallery.
Blaen-y-Glyn / Caerfanell Waterfalls
A lovely sunny September day made this trip to photograph the Caerfanell Waterfalls very enjoyable. The first camera club trip since Lockdown (socially distanced of course). Members had a chance to practise using slow shutter speeds to capture the movement of the water in the large Blaen-y-Glyn Waterfall, and after a picnic lunch and a chance to chat, lots more photographic opportunities as we made our way back beside the River Caerfanell with its smaller falls and tumbling cascades. Some even braved paddling in the river! Go to the Field Trips and Outings Gallery to see more images from the day.
Thirteen Go Wild in the Peak District!
Friday 13th March saw 13 photographers travel to the Peak District for a weekend photography workshop. On Friday the group explored Bakewell (and its cafes), practised using slow shutter speeds and filters beside the river in Lathkill Dale, and visited Ashford in the Water with its medieval sheepwash bridge. Saturday brought a misty start on Curbar Edge - with some imagination needed to appreciate the views. Padley Gorge with its wonderful woodland and pretty tumbling stream, (more slow shutter work), was next on the itinerary. The afternoon was spent exploring a rather windy Stanage Edge with abandoned millstones and amazing weathered gritstone outcrops. One member took his photography to a new extreme here, (mentioning no names John), but even continued taking photographs as he lay injured on the ground! We ended the day with a scenic drive to Winnats Pass. On Sunday morning our luck with the weather ran out, but some of us still braved the rain for some rather damp photos at Monsall Head and then Magpie Mine, (an abandoned lead mine). We then travelled to the western side of the Peak District into Staffordshire and to The Roaches and Hen Cloud - a prominent sandstone escarpment carved by the weather into an amazing landscape of strange rocky shapes. After lunch at the Roaches tearoom (delicious Staffordshire Oatcakes), we prepared to brave the weather and venture up The Roaches, and were pleasantly surprised when the rain stopped, the wind dropped and it turned out to be a lovely sunny afternoon - but still with those moody skies to enhance our photos. Well done Arthur for making it all the way to the top! A lovely end to the weekend before returning to the bus for the journey home. All in all a very enjoyable weekend of great locations, brilliant company, lots of laughs, much eating, and hopefully some amazing photography. Go to the Field Trips and Outings Gallery to see more images from the trip.
Dorset Trip September 2019
Seven members of the club enjoyed a trip to Dorset in September. We stayed in a lovely old Oast House at a fantastic location, (once we found it!), right in the middle of Weymouth. Wild and windy, (but mostly dry), weather was a photographer's dream giving us stormy seas and cloudy skies. We all particularly appreciated the spectacular Dorset coastline with visits to places such as Kimmeridge Bay, Lulworth Cove, Durdle Door, Portland Bill and Chesil Beach. The area is full of amazing landscapes and places of interest and our four days there only gave us a small taste of what Dorset has to offer. Go to the Field Trips and Outings Gallery to see images from the trip.
Secret Forest
Our recent visit to the Secret Forest was certainly interesting. The path through the enchanting woodland leads you past gnarled and twisted ancient trees, shimmering leaves and sudden patches of sunlight, and through 'scowles' (limestone rock formations). Photography was challenging in the low light conditions, but the stunning natural features made it worth the effort. We also saw a number of fairies along the way! Then emerged from the forest to an area of replicated iron-age round houses. Refreshments in the quirky 'curiosity shop' cafe were also much enjoyed. Go to the Field Trips and Outings Gallery to see images from the Secret Forest.
Lacock Visit
Nine of us enjoyed a lovely sunny Saturday at Lacock Abbey and village. Lacock is known as the birthplace of photography, (Henry Fox-Talbot), and there was certainly an abundance of photographic opportunities during our visit. The picture-postcard village is full of old buildings, with narrow streets, picturesque cottages, a church, three pubs and a packhorse bridge! The medieval Abbey, which later became the home of the Talbot family, is owned by the National Trust along with the extensive grounds. It also houses the Fox-Talbot museum of photography. Go to the Field Trips and Outings Gallery to see some of the images from the day.