Sale Photographic Society Website

General Documents 2009

2009 Syllabus.
2010 Quarterly Entry Form pdf version.
2010 Quarterly Entry Form Word version.
2010 Merits Entry Form pdf version.
2010 Merits Entry Form Word version.
2010 Annual Entry Forms .
2010 Annual Slide and PDI Entry Forms .
2010 Competition Rules.
How to prepare Projected Digital Images .

Week away in Herefordshire 2010 - Joyce Hollows

Well, it seems that where weather is concerned, Ken has triumphed yet again! We spent a glorious week in a super C17th farmhouse; well modernised, thankfully, and with plenty of room for fifteen of us.

John played his usual exceptional role as chef, and Saturday evening saw us all dining outside at the long garden tables, enjoying a superb four course meal, and chatting amicably. What an idyllic situation, with the scent of roses everywhere, birds singing, and the clatter of knives and forks, not to mention the clinking of glasses. With Bob looking suave in his straw hat, we could have been in Provence.

We were all very relieved to get our traditional fire out of the way on the second day, with flames leaping out of the toaster to a height of well, who really knows? Four inches, a foot, various reports, possibly somewhat exaggerated.. At least we then knew that the fire alarm was loud enough to wake Liz, even when she was wearing earplugs. Though why she was sleeping in the afternoon is a mystery, unless she was preparing herself for a moving event to come! The toaster may have also been responsible for one or two blown fuses, not welcome during the England versus Germany match, which caused other fuses to become close to blowing. Luckily, the toaster was replaced later in the week by the owner.

On Monday evening, we enjoyed an AV show presented by Mike's friend, Richard, who lives in Herefordshire. He had plenty of anecdotes about his exploits on the British Antarctic Survey in the 1960s. His slides were as clear as when they were taken, and would have done him proud in any competition. The photographs were breathtaking, and his commentary very interesting and amusing. Thank you Richard, particularly as you had a back injury to deal with, and you, Mike, for organising the event.

Mary managed to keep on top of the washing, she was particularly intrigued by the muddy footprints which mysteriously appeared overnight on the bathmat, and did her best to keep the party clean. Luckily, there was an enormous and very new washing machine to help deal with this.

One evening,in the heat of the kitchen, as eight people tried to cook eight different meals at the same time, things became a little overheated. Dave luckily decided to barbecue that night, so he was unaware of the scrum in the kitchen. Some of us also had a few very good meals out at The Three Horseshoes, a few minutes walk away.

There was a worrying evening when Ken was heard walking in the garden, hooting, talking to the owls, it seems. Is it time to get worried about this? Or is he just joining the local bat community?

Cy and John H. saw some interesting places, and Cy is possibly a newly converted Railway Enthusiast????

Although our resident Doctor, Liz, had left early to go on her Orient Express trip, I was very grateful to Nurse Janet for her swift treatment of an attack by bramble thorns on my leg. Serves me right for scrumping gooseberries in the garden! Although the amount of blood was impressive, she soon had it all cleaned up. Must try to remember to get a First Aid Kit. And I have promised Ken a gooseberry pie - when I get around to it.

It was a peaceful week, with most people taking the chance to see the many places of interest in the area. As it was particularly hot at times, the garden was a magnet which drew some of us back early each day, to relax in the shade of the trees.

Once again our thanks are due to Ken, for getting us organised, and finding such a delightful place. Thanks to John for his cooking and also for the catering arrangements which continued through the week. Though I have to say: 'Never has so much lamb been shared by so many for so long'. It was a miracle, something like the feeding of the five thousand, but without the loaves and fishes.

A Glorious Spring Break in the Lake District 2010

Once again Ken's meticulous planning took us to Keswick for a great weekend break with brilliant spring sunshine, probably he needed help with organising the sun, but maybe not. We all enjoyed the superb light; hopefully we'll see a few of the pictures in future competitions.. So, no excuse not to have some good photos.

It was very cold when we arrived until Dave and John McN finally worked out the mystery of the new boiler. However, it took Karen's sharp eyes to find the thermostat, which was well concealed on the upstairs landing. Once sorted, we had plenty of heat and hot water. As usual, the plaintive cry went up: 'It's too 'ot in 'ere. Open the door!'

We ate at The George in Keswick on Saturday night, thanks for organising that, too, Ken. The place was packed, so booking in advance was a good idea. Karen's displeasure at finding no place at the table was enough to get the staff scurrying around to find an additional table. The food was pretty good, as was the beer, but even half a cow pie seemed to be too much for some members. And Karen's dinner was overshadowed by the baleful glances from the dead fish on John's plate.

How John managed to produce his usual range of superb food in such a restricted space is amazing, but he did it. Well done, and thank you John. There was also room for a few skivvies to help with veg. chopping and dishing up. Sadly for Liam, Janet even found a space at the sink, where he scoured the roasting tins under Janet's eagle eyes.

John was clever enough to produce a meal for Monday night as well, which saved us having to forage in the local chip shop. Some of us seem to be getting a bit old for eating four course meals, but it is hard to ask for a small portion when it is all so delicious. Due to an excess of alcohol, the conversation became a little raucous on Monday night, partly due to Liz's appearance in her Buff, which, disappointingly for some members, turned out to be an ingenious multifunctional piece of headgear.

Feeling proud of themselves for remembering to bring some coat hangers, which are often sadly lacking in holiday houses, Janet and Liam's hopes came to nothing. They didn't even have a wardrobe to hang them in! Undaunted, Janet lashed out and treated herself to some new Nike trainers, which she wore with pride until she fell into some muddy water the next day. Never mind, they will still be comfortable, even if they're a bit grubby.

Monday was so sunny and windy that in the evening we had Ken, Keith, Liam and Mike sitting on the sofa like four wise monkeys doing a good impression of a radiator with their glowing red faces. John McN., Karen and Pat also had red faces earlier in the day, when they were told off by the warden at the Osprey Centre for arriving up a very steep cliff face in the midst of the nests. They were forgiven when it was discovered that local people, who objected to having a footpath rerouted to allow the ospreys some peace, had removed the sign posts.

Alison's cake, kindly donated as a raffle prize for the Annual Exhibition, was much appreciated, and disappeared pretty rapidly. At least by sharing it, we kept most of it out of Dave's sticky hands. Everyone agreed it was a very good cake, and beautifully decorated.

All in all, we all had a good time. I don't ever remember such consistently good weather in the Lake District before. The lakes were at their photographic best, there were daffodils and blossom everywhere and fields of young lambs. We even saw some herds of small Fell ponies with their tiny foals. It was easy to spend all day outside, leading to some aching legs and feet, but who could resist the attractions of the great outdoors in such superb weather. Now, Ken, we need you to organise equally good weather for the week in Herefordshire in June, please.

Joyce Hollows - Six days in North Cumbria

Ken is to be congratulated for finding us another new venue; and it proved to be excellent accommodation, although John E. might disagree, as the kitchen layout was not ideal. However the whole farmhouse was dazzlingly clean, and very well equipped, even down to a spare kitchen if we felt the need!

It was also very warm. The background heating worked well, but the wood burning stove was very popular. Men were seen wielding axes and saws at every available moment, until we had far more wood than we could burn. Amid cries of 'It's too 'ot!' we had to open all the doors to cool off. I think there is something about us and fire, as this time we didn't notice until too late that a pair of gloves was slowly smouldering on top of the stove, it was only the acrid smoke that finally alerted us to the situation. Obviously, alcohol dulls the sense of smell.

We arrived in good weather, having braved the snows of Teesdale. The house was a reasonable (for the fit) walk from the cobbled streets of Alston, and we had our first evening meal at the Cumberland Hotel. Now, Cy, what could have been in the winter vegetable soup? The clue is in the title!

But far superior was the excellent meal cooked by John on Sunday night. Well done John, it was most impressive. Karen cooked for us the next night, producing a superb and enormous chilli, in spite of having been out walking the hills most of the day. Thanks for that Karen, we all enjoyed it, and some people continued to enjoy it the next day, along with other leftover items. Sadly, there was little left over for Mike to take home. Better luck next time, Mike!

The weather deteriorated as the week progressed, although those who went across to the Lake District found it sunnier over there. John McN., Karen and Pat even went as far as Scotland in their search for sunshine. We look forward to seeing their photos of the wildfowl. Edward seemed to take more photos than the rest of us put together. Now, Edward, we need to see some of them winning club competitions. You would have given Alfred B. a run for his money, I suspect.

Evening entertainment was slow to start (turn the television off!) but we were all impressed by John McNally's images of the Shetlands, with several of our wildlife photographers considering giving up after seeing some of his amazing pictures of birds.

We also had digital presentations from Pat, with beautiful warm light on Scotland, Dave H. with images from Sicily and Como, and when we finally managed to get Liam's disc to play, it was well worth waiting for. Thanks to all for taking the trouble to bring their stuff.

It was good to meet John E.'s nephew Steve, who didn't stay long, but seemed to enjoy himself immensely. David Brown also came on his first SPS trip. Hope it wasn't too wearing for you, David; we did keep trying to wake you up!

We had our last supper at the Angel in Alston, 'better than the Cumberland' seemed to be the majority view.

The highlight of the entertainment was that arranged by Janet and Karen, to celebrate Janet and Liam's wedding anniversary on Nov 5th.. After a sing-alonga-Janet, the audience was amazed by the magic elevation prowess of myself and Dave. John Hunter fairly flew through the air! But no one could have been prepared for the next item, as Keith and Ken, dressed as the Klingon Sisters gave us their rendition of 'I feel Pretty'. Their clothes and make-up added to their obvious charms, enchantingly enhanced by their headgear. Well done all of you for a very entertaining show. Rumour has it that Janet and Karen are considering a Gilbert and Sullivan production next time. We finished off with a game of charades, which proved taxing, but hilarious.

I think everyone had a good time. The Autumn colours were stunning, even when the light was dull, and there was plenty to see in that part of the world. Thanks again, Ken, for continuing to find such good accommodation in lovely locations. We look forward to the next trip - some Images.

Dave Hollows - A Short History of My Time at SPS

I joined Sale Photographic Society in 1979. As far as club competitions were concerned I was a beginner although I had had an interest in photography since 1955 when I got my first enlarger.

When I first joined we met in the dining room at the Eskdale Hotel and it was a tight squeeze some evenings to fit us all in. It was a very sociable club then, as it still is, probably enhanced by the fact that nearly everyone had a drink before or during the meeting and at the interval. Some evenings, after the official meeting was over, it continued for some hours downstairs. It was here that a lot of information was exchanged and tips passed on.

At that time we still had merits and quarterly competitions although the merits, as I remember, were only a Set Subject, no Open section. The maximum print size allowed was 10"x8". This was to encourage members to enter the set subjects without the expense of producing larger prints (remember that at this time almost all the prints were home processed). I don?'t recall anyone entering trade processed mono prints at that time, even though SPS was quite ahead of its time in accepting trade processed colour prints, long before the L&CPU decided they were acceptable.

I think it was in 1985 that this was cleared by the L&CPU to such an uproar that several societies broke up and a few people went so far as to form new clubs that were only allowed to enter 'Home Processed' images. The furore at the L&CPU AGM's went on for a few years with attempts, by a few clubs, to change this back to the original rule. Happily, common sense prevailed with the view that what really mattered was keeping people interested in photography and that the end resulting image was what counted not how it was achieved.

Does this scenario seem familiar?

After having to leave the Eskdale and move to a Local Authority building at Atkinson Road the membership increased. I think the reasons were mainly that:

? We had a lot of room.

? We were not tied to a strict closing.

? The catering facilities were good.(we went from alcohol to tea & coffee)

? On portrait night we were easily able to accommodate two full studio sets.

? As the numbers increased, and the turnout percentage was very high, funds became more available to invite lecturers from further afield which in turn encouraged regular attendances and even more funds.

This all came to an end unfortunately when the L.A. decided to close the building and sell off the land. They did, however, offer us alternative accommodation at the Norris Road Community Centre and as we could find no other suitable room at the time we took it. It was very cheap so as far as club funds went it was a good deal. In the time we were at this Centre we lost half of our regular membership. It was due to a combination of thieves operating on the car park, a low ceiling room with little or no atmosphere and noise from the adjoining dance group. Members were having to patrol the car park in turns to try and curtail the damage and thefts.

We soon began looking for new premises and finally found our present room, although we had to wait a year whilst the new St Mary's Centre was finished. That move has proved a great success on the whole although the rent is a lot more than LA rooms. Visitors from other clubs have often said that the warm feeling of the building makes it feel welcoming.

Here is where we come full circle in a way, with the advent of DIGITAL. This also caused concern in some clubs when it became accepted in competitions. It's not fair, it's cheating, you only have to press a button, it's too expensive and only for the rich, it?s not photography. These are all things that we have heard about digital photography in the past few years, and don't they seem very similar comments to those made when commercial printing was first allowed? At the time of commercial colour printings being allowed many clubs were in the doldrums, and the new rules increased enthusiasm and, consequently, the number of entries in competitions. The number of members also went up.

The same thing seems to have happened with the arrival of the dreaded digital, entries in print competitions have greatly increased to the extent that the L&CPU have had to reduce the limit on print entries. A similar ruling followed at our own AGM this year.

The renewed interest in monochrome work has resulted in increased entries in this field also which can only be good.

Another side interest is the increase in digital AV shows of all kinds, travelogues, technical, historical and family shows. AV in the past was an enjoyable evening's viewing, but only a very small number of people were able to produce the work. Now, with the advent of digital projectors and the number of clubs having bought them the quantity of AV has increased as witnessed by the number and variety of entries by our members the other night. It bodes well for the future. Slide entries have suffered, though, and this is sad but is evolution in a way. It is not only in our club, but throughout the club scene, that print entries are on the increase to the detriment of slides. Slide film is even getting difficult to buy in some places and the range has certainly reduced. Some major camera manufacturers are stopping making film cameras.

To my knowledge clubs that broke away in 1985 to form home processed images only clubs are now wholly embracing digital printing and in general it appears that at least 90% of print entries are digitally printed and probably about 80% digitally acquired.

In our club, the people who took to digital processing first, were the people who actually had printed their own wet prints and now used the digital opportunities to increase the development of this, and come blinking into the daylight.

The generation of younger members have grown up with computers and are more adaptable to the use of them and hopefully this will keep them interested for a few more years to come. What then? New technology that isn't fair, too expensive etc. Full circle again. I only hope I am alive to see it and have enough faculties left to make use of it

Pat Holmes: LRPS the EASY WAY (or was it?)

After many years as a happy snapper with varying degrees of satisfaction I decided that a City and Guilds course in photography might be beneficial so enrolled at Arden College, Manchester for the Part I course. Bear in mind that this was the mid90s and the C&G course debarred the use of both digital photography and computer generated images, facts that, having access to neither and wishing only to gain experience in black and white darkroom work, did not disturb me in the least.

About twenty four of us turned up on the first night; this was something of a shock as there were only eight enlargers available for our use but as the weeks wore on it became apparent that there was a hardcore of only half a dozen students, of whom I was one and I quickly realised the advantage of developing my film at home so that I could spend college time making full use of the enlargers, we hard core quickly established our personal favourite workstations and considered it something of an imposition when, on occasion, we had to share. And so, gradually, from lectures, set tasks and through swapping what information we had acquired elsewhere, we made progress in a very pleasant atmosphere of camaraderie.

At about this time there was an article in Amateur Photographer about the Bromoil Circle's exhibition in Little Germany, Bradford. The work featured had captured my imagination so I rang for further information and was fortunate not merely to be invited to the opening of the exhibition, with wine and refreshments, but also received a warm invitation to attend the next meeting of the Yorkshire Monochrome Group. There I found an enthusiastic group of monochrome workers whose production ranged far and wide, and from whom I learnt a lot. This gave access to several workshops with eminent photographers, further advancing my knowledge if not my production, and on occasion I discovered that I was even able to teach my college tutors!

Part I called for the submission of two folios, one consisting of commercially produced colour prints on the theme of preparing a brochure advertising Manchester to the world at large, the other being a folio of our own work showing appropriate use of depth of field, close up, wide angle etc, and for both of these I gained a credit.

Part II was scheduled to take at least two years, but in the event a radical change in the syllabus at the end of our second year meant that we had to complete within the second year. This entailed the production of five folios, selected from about seventeen themes, all required to include ten or twelve photographs which could be either black and white or colour prints or slides. These must be a coherent panel and show good use of all varied camera and printing skills, and were marked on both creativity and technical competence, my strength lying more on the latter than on the former. Most of the folios also had to include a statement of intention, how we hoped to achieve that intention, why we changed our minds etc, etc, etc, (i.e. an awful lot of paperwork) and a statement of how each of the photographs was taken and processed, plus our own evaluation of them. I have to admit that my editing skills were not a strong point at first, probably still aren?t, and I found I really had to be bloody minded to get my selection down to the required number. My chosen themes were Victorian Railway Architecture which I thoroughly enjoyed researching, and found it quite amusing having to go for a training session in health and safety before being allowed to use my camera at Piccadilly railway station, The Woodland Landscape of Alderley Edge another delight both to photograph and to research, and the occasion of my discovering that the better half was no use as a tripod bearer usually being half a mile in front of me or somewhere far behind when needed and for both of these I worked in monochrome. Portraits were submitted as colour slides and I ventured to break the rules here by using digital thumbnails of each portrait to head the relevant descriptive passages very daring and called for some explaining. Next came Tourist Tat, submitted as colour prints, commercially produced, and for the fifth I opted for Close ups,a table top selection submitted as cross processed slides, and chosen simply because time was running short and there was virtually no written work required. The titles here are my own; I forget now what the stated themes really were. The marking of all modules was moderated by external C&G examiners.

Getting finished in time was something of a rush, plus concerns that quality of output would inevitably be affected, but at the end of the three years we had the satisfaction of looking back on a lot of shared fun, outings with the daytime mixed media course students, all 16 going on 8 years of age, the frustration of discovering that the said students had contaminated the various chemicals or adjusted the solutions etc well we had to blame someone and the realisation that we had, in fact, learnt a lot. The cost of the course rocketed after our first year, but fortunately a scheme was instituted by the government which enabled us to apply for grants and which, to our amazement, we were granted. The icing on the cake was the gaining of five distinctions and an LRPS on the back of that. Since then, of course, C&G requirements have changed radically and while my own enthusiasm has not diminished I fear I taken a few slides down that slippery slope of ignoring some of what I have learnt, plus I have all but a baoned my beloved darkroom, spending my time coming to terms with the digital revolution.