CANCELLED BY SPEAKER TBC

Out of Darkness Cometh Light - a 21st century photographer's odyssey

Barrie, a forensic psychologist, only took up digital photography earnestly as he approached retirement in the early years of the 21st Century. His thinking was to be able to go on learning and creating when inevitably the time came to put on the ‘back-burner’ the professional skills that had absorbed so much of his energy, sense of purpose and time for nigh on four decades.

In this presentation he recounts and illustrates the steps, challenges, victories and disappointments of what he describes as his photographic odyssey - a never-ending voyage of exploration he has travelled since the early noughties. A voyage that has led him joyously through several of the accepted genre of photography, but, in the last decade, has drawn him increasingly towards wanting to reveal the complexity, beauty, resilience and fragility of the natural world around us, and to share the experience with as many people as possible, preferably face to face rather than digitally on screen. 

So Out of Darkness Cometh Light is not primarily a ‘how to’ presentation. As much, if not more of the evening will focus on why he takes photographs than how. It offers an evening of questioning about what, where and why any of us takes photographs at all – hopefully with loads of input from the audience. The evening will end with Barrie, now almost a quarter of a century into his 21st Century Odyssey, reflecting on what it is that continues to fuel this passion for taking photographs and sharing and exhibiting the results. And perhaps with an attempt to make sense  of what 21st Century photography is becoming in a world increasingly enabled, or at least influenced,  by  the products of AI.

100 Ways AI can help photographers

An exploration of possibilities of both the new technology and how we can apply that to our photographic work. So it's going to be an exploration of the possibilities of both the new technology and how we can apply that to our photographic work. So that idea we try next, and then we will try the idea in different AI tools and see what we can come up with. 

https://joehoughtonphotography.squarespace.com

Creative Landscape Photography

The presentation comprises a range of landscape and architecture photographs

taken at various UK and overseas locations. The images are carefully selected

to illustrate a variety of scenarios, subject matter, and challenges. Slawek

offers detailed commentary delving into both the technical side as well as the

creative process. The talk also includes a practical demonstration of some of

his favourite “tools of the trade”.

https://www.photoss.net/camera-club-speaker/

LAND, SEA AND SKY: FROM VISTAS TO INTIMATE

From the wild coastline of Ireland and moorland of Dartmoor to the cobbled lanes of Prague and meadows of Italy, in this talk, I look at planning a shoot, capturing vistas and the often overlooked, and the creative process behind making meaningful landscape photographs.

Master landscape photography; make beautiful individual photos or have meaningful projects close to home that transform images into compelling stories

Learn how to plan a shoot effectively for maximum impact, whether you’re working in familiar territory or exploring new locations.

Understand how to capture stunning vistas while recognising the often-overlooked details that elevate your photography.

Learn techniques that move beyond grand landscape clichés to create intimate, compelling images with genuine artistic merit.

Robert Canis has been photographing nature for more than 40 years. He leads workshops and overseas tours, yet the vast majority of his photography remains project-based and close to home – “best to get under the skin of a species or place”. Awarded in prestigious national and international competitions, including European Wildlife Photographer of the Year and the British Wildlife Photography Awards.

https://www.robertcanis.com 

to Stand and Stare

This presentation explores two year-long photography projects — A Photo a Day and A Photo a Week — and what they taught me about creativity, observation, and being present.

What began as a commitment to photograph regularly gradually became a way of slowing down and paying closer attention to everyday life. Through these projects, photography became less about chasing extraordinary moments and more about learning to notice: light, atmosphere, fleeting details, and the quiet beauty of ordinary days.

Using images and personal reflections from both projects, I talk about the experience of sustaining a long-term creative practice, the discipline and observational skills it helped me develop, and the way it changed my relationship with photography and the world around me.

I also discuss the challenges and pitfalls of working this way — creative fatigue, pressure, repetition, self-doubt, and the balance between consistency and enjoyment. 

Ultimately, the presentation is about reconnecting with curiosity, attention, and a sense of wonder through the simple act of observation.

https://mylenscapes.co.uk

British Wildlife

Britain is home to some of the most charismatic wildlife in the world, yet some species can be elusive, making them a challenge for any photographer. This talk covers stories from the field, essential fieldcraft and how to ensure you remain ethical whilst developing your portfolio.

https://www.tesniward.co.uk

Capture the Moment, Sports action and sport portraits from The Daily Mail Chief Sports Photographer. (Capture the moment is the name of my book, the official guide to photographing the 2012 Olympics) 

 Andy is a six times winner of the UK Sports Photographer of the Year competition, he has also won the prestigious Royal Photographer of the year and Photographer of the year competitions. He has been documenting major sporting events across the globe, including  seven Olympic Games and Football World Cups, Wimbledon tennis, World Athletics champs, F1,  Rugby World cups and the Premier League from its inception and photographing many of the world’s greatest athletes for 35 years, for one to one exclusive portraits.

After studying photography at Salisbury Art College he pursued his passion for sport, rising to the position of Chief Sports Photographer at The Daily Mail and Mail Online;

Some of Andy portraits include David Beckham, Sir Chris Hoy, Johnny Wilkinson, Jamie Redknapp, Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney, Jessica Ennis, Chris Robshaw, Joe Marler, Adam Peaty, Sir Ben Ainsley, Tom Daley, Anthony Joshua, Rebecca Adlington, Phil Foden, Sir Steve Redgrave, Willian and AP McCoy, among many others.

Twitter @Andy_Hooper_DM

Street Photography Unfiltered 

No filters. No staging. Just pure, chaotic reality. Renowned street photographer Phil Penman takes you backstage into his world of documenting New York City’s streets for over two decades. Discover the secrets behind his signature black-and-white style, the psychology of shooting in public, and the gritty, unfiltered truths of a life spent chasing the decisive moment. Bring your questions and your passion for raw storytelling.

https://www.philpenman.com

SmartPhone Photography

During this talk Jet will talk about how she went from running her photography business of 14 years, to running smartphone photography workshops, with 16 people all round the country, Ireland, France and now New Zealand working for her business, Jet Black Squares. She will go through how to set up the cameras to get the best out of them, how to control the camera, and all the tips and tricks to get those creative shots. 
 
 As Rankin said, ‘forget about it being a phone, and start thinking of it as being a camera’. 
 
 The talk is suitable for all makes and models of phones, and you are encouraged to have your phone with you so you can set it up as we go along. 
 
 https://www.jetblacksquares.com/

Why It's Time To Remember Wildlife Through Photography

Margot Raggett MBE moved from the world of PR into wildlife photography back in 2010, working as a regular photographer in residence at Entim Camp in the Maasai Mara for a number of years. But in 2014, seeing a poached elephant changed everything and was the springboard for her to start the Remembering Wildlife collaborative book series. Since then, she has published 11 books covering species from lions to tigers, bears to elephants, featuring images donated by many of the world's best wildlife photographers. The series has sold more than 60,000 books worldwide and raised more than £1.26m for conservation projects around the globe. In this talk, Margot will share both her own (award-winning) personal wildlife images but also images from the collaborative series and talk about how wildlife photography can, and in her opinion, must, give back to the wildlife it is portraying.

ICM: My Camera as my Brush

It’s an exploration of how I transitioned from a "normal" photographer to almost exclusively working in the ICM style, along with some highlights of images and what all goes into creation of an image in my style.

https://andrewsgray.photography

Astrophotography: A Beginner’s Guide

This talk serves as an introduction to the evolving field of astrophotography, tailored for beginners. We start with the basics of using DSLRs, mirrorless or compact system cameras to capture the night sky, discussing the essential equipment, optimal camera settings, and the variety of celestial images that can be captured. 

As we progress, we’ll explore the evolution from simple setups to more advanced technologies. We’ll examine the limitations of basic astrophotography, such as star trails, and how these can be mitigated through the use of tracking mounts.

Further, the talk will introduce modern “smart” telescopes and their role in astrophotography, highlighting their advanced capabilities and accessibility. Additionally, we’ll touch on the innovative use of camera phones in astrophotography, demonstrating how these devices are making the field more accessible than ever.

We will also cover how to connect cameras to telescopes effectively, and conclude with an overview of image processing techniques and the software available for enhancing your astrophotography pursuits. 

Bio: Mike Meynell is an honorary member of the Flamsteed Astronomy Society at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, having served on its committee for 15 years, including five years as vice-chair. Today, Mike coordinates the society’s observing events, including nighttime sessions on Blackheath and solar viewing at the Royal Observatory Greenwich. He has appeared on the BBC’s Sky at Night, various TV and radio news programs, and is a regular speaker at the Flamsteed Society. Mike is also an elected fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society.

His interest in astronomy began at the age of 10 with his first telescope, later leading to the study of astrophysics at Queen Mary College, London. After a two-decade hiatus while focusing on his professional career, he joined the Flamsteed, where his passion for astronomy was reignited.

Rambling on Rambling: Adventures in a Camping Car

Andrew’s work has been seen in both solo and group exhibitions around England, France, the Czech Republic and Italy. He has achieved success in a number of photographic competitions, including the Sony World Photography Awards, the World Sports Photographer of the Year and the British Photography Awards.

“The talk is an illustration of some of our wanderings around Western Europe in our motorhome.  We head off with a destination in mind but no fixed route, as we just see where we end up each night.  It is less about fancy photography and more about how we experience “life on the road” for a few weeks at a time.  There are photos of well known cities but many more of the people and places we encounter as we ramble along.”

https://andrewmoss.smugmug.com

Urban and Street Photography

Jerry is a self-taught photographer and often at loggerheads with mainstream ideas, using more unorthodox ideas and processes and his very distinctive monochrome style. His presented photographs will be largely mono and include plenty of edgy street and people photographs with a strong emphasis on culture, class and a sense of place, shot largely in London and the South East, plus various projects in Europe.