Preparing a Mini-Panel

This was our second ‘face-to-face’ meeting of the season where we were all in the Hall together – more than 30 members attended with a few new faces too. The evening was informative and practical, listening to presentations by Julia and Kathy plus guest speaker Mike Kitchingman.  Members were engaged throughout the evening, offering their opinions to the whole group and in discussions with each other.  Unfortunately we were unable to record this session as our tech-wizard with ‘kit’ had been ‘pinged’ and couldn’t venture out!  

Kathy used a PowerPoint display showing elements to consider in preparing a Mini-Panel, with examples for open discussion – Does this work? Why? Why not? How could it be improved? It was interactive with questions and various points offered as we went along.  This was followed by Julia leading a practical activity, where members worked in small groups to create mini-panels using selections of photos cut from magazines and gave rise to many useful questions; a selection of these was projected for everyone to appreciate.  At this point, tea was available and many thanks to Tami, Jan, Sarah and Sue for their efficiency.

With members having had a ‘go’ at a mini-panel, Julia moved us forward with a brief outline of what is involved in taking the panel idea further into a Distinction with the Royal Photographic Society.  More club members ought to consider this as it’s a real challenge and a different way of thinking from the usual club photography.  There are huge benefits to one’s photographic skills just by going through the process, so do investigate the options and what’s involved. 

We were joined for the evening by Mike Kitchingman – chairman of Leighton Buzzard Photographic Society.  Mike was recently awarded the Licentiate certificate from the RPS and talked about what he had done and the processes involved.  He left us in no doubt of the hard work and high standards involved but also gave us the courage and knowledge that it is an achievable aim; all RPS distinctions are highly regarded worldwide.  

We ended the evening with some ‘homework’!  Members were challenged to go through their own ‘portfolios’ and think about mini-panels they can put together – maybe to print out and display at home.  There is a club competition set for January 18th 2022 which will be of ‘Panels of Three’ in either print or digital formats; further details to follow.

If you missed the evening….. I hope you have a good excuse, and you might need a ‘note from your mum’, but the presentations by Kathy and Julia will be sent to you via email.

 

Next week’s meeting will be on Zoom – link and details are on the website.