18.10.23
This week’s subject at ImageZ was Inspirational Photography. Members were asked to come forward and talk about what had inspired them to take photographs or any photographers who have inspired them with their work.
Derek Green
The first speaker Derek Green shared his story of a short break at Littlecote and how the deer there inspired him to get a collection of photographs a couple which were accepted by Littlecote to be displayed.
Derek worked hard to discover the Deer’s whereabouts, getting up at five, dressing in camouflage and standing for long periods of time to capture his shots. He captured Hares, Rabbits and even a fake deer made of straw before finally he managed to succeed in his tasks and get some lovely images. Well done Derek for your determination.
Alun Morgan
Our second speaker Alun Morgan kindly shared a presentation he had prepared for Princes Risborough Camera club. Alun enjoys the subject of Street Photography and is a member of the Urban Photographers Club. Alan chose three photographers Henri Cartier- Bresson, Fan Ho, and Dougie Wallace to show members a wide representation of images by three great photographers.
He explained that Cartier- Bresson 1908-2004 pioneered the genre of photojournalism and was one of the first photographers to use thirty-five-millimetre film. He coined the phrase ‘the decisive moment’
- Specialised in capturing fleeting poignant spontaneous moments and narrative.
His mission was to cover ‘stories that mattered’ with firm ethical basis – driven by Cartier Bresson’s philosophy. He valued diverse perspectives, global reach, positive change, impactful and iconic images. He is considered a master of candid photography – has influenced so many photographers.
Fan Ho was known as the eastern Cartier -Bresson.
Fan Ho was born 1931 in Shanghai. Father was opera singer and mother an actress. Shanghai was culturally vibrant and cosmopolitan. Studied Chinese calligraphy and painting as a child. During WW2/period of Chinese civil war, moved to Hong Kong with family.
Alun explained that Fan Ho was famous for his wonderful street photos taken in Hong Kong capturing everyday life. –He found beauty in the intricate play of light in urban settings.
- Used careful staging/dreamlike composition, hinting at a larger untold story.
- Mastery of light and shadow.
- Composition and geometry – strong leading lines and visual balance.
- Often used long exposures – gave dynamism and timeless qualities.
Lastly Dougie Wallace born in Scotland 1971 immensely proud of his working-class routes approached his photography with humour and satire, and champions social justice.
- Direct engagement and in-your-face approach – immersive with strong reactions
- Grit, chaos, social commentary – candid, unvarnished, subject-aware, unfiltered. Has keen observational skills and fascination with idiosyncrasies of human behaviour and storytelling.
- Enjoys connection with people and the informality and artistic freedom of street photograph
Dougie likes projects and has two prominent projects photographing Stag and Hen parties, (Stags hens, and Bunnies)and Rich people coming out of Harrods. (Harrodsburg).
Alun’s presentation was very interesting accompanied by examples of each photographer. Alun went into this subject in great depth, explaining technique, brilliance, and impact of each photographer. His work was supported with excellent images from all the photographers.
Jan Dell
After the break Jan Dell shared a great resource. Photo Club Zoom meetings.
Website: roy@myphotoclub.co.uk
Cost £3.75
This resource is supported by one hundred and fifty people from America, Canada, Iceland, and Europe.
Courses are also available booked by email to Roy. Jan went on to tell us of Speakers she has enjoyed. I will add some of the ten Jan has put forward.
- Mark Littlejohn from Scotland –The romance of Landscape Photography all done with split toning.
- Cherry Lancombe -Abstracts -Using the Seeing Eye
- Jonathan Vaines –Creative Vision
- Linda Bembridge-Make Believe-The story behind the Project.
- Paul Sanders– Rediscovering your creative Mojo.
- Kevin Pigney My Passion for Wildlife.
Thank you, Jan that was a great resource.
Carol Haines
After Jan came Carol Haines who talked on two of her favourite photographers Steve McCurry and Jo Stephen
Steve McCurry a famous photojournalist working for over forty years. Has been a war correspondent and travelled across the world sharing his photos of different people, religions, cultures, and lifestyles. In his pictures people are seen doing ordinary everyday things often set against a background of poverty or war. She said he brings the world into out front rooms and allows access to other civilizations we may never see.
Jo Stephen photographs are taken in areas around her home in Dorset and display countryside flowers and nature in an ethereal way. The images give a feeling of calm and as Jo herself says “it’s an escape from today’s chaotic life.” Carol said If you want to see Jo’s work go onto her website which is: Jo Stephen Photography
Martin Hommel
Martin Hommel described to us his love of wildlife photography and showed us images of his visit to Skomer Island on a photography shoot when he captured these these Puffins. He also talked about his visit to Jedburgh Castle supported by his images.
Sam Knight
Lastly Sam Knight is inspired by old photos and photographers and loves to shoot in film. He showed us his camera and explained that he likes the atmosphere and lighting in vintage pictures. He buys old books often from second hand shops to explore the images of yesterday and says he learns so much from them. He likes models from the forties and fifties the black and white image and lighting. Sam showed us a great picture of Winston Churchill and an image of a model taken by Roland Pleterski a fascinating photographer born in1920.
It was an entertaining evening when we were taken around the world through history and were given an insight into other people’s inspirations. Thank you to all who contributed.
Next Week: Club Challenge #1
Tuesday, October 24th @ 20:15 – 22:15
A very well composed blog Carol with lots of interest and useful information from the contributors.