As mentioned at the Club a few weeks back and in my recent email, we are proposing to set up two groups to share editing knowhow.  

The first will be the ‘Essentials’ group, which will take a fairly structured approach to some of the core editing skills.  This would be useful for those in the early stages of their editing journey, and for those who would like a refresher. The second will be the ‘Freestyle’ group, which will take a more informal approach with various members explaining how they edited particular images with their own preferred techniques and style.  

In relation to the Essentials Group, we are conscious of the fact that members may be using a range of different software packages.  We will do our best to accommodate these, but will need to know what we are dealing with in advance.  This is of less importance for the Freestyle Group. 

So, two things.  First, if you are interested in taking part in either of these groups, please let me know.  Second, if it is the Essentials Group that interests you, please could you let me know which software package you currently use. Assuming there is sufficient interest, we can then start planning things in a little more detail. I look forward to hearing from you. Alex

For this summer I am arranging for a visit to Somerset Rebels Speedway.

Somerset Speedway is located at; Oak Tree Arena Bristol Road Edithmead Nr Highbridge Somerset TA9 4HA

Come and photograph a great motorsport and enjoy some Rebels hospitality. We will taken on a pre-meeting tour of the pits and track, and told about the sport, which is one of the most exciting motorsports around, with machines that can out accelerate a Formula 1 car from a standing start to 60mph. On top of that they have no brakes, and no gears, and race on an enclosed circuit, made up of loose shale, and all on a motorbike that weighs around 70kgs, and produces over 70bph, and often race just inches from the safety fence, whilst neck and neck with an opponent.

We are offered a table in the Clubhouse, exclusively for the use of our group for the evening. Our table will give us access to the VIP guest area, if you wish, and included is a Mixed Platter of food, consisting of Burgers, Chicken Strips, Mozzarella bites, Onion Rings, Corn on the Cob and chips . You don’t need to stay in the guest area, you are free to wander the public areas, and take photographs of the action (subject to some safety rules etc).

There are numerous great viewpoints around the arena all of which will provide you the opportunity to capture some stunning images. All we ask is that you consider the enjoyment of the other supporters whilst doing so.

The cost of the evening is £20 and all those wanting to go can book through Lesley, payment is required at the latest by the Annual Diner. So for your money our party will enjoy: Table(s) for the exclusive use of your party Access to the guest area Mixed Food Platter Pre-meeting tour of the Pits and Track (**subject to available time)

Please note drinks are not included, but can be purchased separately from the clubhouse bar The event is Wednesday June 24th and is subject to weather conditions and if cancelled then an alternative evening will be chosen, meet up in the car park for 5.45 p.m. as pits are open from 6.00 p.m. Stuart

Hello All. My name is Jennifer Russell and I am a Casting Researcher at Storyboard Studios, an independent production company based in Glasgow.

We have been commissioned by BBC to make a brand new photography competition series and we are looking for people who would like to apply to take part.  The show will follow six amateur photographers as they compete for assignments and are mentored by some of the most influential and exciting photographers working in Britain today.

(NB We are defining amateur as someone who doesn’t earn more than 50% of their income from photography).

We are looking to hear from passionate and talented photographers who have the ability and flair to take part in a contest where one person will be named Photographer of the Year. If you feel your work has a distinctive vision and captures the world around you in a fresh way, we would love to hear from you. If you, or anyone you know might be interested in finding out more on how to apply: Applications are now open! Please head to www.storyboardstudios.tv/photography to see the full terms and conditions and for information on how to apply.

If you have any questions please email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and a member of the team will be able to help. I would be grateful if you could forward to anyone you think might be interested, and/or post on your social media to reach out to your followers. Thanks for your help. Kind regards, Jennifer

We have a change to this year's programme on 16 March. Instead of a practical evening, we have at no expense spared, Jack Lowe who will give his talk on "The Lifeboat Station Project".Jack is on a mission to photograph all RNLI stations and is here in Torbay to photograph on 17 March, so this an opportunity not to be missed, don't worry about losing the practical night, I will put on an extra one in the next year.The talk contains a mixture of anecdotes, still photos, short films and sound recordings. He drives around in 'Neena', his mobile darkroom and it will be there for you to view. Oh yes, I forgot to say that Jack is taking images the same way the Victorians did on glass plate.  He uses a process known as Wet Plate Collodion, each glass plate being unique and known as an Ambrotype.  When finished visiting all 238 stations he will have something in the order of 1000 glass plate images.Please come along, if you have guests bring them along too for just £3.  You can also look at the website www.lifeboatstationproject.com