An occasional blog by Alan Keen

Welcome to the seventh “A View from the Serving Hatch” for the 2024/2025 season. In this issue, I look back on the meetings that have happened since the last edition and look forward to the meetings happening in April and May. Also, I will make some comments on the 205-26 Season.

Recent Meetings

4th March Judging of Round 4 Images by Steffan Nicholson. Steffan was presented with a strong entry in all 3 sections of both the beginners and advanced competitions. He gave detailed feedback on each image with suggestions of how improvements could be made.

11th March – Stupidity to Insanity a presentation by Christine Hodgson BA Phot, ARPS, CPAGB

At this meeting, we had a visit from the current YPU President, who gave a very personal account of two aspects of her photography work. In the first half of the meeting, Christine gave a pictorial, industrial landscape account of her trip to explore the Caminita del Rey, a path once considered one of the most dangerous trails in the world. Following a four-year reconstruction, this walkway reopened in 2015 and is now safe and accessible to all. She traversed the route, suspended over 328 feet (100 meters) above the ground, and crossed the canyon on a suspension bridge. In the second half, Christine explained the work she submitted for consideration for a RPS Fellowship. Using a flatbed scanner, instead of a camera, she made a panel of 21 scanned images of acrylic inks mixed with household chemicals. These were selected from the hundred or so images she had produced and chosen for their haunting shapes and patterns.

18th March – My Year in Photography – Shelly Knight LPRS

Shelly made a welcomed return to Doncaster CC after a two-year absence due to her relocation to Scotland. Members were treated to some stunning wildlife images that Shelly had produced in both Scotland and Norway. Now semi-retired, Shelly has been able to dedicate more of her time to her wildlife photography. This ranged from camera traps in her garden, to visits to gannet colonies, and woodland birds in her local area. In addition to sharing her impressive prints and DPIs she also donated to theClub a large box of Scottish shortbread, which went down very well at half-time!

Future Meetings

25th March – My Vision my Photography – Lee Forrester BA(Hons) Photo,

APRS, DPAGB, EFIAP, BPE3*

A personal presentation by one of Yorkshire’s most creative photographers. Lee Forrester is a highly accomplished photographer with a BA (Hons) in Photography. He holds several prestigious distinctions, including Associate of the Royal Photographic Society (ARPS), Distinction from the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain (DPAGB), Excellence from the Fédération Internationale de l’Art Photographique (EFIAP), and British Photographic Exhibitions (BPE3*).

Lee specializes in architectural, landscape, and fine art photography. His work is characterised by its striking compositions and innovative use of long exposure techniques. Lee has travelled extensively, capturing iconic modern architecture in cities such as London, Lisbon, Hamburg, Berlin, and Hong Kong. His long exposure seascapes and tree images taken during the “Beast from the East” snowstorm in 2018 are particularly notable. In addition to his photographic work, Lee is an engaging speaker and has given talks to camera clubs and societies throughout the UK. He shares his insights on photography, including his methods of post-production in Lightroom and Photoshop, where he aims to keep things as simple as possible to produce stunning final images.

1st April – change in the Programme – The Landscape Group

The Landscape group will be presenting a series of their images that members have produced over recent months. For those of you who are not aware The Landscape Group is co-ordinated by Ernie and meet over Zoom, on a Thursday, about once a month. They also arrange informal photoshoots, between themselves, to extend their portfolios. New Member welcome!

8th April – Judging of the Annual DPI Competition – Richard Egan FRPS

Richard Egan FRPS is a distinguished figure in the world of photography, celebrated for his expertise and contributions to the art form. As a Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society (FRPS), he has demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication to advancing photographic standards. Beyond his personal achievements, Richard is highly regarded for his role as a photography competition judge. His keen eye for detail, artistic sensibility, and deep understanding of photographic techniques have made him a sought-after judge for prestigious competitions. Through his work, he has inspired countless photographers to refine their craft and push creative boundaries. Best of luck to all the members who have submitted entries.

15th April – Judging of the Annual Print Competition – Carol Mc Niven Young

FRPS EPAGB ABPE EFIAP/g AWPF

Carol McNiven Young is an accomplished and award-winning photographer, renowned for her creative and artistic portraiture. A Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society (FRPS), she has also earned numerous distinctions for her exceptional work. Carol is a highly respected photography competition judge, regularly serving as a judge for national and international salons, as well as British Photographic Exhibitions (BPEs). Her expertise and passion for photography have made her a sought-after mentor and lecturer, inspiring photographers to explore their creativity and refine their skills. Best of luck to all the members who have submitted entries.

22nd April – Easter Break – No Meeting

29th April – AGM and The Club Presentation Night

Looking Forward to the 2025 – 2026 Season

The last 18 months have been a difficult time for Doncaster Camera Club, not helped by illness of members and their loved ones. The financial projection for the 2024-25 season indicates that expenditure will again be greater than our income and our reserves are being depleted. The Council have agreed that it would be wrong to change membership fees for a second year running, so we must make savings elsewhere. Changes for next Season: Meetings will run from 7.30pm to 9.30pm with the hall being available from 7.15pm to 9.45pm. This will mean we will only be paying 2.5 hours rental instead of 3 hours. (However, we have been informed that halrental will increase by 20% in January 2026). We are also looking for an alternative, more affordable, venue going forward. Eight of next season’s meetings will be held via Zoom with no meeting in the hall, again reducing rental costs. The Rounds Competitions will be restructured so that all DPIs will be judged in 2 of the Zoom meetings. Members will still be required to enter 24 images, (8 Colour Prints, 8 Mono Prints and 8 DPIs.