Virtual Meeting — PUBLIC BLOG — NDPS | Norwich & District Photographic Society

Rome - In Pictures and Words by Chris Ceaser

On Tuesday evening Chris Caesar led us through the streets of Rome and treated us to a potted history of the Eternal City beginning from the 9th century BCE up to today. He talked of the seven hills of Rome, the myths surrounding the founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus, their falling out and Romulus' victory. Chris mentioned the Sabine women from the next door hill and the arrival of the Eutruscans.

We saw pictures of the Circus Maximus, the chariot racing arena, and Chris explained the meaning of the ubiquitous logo 'SPQR' (Senatus Populusque Romanus) the Senate and People of Rome, to be seen on so many structures in the city.

Julius Caesar made an entrance and his well known sound bites explained - 'The die is cast!', 'Crossing The Rubicon', 'I came, I saw, I conquered'.

Then on to The Appian Way, its construction and its bloody history of punishment of the slaves of the Spartacus rebellion, 6,000 prisoners nailed to crosses every 60 yards!

The emperor Trajan his column, a carved history of war and invasion, his building of what is believed to be the first supermarket and the first use of concrete in construction.

After the break we saw some beautiful pictures of the Pantheon and its oculus, its eye in the roof open to the sky. In the 1400's Piazza Navona was constructed and this breath-taking open area still retains the shape and dimensions of the original circus on which it was built.

Piazza del Campidoglio, beautifully designed by Michelangelo, is the masterpiece of the Capitoline hill and beautifully photographed my Chris. More excellent views of the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain and Piazza del Popolo.

We walked along the banks of the Tiber on Lungo Tevere and admired the bridges, the Ponte Rotto and the Vatican church and state.

Chris ended his Roman Holiday with a brief tour of the fountains, the 'typewriter' monument and the 'bocca della verita'. You know, the drain cover which bites your hand off if you don't tell the truth!

Great photos, great explanations and an evening to remember. Our thanks to Chris.

Tuesday 16th June, 2020 - Another First and Another Great Success!

At half past seven on the evening of 16th June about 40 members of the society gathered round their computers at home, because of the ubiquitous Lockdown, and settled in to enjoy the first Virtual Member's Evening ever. Member's Evenings are, of course, not new but to hold such a meeting using Skype was a first and, although we have had many Special Event speakers in this difficult period, this was the first home grown meeting. And it was a real success.

Member's Evenings are a chance for members to share ideas, images, knowledge and experience in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. So, what was on the menu this evening?

Neil Hall gave a presentation on that part of his career as a paparazzo describing not only the job briefs but the long and sometimes tedious hours waiting for celebrities to appear. But when they did appear the frantic action to get the shot. And good shots too - Neil included several sample photos in his presentation! Thanks Neil for a whirlwind half hour.

Members' Evening, Virtual MeetingMaurice YoungJune 18, 2020paparazzo, luminar, dawn shoot

Photography Tour of Scotland - a highly illustrated talk by Ruth Grindrod

The members of Norwich & District Photographic Society were treated to an outstanding evening of photography last night when they hosted a ‘virtual presentation’ by local Norfolk photographer Ruth Grindrod who took us all on a ‘Photographic Journey to Scotland’

Starting in the Western Isles of Lewis and Harris, Ruth shared with us her image ‘Three Rocks’ taken at the Butt of Lewis which was recently the overall winner of the Scottish Nature Photography Awards as well as winner of the Sea and Coast category. What followed was a selection of superb images that were taken in the wide variety of constantly changing weather conditions that this part of the world is renowned for...!

From the Western Isles we travelled to the wild and rugged North West Coast of Scotland, including in particular the areas around Torridon and Applecross before heading to the beaches around Nairn on the Moray Forth and finally Perthshire and the autumn colours of Loch Tummel and around Rannoch.

Ruth clearly loves Scotland and she talks with great passion about the challenges of photographing this beautiful landscape in all weathers. Indeed, many her of her stunning photographs are not taken in the ‘golden hour’ around sunrise and sunset but out during all kinds of weather including high winds and driving rain.

Special Presentation, Virtual MeetingMaurice YoungMay 27, 2020scotland, western isles, landscape

Photography and the Sublime – an illustrated photo-talk by Thomas Peck

Last Tuesday evening when Thomas Peck finished talking one of the Society’s member’s asked if we could all turn our microphones back on. This request was met with spontaneous applause that rang out across all our screens as we all thanked Thomas for such a great evening.

Thomas’ presentation talked about the influences of landscape painters and how their work now affects Landscape photography. The Photographic Sublime - how artistic traditions of the Sublime influence photography of the past, present, and future…

Thomas Peck showed us how the traditions of the Sublime influenced early landscape photographers through to the modern day. With examples from painters like Turner & Caspar David Friedrich and photographs from Carleton E Watkins to M Kenna to S Salgado to A Adams to H Sugimoto, plus some of his own outstanding pictures.

It was a fascinating insight into a cultural trend which will provoke some debate, especially when we look into the future at how photography and the Sublime might interact in the 21st century.

Thank you Thomas for such an inspiring talk and we hope to see you in person at Norwich in the not to distant future.

Special Presentation, Virtual MeetingMaurice YoungMay 23, 2020photo-talk, landscape, sublime

Special Presentation by Julian Elliott – Patagonia, Landscape Photography at the End of the World

Norwich & District Photographic Society are delighted to host a virtual presentation from international photographer Julian Elliott entitled A Journey to the End of the World.
The trials and tribulations of working on commission in the Patagonian fjords on a cruise ship. Very often from an outsider's point of view the life of a travel photographer looks glamorous and exciting. What is not seen is the battles against ‘Mother Nature’ when working on the job.
The talk will last about 90 minutes during which there will be a short break and afterwards there will be an opportunity for a Q&A session.

The following images are the copyright of Juilian Elliott and are being shown with his permission.

Special Presentation, Virtual MeetingMaurice YoungApril 20, 2020landscape, patagonia, photo-talk

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