Dennis Hales and Paul Oliver give the Society ideas and tips based on their photographic experiences.

Tonight as part of our programme of Activity/Practical/Technique Evenings we were all entertained with two outstanding presentations from two of our own members - Dennis Hales and Paul Oliver.

Activity/Practical/Technique Evenings are where we get the chance to learn about photographic techniques, find out how to critique our images, learn practical stuff like editing techniques or photo-mounting, and occasionally go outside with our cameras.

Dennis opened the evening with a description of how his photography linked to his business of wood turning. He showed us several pictures of his absolutely outstanding turning and painting on wood and also briefly explained how he went about this work. The finished results in gold and silver, and colour matching to customers special requirements, were amazing.

But Dennis continued with this theme and demonstrated how he used product photography to advertise his art. Excellent shots often taken in his favourite light - daylight. But some of those tips with plastic milk containers for diffusers and crisp boxes for shades and directional light were inspiring.

Paul followed Dennis after the break and gave us a demonstration of developing film and, in an easy and simple demonstration (with tap water) took us through the process. The process brought back memories, particularly olfactory memories, to many members.

One of the most interesting points made by Paul was when he explained why he loved not only photography but using film to capture images and take that exposed film through the developing process. He said that all this gave him a sense of 'ownership' of the image. Yes, Paul, I see what you mean.

Dennis and Paul, many thanks for an excellent evening which was enjoyed my everyone.

Tonight’s meeting was also another milestone in the development of the Society when we welcomed our first new eNDPS members - Colin Livingstone and Trez Hannon who both live in Northumberland. We are all delighted to hear that you both enjoyed your first evening with us. Thank you for choosing to join NDPS and we look forward to getting to know you both in the future.
With Zoom meetings forming a central part of the Society’s programme during covid and into the future once normality returns eNDPS has been created for members unlikely to ever attend physical NDPS meetings, due to geographical or other reasons.