Woodland ways by Paul Mitchell FRPS

On Tuesday evening Paul Mitchell presented the love of his life, woodland photography throughout all the seasons. And what a beautiful collection of images these were.

Paul began by telling us of his connections with East Anglia mentioning holidays in Southwold and many visits to Norwich. He said how lucky we were to live in such a wonderful area, and he is right! He told us that he is a graphic designer, and that photography was a hobby, an outlet and an escape, but what a shock to be told that he had gained his Fellowship of the RPS using a pinhole camera! The moral here is that lots of expensive equipment and gadgets are not needed to achieve happiness and excellence in photography.

Paul got his inspiration from several landscape painters; Turner, Sandby, Bierstadt and from a selection of photographers; Peter Demberkis, Shinzo Maeda and Christopher Burkett, and he advised that we also should study their work. As well as this he listed his woodland kit which was interesting because of the lack of a wide angle lens, however, 70 - 200 lens and a good polariser were essentials. He talked of composition and reached decisions by asking the question 'Would I hang it on my wall?' and if the answer was 'No, I would not' then walk away!

The first half of the presentation was devoted to his photographs, and these were themed with the seasons. A really outstanding idea for a presentation and allowing a wonderful collection of early morning shots daytime and also evening shoots. Included in this cornucopia of plenty were a collection of outstanding infra-red pictures.

The second half Paul devoted to explaining how he processed his images using Lightroom and Photoshop, time filled with many good tips and explanations all delivered in a very comprehensible and enjoyable form.

 Many thanks to Paul for an excellent evening. Now, what's the forecast for tomorrow morning, snow, mist, fog? Where's my polariser?

Paul’s presentation was a wonderful way to bring the 2022 programme to a close. The 2023 programme of our Special Presentations begins straight after the New Year when JP Stones will be with us to present Storytelling for Photographers.