What's On

What's On 2019

January

09 January - Annual General Meeting and Review of the Year

Presented by: The Committee

A brief AGM including Chairman’s and Treasurer’s reports and election of the Committee for 2019.

This will be followed by an entertaining musical slideshow review of our photography throughout 2018.

Project vote: Sports (Dec 2018 project)

Venue: Thatcham Town Football Club @ 7.30p.m.

30 January - Magic Lantern Show

Presented by: Alan Brindle - www.alanbrindlephotography.co.uk

Alan will be re-creating the atmosphere of the late Victorian period. The show will take you back over a hundred years to the halcyon days of the British Empire, when a quarter of the world’s land mass was coloured pink. Queen Victoria ruled and there was a great feeling of national pride. He hopes to thrill us all in the way Victorian audiences were thrilled and amazed by these images of far away places they could never hope to visit.

The images are all hand-tinted photographs, coloured by young women with good eyesight and a steady hand. The first half will take us round the world and the second half looks at the Russo-Japanese War, venture into the melodramas of the day then finish with images from Japan whose exponents were masters of 19th Century photography.

Project vote: Hands

Venue: Thatcham Town Football Club @ 7.30p.m.

February

13 February - Techniques, tips and challenges in Antarctica

Presented by: Renato Granieri - renatogranieri.com

Renato is a leader on photography holiday trips to remote parts of the world e.g. Antarctica and the Arctic. As the leader he delivers talks that cover techniques, tips and challenges that are understandable across all levels of expertise from point and shoot, to professional level. We should all be able to learn something from his expertise.

Venue: Thatcham Town Football Club @ 7.30p.m.

27 February - Practical Session

Presented by: The Committee

There will be a number of different set ups in the room so that you can try out different types of photography. Make sure you remember to bring your camera and, if you have one, a tripod might come in useful (although not to be used as a weapon!).

There will be experienced members on hand to help you set up your cameras if you have problems. Come along equipped to try it out.

Project vote: Abandoned buildings

Venue: Thatcham Town Football Club @ 7.30p.m.

March

13 March - Photo 24

Presented by: Mark O’Leary - www.molphoto.co.uk

This will be a talk on Mark's experiences when taking part in the 24 hour non-stop photography competition in London. He will explain the purpose of the competition, how to apply and what to expect. The talk will be accompanied by a slide show of his images plus some prints taken on the 4 occasions he has entered. Mark will finish his presentation with a brief overview of the type of photography he is currently working on.

Venue: Thatcham Town Football Club @ 7.30p.m.

27 March - Photographic Studio

Presented by: The Committee

Back by popular demand, a chance to have a go at shooting portrait photographs with studio lighting. Choose from three different studios set-ups and try changing the position of lights and the pose of models (fellow members) to create different styles and 'looks'.

Ask experienced members for help and tuition on how to control the lights for different creative effects. Remember to bring your camera, memory cards and charged batteries. No tripod required.

Please note... the level crossing will be closed @ 10pm this evening for maintenance work. The meeting will start at 7pm and finish a little earlier to avoid the closure.

Project vote: Picture in a picture

Venue: Thatcham Town Football Club @ 7.00p.m.

April

10 April - Street Photography

Presented by: Peter Crane - www.petercrane.co.uk

For Peter, street photography is instinctive. Even after seven years of wandering the streets with his camera, it's still about staying curious, inspired and looking for that decisive moment. Peter will be showing stunning images of life and candid moments captured on the street and offering advice on how to take good photos whilst being discreet.

Project vote: Two wheels

Venue: Thatcham Town Football Club @ 7.30p.m.

24 April - Practical Session - Open Discussion

Presented by: The Committee

This is an opportunity to discuss all matters photographic with fellow members. You might bring along some prints for other members to discuss and comment upon. You may have gaps in your knowledge that you would like filled. You may also care to bring along your camera, lenses etc for help with the controls, or to provide a talking point for fellow members.

Venue: Thatcham Town Football Club @ 7.30p.m.

May

08 May - How to improve your photos

Presented by: Peter Orr ARPS - www.peterorrphotography.com

Peter is a photographer interested in all aspects of the art but spends most of his time working in the Wildlife and Landscape genres. He is an Associate of the Royal Photographic Society, an appointed Getty Images Artist and provides training in Adobe Lightroom and Photography.

Peter will talk about his approach to taking photographs followed by a critique of members' prints, using the accepted criteria of an SCPF judge.

Project vote: Coloured lights, signs

Venue: Thatcham Town Football Club @ 7.30p.m.

29 May - Natural History Photography

Presented by: Pete Whieldon - www.petewhieldonphotography.co.uk

Pete will show many images and talk about his trips around the world as well as his ‘Back Yard’ where we have many kinds of Owls, Raptors, Mice & Frogs.

He and Kate run a photography business in Otterbourne where wild animals are frequent visitors, including a Kingfisher and a Tawny Owl.

Venue: Thatcham Town Football Club @ 7.30p.m.

June

9 June - Oxford Challenge

Presented by: The Committee

Meet at a central venue in Oxford to walk around the city finding, and taking photographs of, different landmarks within its bounds, We realise that people walk at different speeds so will probably designate different groups according to that criteria.

Venue: Oxford (precise location & time to be advised nearer the date)

12 June - Photo Review

Presented by: The Committee & Members

Each participant in the Oxford Walk event on Sunday 9 June will display up to 5 photos taken on the day. Members will be asked to discuss and select what they consider to be the best collection.

In addition, attendees to the recent studio session run by Dan Newbury will show some of their photos and share their experiences.

Project vote: Reflections

Venue: Thatcham Town Football Club @ 7.30p.m.

26 June - Mirrorless Cameras

Presented by: Robert Pugh and Mark Baber - www.rpphotographybydesign.co.uk

The first presentation of the evening is about Robert Pugh's photography and use of Sony mirrorless cameras, explaining the technological advancements and innovations in Sony Full Frame mirrorless cameras and how these have improved his photographic workflow. Robert will also cover the settings he uses and his approach to capturing the moment.

The second presentation will feature Robert's work and personal projects — plenty of examples of pictures and explanations of how the photos created. Robert will also cover lighting diagrams to show how the subject was lit for the shot.

This promises to be a fully packed evening of photography and camera information to help you on your way of being a better photographer and mastering the skills you require. Best of all, ask Robert anything and he will be happy to answer. A full range of the Sony cameras and lenses will be provided by Sony on the evening for everyone to look at and try.

Venue: Thatcham Town Football Club @ 7.30p.m.

30 June - Thatcham Family Fun Day

Presented by: Thatcham Town Council - www.thatchamtowncouncil.gov.uk/events/thatcham-family-fun-day

A day in the sun (hopefully) with many stalls and activities to enjoy. Come and visit our stall and find out about our Club whilst taking part in our fund raising for charity.

Venue: Henwick Worthy Sports Ground @ 11:00a.m. - 4:00p.m.

July

10 July - Newbury Alphabet Walk

Presented by: The Committee

Join us for a walk around Newbury with your camera to take photos of buildings, or parts of buildings, that resembles a letter of the alphabet. Can you collect all 26 letters? There are several within seeing distance of the meeting point.

Sunset comes at about 8.30p.m. but twilight extends for at least another two hours and is still excellent for photography.

As you tire, or become exhausted, we will meet outside the pubs in the Market Place around 9.30p.m.

Venue: Meet outside Newbury Library @ 7.30p.m.

31 July - Newbury Alphabet Walk follow-up

Presented by: The Committee

Bring your photographs from the Alphabet Walk to the meeting on a memory stick. You will be allocated a table where someone (probably a Committee member) will load them onto a laptop. The table group will then debate the pictures and select a complete alphabet (or as near as possible) to show in the second half of the meeting when a vote on the best selection will be made.

Project vote: Birds

Venue: Thatcham Town Football Club @ 7.30p.m.

August

14 August - Summer BBQ

Presented by: The Committee

A casual evening of food provided by members, incinerated by the committee, and washed down with a glass or two of your favourite tipple. A great way for members with their partners to relax and reflect on our year so far, talk about the photos we took, the ones that got away, the projects that we'd like to do, and the kit we want to buy!

An additional cost of £5 per person will apply to this evening. Please send an email to Stuart Bain, our Treasurer, to ensure you book your place and arrange payment.

Venue: Thatcham Town Football Club @ 7.30p.m.

28 August - Eccentric London

Presented by: Alan Copeland - www.curiosities.co.uk

A welcome return for Alan for an enjoyable evening with an offbeat study of our capital city looking at the buildings and architecture, colourful history, legends and one or two strange characters who make up the cosmopolitan city.

Part One studies the strange buildings and history which can be found in Inner London. It includes all the familiar sights that tourists enjoy as well as some of more bizarre aspects of life in the City.

Part Two looks at Greater London, the area surrounding the City on all sides where we some very unusual buildings and one or two very eccentric characters.

Project vote: Not a person in sight

Venue: Thatcham Town Football Club @ 7.30p.m.

September

11 September - Low Light Photography

Presented by: Paul Roberts & Ray Buckland

Presentations covering low light photography in general, as well as looking at the specifics of taking photos of fireworks. Paul and Ray will be using a combination of video and still images to illustrate their talk. If you have any particular problems with taking these kinds of photos, please let us know in advance so we can be sure to address them on the night.

In addition, we will start the collection of framed images for display as part of our Thatcham Festival Photographic Exhibition 11-13th October. Please bring them with you to the meeting.

Project vote: Big appearing small

Venue: Thatcham Town Football Club @ 7.30p.m.

25 September - The Prints and the Paper

Presented by: Chris Palmer - www.chrispalmerphotographer.co.uk

Chris was introduced to photography, and the darkroom, when he was about 7, and has been producing pictures ever since.

He became actively involved in club photography in 1979. He gained his ARPS with traditional darkroom prints. Changing to digital colour prints for his Fellowship.

He is now retired as an Air Traffic Controller and is a member of Amersham Photographic Society. Since 2005 he has supported Paul Foley with Spirit and Vision Photographic workshops.

We will continute with the collection of framed images for display as part of our Thatcham Festival Photographic Exhibition 11-13th October. Please bring them with you to the meeting.

Venue: Thatcham Town Football Club @ 7.30p.m.

October

Thursday 3 October - Mix an' Match Competition v Burghfield Camera Club

Presented by: Members & The Committee

Last year Burghfield C.C narrowly defeated us in the Mix an' Match competition. We are out for 'revenge' this year and will be collecting suitable images throughout August and September.

Venue: St. Oswald's Hall, Abbey Park, Burghfield, RG9 3HQ @ 7.30p.m.

11 October - Preview of our Photographic Exhibition

Presented by: Members & The Committee

An invitation only event to preview our work to local council representatives, school head teachers and other leaders within the community.

Venue: The Old Bluecoat School, Thatcham @ 6.00pm - 9.00p.m.

12 October - Photographic Exhibition

Presented by: Members & The Committee

One of the opening events of the Thatcham Festival this year, our members will showcase the best of their work at a public gallery exhibition.

Enjoy photographs of the natural world, architecture, portrait, sports and more. Refreshments will be available and if the mood takes you, prints will be on sale at reasonable prices too!

Venue: The Old Bluecoat School, Thatcham @ 9.00am - 5.00p.m.

12 October - TPC on The Broadway

Presented by: Members & The Committee

Ambushing innocent passers-by to look at our work and enticing them to become members.

Venue: Thatcham Broadway @ 9.00am - 5.00p.m.

13 October - Photographic Exhibition

Presented by: Members & The Committee

Venue: The Old Bluecoat School, Thatcham @ 9.00am - 5.00p.m.

30 October - An Eye On The Hebrides

Presented by: Ruari Cumming ARPS - www.hebridean-island-images.com

Ruari Cumming ARPS, is a professional photographer specialising in the Hebrides, which he has extensively photographed over the last twenty-five years.

His photographs sell to tourist organisations, tour operators, ferry companies & cruise ship owners for use in their brochures.

This show of photographs by Ruari includes some historical facts and other interesting information about the Hebrides, with a few humorous anecdotes along the way. The images are arranged in a series of audio visual sequences and cover all the Hebridean Islands with some evocative music to match the photographs.

Project vote: Harbours / Ports

Venue: Thatcham Town Football Club @ 7.30p.m.

November

2 November - Newbury Racecourse Lions Charity Fireworks

Presented by: Lions Club of Newbury - www.newburylions.org.uk

We are delighted to have been invited by Newbury Racecourse to take photos at the fireworks spectacular this year, organised by the Lions Club of Newbury.

From a privatised vantage point, members will be able to try out their skills at low light photography using the tips and techniques discussed at our meeting on 11 September.

This is a members-only activity for those members that have signed up in advance to attend. If you have not signed up for this activity, please do not arrive on the night expecting to join in.

Important: Please ensure you are wearing your club membership badge for this activity.

Venue: Newbury Racecourse - Gates open at 5p.m.

5 November - Falkland Cricket Club Fireworks

Presented by: Falkland Cricket Club - www.falklandcc.co.uk

We are also delighted to have been invited by Falkland Cricket Club to photograph their annual Fireworks & Bonfire display.

From a privatised vantage point, members will be able to try out their skills at low light photography using the tips and techniques discussed at our meeting on 11 September.

This is a members-only activity for those members that have signed up in advance to attend. If you have not signed up for this activity, please do not arrive on the night expecting to join in.

Important: Please ensure you are wearing your club membership badge for this activity.

Venue: Enborne St, Newbury RG14 6TW - Gates open at 5p.m.

13 November - NO MEETING

Because we have two photoshoot activities this month at local firework displays, we will not be holding our regular meeting tonight.

27 November - 40 years as a Berkshire based photographer

Presented by: Chris Forsey - Chris Forsey on Twitter

Chris is a news photojournalist and columnist with an interest in local history. He has documented the renovation of Reading Abbey and was also involved in the University of Reading's evacuation of parts of Roman Silchester in 2018.

He also works as a commercial PR specialist and as a wildlife photographer.

Project vote: Six Inches Off The Ground

Venue: Thatcham Town Football Club @ 7.30p.m.

December

11 December - Christmas Party

Presented by: The Committee

A light-hearted end to the year with an evening of fun activities including skittles, quizzes, good food and friendship for all members and their partners.

We also get to vote for our favourite monthly project winner for the year who will be awarded the Chairman's Cup.

An additional cost will apply to this evening. Details nearer the date.

Project vote: Chairman's Cup vote for Project Vote Photo of the Year (the project vote for Seascapes will will take place at the first meeting in January).

Venue: Thatcham Town Football Club @ 7.30p.m.

January 2020

08 January - Annual General Meeting and Review of the Year

Presented by: The Committee

A brief AGM including Chairman’s and Treasurer’s reports and election of the Committee for 2020.

This will be followed by an entertaining musical slideshow review of our photography throughout 2019.

Two project votes tonight: Seascapes (Dec 2019 project) & Cold (Jan 2020 project)

Venue: Thatcham Town Football Club @ 7.30p.m.