News

Saturday 5th May, 2012

On Friday 4^th May 36 members of Carluke Camera Club met for their Annual General Meeting. During the evening retiring Club President Libby Smith presented her report for the year just ending before offering a flavour of next year’s syllabus. External Competition Secretary Hunter Kennedy reported on a very successful year of competitions both north and south of the border and retiring Internal Competition Secretary Neil Smith also reported a successful year - a full list of prize winners will be listed on the club website after the club’s annual meal and presentation of prizes. The formal reports were concluded by club Treasurer Billy Chapman.

The members present approved the introduction of junior membership and the changes to the constitution required in order to accept such membership were unanimously approved. Please note that a previous report regarding the formation of a ‘junior section’ was incorrect - no formal junior section is being formed.

On taking the chair, incoming Club President Tom Robley thanked Libby for her sterling service to the club over past years before presiding over the election and re-election of Office Bearers and Committee Members.

Office Bearers elected for the coming year were President - Tom Robley, Vice President - Steve Vanderwalt, Secretary - Ed Willis, Treasurer - Billy Chapman, Syllabus Secretary - Jack Watson, External Competition Secretary - Hunter Kennedy, and Internal Competition Secretaries - Christine Smith (Prints) & Sadie Paterson (Digital Images).

Members are reminded that the annual meal and presentation of trophies will be held at Carluke Golf Club on 11^th May.

The club is now closed for the summer and will re-start on Friday 31^st August, 2012 at 7.30pm with an Enrolment Night with Cheese & Wine.

Saturday 28th April, 2012

Last Friday the club’s annual competition was judged by Mike Cruise. The competition format has been changed this year to include five categories omitting natural history, as this is now the subject of the separate James MacDowall Trophy competition. The categories and winners were as follows :

Action : Print : Bert Weir with ‘Stormy Water’

Digital image : Bill Barr with ‘Kicking up a Stoor’

Contemporary : Print : Martin Pinkus with ‘Going Home’

Digital image : Sadie Paterson with ‘Forward Charge’

Landscape : Print : Hunter Kennedy with ‘Stormlight at Sunset’

Digital image : Hunter Kennedy with ‘Dune Walkers’

Photo Travel : Print : Janet Russell with ‘Washday, Burano’

Digital image : Richard Gray with ‘A Backward Glance’

Portarit : Print : Hunter Kennedy with ‘In Dreams’

Digital image : Neil Smith with ‘The Engineman’

Best Print was awarded to Martin Pinkus’s ‘Going Home’ and Best Digital image in League 1 was ‘Dune Walkers’ by Hunter Kennedy and in League 2 ‘Spring Tide’ by Fiona Sommerville.

Members are reminded that the annual meal and presentation of trophies will be held at Carluke Golf Club as usual on 11^th May at a cost of £16 per head. If you wish to attend please make sure your name is on the list asap.

On 4^th May the club AGM will be held to report on the year just ending, to elect office bearers for the coming year and to discuss any changes to the constitution required in order to form a junior section. If you wish any other business discussed at the AGM, please give notice of the subject to either Ed Willis or Libby Smith, to enable any background information to be researched in advance of the meeting.

Saturday 21st April, 2012

Last Friday we were treated to the work of the Audio Visual Group. A large number of short sequences were collated and shown by Tom Robley and attracted enthusiastic applause. Subjects were many and varied, and included steam trains, surfing at Ayr, tall ships, gardens, stunt riders, highland games, glamour portraits, Bert’s begonias ( ! ) and visits to far off places. Starting with the Italian lakes we then saw Menorca, the Lake District, the Outer Hebrides, the Grand Canyon, night scenes in Dubai and two accounts of a trip to the Isle of May, both slanderous … Harry’s not going next year. Equally hilarious was a composite of several escapades to impossible locations in icy wastes and sandy deserts compiled by none other than Carluke Travel himself. Paying tribute to the photographers involved, in her vote of thanks Libby mentioned the hours of work required to assemble the photos and prepare them with an appropriate sound track. An enjoyable and amusing evening, thanks to all who took part.

The club annual competition will be judged on the 27^th April by Mike Cruise, another great photographer well known to the club. Please be prompt for a 7.30pm start.

Two more successes for the club were announced. Bob Copeland won Best Print in the GDPU print competition and the club came top of the GDPU digital league at East Kilbride on Sunday evening. The trophy has been won by Carluke ten years in the last twelve.

Saturday 14th April, 2012

Friday 13^th April saw the James MacDowall natural history competition judged by Mick Durham, MPAGB of Dumfries. A dedicated natural history photographer himself, he took pains to explain his method of marking and gave valuable advice on how to take better wildlife pictures. In the prints section, first place was taken by Hunter Kennedy with ‘Diving Gannets,’ which was also the judge’s choice for overall winner in league one. League two overall winner was Cameron Scott with ‘Dunnock.’ In the digital image section Sadie Paterson was awarded first place for ‘Two Gannets - One Fish.’ The James MacDowall trophy will be shared by Janet Russell and Hunter Kennedy, who both achieved 55 points from their best three entries. After the judging, Mick showed us a selection of stunning photos of the wild creatures which visit his garden.

Those who received trophies at last year’s prizegiving should return them to the club or hand them to any committee member as soon as possible but no later than this Friday, 20^th April.

The annual meal and presentation of trophies will be held at Carluke Golf Club as usual on 11^th May at a cost of £16 per head. The menu is still to be announced. If you wish to attend please make sure your name is on the list asap.

The club annual competition will be judged on the 27^th April by Mike Cruise, another great photographer well known to the club.

Libby announced that for reasons of ill health she will be standing down from the position of President at the AGM on 4^th May. Neil will be relinquishing his job of internal competition secretary. Other committee members intend to stand down also. Members are therefore encouraged to consider taking on a more active part in the running of the club, as the present committee have given sterling service over a good number of years.

Saturday 7th April, 2012

Friday 6^th April was a holiday and the Monday instructional nights having finished for this season, the next meeting will be on 13^th April, when the James MacDowall natural history competition will be judged by Mick Durham of Dumfries.

The AV group will be exhibiting their work throughout the season on 20^th April and anyone with an entry on CD or memory stick should pass it to Tom Robley no later than this Friday 13^th.

Please note that those who received trophies at last year’s prizegiving should return them to the club or hand them to any committee member as soon as possible to enable preparation for this year’s presentation to go ahead.

Saturday 31st March, 2012

With next Friday 6^th April being a holiday and the Monday instructional nights having finished for this season, the next meeting will be on 13^th April when the James MacDowall natural history competition will be judged by Mick Durham of Dumfries. A wildlife photographer himself, he showed us some remarkable shots of otters when he visited the club last year.

Tom Robley and the AV group will be exhibiting the results of their work throughout the session on 20^th April and anyone with an entry on CD or memory stick should give it to Tom no later than the 13^th.

Our speaker on Friday night was Colin Robinson from Kilmaurs who is well known for his sports photography. His portfolio is large and varied. We saw over four hundred and fifty images of a wide variety of sports including racing cars, motorbikes, mountain bikes, water sports, equestrian events, athletics, highland games, shinty, cricket, male and female football and rugby. Technically superb and many caught at just the right split second, his skill with very long lenses was evident in every shot. Not only does Colin concentrate on the action, he often sneaks a few pictures of the crowd in the stands, and some of their expressions had the club members in fits of laughter.

Saturday 24th March, 2012

On Friday 23^rd the 6^th club competition for digital files was judged by Campbell Skinner as sadly Dr Robert Cumming is unwell. Moving at a fast pace, Campbell reviewed entries to both leagues giving comments on how the images might be improved. League 2 was won by Fiona Sommerville with a beautiful print entitled 'Enchanted Forest'. In second place was 'Rackwick Dusk' by Richard Gray and third place was taken by Matt Craig with 'Looking Back'. League 1 had two third equals with 'Granny’s Auld Hoose' by Kevin Ramage and 'Red Fox' by Ed Willis. In second place was 'Dune Walkers' by Hunter Kennedy, and the winner was 'Woodpecker' by Tom Robley.

Last date for entries to the club annual competition is this Friday, 30^th March. Maximum entry is 6 images in total. These may be in any one medium or a mix of several. The competition rules are on the club website. The categories are Action, Contemporary, Portraiture, Landscape and Photo travel. The wildlife category has been discontinued as this is now included in the James MacDowall natural history competition to be judged on 13^th April by Mick Durham of Dumfries.

Our speaker on Friday night will be Colin Robinson from Kilmaurs who is well known for his sports photography. This will be another open night when members of other local clubs will be most welcome.

Saturday 17th March, 2012

On Monday 12^th the Audio-visual group were introduced to the latest version of Pro-Show Gold by Tom Robley. The latest addition to the programme is a “ wizard “ which will automatically construct a show of all the photos you load into it, without much effort from you. Once the show is established, you have the option to make any changes and improvements you may wish.

The inter-club meeting hosted by Lanark camera club to contest the Scottish Life competition was held on Tuesday 13^th. This proved unlucky for the other clubs as Carluke won with 179 points. Clydesdale had 162, Lesmahagow 158, Biggar 154, Armadale 146 and Lanark 143.

Harry, Bert, Ian and Jim Miller enjoyed a few days in the North of England in mixed weather photographing Lindisfarne, Bamborough and Seaham.

On Friday 23^rd the 6^th club competition will be for digital files and will now be judged by Campbell Skinner, as Dr Robert Cumming is indisposed. This evening is also the last date for entries to the MacDowall Trophy wildlife competition which will be judged on the 13^th April by Mick Durham of Dumfries. No pets, farm animals etc allowed !

Last date for entries to the club annual competition is 30^th March. Maximum entry is 6 images in total. These may be in any one medium or a mix of several. The competition rules which are already on the website will be re-issued for guidance.

On Friday 16^th we welcomed a good number of guests to see an exhibition of the work of both Peter and Carol Cheetham. Peter is President of the PAGB in which capacity he was delighted to present Davie Owen with his recently won Gold Medal for the best monochrome print. Peter continues to work with black and white and infra red film in his rangefinder cameras producing superb results. Carol is equally successful using digital cameras, one a simple compact, but her output is in colour. Their photos were taken in a variety of locations including London, Derbyshire, the Wirral and their favourite holiday destination, Northern France.

Saturday 10th March, 2012

On Friday last we enjoyed the judging of the Club photohunt, an event held in the summer when five teams took to the road armed with a destination and a list of subjects to photograph. They spent some time in the Trossachs taking pictures of castles, bridges, isolated buildings, streams, waterfalls, something blue, and a team photo. Marks were given for appropriate photos and for their quality. The best word to describe the marking by the judges is ‘ controversial ’. Ed, Majid and Matt had to endure some heckling from the audience, especially as the winning team turned out to be Libby, Neil and Jim Pollock. Hunter and his Loch Park Ladies team brought up the rear.

Monday teaching nights continue with the AV group on 12^th and the nature group on 19^th, both starting at 7.30 in the small room.

The Scottish Life competition hosted this year by Lanark will be contested on Tuesday 13^th March by six clubs, Armadale, Biggar, Carluke, Clydesdale, Lanark and Lesmahagow.

Next Friday, 16^th March sees the visit of Carol and Peter Cheetham, both having the distinction APAGB, who will show us their prints. Members of all local photography clubs are invited and hospitality will be provided.

Saturday 3rd March, 2012

On Monday 27^th February the nature group enjoyed an illustrated talk by Iain English, the Chief Recorder of the British Trust for Ornithology for Avondale and the Isle of May. Iain dealt with not only the bird population of the island, but the geography and history of the island, including its use as a wartime observation post linked to the naval installations at Rosyth. His pictures, especially those of the many bird species which inhabit the area were greatly appreciated.

Last week C.C.C. was involved in two inter-club competitions. The first was a four way between ourselves, Lanark, Hamilton and Motherwell. Carluke won by seven points. On Wednesday we travelled to the capital to take on Edinburgh Photographic Society. Again we were successful, beating them by 513 to 496 points.

The annual winter outing to Fort William left early on Saturday morning and all involved were hoping for good photography weather.

Friday 2^nd March saw the second black and white print competition ably judged by Sandy Cleland FRPS, AFIAP. One of Sandy’s many strengths is the way he praises the work of beginners, giving them positive comments and encouragement. League two for beginners and intermediates was won by Matt Craig, with second place taken by Martin Pinkus, who also shared third equal with Matt. League one, for experienced members, was won by Libby Smith, with second and two third equals going to Hunter Kennedy, who also proposed the vote of thanks.

This week we have the in house judging of the club photohunt. Teams are reminded to prepare their photos with names and numbers and image sizes as per Libby’s recent e-mail. On Monday 12^th March the audio visual group will meet in the small room at 7.30pm

Saturday 25th February, 2012

On Friday 24^th February Carluke Camera Club met for a ‘Digital Match Team Competition’ Fun Night. Members were asked to bring along up to fifteen images, the more unusual the better, so that no one else could match them. During the evening three teams, consisting of 6 club members each, went into battle to match each other’s image in content and quality. Judges for the night were club members Bert Weir, Alex Miller and Alan Jamieson. An evening of much banter and amusement was enjoyed by all.

On Friday 2^nd March members meet to view the Black & White Prints submitted for the 5^th Club Competition of the year. Judge for the evening is Sandy Cleland FRPS, AFIAP. Members are asked to be seated for a prompt 7.30pm start. On Monday 5^th March the Portraiture Special Interest Group led by Ed Willis meets at 8.15pm.

Saturday 18th February, 2012

On Friday 17^th the speaker was Steve Le Provost FRPS, MPAGB, AFIAP from Guernsey whose talk entitled ‘Creative photography’ was exactly that ! Steve admits to having a weird imagination and his highly stylised impressionist images proved his assertion correct. All were montages, in fact one was made up from no less than six separate photos. To create his effects, he digitally adds blur and noise and frequently uses the ‘transform’ tool in photoshop to change the shapes of people and everyday objects to produce fantasy images. Hunter Kennedy gave the vote of thanks.

This Friday evening we have a digi - match fun competition. Nothing too serious, just bring along up to fifteen images, the more unusual the better, so that no one else can match them. Load them on a CD or memory stick, sized at 1400 x 1050 pixels for loading on to the club lap-top. It should be a good laugh with plenty of heckling and banter.

The club has entries in the SPF championship at Stirling held on Sunday 19^th Feb. Watch this space for results !

Saturday 11th February, 2012

In the GDPU league competition last week Carluke took on Eastwood and were successful in beating them by 319 points to 303. Two further competitions are planned for this month. On 28^th February the annual interclub tussle between Lanark, Carluke, Hamilton and Motherwell will be held at Lanark and on the 29^th Carluke versus Edinburgh.

Details of the 2012 SPF club digital competition to be held at Stirling can be found on Libby’s e-mail. Date, time, cost and a map of the location are all there and it’s open to all members.

A large turnout of members and visitors last Friday enjoyed the visit of Des Clinton FRPS, MFIAP, FIPF from Drogheda, Eire. His offering was a big departure from the photography we are accustomed to. Using one camera and one lens his style is documentary, and some very powerful images were shown. Pictures from horse fairs, an established part of Irish culture, showed colourful characters, many of them children and teenagers, leading and riding their mounts. He also showed pictures taken at gatherings from both sides of the religious divide, many of them very thought provoking. Remote Eire, like some parts of Scotland, suffers from depopulation, and the people simply move out leaving everything behind and start again elsewhere. Des’s pictures of abandoned cottages with their contents were very moving. Similarly affecting were his photos taken in Moldova, where he was welcomed into the villagers’ homes. Seeing the hardships the people there face on a daily basis … no piped water, no electricity or gas, working in the fields without modern equipment, we reflected on how lucky we are here.

On Friday 17^th the speaker will be Steve Le Provost FRPS, MPAGB, AFIAP from Guernsey whose talk is entitled ‘Creative photography’. Visitors are again invited and the hospitality will be provided.

Saturday 4th February, 2012

First a big thank you to our local TESCO’s who kindly donated the cheese and wine which members enjoyed during the recent ‘Carluke Travel to Orkney’ evening. Much appreciated by everyone.

On Friday 3^rd we saw the judging of the club’s second colour print competition by John McVie DPAGB, AFIAP of Dumfries. His thoughtful and constructive comments were welcomed by all who took part and John was impressed that the standard was so high that some places were shared in both leagues. In league two third equal were Fiona Sommerville and Matt Craig, and Matt also took first and second with two beautiful prints. League one had three members taking third equal … Alex Millar, Libby Smith and Bert Weir. Second place went to Neil Smith and first place was shared by Libby and Neil. Hunter Kennedy’s vote of thanks praised John’s perceptive, positive and constructive comments.

On Wednesday 8^th the club takes part in the GDPU league competition at Eastwood.

Friday 10^th is the hand-in date for entries to the next black and white competition to be judged by Sandy Cleland. On this occasion the guest speaker will be Des Clinton FRPS, MFIAP, FIPF from Drogeda, Eire. The meeting is open to all other clubs and members of the public and the usual hospitality will be provided.

Saturday 28th January, 2012

On Friday 27^th January Carluke Camera Club met to view a selection of images taken by eight club members on a trip to Orkney in 2011 organised by club Honorary President John Donnachie in the guise of ‘Carluke Travel’. During the evening the audience were treated to various audio visual sequences of Stromness, Kirkwall and the rocky and rugged West coastline of the island all depicting the landscape and history of the island. In her vote of thanks Club President Libby Smith alluded to the quality of photography and work required in setting up an evening which was sometimes amusing and always instructive. The meeting closed with an opportunity to taste some cheese and wine from the island.

On Friday 3^rd February members meet to view the Colour Prints submitted for the 4^th Club Competition of the year. Members are asked to be seated for a prompt 7.30pm start. On Monday 6^th Februray there will be a Club Workshop led by Libby Smith with a 7.30pm start. Subject for the evening is ‘Image Editing’.

Saturday 21st January, 2012

The guest speaker on Friday night was Donald Stewart FRPS who not only uses film but medium and large format cameras. His monochrome photographs were an interesting mix of still life, travel and architectural subjects. Pictures from within Scotland were shown against many from places much more difficult to access. Argentina, Chile, Patagonia, the Atacama desert, California and the mid-west of America were all featured, as was Italy. Donald also showed his successful panel of prints with which he achieved his FRPS.

Printed programmes for the Monday night workshops during January to March are available for uplift at the club and can also be found on the internet.

On Friday 27^th January we look forward to the Carluke Travel to Orkney show. Hints have been dropped and those 'in the know' have said this is a night not to be missed ! Please be prompt at 7.30pm.

3^rd February sees the next colour print competition to be judged by John McVie DPAGB, AFIAP of Dumfries. Hand in deadline for the monochrome competition is 10^th February. Judge on this occasion is the accomplished Sandy Cleland, FRPS,

AFIAP from Penicuik.

Saturday 14th January, 2012

The meeting on Friday 13^th had to be re-arranged as the other club competing against us in the GDPU League withdrew. In the first half Libby gave a Photoshop demonstration of how to use layers and masks to adjust contrast. After the break we saw a selection of images from the PAGB Great British Cup competition. There were landscapes, portraits, sports, animals and humorous subjects, all of excellent quality.

On Friday 20^th we look forward to a visit from Donald Stewart FRPS whose talk is entitled “ A photographer’s journey.”

The Monday workshops resumed on 16^th Jan with an Audio Visual group session. On Monday 23^rd Jan the Nature group will commence at 7.30 pm led by Ed Willis and Tom Robley. Libby has asked for possible topics to be covered in an image editing workshop planned for 6^th Feb. If you have anything you would particularly like to be explained in her usual thorough manner, please let her know in good time.

The Winter outing to Fort William on the weekend of 3^rd / 4^th March is approaching fast. The overnight stay is in the newly refurbished Cruachan Hotel. If club members intend going, contact Sue Pinkus before 27^th Jan. Travel will be by the usual car-sharing arrangements.

Saturday 7th January, 2012

Friday's 'Guess where?' quiz by Sadie and Ed was a test on the geography of Scotland and for bonus points - not so general knowledge. Three rounds were headed ‘Around the town‘, ‘Auld and New ‘ and ‘Highlands and Islands’. Photos were projected of well known scenes, castles and monuments and we had to identify and place them on maps. Locally we saw Peebles, Moffat and Strathaven while further away Kenmore, Dundee and Tobermory were featured. Significant buildings shown were Castle Stalker, Chatelherault and, ( a popular one this ) Glenmorangie Distillery ! Top spot with 84 points went to the intellectually named team 'Haud it, Daud it, Dumpit and Leg it!'.

Friday 13^th is hand-in night for the next club competition which will be for colour prints. Judging is in the capable hands of John McVie, D.P.A.G.B, A.F.I.A.P, of Dumfries. Please ensure your entry is handed to the Competition Secretary Neil Smith or his other half Libby. DO get your prints in on time!

Friday was to have been a GDPU Digital League Competition event but our competitors have withdrawn, so the evening has been reorganized as follows - one half will be a showing of images from the 2011 GB Cup competition and the other half will consist of a Photoshop Layers and Masks Workshop. Subsequent changes to the syllabus are 20^th January - Donald Stewart F.R.P.S. and 27^th January - Carluke Travel in Orkney led ( astray ) by that connoisseur of fine whiskies, John Donnachie. We understand that while in Kirkwall he led the group into a Highland Park …

The first Audio visual workshop will be on Monday 16^th January starting at 7.00 pm and will last all evening, not just one hour.

Saturday 31st December, 2011

Did Santa bring you a nice new digital camera ? Want to know more about it ? Come along to Carluke Camera Club, 2011 Scottish Champions, we’ll be only too happy to welcome you and help you get to grips with your new compact, bridge camera or SLR. We don’t mind what sort of camera you have as long as you’re keen to use it.

We re-start after the New Year holiday on Friday 6^th January in St. Andrew’s Parish Church Hall in Mount Stewart Street, Carluke at 7.30. This will be a quiz night with a 'Guess Where ?' theme. Friday evenings are taken up with a variety of high profile speakers who show us examples of their stunning photography, and often give us valuable hints and tips on how they achieve it. Regular competitions keep up the interest and give you a good excuse to get out with your camera to compare your images with other club members’ work.

We also have meetings on Monday evenings where you can learn about camera operation, filing your photos safely on your computer ( so you can find them again ! ) photo manipulation and printing using software, mounting your photos and lots more besides. There are a few specialist groups if you are particularly interested in wildlife subjects, audio visuals, portraiture etc., and we go on Summer and Winter outings and photo hunts. You do not need to join on your first visit, come along for a few nights, see if you enjoy it and then join. It costs only £ 2.00 per night. To learn more about us, view this year’s syllabus and see some wonderful photos in the galleries.

Look forward to seeing you !

Saturday 17th December, 2011

On Friday 16^th December Carluke Camera Club held it’s final club night of 2011 with a fun Quiz Night with Cheese and Wine. Posing the questions on the night were Bill Barr and Jack Watson. After a keenly fought contest the team of Sadie Paterson, Fiona Sommerville, Judy Walker, Jim Pollock, and Neil Smith ran out winners. In her vote of thanks Club President Libby Smith thanked both Bill and Jack for their efforts in making the evening such a success.

The club is now closed for Christmas and the New Year and will re-start on Friday 6^th January at 7.30pm with a Guess Where competition run by Sadie Paterson and Ed Willis.

Saturday 10th December, 2011

Impressive silverware and a handful of gongs were on display on Friday evening at the showing of the Scottish Photographic Federation Portfolio. At the annual print championship Carluke came second equal with our rivals Dumfries, having lost out to Edinburgh Photographic Society in their 150^th anniversary year by eight points. President Libby Smith won an SPF Gold Medal for the best monochrome print with ‘The Bouncers’, and was highly commended for a portrait of ‘Dorothy’.

Hunter Kennedy was highly commended for ‘The Outsider’ and commended for ‘Against the mist’. Neil Smith skilfully projected the portfolio images which, along with Libby’s informative and amusing commentary was greatly enjoyed by the audience. Some heckling from our two mountain men, Davie McLellan and Big Alex added to the hilarity.

Also on display were medals won at this year’s PAGB competitions at Connagh’s Quay and Warwick. The club came second in the UK, winning a silver medal at Connagh’s Quay and another at Warwick. In the print championship Hunter Kennedy won a silver medal for one of the Judge’s Choice awards.

Friday 16^th sees CCC’s festive Cheese & Wine and Quiz evening, with Jack Watson and Bill Barr setting the diabolically difficult questions and Christine Smith overseeing the catering. A night not to be missed. The following two Fridays are holidays, the club re-convening on the 6^th January for another quiz night titled ‘Guess Where’ compiled by Sadie Paterson and Ed Willis. Brush up on your geography !

Saturday 3rd December, 2011

On Friday 2^nd December Carluke Camera Club held it’s 3^rd Club Competition of the season. Judging the 37 Digital Images in league 1and 57 Digital Images in League 2 submitted by members was Peter Paterson EFIAP, FRPS, MPAGB from Edinburgh Photographic Society. Winning Image in League 1 was ‘Mountain Biker’ by Bert Weir, 2^nd was ‘Radiohead’ by Janet Russell, and 3^rd was ‘Sunset Beach’ by Hunter Kennedy. Winning Image in League 2 was ‘Going Home’ by Martin Pinkus, 2^nd was ‘Spring Tide’ by Fiona Sommerville, and 3^rd was ‘Human Shield’ by Iain Mitchell. In his vote of thanks club member Hunter Kennedy thanked Peter for his obvious attention to detail when appraising the images and for both his instructive and constructive comments throughout the evening.

On Friday 10^th December there will be a showing of the SPF Portfolio with a 7.30pm start. The club workshops have now finished until the start of the year on a date to be advised.

Saturday 26th November, 2011

Carluke Camera Club lost their Scottish Print Champions crown when they finished second to Edinburgh Photographic Society at the SPF Print Championship held at Stirling Management Centre on Sunday 20^th November. Nevertheless congratulations must go to Club President Libby Smith who received the SPF Gold Medal for the Best Monochrome Print as well as a ‘Highly Commended’. Congratulations also to Hunter Kennedy on gaining both a ‘Highly Commended and ‘Commended’.

On the Club Night held on Friday 25^th November Hunter Kennedy stepped into the void when Colin Robinson’s visit had to be postponed to a later date. During the evening Hunter presented an informative commentary, with many anecdotes, on a selection of digital images taken in various holiday locations - including Cyprus, Dubrovnik, Iceland and St Petersburg among others. Club member Bob Copeland closed the evening with a well deserved vote of thanks for a thoroughly entertaining evening.

On Friday 2^nd December Peter Paterson has the unenviable task of appraising the digital images submitted for the club’s 3^rd oompetition of the season with a prompt 7.30pm start. The club’s Nature Specialist Group meets at 7pm on Monday the 5^th December followed by a workshop at 8.15pm.

Saturday 19th November, 2011

On Friday 18^th November members of Carluke Camera Club and some members from local camera clubs welcomed Christine Widdall AFIAP, DPAGB from Oldham as their guest speaker. During the evening Christine showed the large audience why she is regarded as one of the top British lady photographers by producing a varied selection of Prints across the board, supplemented by an entertaining dialogue. In his vote of thanks club member Hunter Kennedy alluded to the quality and subject matter on display throughout and thanked Christine for a superb evening’s entertainment.

With the published speaker Colin Robinson for Friday 25^th October having been postponed to a later date, club member Hunter Kennedy will now be the speaker on that evening with a 7.30pm start. The Club Workshops continue at 8.15pm on Monday 28^th November.

If you are interested in improving your photography, or just enjoy looking at pictures, then come along and see what the Club has to offer. There is no obligation to enrol immediately. You can come along, try, and see if it’s for you before joining.

Saturday 12th November, 2011

On Friday 11^th November Carluke Camera Club hosted the annual Clydesdale Inter-Club 5-way Trophy competition. The camera clubs competing were Biggar, Carluke, Clydesdale, Lanark, and Lesmahagow , while Dr Mark McCall DPAGB from Ayr had the unenviable task of judging the 12digital images submitted by each club. After a keenly fought contest Carluke Camera Club emerged comprehensive winners by 14 points from Clydesdale Camera Club in second place to lift the Campbell McNair Trophy for 2011. In her vote of thanks club member Fiona Sommerville thanked Mark for an evening full of lots of hints and constructive comments.

On Friday 18^th October Christine Widdall AFIAP, DPAGB from Oldham is the guest speaker. Christine is one of the top British lady photographers producing a varied selection of images on all subjects. A warm invitation is extended to all local camera clubs, friends, and members of the general public to come along at 7.30pm to St Andrews Church hall, Mount Stewart St, Carluke. The Club Audio Visual Group meets on Monday 21^st November at 7.00pm and the Club Workshops continue at 8.15pm on the same evening.

Saturday 5th November, 2011

On Friday 4^th November Carluke Camera Club held it’s 2^nd Club Competition of the season. Judging the 27 Black & White Prints in league 1 and 30 Black & White Prints in League 2 submitted by members was Dr Neil Scott AFIAP, ARPS, DPAGB from Edinburgh Photographic Society. Winning Print in League 1 was ‘The Dog Walkers’ by Hunter Kennedy, 2^nd was ‘Battle Hardened’ by Hunter Kennedy, and 3^rd equal were ‘Winters Bloom’ by Janet Russell and ’The Bathers’ by Hunter Kennedy. Winning Print in League 2 was ‘Kite Flyer’ by Richard Gray, 2^nd was ‘Men at Work’ by Martin Pinkus, and 3^rd equal were ‘Flag Ship’ by Janette Mason and ’Tea for Two’ by Martin Pinkus. In his vote of thanks club member Majid Khan thanked Neil for an evening full of both instructive and constructive comments.

On Friday 11^th October the club hosts the Clydesdale Inter-Club 5-way Trophy with a 7.30pm start. The Club Workshops continue at 8.15pm on Monday 14^th November.

Saturday 29th October, 2011

On Friday 28^th October Carluke Camera Club welcomed Allan Gawthorpe EFIAP/s, DPAGB, BPE 5* from Aberdeen as its guest speaker with his presentation titled ‘Full Circle’. Landscapes, animals and natural history shots were in abundance as during the first half of the evening Alan showed a number of projected slides. After the interval it was time for his print images, developed personally in his darkroom, before completing the ‘Full Circle’ with a selection of digital prints, all delivered with not a little humour. In his vote of thanks club member Bob Copeland suggested the presentation could have been titled ‘the life and work of an amateur photographer’ and thanked Alan for an informative and instructive evening.

Friday 4^th October, with a 7.30pm prompt start, is the club’s 2^nd competition of the season when Neil Scott AFIAP, ARPS, DPAGB has the task of appraising the Black & White prints on show. Members of the Nature Special Interest Group meet on Monday 7^th November at 7pm, followed by a Club Workshop at 8.15pm.

Saturday 22nd October, 2011

On Friday 21^st October Carluke Camera Club welcomed Zul Bhatia with his presentation titled ‘Wildlife in Tanzania’. Having lived in Tanzania for several years and currently a guide for wildlife safaris in Tanzania meant he had the credentials to offer a wonderful presentation of the wildlife and culture there. Throughout the evening he gave a marvellous commentary of mainly birds and mammals although the area’s natural history and community life were also very much evident, all supported by an array of superb images. In his vote of thanks club members Bob Avery thanked Zul for a superb evening.

On Friday 28^th October at 7.30pm Allan Gawthorpe EFIAP/s, DPAGB, BPE 5* is the visitor with a presentation titled ‘Full Circle’. On Monday 31^st October the Club Beginner Workshops continue at 8.15pm.

Saturday 15th October, 2011

Friday 14^th September saw two of the clubs own members entertain the audience in a ‘Night of two Halves’. first up was Janet Russell with a selection of images from her visits to Venice. Janet explained in detail the way that she tackled a subject to get the best image she can, in camera, before any post processing. Steve Vander Walt was next with a selection of his images which varied from landscape, travel, and people. Some of which were from his native home in South Africa. Bob Copeland proposed the vote of thanks for an illuminating and very entertaining evening.

This Friday sees the visit of guest speaker Zul Bathia with his show, ‘Wildlife of Tanzania’. The teaching programme is continuing on Monday evenings.

Saturday 8th October, 2011

On Friday 7^th October Carluke Camera Club held the first club competition of the season. The judge with the unenviable task of appraising the 111 Colour Prints, 54 from league 1 and 57 from league 2, was Simon Allen MPAGB, EFIAP from Dumfries. The winning prints on the night were ‘The Arcade Clown’ by Libby Smith in league 1 and ‘Poppies a la Carte Postale’ by Fiona Sommerville in league 2. A full list of successes can be found on the club website. In his vote of thanks Hunter Kennedy thanked Simon for his usual professionalism and all his constructive comments during the evening.

On Friday 14^th October at 7.30pm club members Janet Russell and Steve Van Der Walt are the speakers for the night with their presentation titled ‘A Night of Two Halves’. On Monday 17^th October the Club Audio Visual Group meets at 7pm and at 8.15pm there will be a Club Workshop at Beginner level on File Management.

Saturday 1st October, 2011

On Friday 30^th September the members of Carluke Camera Club had Alistair Swan, who had to cancel his visit last year due to the bad weather in December, as their guest speaker. During the first half Alistair showed the large audience a sequence of audio visual shows taking in Crete, the Greek Islands, Piza, Tuscany, and the Burn’s Homecoming Celebrations. After the interval, following a highly amusing anecdotal account of his visit to China, there were the Culture and Sights of China, the Sights and Sounds of South Africa, culminating in a visit to the Kruger National Park. In his vote of thanks Hunter Kennedy alluded to a night of supreme entertainment and first class photography. I am sure that all the members present agreed that it was an evening worth waiting for.

On Friday 7^th October the club will hold it’s 1^st Competition of the session starting at 7.30pm prompt. The judge with the task of appraising the Colour Prints is Simon Allen MPAGB, EFIAP. On Monday 10^th October at 8.15pm there will be a Club Workshop at Beginner level on Mounting Prints..

Saturday 24th September, 2011

Following last week’s September holiday, Carluke Camera Club plays host on Friday 30^th September to Alistair Swan with his ‘Moving Picture Show’ starting at 7.30pm. At 8.15pm on Monday 3^rd October there will be a Club Workshop at Beginner level on Camera Basics.

Saturday 17th September, 2011

On Friday 16^th September Carluke Camera Club had Club President Libby Smith as its speaker. During the evening she gave a Digital Demonstration and an Introduction to the forthcoming Club Workshops.

The first Club Workshop titled ‘Camera Basics’ for Beginners is scheduled for Monday 19^th September at 8.15pm. The club is closed on Friday 23^rd September and Monday 26^th September due to the September holiday.

Saturday 10th September, 2011

On Friday 9^th September Carluke Camera Club finally welcomed Norman McNab from Milngavie to the club as their guest speaker, his original visit having been postponed due to the very severe weather during last December. During the 1^st half of his presentation, titled Scotland’s Sub Artic Landscape, Norman showed a selection of top quality scenic landscapes primarily on the summits of Scotland’s hills and mountains taken throughout the months of the year concluding with a further selection of stunning panoramic views. During the 2^nd half he treated the audience to a journey from the South to the North of Scotland by way of an Audio Visual show culminating with a video showing the requirements for conquering Scotland’s hills. The evening closed with Club Honorary Vice President Douglas Lockhart giving Norman a well deserved vote of thanks for one of the club's best evenings.

On Friday 16^th September Club President Libby Smith will present a Digital Demonstration and an Introduction to the forthcoming Club Workshops. Members should note that the Club Workshops will recommence on Monday 19^th September with ‘Camera Basics for Beginners’.

Saturday 3rd September, 2011

Following their enrolment night on Friday 26^th August Carluke Camera Club resumed their new session on Friday 2^nd September with a Members’ Digital Night. During the night those members present were treated to an array of 290 projected images submitted by 15 members. In her vote of thanks Club President Libby Smith alluded to the diverse nature of the images shown and to the number of new members who took part in the evening.

On Friday 9^th September the club has Norman McNab from Milngavie as its visiting speaker. The subject for the evening is titled ‘Scotland’s Sub Arctic Landscape’. Members should also note that the Club Workshops will recommence on Monday 19^th September with ‘Camera Basics for Beginners’.

Saturday 27th August, 2011

Carluke Camera Club resumed after it’s summer break on Friday 26th August in St Andrew’s Parish Church Hall, Mount Stewart Street, Carluke with an Enrolment Night and Cheese & Wine.

Saturday 20th August, 2011

Carluke Camera Club resumes after it’s summer break on Friday 26th August in St Andrew’s Parish Church Hall, Mount Stewart Street, Carluke from 7.30pm till 10.00pm with an Enrolment Night and Cheese & Wine.

The 2011-2012 Syllabus again has a mixture of speakers both in-house and high profile guests coupled with competitions and social events. In addition to the normal club nights the club runs teaching nights for members. These include basic camera knowledge & handling; digital file handling; Photoshop manipulation & printing; audio visual; portraiture and many other aspects of photography. All levels are catered for from beginner to advanced. There is a wealth of experience in the club and members are only too happy to help out new members. There are also a number of photographic outings organised over the year.

Saturday 13th August, 2011

Carluke Camera Club gained more club and individual success during the summer weeks. The club gained top place in all the Scottish Photographic Federation Portfolios. They were also runners-up to Wigan 10 in the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain Digital Championship held at Warwick University. On an individual basis club member David Owen collected a Gold Medal for the Best Monochrome ‘Through the Air’ at the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain Inter-Federation Competition and Exhibition again held at Warwick University. Congratulations to all involved.

The club resumes after it’s summer break on Friday 26th August in St Andrew’s Parish Church Hall, Mount Stewart Street, Carluke from 7.30pm till 10.00pm with an Enrolment Night coupled with Cheese & Wine.

The 2011-2012 Syllabus again has a mixture of speakers both in-house and high profile guests coupled with competitions and social events. In effect something for everyone. In addition to the normal club nights the club runs teaching nights for members. These include basic camera knowledge & handling; digital file handling, Photoshop manipulation & printing; audio visual; portraiture and many other aspects of photography. All levels are catered for from beginner to advanced. There is a wealth of experience in the club and members are only too happy to help out new members. There are also a number of photographic outings organised over the year.