by Martin Harris
Well, after a few not so subtle hints from our Secretary, Glyn I thought I would share my experience
of my first 12 months at the then Willfield Camera Club soon to be renamed as The Potteries
Photography Club.
After the 2 years we spent in Lockdown and an old Sony DSLR I thought it was time to blow the
cobwebs both off myself and my camera and get out and about. In the past I had only dared to use
auto mode and to be honest, my photographs were mainly holiday snaps and family occasions. I
wanted to be able to develop and be more creative, learning the tips / tricks and being able to create
those shots that you would want to print and share and not just store on the hard drive and never to
be seen again.
So why did I choose to join Willfield Camera Club? I did a bit of research on the internet looking at
various clubs and of course locality was a big influence, but I wanted one that looked friendly along
with a good variety of projects and outings, not just hard competitions and camera snobbery and
Willfield did tick all the boxes. I can honestly say I have not been disappointed.
So what have I been doing and what have I learned and achieved in the last 12 months?
Registration was easy and welcomed by Phil and I was given such a warm welcome. On my first night
which is free, you get refreshments included it was an open project night with each member doing
something that they wanted to photograph. This ranged from water droplets to bubbles to action
figure photography and portraits. Apart from the warm welcome what I did notice was how
everyone interacted and got involved with each project, helping with suggestions and tips to try and
get the best photo possible. I could see immediately that I had made the right choice in club
selection for myself.
In the following months we have done numerous project nights which we have learned about low
key photography and used the club’s studio equipment to take some really artistic shots of fellow
members (if you are camera shy then there is no obligation to pose.) A night of taking photos of
little things with macro photography. Another open project night of still life, so plenty of flowers
and Glyn furthering his hands project which was inspired from a photograph of a cinnamon roller on
one of his vacations. Steve putting members faces on a table football game. Andy and Alan shooting
their collection of figurines in various poses, some even with pyrotechnics and smoke. Claire
showing us how to take photos of flowers through a droplet of water (This was tricky but we all
managed to get some really good photos.) Painting with light is another topic we are now starting to
master; Andy P is getting a dab hand at using the club’s Magilight to display all sorts of interesting
images that we photograph using long exposure and Andy N, our pyro expert is always looking at ways to
make our photos sparkle.
Each topic is started with a member who has a speciality in the area researching and explaining the
steps and how to achieve the desired outcomes and Nikki taking copious notes. We then have a
night where we try things out, a lot of trial and error but I have never come away from a project
night without going home and showing my wife the photos and saying, “here look what I’ve been
doing” and being proud of my achievements. The project nights are often followed up with a show
and tell session where we look at each other’s photos and explain what we have done, what’s gone
well and what’s not gone so well. Critique is always positive and where needed advice is suggested
on how to improve, which is one of the reasons I wanted to join a photography club.
We also have talk nights where either a member or guest speaker will present a topic and this can
range from photography basics such as the Exposure triangle, the colour wheel, camera settings and
picture composition to vacation experiences with some amazing photos such as Nathan’s trip to
Canada and Rob’s trip to Chernobyl and Dave “Kitto” Kittson’s trips to North Wales and Snowdonia.
We also have talks on artistic photographic genres such as abstract photography where we really did
get into the art of debating what is a good or not so good a photo. All done with a great sense of
humour. Other presentations we have had are on some famous photographers and what has
inspired them, all leading to further my knowledge in the art of photography. One talk in particular
was from a guest speaker who was a member of the club. Jason Bould spoke about his 73 in 73
where he took 73 photographs in 73 days of some of the best locations in the Peak District, an
amazing presentation of a personal goal he undertook to raise funds for a great personal cause
donating thousands to charity. This inspired the club to also support as well with a Christmas fund
raiser, we are not a bad bunch at all.
Our Photo of the Month competition is optional to enter and we all get to vote on each other’s
entries to result in a winner who gets their photo in pride of place on the club’s website cover. This
gives me another reason to get the camera out and think about all that I have learned and about the
pictures composition to deliver a pleasing photo.
Weather permitting, we get out and about as a club and take our cameras to various locations.
These have included a trip to Ford Green Hall to take photos of a magnificent historical venue with a
model dressed in period costume posing with his rifle. A hike up to the Roaches to try out some
landscape shots. A night of urban photography and painting with light in Hanley taking photos that
really were great for learning the art of taking pictures at night. A day at Chatterley Whitfield mining
museum taking industrial photos. Visits to a few of our local parks such as Hanley and Queens Park
in Longton where we have our newly named “Park in the Dark” nights (See the club’s Facebook page
or the gallery on the club’s website if you are interested, it really is worth a look.)
So, as you can see I have done and experienced many activities with the club in the last 12 months
which has helped me to develop my photography. I am no longer being stuck in auto and using more
of my cameras features in manual mode to make my hobby more enjoyable and photographs more
interesting. Everything has been at my own pace and always with help, support and advice from the
clubs more experienced members when asked for and as ever, every day is a school day, and I am
sure that my photography will keep improving and equally important more friendships will be made.
So I would say if you are a novice or advanced photographer, have a camera phone or top of the
range camera with all the kit then I am sure you will get a great deal out of joining the club.
