The new season has only just got going at Irvine Camera Club but we have already had a lot of interest from budding photographers. We got underway with our traditional open evening where many prospective new members were welcomed to our club rooms at Townend Community Centre in Dreghorn. We had a tour of our professionally equipped studio which boasts studio flash heads, various modifiers and an automatic backdrop roller. There is small changing room for models to use, a music system and props galore to add some fun to your photoshoots. The main reason the opening night is to get to know what the club offers, but if you weren’t able to attend don’t worry as we welcome new members throughout the year and we are always happy to show you around.
Our first talk of the year was on “Photography by Design” given by the club’s president, Clive Watkins. In a thought-provoking evening we discussed who photographs can be used to tell stories and communicate ideas and emotions. Clive gave examples using his own work and showed how different elements of design can be used to form a visual language.
The next week saw the experienced club members helping some of those new to photography with preparing and selecting their photographs for our first competition of the year which is due to be judged on 10th October. The club holds various internal competitions every year and, although some take it more seriously than others, the main idea is to encourage members to show and share their work with each other. An external judge is asked to give constructive and helpful criticism of our images and to also pick out their top 3 of the evening. At the of the year the club recognises the work of our members with various trophies and prizes.
The last meeting in September was our annual evening visit to the Scottish Maritime museum in Irvine where the club is given the run of the Linthouse. The museum is full of fabulous engineering and maritime paraphernalia which is always fascinating to photograph. A good turnout resulted in some great images, many of which I am sure will be used in competition throughout the year.
If you would like to know more about Irvine Camera Club you can find us on Facebook or via our own website www.irvinecc.co.uk .
Article by Clive Watkins
