Over the last few weeks Alton Camera Club members have been treated to inspiring speakers who have shared their passion for photography along with their advice and tips. Jon Hawkins, a skilled freelance photographer, offered a captivating and entertaining presentation showcasing his stunning images of British wildlife, many of which were taken in the Surrey and Hampshire countryside. With years of experience capturing the beauty of nature across the UK, Jon shared expert insights, amusing behind the scenes stories and practical photography tips. The second talk was by Richard Brayshaw, a Surrey photographer who concentrates on photography as a visual art. Through his photography, Richard encourages new ways of looking and seeing, searching for hidden narratives and interpretations, encouraging the viewer to ask "How does it make me feel?". Members also had a visit from sports photographer Michael Berkeley, who provided an insight into his life as a freelance sport photographer. Michael shared his 'before, during and after' process for an assignment, from preparation and the shoot through to post production editing. The mobile phone image competition was judged by Joe Bird. He awarded first place to Renee Smith's image Twisted Staircase, second place to Dolomiti by Jason Bunce and third place to Barry Clark for Kimmeridge Ledge. Steve Smith's image Embers of the Sea and Andrew Sorrell's By the Right - Dressing! were highly commended. Joe also judged the first round of the projected digital image competition. He awarded maximum marks of ten to Buzzard vs Rat by Jo Hawkes, Contemplating My Next Move by Paul Booker, Whisper of the Wings by Steve Smith and Three Lilies and a Bud by Andrew Sorrell. One of the most popular activities in the club is the bi-monthly field trip. At the start of October members returned to the New Forest to attend a fungi explorer walk with Wild New Forest Guided Tours. The guides spotted and identified a wide variety of fungi without picking or disturbing them and members learned about their fascinating ecology before going on to photograph them. Later in the month they headed to London for a field trip. It was a beautifully sunny autumn day as they photographed visitors to Comic Con at Excel and then took a boat trip along the Thames to Battersea Power Station. After lunch and a brief photography session, they got back on the boat and headed back downstream to Tower Bridge, where they were lucky enough to see the bridge raised to let a cruise ship through. Alton Camera Club meets every Wednesday at 7.30pm in Holybourne Village Hall and welcomes new members of all photographic levels. For more details visit www.altoncameraclub.org.uk
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