MCCC Summer Photo Night - Kirk of Calder Church (2nd July)

Club Members attended: George, Stuart, Graham, & Willie

We were fortunate to get (at short notice) permission to photograph inside the Mid Calder's Kirk of Calder Church during yet another rainy Wednesday night out. A warm thank-you goes out to the Rev. Povey for making this possible. We had the entire church at our disposal, which allowed us to take our time and set up some interesting low light interior shots.

The historic church is quite photogenic with wonderful stained glass windows and great texture in the stone walls along with the contrasting wood and cream coloured ceilings which were nicely lit.

We have in the picture what appears to be two club members respectfully praying in the pews, but in actual fact are shooting identical photographs to compare noise levels at high ISO settings between Canon and Nikon cameras. I'm sure that we will have the basis for another workshop demonstration in the new year!

Round Britain Powerboat Race Port Edgar Marina (27th June)

Club Members attended: George, Stuart, & Willie

Despite the changeable weather the event turned out to be quite good. The only difficulty was in getting close enough to get a decent photograph. The organizers wanted to have the finish line under the Forth Road Bridge, which I'm sure would have been spectacular. But the Forth Authority would not allow this and had the finish and start lines adjacent to Crammond Island. From a spectator's viewpoint this made the event visually less than spectacular.

However, we were able to take as many close up photographs at Port Edgar Marina, where the powerboats were berthing for the night. Access was limited to the main dock, but fortunatly this is where all the top class boats were located.

Again early in the morning, before the start of the next race proved ideal for photography, you could even go down to the  berths and chat with the racers and boat owners, who were quite open and frendly to the public.

Perhaps next year the start and finish line will be under the road bridge, which will allow a lot more spectators to see the event live and close up.

MCCC Annual Exhibition (1st June)

Once again we staged our Annual Exhibition on “Fun Sunday” at the start of Gala Week.

Over 150 prints were on display as well as a variety of slide shows and AV presentations. The standard of the photographs was exceptional. We had more visitors than in previous years, partly due to the links we have established with other community groups. One or two of our visitors will become members of the club this year. As usual, light refreshments were available and appreciated by the folk who braved the monsoon conditions to come and see us!

During the exhibition, MCCC member and professional photographer George O'toole set up a studio and offered to take portraits at a very attractive price and donated all of the proceeds to the Forth Region Explorer Scouts. A party of 45 Explorer Scouts and their leaders is going to Namibia to build a health clinic and one of our members, Grant, is part of the expedition. The donations for refreshments were given to the Explorers as well and over £210 was added to the Expedition Fund.

Gardening Scotland  (29th May - 1st June)

Club Members attended: Most of the Members (along with one or two friends and relatives!)

For the third time, we were asked by the organisers of Gardening Scotland to act as official photographers for the show, which is one of the biggest gardening and flower shows in Scotland. It’s held at the Royal Highland Showground at Ingliston.

Again we were given unlimited access to all areas of the show, from the setting up and building of the displays and exhibits, through the three days when the show is open to the public, to the dismantling of exhibits and hectic sale of plants and floral displays at the end of the show.

Despite having rain for a few of the days, our well organized group, took photographs of floral displays, exhibits, exhibitors, flowers, performers, demonstrations and members of the public. At the end, we provided the organisers with a comprehensive portfolio of several hundred images that they will use for publicity, news letters and advertising.

Livingston Players (25th May 2008)
Deans Community High School - “The Hot Mikado”

Club Members attended: Steve, Grant, Willie, & Deb.

Once again we were working with Livingston Players, taking photographs of their production of “The Hot Mikado”, a modern reworking of the Gilbert & Sullivan operetta.

This time we were asked to provide not only publicity shots for front of house but also portraits of principals and production crew for inclusion in the programme.

As usual Willie & Deb did wonderful things with the shots of the main characters, and the comments on the quality of the photographs were most favourable. The players are very pleased with way the relationship between them and the Club is developing, and are happy to have the Club acting as their “official” photographers for the foreseeable future.

Avant Gardens Festival, New Hopetoun Gardens (24th May 2008)

Club Members attended: Steve, Grant, Willie, & Deb.

Avant Gardens Festival, New Hopetoun Gardens

For the second time we were invited to take photographs of this garden design festival, organised by New Hopetoun Gardens, near South Queensferry.

Like last year, six gardens were selected from all the entries and were built at the garden centre. The “official” opening was at the end of May on a lovely late spring day.

We will return to the gardens throughout the year to record them as they grow and mature so there will be plenty of photo opportunities.

MCCC Outing - Linn's Mill Aqueduct (21st May 2008)

Club Members attended: Graham, Hugh, Dougie, Grant and Steve.

Though the light wasn’t perhaps all it could have been, we spent a pleasant evening wandering along the Union Canal towpath eastwards from Linns Mill Aqueduct.

Waterside plants, fungi and muted reflections were the main photo opportunities. But there was the chance to photograph some canal craft, either moored or cruising sedately past. Some of us tried our hand at panning shots of cars on the nearby motorway.

Good company, good crack and some peace and quiet – what else could we ask for? (apart from better light, a Hasselblad with a digital back, a…)

This area is definitely worth another visit in late summer / early autumn.

MCCC Outing, Dawych Gardens (Sunday 18th May 2008)

Club Members attended: George, Stuart, Sara-Jane, Deb, & Willie.

Last October some members of the MCCC went to the Royal Botanic Gardens site at Dawych to photograph the Autumn colours. At that time, many vowed to come back in late Spring to catch the huge collection of Rhododendrons and Azaleas within the site. We delayed our visit for a couple of weeks due to the late Spring but those who attended today were able to photograph many of the Rhoddies and Azaleas in spectacular full bloom.

There were many other subjects to photograph including Bluebells, Wild Garlic, Bracken fronds and the star of the show – the blue Himalayan Poppy, Mecanopsis!, All of us were captivated by these beautiful poppies growing in beds of waving colour – you had to be there to see them.

Let’s hope more members of MCCC come when we next return in the Autumn!

Steam in the Park  (Balado 10th May - 11th May)

Club Members attended: Fred, Vera and Graham

This annual event was organised by the “Scottish Traction Engine Society” and authorised by the National Traction Engine Trust, which gave members who attended the opportunity to get up really close to the engines. Exhibitor numbers were up again this year with almost 40 steam entries (large and small).

The weather was good on Saturday but very hot, which made it at times uncomfortable to walk around the large display area. Also, this gave a light haze over most of the 300 images taken as there was no breeze to displace the smoke from the traction engines. Late afternoon saw a thunder storm which stopped the steam engines road run into Kinross. All the Tractions engines and vehicles displayed were lined around the side of the disused runway and the runway was used by the mobile traction engines for the public to take free foot plate rides during the afternoon. This proved popular (not me, too much baggage!) although staying on the ground did mean that we were able to take a good number of images with the engines on the move and at times with more than two engines in the same image and with lots of smoke too!!

No requirement for long lenses – just a little patience to wait for the public to move away, to obtain some good images of details of the traction engine’s fine art work. I did miss this year, the working steam saw bench but they had a working steam threshing mill. There were displays from Glenrothes Model Aeroplane Club & Rosyth Model Boat Club and Birds of Prey. Graham attended on Sunday and reported a better day with no thunderstorms!! That’s it folks! It was a really great day out for the family for just £4.00 each. Soon will be some kind AV show. I’m now looking forward to “Farming Yesteryear “ in September - details will be on the clubs events page .

MCCC Image of the Year Competition
Judged by Club Members

At the end of the year the we held the Image of the Year competition. This year we had two sections, Beginner and Intermediate / Advanced. All the entries were excellent, and it was very difficult to pick just one winner for each category. Well done to all the entrants!

Beginners Section
Joint Winners
Grant Collier - Waterfall
Stuart Robinson - In The Pink

Intermediate / Advanced Section
Print
Willie Mills - Rowboat on Slate
Projected Image
Willie Mills - View from a Hill

The 2008 Winners - Grant, Stuart & Willie

MCCC Photography Night Out, Linlithgow Palace (23rd April 2008)

The first night out to finally take some photographs had us all arriving at Linlithgow Palace a half hour before sunset. Judging by the pictures taken, the night was a success.

There was a variety of photographs to try our hand with, including "Magic Hour", Night, Architectural, HDR, and Landscape Photography. After seeing Gordon's excellent demonstration of HDR (High Dynamic Range) last week, we were all anxious to try it out.

It was good to see everyone out taking pictures for a change!

West Lothian Competition at Linlithgow (15th April 2008)

Club Members attended: Willie, Deb, Ian (G), George, Steve, Grant, Gordon, and Graham.

We won! And so did Bathgate! The West Lothian Competition is between all five clubs in the county – Mid Calder, Bathgate, Livingston, Armadale, and Linlithgow – and this year we tied to win with a score of 252. Pictured here (from left to right) is the Bathgate representative, Judge Neil Scott, and our very own Gordon Scott.

Neil Scott, from the Edinburgh Photographic Society, judged colour prints, monochrome prints, and for the last time in this competition, slides. Thanks very to Linlithgow Camera Club who hosted the event at the Burgh Halls.

Speakers Night - Speaker Donald Stewart ARPS (9th April 2008)

Donald is from the Dundee Photographic Society and specialises in black & white film photography and the related darkroom techniques.

However, Donald’s discussion on cropping, composition, selecting your subject, and how shadows and reflections of light affect a photograph was equally applicable to colour digital work.

For our members who wonder about how to get “letters,” Donald also showed us the portfolios that he used to achieve an ARPS.

Many thanks to Donald (pictured on the left with Steve) for inspiring our members to think about how they could use monochrome photographic techniques to improve their photographs - although most likely in the digital form.

MCCC Practical Night - Portrait Photography (5th March 2008)

Following our Professional Portrait Demonstration by senior club members we held an open practical portrait night where members of the club could utilise professional portrait lighting.

We are very grateful for the services of our model Kirsty whose professionalism was only surpassed by her patience by putting up with us for the entire evening.

Two set-ups in two rooms were arranged; one using Kirsty and one using club members as the models. Members were encouraged to bring along their cameras and then utilise the two studio set-ups. Friendly advice was available from senior club members at all times.

The feedback from the membership was very positive both on the night and indeed since the event.

MCCC Practical Night - Still Life Night (20th Feb 2008)

This practical night was an opportunity for club members to try a variety of still life set-ups, with different subjects and different lighting methods.Since the excellent presentation on Macro Photography by Ian was a hard act to follow,. Steve decided to turn this into a completely “hands on” session.

Several table top “studios” were arranged and subject matter of flowers, wine glasses, fruit and even camera lenses was photographed from every possible angle. Different lighting arrangements were set up and the emphasis was very much on using our cameras.

It was really good to see how everyone participated – hints, tips and advice were freely passed on, equipment was shared, and everyone learned something.

Perhaps we should record our thanks to staff at The Black Bull who lent us a couple of wine glasses!

MCCC Practical Night - Macro Photography (13th Feb 2008)

An interesting evening demonstrated by our Chairman Ian McIntosh.

Ian covered the various aspects of macro photography. Ian showed the different equipment used in obtaining good macro close ups, including extension tubes, bellows and magnifying filters.

Other topics covered were tips on lighting and focusing techniques.

The Mid Calder Camera Club Competition No.3 “Open 2”(30th January 2008)

Our appraiser was John Scott from the Beeslack Penicuik Camera Club and he was accompanied by James Scott, also of Penicuik (no relation). John is pictured (on the left), beside Gordon Scott (no relation).

John has been a judge for 20+ years and has also taught photography. We appreciated his valued comments, especially about backgrounds, highlights in eyes, and the importance of naming your photograph properly. John was available after the judging for questions. Overall the evening was both educational and enlightening.

Livingston Players (21st, 22nd January 2008)
Deans Community High School

Club Members attended:
Steve, Grant, Ian (G), Graham, Hugh, Fred, Dougie, Willie, Deb, Sarah-Jane.

Two plays were in dress rehearsal and many MCCC members took the opportunity to photograph the actors while they performed in full costume. Will set up lights and umbrella reflectors to take the formal head and shoulders portraits, which are used for the front of house display. Many of the club's photographs from previous productions are posted on the gallery page of the Livingston Players' website.

The club received complimentary remarks from cast and paying public about the photographs that were displayed at front of house. The Players' committee are very pleased, not only with the photographs, but also with the "professional" way that we handled the project.

These plays were Central Park West by Woody Allen and Shakers by John Godber. The next production (May 2008) will be a musical called The Hot Mikado.

Livingston Competition (16th January 2008)

The Livingston Competition pits the Livingston Camera Club vs. Mid Calder Camera Club and this year, it was judged by Mark Dunnigan CPAGB LRPS of the Bathgate Camera Club

Mark appraised each entry “relative to the photos presented.” Keeping with a long-standing tradition, Livingston won the day with a score of 376 against our 363. The photo shows Mark (left) presenting the trophy to Livi member, Bob Thompson. Congratulations LCC!

Special thanks to Steve, Grant, and Carol for the catering, which was appreciated by both sides.

Christmas Night Out (9th January 2008)

Our Christmas Night Out is traditionally held in January (!) and this event gives us an opportunity to meet in a different setting and discuss the coming year's activities. This year, the dinner was held at La Vita restaurant in Mid Calder. Before and after dinner, many members also enjoyed some time in the adjoining "Tap."

Presentation by Stephen Lipton (12th December 2007)

Stephen presented his "Scottish Wildlife" slide presentation at our weekly meeting. As well as being an award-winning photographer and member of the East Kilbride Camera Club, Stephen is also a biologist, a musician, and an entertaining speaker. We thoroughly enjoyed his humorous tales about his photographic expeditions. His tips on how to get winning shots included divulging some great locations, what equipment to use, ideas for unusual angles and lighting, the Blu Tack contact points on a badger, and the benefits of wearing wellies. He also affirmed that patience is a key ingredient and that it is best to "wait for wildlife to come to you" rather than stalking it. Thanks to Stephen Lipton (left hand side of the photo) for an inspiring and informative presentation.

Talk by Colin Prior (Milngavie and Bearsden Camera Club, 6th December 2007)

Club Members attended: Steve, Grant, Ian Mc, Sarah-Jane, Linda, Vera, Fred, Willie, Deb.

Colin Prior, a renowned landscape photographer, talked about his latest book “The World’s Wild Places.” Having photographed and “connected” with these exotic and remote landscapes, he is understandably concerned about the ongoing ecological damage to them and this was the emphasis of the talk.

However, he also imparted some tips on how to take great landscape photographs and “change the way you see the world.” In particular, he explained that he achieved his photos’ unique “three-dimensionality” by pitting shadow against light to create the illusion.He understands how the seasons affect the sun’s location when rising and setting, and how the time of day affects the quality of light. He uses this to his advantage.

We left the hall duly inspired to climb mountains and make pictures (see December 19). Huge thanks to Steve for organising and driving the mini-bus.

Bob Moore Presentation (Carluke Camera Club 30th Nov 2007)

Club Members attended: Gordon, Willie, Deb

The speaker was Bob Moore, HonFRPS, who is one of Britain's top photographers and has run the Jessops School of Photography since 1965. He showed a diverse selection of his prints dating back to the 1970s and he spoke enthusiastically about how he managed to capture such stunning images. His advice was wide-ranging - from Photoshop tips, to using natural light, to sweet-talking locals into having their photo taken. The Carluke Camera Club was temporarily homeless, so the event was held in the United Reformed Church and the audience sat in the pews. That's not them pictured on the right, but one of Bob's award winning photos!

Studio Portrait Lighting Set-up Demonstration (Wed, 21st November)
Institute Hall, Mid Calder

Club Members attended: Regular Club night

Professional photographers and Club members George O'Toole, Willie Mills gave a studio portrait demonstration with willing models Jan and Rab. This popular demonstration gave the club members a chance to see how the lighting for a studio portrait session is set up. The live projection on the main screen of the images that were taken, made it possible to see the results of the different lighting arrangements in detail and in real time. The lighting set-up ranged from a single light source (Rembrandt Lighting) to a 5 light set-up (main, fill, hair, and twin backdrop lights).

Almond Vally Vintage Association (Sat, 4th Nov )
Philipstoun Farm near Linlithgow.

Club Members attended: Fred, Willie, Deb, & Hugh

Fred organised our participation by contacting the AVVA's president Alistair Macdonald. After the event, Fred sent the AVVA a CD with 60 images and also 6 A4 prints. In addition, Fred will be giving a digital slide show at their meeting on the last Monday of March at Oatridge College. MCCC members are invited, so watch for more details on this website in the new year. Willie and Deb also sent a CD of images for the association to use. Alistair and the association members were delighted to have MCCC images to use in their promotions. 

MCCC members are now invited to attend the AVVA's annual Vintage Rally in September 2008, which will showcase a variety of vintage transportation vehicles, as well as tractors. Alistair also promised to keep Fred updated with other local events that could be of interest to our club members.

Dawych Gardens (Sat 6th, and Sun 14th October)

Club Members attended: Day 1 - George, Stuart, Mike, Willie, & Deb
Day 2 - Steve, Grant, Gordon, Fiona, Ian Mac, Fred, Vera, Willie & Deb

In late October, several members of the club took the opportunity over successive weekends to visit the Royal Botanic Gardens arboretum at Dawyck near Peebles. Dawyck, at this time of year is a riot of colour displayed from a wide range of trees notably members of the Acer family. Club members were not disappointed with the stunning colours on display and plan to revisit in the Spring when the Rhododendrons and Azaleas will be in full bloom.

New Hopetoun Gardens

Club Members attended: Grant, Steve, Fred & Vera

We went back to New Hopetoun Gardens to take some final pictures of the gardens before they started to fade as autumn set in. We were lucky to have some decent weather and managed to take some good photographs. The gardens will be dismantled at the end of October and the competition will be run again next year. Again, we compiled CD of the images, which we gave to the garden centre.

Livingston Players (On Golden Pond - 1st, October)

Club Members attended: Willie, Deb, George, Sara-Jane, Grant & Steve

We were back in the theatre with Livingston Players. This time the production was Ernest Thompson’s touchingly funny play “On Golden Pond.” This was a smaller production, with a cast of only six. We again provided numerous shots of the action on stage and portraits of the principal characters, in and out of costume. One of the challenges was to try to recreate the original cinema poster of Katharine Hepburn and Henry Fonda, which we managed to do.

17th Scottish Nature Photography Fair SNPF
(Sat, 8th and Sun, 9th September) Battleby Centre, Redgordon, Perth.

Club Members attended: Fred, Ian (Mc), Steve, Grant, Willie, Deb

PROGRAM - Mark Hamblin (Tooth & Claw), John Beatty (Wild: Spirit in the Land), Neil McIntyre (Natural Scotland), Mark Carwardine (Around the natural world in 1/125 second), Daniel Bergmann (Iceland’s Nature), Richard Childs (Western Light: exhibition and informal discussion), raptor display, and guided walk in the Battleby grounds.

A very interesting showing of Nature Photography by a varied group of professional photographers from different backgrounds, who have nature as their common denominator. Some of the most outstanding photography that I have seen displayed - ever!

Steve, Grant and Ian (Mc) entered some excellent images into the photo contest. Outside there was a large and varied raptor display with plenty of opportunities to photograph them close up! There was also a guided walk in the grounds. The event was held in the Battleby Centre, which is an outstanding facility to have such an event in. (note - leave extra time for the return trip across the Firth of Forth Bridge!).

Summer Photo Night - Bridge Inn Canal Basin (Ratho - 5th, September)

Club Members attended: Steve, Grant, Gordon, George, Stuart, Willie, Hugh, Ian (G) & Scott.
The last of the summer get-togethers, as the light was noticeably low in the sky at 7:30 pm. There was not a lot of time to spend on photography. The location did however offer quite a few photo opportunities. I remember seeing quite a few excellent reflection shots of the canal boats in the Ratho Basin on club member's camera display screens. The location boasts the only dry dock for barges on the Union Canal.

Strathhaven Balloon Festival, (Strathhaven, Aug 26 - 27)

Club Members attended: Grant & Steve

The annual Strathaven Balloon Festival took place in very windy conditions (but at least it stayed dry for most of the weekend!). There was little flying during the weekend due to the windy conditions but the pilots were determined that the “Evening Glow” should take place on Saturday. This is where several balloons are inflated while tethered to the ground and burners sited around them provide spectacular illumination while the colourful balloons “dance” to music. Unfortunately only three balloons took part because of a very gusty wind, but it was a very colourful spectacle.

Edinburgh Photographic Society's   International Exhibition (22nd, August)

Club Members attended: Willie, Fred, Vera, Gordon, Steve, Hugh, Ian (Mc)

The Exhibition is one of the most highly regarded international exhibitions in the UK, typically attracting over 3000 entries from all around the world. They only accept what they can display, around 200-220 prints, which makes it highly competitive to gain acceptances and all the more rewarding when it is attained. The International Panel of Selectors - Libby Smith, EFIAP, PAGB (Scotland), Anne J. Sutcliffe, FRPS, AFIAP (England), Will Cheung, FRPS (England)

It is one of the "Must See" events during the Edinburgh Fringe. Gordon organised a group from the MCCC to go along and do just that. The level of photography was, to say the least, outstanding!. Pictured to the right is Bob Moore's "Truckers, Georgia," one of the three gold medal winners of the exhibition.

Summer Photo Night - Harelaw Reservoir & Bird Hide (Balerno, 8th, August)

Club Members attended: Gordon, Willie, Stuart, Steve, Grant, Hugh, Ian (Mc)

Another excellent evening for photography! There was a small hike from the parking lot to the reservoir and hide, and unfortunately the bird hide was being renovated at this time. Stuart reports that it is now finished and again open to the public. The area was farmland adjacent to a reserve and reservoir. There were fishermen enjoying their sport on the water, and walkers, joggers and cyclists constantly going by on the main path. The area provided many photographic opportunities everywhere you turned, and Mother Nature even obliged with dramatic skies!

Summer Photo Night - Selm Muir Reservoir (Forestry Commission, 1st, August)

Club Members attended: Willie, Gordon, Steve, Grant, Hugh, George, Stuart, Scott, & Ian (Mc)

A large turnout for this summer's night. Selm Muir is very photogenic - especially in early morning or late in the day. Ian (Mc) says that it is one on his favourite locations for capturing damsel flies and other flying insects. There is an old rowboat and small dock to add that interesting foreground element to a photo. It is a popular fishing spot, but be sure to park on the outside of the entrance gate, as the warden will lock up at the end of the day, and you may get stranded there. Watch out for the midges at this time of year! Nearby there is a small path leading into the adjacent wooded area, which is abundant with wild mushrooms in the fall.

Summer Photo Night - House of The Binns (National Trust for Scotland, 25th, July)

Club Members attended: George, Stuart, Ian Hugh, & Scott.

As a camera club, we tend to require access during the evening period due to our work commitments. The House of Binns closes to the public at 19:00 hrs during the summer months, however by contacting the owners, we were granted special dispensation to photograph within the grounds after 19:00 – our grateful thanks to the Dalyell family.

Owned for centuries by the famous Dalyell family the house was originally laid down during the 1600’s but has had several later additions. The House sits in over 200 acres of beautiful parkland overlooking the Firth of Forth. There are lovely views to photograph including the house itself, also the folly, and fantastic views over the Forth.

Wild hares and rabbits are abundant as are the resident peacocks. I would particularly recommend a springtime visit when bulbs are abundant.

Summer Photo Night - Forth Bridges (South Queensferry, 11th, July)

Club Members attended: George, Stuart, Willie, Scott, Hugh, Fred, Vera

Our next outing was to South Queensferry, recommended by Scott, who lives nearby. Most of the photo action was centred around - what else - the "twa bridges", but we managed to find other subjects to photograph, including the rocky beaches, old buildings, sailboats, and even a visiting biker group - complete with fully chromed bikes. They were very friendly and even posed for us! All in all, a very diverse location full of photo opportunities. The evening was topped off with some well earned refreshments at the Hawes Inn - a old Robert Louis Stephenson hang out - how is that for "steeped in history"!

New Hopetoun Gardens

Club Members attended: Grant & Steve

We were back at new Hopetoun Gardens to take pictures of the gardens as they grew and developed over the summer (such as it was!). Though the weather was not that great, we again managed to take a decent series of photographs.

Summer Photo Night - Oakbank Bing (27th, June)

Club Members attended: Gordon, Stuart, George, Willie, Deb, Mike

It was taking a chance on the weather, but a few brave souls managed to come out and enjoy the scenic views from the top of the Oakbank Bing (raincoats and waterproofs on standby). As the dark clouds swirled behind us, we were treated to a double rainbow! Good company and finally a chance to do some of our own outdoor photography, was a nice change. This was the first of a series of get togethers that replaced the regular club meetings, during the summer months.

MCCC / BBC How we built Britain (Scottish Parliament Buildings - 24th, June)

Club Members attended: Gordon, Steve, Grant, Willie, & Deb

For the BBC's television programmes, "How We Built Britain" and "Britain in Pictures", the club participated in a photo-sharing day at the Scottish Parliament Building in Edinburgh.

Gordon organised our participation and volunteered our members to be "photography enthusiasts and experts" in order to answer photo queries from the public and to take small groups on photo-taking tours of the inside and outside the parliament building!

Despite the rain, we enjoyed meeting other photographers and the guided tour of the building that was geared to taking pictures. Our photos were featured on iBBC and on Flickr, which is now being run by other participants.

Mid Calder Camera Club Annual Exibition / Kids Photo Competition

Club Members attended: Most of the club members.

Once again we promoted our Kids Photo Competition in conjunction with Gala Day and the Club’s Annual Exhibition.

The kids’ competition was on the theme “People at Play” and we had a good number of entries of a very high standard. All club members were involved in picking the winners, who were presented with certificates and gift vouchers.

Mid Calder Primary School Arts Festival

Club Members attended: Steve and Grant.

Later in the month we were asked to participate in the Arts Festival organised by Mid Calder Primary School. We were able to show some photographs and had a selection of slide shows running on a laptop, alongside art work created by the pupils. The event was well attended by parents and friends of the pupils.

Gardening Scotland  (1st - 3rd June)

Club Members attended: Most of the Members (along with one or two friends and relatives!)

For the second time, we were asked by the organisers of Gardening Scotland to act as official photographers for the show, which is one of the biggest gardening and flower shows in Scotland. It’s held at the Royal Highland Showground at Ingliston.

We were given unlimited access to all areas of the show, from the setting up and building of the displays and exhibits, through the three days when the show is open to the public, to the dismantling of exhibits and hectic sale of plants and floral displays at the end of the show.

We took photographs of floral displays, exhibits, exhibitors, flowers, performers, demonstrations and members of the public. At the end, we provided the organisers with a comprehensive portfolio of several hundred images that they will use for publicity, news letters and advertising.

It was interesting to see that all the publicity for this year’s event included Stephen’s striking image of a blue poppy. In fact, the main restaurant this year was named The Blue Poppy Cafeteria!

Livingston Players (My Fair Lady - 20th, May)

Club Members attended: Steve, Grant, Willie, Deb

Once again, we were asked to take photographs for Livingston Players. Their production of “My Fair Lady” was a joy to watch and the set, costumes and lively musical numbers were challenging to photograph. We managed to produce a good selection of images for the Players to use in publicity and to display at front of house. We also took a series of portraits of the principal characters and production crew.

New Hopetoun Gardens (5th, May)

Club Members attended: Willie, Deb, Grant & Steve

We were given the opportunity to take photographs at the launch of a new garden design competition hosted by New Hopetoun Gardens, near South Queensferry. This was entitled “Avant Gardens” and was to showcase the talents of new garden designers. The theme of the designs was “Sanctuary”. Fortunately, the official opening of the winning six gardens was on a lovely spring day and we managed to take a good series of pictures of the gardens, the designers and the judges, as well as the hosts of the competition, Dougal Phillip & Lesley Watson. We compiled a CD of the images so that New Hopetoun Gardens could use them on their web site and in publicity, newsletters etc.

Ramada Jarvis, Livingston   - Model Shoot (15th, April)

Club Members attended: George, Willie, Deb, Steve, Gordon, & Stuart

We were invited to help to put together two complete studios set-ups back to back at the Ramada-Jarvis Hotel, for an intensive day of shooting. But we were even more fortunate to have the current and the future Miss Scotland as models! (Lois Weatherup & Nieve Jennings)

It was a good exercise, to go through the entire process of the studio lighting setup. We had the use of different backdrops, and had an opportunity to have the models in a multitude of different outfits, poses and group combinations. By the end of the day we were as George would say, "cream crackered"! The images can be seen on the "Photo's by George" website.