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 Nov )
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 Valley Vintage Association Ploughing Match (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.

Dawyck 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.