COBBLER'S PAGE

My experience of camera clubs in the Yorkshire region recently has been of decline in membership and that the members who remain are of the older age group. So it seems a contradiction to be seeing an increase in the number of exhibitions. I will be participating in five local ones myself, three of them on monochrome photography only. I know of several individuals, usually young, who are showing folios of work on given themes at Galleries and offering them for sale. With digital imaging I am seeing more prints from slides on the walls and many of these are coming from people who have never had a darkroom but they are now print workers. The traditional way of print production using chemicals a darkroom will, I think, disappear for colour but will remain for black and white. The trends are set. We have the traditionalists who will continue to turn out the well crafted monochrome print from the darkroom These are likely to be the older experienced photographers or the young who have discovered the 'ancient' processes. The experienced photographer who is now digitalling all his slides and colour printing alongside the user of the digital camera who does not know the meaning of film. To me this mixture seems ripe for the re-launch of the club system. The CRC is trying and some camera clubs are coming to terms with new ways, others are ignoring the changes and folding up.

What can a club system offer to those enjoying the different methods of picture making? Stimulation, a chance to meet and to discuss technique and ideas in a social atmosphere as well as an opportunity to show their efforts to a wider audience, whether it is to other members or through exhibitions. 

To improve your pictures. There is no better way to become aware of a pictures failings than to ask for comments. They can be complimentary, contradictory, constructive or even destructive. We all know what we like and are keen to tell others. We all act as judges as we view things and make assessments.

There is no better way to learn about making pictures than to look, listen, and put into practice the lessons learned. You can call it criticism or comment. As a long time member of postal folios, UPP and Colour Circles, I have submitted slides, colour prints and mono prints by the hundred over the years and have received on average fourteen critiques on each entry.

The comments vary a lot, as does the membership of the folios. After a while you can forecast the reception your entry will get from certain members as their fixed ideas of what is good does not change. Some can see no further than the obvious,if it isn't pretty it isn't good. Constructive comments usually abound mostly written in a friendly manner.

You quickly learn that what you thought was a masterpiece is not so good after all and the surprising thing is that you come to agree with them - at least some of the time. "Why didn't you notice that tree growing out of her head?",  "You have a slope to the left/right", "A step to the right/left would have been best".

" No centre of interest", "Why did you put the centre of interest in the centre?", " Its not sharp" "Its too sharp".

Not every comment hits the mark it is up to you to take note, sort out the appropriate comment and apply the advice when needed. Young people coming into photography bring fresh ideas and a new approach but they lack the technical skills and knowhow that only time and experience can bring. The older club member has a wealth of expertise to  pass on and the club can only benefit when both are brought together. The point is to enjoy your photography.  This you can do on your own but it is more enjoyable, your results are likely to be better and you have an outlet for your pictures if you are a member of a club or postal folio.