2026/27 draft ProgramME - Subject to change
Our meetings in the 2026/27 season will mainly be in-person meetings at St Mary's and a few upstairs in the Harvey Tavern with some online Zoom talks.
We meet on Monday evenings at 19:30 for a 19:45 start.
Visitors are welcome at both in person and Zoom presentations from outside photographers. All we ask is a £5 contribution towards club funds, on the door if we are meeting in person. Or if you want to join a zoom meeting please book online using TicketSource
We meet on Monday evenings at 19:30 for a 19:45 start.
Visitors are welcome at both in person and Zoom presentations from outside photographers. All we ask is a £5 contribution towards club funds, on the door if we are meeting in person. Or if you want to join a zoom meeting please book online using TicketSource
Monday 7th September 2026 - ST MARY'S
SOCIAL: Welcome back to the club after the break.
A chance to show off what you’ve been doing over the summer, to prompt some informal chat. Not a competition!
SOCIAL: Welcome back to the club after the break.
A chance to show off what you’ve been doing over the summer, to prompt some informal chat. Not a competition!
Monday 14th September 2026 - Location?
COMPETITION: PDI Round 1
The theme is Open, and the judge is Eddie Lord. Submit your images in advance via PhotoEntry.
COMPETITION: PDI Round 1
The theme is Open, and the judge is Eddie Lord. Submit your images in advance via PhotoEntry.
Monday 21st September 2026 - ST MARY'S
TALK: One a Week Every Week
By Darren Pullman
TALK: One a Week Every Week
By Darren Pullman
Monday 28th September 2026 - ST MARY's
COMPETITION: Print 1
The theme is Texture, and the judge is Faith Lee.
COMPETITION: Print 1
The theme is Texture, and the judge is Faith Lee.
Monday 5th October 2026 - Location ???
Lecturetts
by Members
Lecturetts
by Members
Monday 12th October 2026 - Location ???
COMPETITION: PDI Round 2
The theme is Long Exposure, and the judge is ???
If your fairly new to long exposure photography, then giving just a little thought and preparation in advance of you going out there with your camera will see you a long way.
You will need either a tripod or a firm surface to place your camera so that it will remain completely still.
Pressing the shutter release on your camera can cause movement, therefore a remote-control shutter release or using the timer on your camera will be essential tools. If you have them, NDB filters will help reduce the amount of light going into your lens. Otherwise, you can use gauze or a voile fabric to help filter out light.
Start by experimenting with different lengths of exposure – what effects are you getting with each setting?
Long exposure photography is great to get a sense of movement within an image.
There are endless subject ideas for long exposure photography and how you tackle the subject will be down to the image and feeling you want to convey. We are used to seeing long exposure images of traffic or crowds on busy streets. But perhaps you’d like to capture the movements of that fox that comes through your garden, the busyness of sparrows, the movement of that lovely line of washing you’ve just put out in the sunny garden. Succumb to your curiosity!
Submit your PDI images in advance via PhotoEntry.
COMPETITION: PDI Round 2
The theme is Long Exposure, and the judge is ???
If your fairly new to long exposure photography, then giving just a little thought and preparation in advance of you going out there with your camera will see you a long way.
You will need either a tripod or a firm surface to place your camera so that it will remain completely still.
Pressing the shutter release on your camera can cause movement, therefore a remote-control shutter release or using the timer on your camera will be essential tools. If you have them, NDB filters will help reduce the amount of light going into your lens. Otherwise, you can use gauze or a voile fabric to help filter out light.
Start by experimenting with different lengths of exposure – what effects are you getting with each setting?
Long exposure photography is great to get a sense of movement within an image.
There are endless subject ideas for long exposure photography and how you tackle the subject will be down to the image and feeling you want to convey. We are used to seeing long exposure images of traffic or crowds on busy streets. But perhaps you’d like to capture the movements of that fox that comes through your garden, the busyness of sparrows, the movement of that lovely line of washing you’ve just put out in the sunny garden. Succumb to your curiosity!
Submit your PDI images in advance via PhotoEntry.
Monday 19th October 2026 - ZOOM
TALK: Taking Stock - A Retrospective
by Laurie Campbell
Born in Berwick-upon-Tweed in 1958 and with a life-long interest in the natural world, Laurie Campbell has dedicated almost fifty years to photographing Scotland’s distinctive wildlife, flora and landscape. In the beginning his aim was simple, to show what he had witnessed to others who might have neither the time nor the inclination to go out into the field and experience nature in as much detail for themselves. After graduating from a four year degree course in photography at Napier University in Edinburgh he continued accumulating stocks of photographs from the natural world and in 1985 became arguably Scotland’s first full-time professional nature photographer. His imagery is published across a range of media internationally and is widely recognised for its distinctive style and his preference for using natural light and belief in photographing subjects just as he finds them in the field.
TALK: Taking Stock - A Retrospective
by Laurie Campbell
Born in Berwick-upon-Tweed in 1958 and with a life-long interest in the natural world, Laurie Campbell has dedicated almost fifty years to photographing Scotland’s distinctive wildlife, flora and landscape. In the beginning his aim was simple, to show what he had witnessed to others who might have neither the time nor the inclination to go out into the field and experience nature in as much detail for themselves. After graduating from a four year degree course in photography at Napier University in Edinburgh he continued accumulating stocks of photographs from the natural world and in 1985 became arguably Scotland’s first full-time professional nature photographer. His imagery is published across a range of media internationally and is widely recognised for its distinctive style and his preference for using natural light and belief in photographing subjects just as he finds them in the field.
Monday 26th October 2026 - ST MARY'S
TALK: The Wonder of woodlands: Finding Order
By Jamie Fielding
www.jamiefieldingphotography.com/
TALK: The Wonder of woodlands: Finding Order
By Jamie Fielding
www.jamiefieldingphotography.com/
Monday 2 November 2026 - ST MARY'S
COMPETITION: Print 2
The Theme is "Journey", and the judge is Chris Harrison????
The theme of ‘journey’ presents us with an opportunity to think beyond the usual images we may associate with a journey or with travelling, such as modes of transport or photos of far-flung shores. The definition of ‘journey’ is the act of travelling from one place to another. The destination is only one part of the journey and perhaps focussing on the idea of the ‘act of travelling’ may help us. Each interpretation of ‘journey’ will be unique, and it is impossible to be prescriptive about how to go about the task of creating an image that portrays the sense and essence of ‘journey’. But here are just a few ideas:
Allow your playful side to take you on a journey with your camera.
The 5yr rule does not apply to this competition
COMPETITION: Print 2
The Theme is "Journey", and the judge is Chris Harrison????
The theme of ‘journey’ presents us with an opportunity to think beyond the usual images we may associate with a journey or with travelling, such as modes of transport or photos of far-flung shores. The definition of ‘journey’ is the act of travelling from one place to another. The destination is only one part of the journey and perhaps focussing on the idea of the ‘act of travelling’ may help us. Each interpretation of ‘journey’ will be unique, and it is impossible to be prescriptive about how to go about the task of creating an image that portrays the sense and essence of ‘journey’. But here are just a few ideas:
- Animal migrations or evidence of animal movement.
- Abstract photos or composite photos that allow us to imagine a journey.
- A dream-like journey.
- Creating diptychs or triptychs to portray a sense of ‘moving through’, eg light coming through a window.
- Small journeys – insects, seeds, leaves.
- Using photographic techniques such as intentional camera movement or long exposure to add a physical travelling element to an image.
- A travellers’ talisman/artefact - an object that conveys a journey.
- Portrait of a traveller at the beginning, middle or end of a journey.
- An interesting and unusual view of a motorway or service station.
- Airports, stations, docks, harbours will all offer good ‘journey’ opportunities.
Allow your playful side to take you on a journey with your camera.
The 5yr rule does not apply to this competition
Monday 9th November 2026 - ST Mary's
TALK: Along the Fellowship Road
By Paul Shilliam
photosnapshot.co.uk/page/frpspresentation.html
TALK: Along the Fellowship Road
By Paul Shilliam
photosnapshot.co.uk/page/frpspresentation.html
Any Royal Photographic Society Distinction will be a photographic challenge and as you would expect the Fellowship distinction being the highest award will bring a whole load of challenges which the others do not require. The trials and tribulations of achieving success are many, this talk sets out the challenges I experienced when attempting the Fellowship award, it also includes an overview of my Licentiate and Associate distinctions for comparison.
Monday 16th November 2026 - ST MARY'S
COMPETITION: Natural history - PDI and Print
Our annual Natural History competition judged by Bob Webzell with both Prints and PDI's. Submit your PDI images in advance via PhotoEntry.
www.webzell.co.uk/
COMPETITION: Natural history - PDI and Print
Our annual Natural History competition judged by Bob Webzell with both Prints and PDI's. Submit your PDI images in advance via PhotoEntry.
www.webzell.co.uk/
Monday 23rd November 2026 - Location???
Workshop: Edit an image
by members
Workshop: Edit an image
by members
Monday 30th November 2026 - ST MARY's
TALK: Four thoughts on photography
By Peter Merry
www.petermerry.co.uk/talks
TALK: Four thoughts on photography
By Peter Merry
www.petermerry.co.uk/talks
Monday 7th December 2026 - ST MARY'S
TALK: Process, Possibilities and Projects
By Jo Teasdale
www.joteasdalephotography.com
Join me for an evening where I talk about possibilities, a few of my processes and a few of my projects. In many cases I have embraced both the unexpected and the unpredictable and have produced work that I could never have imagined.
TALK: Process, Possibilities and Projects
By Jo Teasdale
www.joteasdalephotography.com
Join me for an evening where I talk about possibilities, a few of my processes and a few of my projects. In many cases I have embraced both the unexpected and the unpredictable and have produced work that I could never have imagined.
Monday 14th December 2026 - Location ???
It's a knockout competition
It's a knockout competition
|
Our annual It's a Knockout competition for a bit of fun. Submit your engaging or amusing images via PhotoEntry.
And there should be time for a bit of socialising at the bar and mince pies too. |
Monday 4th January 2027 - at ????
ANNUAL DINNER
A social post-Christmas dinner
ANNUAL DINNER
A social post-Christmas dinner
Monday 11th January 2027 - Upstairs John Harvey Tavern Lewes
TALK: Moon Images
by Giles Smith
www.gilessmithphotographic.co.uk/about
I am a landscape photographer based on the coast in East Sussex, with a particular interest in astro-landscape and seascape photography. My passion for photography started through my love of star gazing, something I've been fascinated in since an early age. I bought a telescope a few years ago and tried taking pictures of the moon with my phone with varying degrees of success, which led me to buying my first DSLR to try and take more detailed images. I quickly moved away from just taking pictures of the moon, and, before I knew it, I’d become hooked on taking images of the landscape at night, and my love for landscape photography grew from there. There is always an excitement each time I plan to go out on a night shoot. Being out under a canvas of stars, or the ethereal light of the moon, evokes a magical feeling. It feels like I'm entering a secret world for a few hours while most of the land is asleep. I love being able to capture these scenes and feelings through my photography.
TALK: Moon Images
by Giles Smith
www.gilessmithphotographic.co.uk/about
I am a landscape photographer based on the coast in East Sussex, with a particular interest in astro-landscape and seascape photography. My passion for photography started through my love of star gazing, something I've been fascinated in since an early age. I bought a telescope a few years ago and tried taking pictures of the moon with my phone with varying degrees of success, which led me to buying my first DSLR to try and take more detailed images. I quickly moved away from just taking pictures of the moon, and, before I knew it, I’d become hooked on taking images of the landscape at night, and my love for landscape photography grew from there. There is always an excitement each time I plan to go out on a night shoot. Being out under a canvas of stars, or the ethereal light of the moon, evokes a magical feeling. It feels like I'm entering a secret world for a few hours while most of the land is asleep. I love being able to capture these scenes and feelings through my photography.
Monday 18th January 2027 - ST MARY'S
COMPETITION: PDI Round 3
The theme is Mobile Phone, and the judge is Nick Ryan
‘Hurrah!’ I hear you say! No heavy equipment to lug around. Just a good old mobile phone. Nowadays mobile phones offer us the opportunity to be ready to shoot that in-the-moment image. Some mobile phones now have a wealth of settings that we can play around with. A quick internet search for your particular make and model of phone should give you some ideas.
Think about: composition: experimenting with angle and height of your camera – not just taking photos at head height.
There are also some creative apps you can use to do some post-processing. Most do have fees attached so just check this out beforehand. Some that I use a lot are: Mextures and Snapseed (good for composite photos) and Reeflex and Slow Shutter for long and multiple exposures. Selfie sticks might be helpful too.
But you certainly don’t need all these tools to take excellent and imaginative mobile phone shots.
Get out there and get your eye in – here’s a little bit of inspiration:
https://www.britishphotographyawards.org/2024-mobile-photography-awards/gallery
Submit your PDI images in advance via PhotoEntry.
COMPETITION: PDI Round 3
The theme is Mobile Phone, and the judge is Nick Ryan
‘Hurrah!’ I hear you say! No heavy equipment to lug around. Just a good old mobile phone. Nowadays mobile phones offer us the opportunity to be ready to shoot that in-the-moment image. Some mobile phones now have a wealth of settings that we can play around with. A quick internet search for your particular make and model of phone should give you some ideas.
Think about: composition: experimenting with angle and height of your camera – not just taking photos at head height.
There are also some creative apps you can use to do some post-processing. Most do have fees attached so just check this out beforehand. Some that I use a lot are: Mextures and Snapseed (good for composite photos) and Reeflex and Slow Shutter for long and multiple exposures. Selfie sticks might be helpful too.
But you certainly don’t need all these tools to take excellent and imaginative mobile phone shots.
Get out there and get your eye in – here’s a little bit of inspiration:
https://www.britishphotographyawards.org/2024-mobile-photography-awards/gallery
Submit your PDI images in advance via PhotoEntry.
Monday 25th January 2027 - ST MARY's
TALK: Title to be agreed
by Colin Miller
TALK: Title to be agreed
by Colin Miller
Monday 1st February 2027 - Location ???
COMPETITION: PDI Round 4
The theme is Negative Space, and the judge is Monica Weller??
The definition of ‘negative space’ in photography is the empty space that surrounds the main subject of the photo. (I would argue that the negative space becomes a subject in its own right). Above/below is a link where you can see examples of negative space photos.
A negative space photo is one in which the vastness of the surrounding empty space accentuates a subject within it and offers a feeling of isolation or uncluttered simplicity. Some examples would be a tree isolated in a snowy landscape, a person dressed in black against a large, white wall, one vibrant flower against the deep blue of the sky, or a silhouette against a blank background.
It might be useful to think about taking the images with a wider lens or shallow depth of field. You could also bring in humour – one lonely jelly baby on the supermarket floor! Once you start thinking about negative space, you’ll see it everywhere!
https://photzy.com/embracing-the-emptiness-21-striking-photos-that-showcase-negative-space/
COMPETITION: PDI Round 4
The theme is Negative Space, and the judge is Monica Weller??
The definition of ‘negative space’ in photography is the empty space that surrounds the main subject of the photo. (I would argue that the negative space becomes a subject in its own right). Above/below is a link where you can see examples of negative space photos.
A negative space photo is one in which the vastness of the surrounding empty space accentuates a subject within it and offers a feeling of isolation or uncluttered simplicity. Some examples would be a tree isolated in a snowy landscape, a person dressed in black against a large, white wall, one vibrant flower against the deep blue of the sky, or a silhouette against a blank background.
It might be useful to think about taking the images with a wider lens or shallow depth of field. You could also bring in humour – one lonely jelly baby on the supermarket floor! Once you start thinking about negative space, you’ll see it everywhere!
https://photzy.com/embracing-the-emptiness-21-striking-photos-that-showcase-negative-space/
Monday 8th February 2027 - Location ???
WORKSHOP: Play & Presentation
BY Julie and Deborah
WORKSHOP: Play & Presentation
BY Julie and Deborah
Monday 15th February 2027 - ST MARY'S
COMPETITION: Print 3 & PDI Round 5
The theme is Monochrome, and the judge is Geoff Young
COMPETITION: Print 3 & PDI Round 5
The theme is Monochrome, and the judge is Geoff Young
Monday 22nd February 2027 - ST MARY'S
TALK: TBA
By Ken Scott
TALK: TBA
By Ken Scott
Monday 1st March 2027 - ST MARY'S
COMPETITION: Prints 4
Theme is open, and the judge is Darren Pullman
COMPETITION: Prints 4
Theme is open, and the judge is Darren Pullman
Monday 8th March 2027 - ST MARY'S
TALK: Capturing the Magical World of Insects
by Annie Healey
www.annhealeyphotography.com/p/60509rfw/C300565004
TALK: Capturing the Magical World of Insects
by Annie Healey
www.annhealeyphotography.com/p/60509rfw/C300565004
Monday 15th March 2027 - ST MARY'S
IMAGE OF THE YEAR COMPETITION
The best of the PDIs and prints of the year all in one evening. Members can submit up to four images each, with any mix of PDIs and prints. The judge is ???
IMAGE OF THE YEAR COMPETITION
The best of the PDIs and prints of the year all in one evening. Members can submit up to four images each, with any mix of PDIs and prints. The judge is ???
Monday 22nd March 2026 - Location ???
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING, Prizes, Social
Including discussion of activities over the coming year, and presentation of the winners of the PDI and print league competitions.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING, Prizes, Social
Including discussion of activities over the coming year, and presentation of the winners of the PDI and print league competitions.
