Click here to see the whole photograph – Ghosts by Doug Wills
Our November presentation, ‘Achieving an Associateship of the AFIAP (Artiste Federation Internationale de l’Art Photographique), was given by Robert Bracher ARPS AFIAP. Bob’s love of photography started when he was a boy. He joined the RAF and the early 80s found him in Chepstow, where he joined their photographic club. After achieving his LRPS he moved to Solihull, in the Midlands. There he joined the Knowle Camera Club, but drifted away as his growing family took up more of his time. Bob developed a passion for making photobooks – family albums – using his images to share amongst family and friends – he’s now reached No. 75. The digital age is upon us, he says, there are more photos in the Cloud than there are stars!
After achieving his ARPS in 2009, Bob thought he would try for the AFIAP. He amusingly told us he found it harder to fill in the form than to take the photo. He explained the prescribed requirements: FIAP (based in France) is the world governing body of International Photography Exhibitions, referred to as Salons. You must have at least 40 acceptances into international exhibitions with at least 15 different images; these acceptances must have come from at least 15 different Salons with FIAP Patronage in at least 8 different countries; at least 4 of the 15 images must each have gained at least one acceptance as a print; your first acceptance must be received at least 12 months before you can be awarded your AFIAP certificate. A tall order, but Bob was awarded his Associateship.
Bob showed us a host of stunning images, including those of his ARPS panel. What we are doing in Visual Art, he explained, is creating images by adding or taking away. With Bob’s enthusiasm, humour and beautiful photography, this was a wonderful presentation, culminating in a well-deserved round of applause.
There followed the monthly photo topic, Shadows, which was kindly critiqued by Bob. Next month’s topic will be Odd One Out.
The next presentation will be given on Wednesday, 4thth December by Peter Greenway LRPS, entitled ‘A Personal Wander Through the Technology used in my Photography’, at 7.30pm in the Apricot Room, Cartwright Hotel, Aynho OX17 3BE – everyone is most welcome to attend.
Wendy Meagher
www.addphoto.co.uk