Click here to see the complete photograph ‘South of Deddington by Richard Broadbent
In December, we welcomed Peter Greenway for his enlightening talk, ‘A Personal Wander Through the Technology Used in My Photography’. Peter’s love of photography started as a child when his mother gave him an old Box Brownie. His career as a software developer coupled with a technical background has led him towards a passion for the hardware and software involved with photography.
Peter practices night, historical, landscape and quirky photography but avoids anything to do with fur or feathers. He is a CACC judge, and holds PAGB and RPS Licentiate; he also works as a volunteer photographer for the National Trust, and contributes to the Archangel Image Library for fiction books.
Tonight’s theme was ‘get the technology right for your area of interest’ and Peter’s presentation offered insights into the fantastic opportunities that have been opened up by the development of smartphone apps, software packages and hardware technology for digital photography. He demonstrated techniques and recommended apps that enable improvements to every step of digital photography, from preparing for a shoot to publication of images in social, or other, media. He described the ‘end-to-end’ procedure that he follows from selection of equipment to publication of images.
For example, Peter demonstrated the equipment and software needed to improve sunrise, sunset and night photography using apps developed for photographers that provide detailed and accurate information on weather, the ‘golden hour’ and the ephemeris. He explained how he makes extensive use of GPS logging and geo-tagging; his use of backup hard drives and the Map Module on Lightroom during location shoots; and showed a short video demonstrating his use of drones and the MIOPS trigger.
Peter’s passion for the opportunities that have opened up as a result of the fusion of software and photographic technologies was very evident. He showed how he has applied his extensive experience of photography to develop novel and striking results. He gave insights into other aspects of his techniques using Lightroom and plug-ins such as Nik, Topaz and On One. In addition, he explained his approach to the use of hardware and software on photoshoots which balance the issues of cost, portability, supporting apps. Peter’s presentation was well received and we look forward to seeing more of his work on www.flickr.com/peterdgreenway
This month’s ‘Odd One Out’ photo topic was facilitated by Miggy Wild. Please note that the January 2020 Club Night will be held on the second Wednesday of the month (8th not 1st). Member Andreas Klatt ARPS will talk on the RPS distinctions process. The January photo topic is: your three favourite images of 2019. There will also be a table-top sale, to donate any old/unwanted camera gear, books, etc., with the proceeds going to Kathrine House Hospice in memory of John Prentice.
Diana Saville