We enjoyed a fascinating evening with Tony Bramley, FRPS who runs The Light Academy in Essex. The talk about ‘Inspiration’ was thought provoking and provided a different vision of what to use as a starting point for taking an image and how it can be difficult to find a unique viewpoint. Tony revealed that art and artists, magazines such as Vogue and other photographers that inspire his body of work. He also explored cinematography as an inspiration in particular films such as 2001, Lawrence of Arabia and Blade Runner. Tony encouraged us to get out of our comfort zone and try something new, to go back and do it again, to stop being a perfectionist and simplify a shot. He prefers to emphasize the elements of line, colour, texture, shape, form and space and the principles of balance, movement, proportion, and repetition. He finished with the idea that a shot is for you; it is only a picture and to photograph the ordinary and make it look extraordinary.
Tony kindly appraised the inspiration behind photographs submitted by members. Lindsey Smith explained her landscape was inspired by a recent talk about shooting at sunset; she looked behind her and created a beautiful image. Miggy Wild had been inspired by Gladys Knight, at a concert and had produced a superb portrait of her favourite singer. John Cavana explained his view of the Vasco de Gama bridge in Portugal had been on his list of shots to capture and the sky and foreground were a bonus in the image. Colin Lamb had wanted to portray ‘travel’ and felt the pile of suitcases on display at the Quainton Railway Centre was a unique view.
Our next meeting with by Greenland; a land of icebergs and Inuits delivered by Richard and Janet Burden on 2nd June at 7.30pm. If all goes well, we are hoping to meet in person in July. So watch this space. You are welcome to join us.
Anne Hunsley
ADD Photographic Society