Our engaging speaker Robert Harvey, ARPS gave us an inspiring look at Wiltshire. During his talk Robert gave us a glimpse of the history, geology, geography, architecture, and art of the county. He began with a look at the landscape of the chalk downs and the vales of clay pasture. He highlighted the icon beech clumps along the chalk downs his favourite being the Charlton Clumps at the edge of Salisbury Plain all illustrated by gorgeous images. Of course, the unique Stonehenge was featured but it wasn’t Robert’s favourite place for capturing the mystery of ancient times preferring Silbury Hill and Devil’s Den at Avebury. A particular shot of a ‘White Horse’, famous in Wiltshire, took Robert thirteen years to achieve with the right weather and lighting conditions.
His images are truly unique and painstakingly researched and observed. Robert uses a tripod for all his shots so that he can include more detail and alter the settings for exposures times. An entertaining shot of an enormous moon illustrated the story of a Moonraker; when smuggling was rife in the 1700’s a group lifting stored French brandy barrels from a pond were visited by the law. They explained they were raking for the round cheese, the reflected moon being the foil. Anyone can take at look at Robert’s work in his newly published book ‘Photographing Wiltshire’; a possible Christmas present perhaps?
Our members have been on a recent photoshoot to The National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. Images will be on our website shortly. Our next speaker will be Carole Henson giving us tips about photographing live events and festivals on Wednesday 1st December at 7.30pm at The Adderbury Institute. See our website for further details if you would like to join us. Wishing everyone a very peaceful and happy Christmas with best wishes for the New Year from Adderbury, Deddington & District Photographic Society.
Anne Hunsley
www.addphoto.co.uk