New Webmaster and News Editor

It all started in the tea queue, with a casual offer of help to Peter Malcolm. It turned out Pete had been running the web site and news letter for longer than he cared to remember, and would be pleased to do some photography for a change. Things moved on from there and I've now reached that 'What have I done?' moment when I have to produce my first newsletter.

First off I should thank Pete for all the work he did in ensuring a smooth handover. I'm sure there will be glitches along the way, but from now on they are all my glitches. I also note that, ever a glutton for punishment, Pete has instead taken on the job of Club Secretary. Some people never learn...

As a newcomer to the club, many of you may not know me. I joined the club at the start of this season, my first involvement with any Camera Club. My photographic interests are varied, but I have a particular love of landscape.  For those not on flickr, you can see some of my work here. You'll also hear more from me later next year, as somewhere along the line I said yes to Cath when she asked me to do a talk. I really must be more careful.

For next season I will be giving the web site a technology update, and a refreshed look. If you have any views about what you would like to see on the web site, now is the time to let me know.

Nigel Norris
webmaster@basingstokecameraclub.co.uk

It's shrunk!

The newsletter, that is. The newsletter layout has been on a diet with the aim of making it more readable on a range of mail clients. With luck, you may even be able to read it on your iPhone. Although I've checked that it looks OK on a few browsers and mail clients, there's no way I can test all, so if you have any problems reading this, do let me know.

Swanage Weekend.

A Pointer for Sunrise and Sunset Photography has been organized for 28 & 29 October 2011 at Swanage in Dorset. The weekend will be led by John Buttress and we will be visiting Kimmeridge Bay and Lulworth Cove to take sunrise and sunset ‘wishy washy’ pictures.

We will be staying at the Purbeck Hotel in Swanage from Friday to Sunday the cost is £126 for bed, breakfast and evening meals. If you would like to join us please contact Sandra Stephen on 01256 477995 or email socialsecretary@basingstokecameraclub.co.uk.

Boats, beasts and orchids.

2nd June - Basingstoke Canal and Odiham Common

An impressive number of people turned up, at the right place, at the right time. Gina, who organized the walk, had printed out maps of the route, and even, for those of use who arrived unprepared and thirsty, handed out bottles of water. Thanks, Gina!

Arriving at the canal, a couple of colourful canoes posed for us. The towpath was lined with photographers taking their shots, so expect canoes to start to rival Geckos on sticks in next year's competitions. A pleasant walk along the canal then led us off into the woods, where Cath was seen to prostrate herself before an orchid. Whether this was some form of religious rite, or merely a photo opportunity, I'm not sure. However soon others were following her lead, and flickr is now awash with orchid images.

Further into the woods, Gina's attempts to keep us on a route finally met their match, and the woods were soon full of little bands of photographers wandering around saying 'I thought that was the way out'. If there is anyone still there, we've gone to the pub! During this wandering, we were, however, treated to the sight of the club's star wildlife photographer, Keith Polwin, at work. Keith had spotted a large female Bos primigenius. It was impressive to watch Keith stalking the beast, using the cover of the woods to get some remarkable close-up shots. I look forward to seeing them in next season's competitions.

A final technical tip came from Leena. I have always been taught to hold the camera still and squeeze the shutter gently to avoid camera movement. However Leena was using the technique of waving the camera around in artistic fashion while taking the shot. Apparently this allows the photographer to express the psychological complexities of the subject. Or it may just have been the result of an early arrival at the pub.

The evening concluded with some relaxed eating and drinking at a very pleasant inn. An excellent evening all round.