This Friday at KPS ...

We are delighted that two members of Kingswood Photographic Society's, Mike Martin and John Hoddinott have agreed to show us some of their images.  On Friday, 15 June, they share with us their different styles of photography.

Mike says:  “I have been taking pictures for years.  Initially as a means of sharing my love of potholing with other surface dwellers but I didn't start taking photography seriously as a hobby until the 1990s when I moved to Bristol.

I have been using Photoshop for nearly 20 years, initially scanning slides then manipulating them, before adopting digital and more recently Infrared photography.

I will be showing a wide range of subjects; architecture, plants, people, urban / street, candid, as well as explaining how I create some of my images.  I describe my philosophy towards photography as "if it moves, shoot it; if it doesn't shoot it anyway" but for me, the camera is just a tool - images are made in the mind.”

John says: ‘I have always loved photography, right from the time I was entrusted with the family camera and allowed to take it on a school visit to Cherbourg.  Even at the tender age of twelve I found myself fascinated with having the ability to record the briefest of moments and forever able to look upon those images, instantly finding myself transported back to the very moment the shutter clicked.

However it wasn’t until much later in life that I was able to pursue photography as a hobby.  I soon became deeply passionate with my new found interest but at first, struggled getting to grips with the many technical aspects of capturing a decent image.  Everything changed with the arrival of digital photography.  My first digital SLR was a Canon 20D and was soon followed by the purchase of the 5D MK11 and began to learn new techniques from books and magazines and studying the work of those photographers I admired and respected.  In addition, I joined a local camera club (KPS) where a wealth of experience and knowledge was there to help me first hand.

I enjoy all types of photography but it was my love of outdoor pursuits and fascination for the captured image that lead to my deep passion with landscape photography.  It’s difficult to explain just what my images mean to me and what I am looking for in them - I think my main intention is to create an enduring image from a moment where transients, such as light, circumstance and fortune all collide in but a single moment to take my breath away.

Landscape photography for me is also all about adventure, exploration and gaining a deeper understanding of our environment. The beauty of the landscape in ever changing lighting and weather conditions never fails to inspire and I am constantly seeking ways in which to convey some kind of emotional dialogue with my intended viewer.  Always looking, forever watching and hopefully finding that elusive opportunity to create that special image.”

We are certainly in for an interesting evening, so see you there.  Visitors are very welcome and the cost for this evening is £3.00.  Kingswood PS meets on Fridays at 7.30pm at St Barnabas Church Hall, Warmley, Bristol  BS30 5JJ.