Prism Photographic Club

Prism members were entertained on Thursday evening with a Magic Show kindly given by founder member Derek Tostevin. There were no rabbits appearing out of top hats or disappearing white doves but instead a jaw dropping demonstration on how to manipulate images to the extreme by combining several photos together using the layers found on Photoshop. Have I lost you already? Well, members looked on in amazement as German watch towers appeared on Herm beaches, quickly followed by a foreground of St Peter Port roofs, not to mention the wrecked pirate ship in the bay and alien like figures running on the beach….all great fun and we did learn a lot, whether we dare construct such bizarre landscapes is another matter. However, sometimes it is advantageous to replace a diappointingly dull lifeless sky with something a little more picturesque to transform an otherwise mediocre image into a worthwhile end product. This month’s subject “Gates and Doors” showed off the wide range of talent and artistry to be found within the club’s membership.

This month was won yet again by Roger Whitehead but new member Amber Moxom was hot on his heels in second place. Roger’s exceptionally high standard of craftsmanship is appreciated by the voting members and as I have said before his knowledge of light and understanding of dark room techniques clearly reflect in his winning images.

Amber’s image of a sadly neglected front door framed with encroaching weeds was very evocative and caught the attention of voters. Amber is certainly a young photographer with the wonderful gift of being able to see a great shot and to seize the opportunity. This is difficult to teach and from her other previous contributions I am convinced that Amber has a great future ahead of her. The rest of us better watch out!

Another innovative member, Olivier Dorey, produced an excellent and rather moody shot of an old wooden door taken from a low angle. This perspective definitely gave a mysterious feel to the image to the point that some members didn’t really want to know what lay on the other side. That makes the image a true success in my book. Olivier’s efforts gained him a third place.

Nikki le Clercq came fourth with her very pleasing and easy on the eye shot of “Entwined Leaves” A hand made gate echoed the patterns of the surrounding shrubs and yet again this “nearly new” member was rewarded for her observational skills and clever composition. It really is most satisfying to the more established members (I would have said “older members” but eyebrows would be raised!) to see such new and
exciting talent coming in to the club and succeeding in the competition. I mean
that sincerely !!

Last of the point winners, but by no means least, was stalwart club member Annie Winch who leapt out of her comfort zone and “pushed lots of buttons” on her editing suite coming up with a highly creative textured image of a packing shed door. It bore little resemblance to the original shot that Annie had bought with her but the outcome was stunning. I think Annie was feeling very satisfied that her experimental work was a success. More technical ghosts were laid to rest. Amen to that.