Our Second Open Competition was held on 9th February, with our usual wide range of images, all judged by Peter Demarco, a longstanding member of Eastwood Photographic Society and of the Scottish Photographic Circle.

A total of 75 images had been entered in our three categories – a good entry – so it was a full night and we appreciate all the work involved for Peter. His comments and advice were truly welcomed. In the end, it was revealed that all images which scored 19 or 20 points were all taken by Derek Orr, Jim Stevenson or Kevin Thorne.

In the end, Peter chose “Black Guillemot with Flounder”  by Jim Stevenson as the winning image. Congratulations Jim – you will pick up the Second Open Trophy at the Prize giving on the night of the AGM!

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In early February, we held a hands-on workshop on still life & tabletop photography. Members brought a variety of items to be arranged and photographed. Included were two sheep skulls and a replica human skull which could be posed against a background of faded hydrangeas! There was also a Lego airport scene; a variety of leaves and feathers which were illuminated from below to beautiful effect; and a selection of vegetables of which the garlic on a reflective surface against a black background proved the most photogenic.

In another area of the hall, Robert Spence demonstrated how a range of vintage lenses could be repurposed for current use.

The evening allowed members to experiment with a variety of compositions, camera settings, and using different lighting techniques. It fulfilled the brief of providing advice and tuition, and hopefully has encouraged some more of us to experiment with still-life photography.

Just something different. Thanks to everyone who got involved!

On 8th December, Tracy Ross from Irvine Camera Club presented the results of this year’s Rose Urie Competition.

The Rose Urie is a bit different in that members can choose their subject from 3 options – and these options were ‘Landscapes’, ‘Wildlife’ and ‘Leading Lines’; and clearly the most popular subject this year was the Wildlife option.

Tracy gave detailed feedback on all the prints and projected images, and in doing so provided a good deal of encouragement to the members , often expressing what she had enjoyed seeing in our images.

Continue reading “Nature wins out” →

Early November brought around our “First Open Competition” of the year. Being an ‘Open’ competition means that members can enter photographs on any subject of their own choosing. So, we saw 71 prints and projected images on judging night, all expertly critiqued by Campbell Skinner of Greenock Camera Club.

The winning image was a beautifully printed monochrome submitted by Martin Hancock entitled “Dapper Gent”, showing a well-dressed gentleman with a vintage appearance – a great image. Well done, Martin!

Continue reading “First Open Competition 2025” →

Our annual programme is well underway now, with all types of great photography both from our members and visiting speakers. So far, we’ve been presented with excellent shows firstly from Clive Watkins of the Irvine Club on improving your competition entries. Then two presentations from Alastair Swan and Lorna Ayton, both from our favourite rival club – Ayr Photographic Society. Quite different presentation styles but both entertaining, showing great photography and also presenting more tips and advice

Sandwiched in the middle of those two nights, Robert Quig judged our own members’ images in the 2025 Quig Quaich Competition. Members choose 3 out of 6 topics including ‘Shadows’, ‘Still Life’ and the most popular topic ‘Orange’. Entrants submit up to 6 images, which must be taken over our summer break, with the highest total score being awarded the trophy. Big thanks are due to Bob for his excellent judging. This is his 25th year of him running this competition. Long may it continue!

This year the Quaich was collected by Jim Stevenson – very well done, Jim! – closely followed by Dale Powell and Martin Clark. Some of their leading images are shown in this post. It’s always a great night with surprises in store in how members have interpreted the topics.

So, it’s been a great start and all we do now is look forward to MORE, MORE, MORE……

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