Life of a picture.

[AdrianLines]

Although the internet is a great place to show your work, It gives it no longevity. A picture that is posted one week falls into oblivion the next.

How many people produce reasonably sized prints and continue to show them. I see some great photographs on this site and it is such a shame if they only reside on their hard drives.

A lot of people enter the weekly competitions, and obviously enjoy the thrill of being recognised. How much better would a competition be if you where being judged against a hundred or a thousand other prints rather than a dozen.

Wigan Photographic Society gives you access to local, regional and national competitions. We regularily compete against other local clubs from St.Helens, Soutport, Leigh, Atherton, Chorley ETC.

If you enjoy looking at other people pictures, think how much more enjoyable it is to hold a 'A3' sized (and larger) photograph in your hands and really inspect the details.

Rather than having a false impression of what a Photographic Society is, come this Tuesday to our meeting, where we are having our monthly print competition and see work printed at 3000 x 4000 pixels and not limited to 1000px.

[Oy]

^^ What he said :)

Also - don't assume that the standard is beyond you. There's a wide range on show. Some excellent, some that would hit my recycle bin.

It costs nowt to come and see - you'll even get a free cuppa and a biccie! :D

[Slacky]

to far for me and SPS meet on the days I can't go

I have my Scotland one..printed at A1 and it looks fab...but there are not many of mine i would show in 'real life' although my daughter has done well in the open sps show 2 years running we were surprised at the one she got commended on even she thought it would be something else if anything....just shows as I have always different people different views :thumbup:

[Oy]

Southport PS have a very good reputation - shame you can't get there.

[daveyboy]

I would honestly love to come and have a look and compete,but its a bit too far away for me!!I have had a look down in this part of the world,my local group looks very small and the comps they run are like wise.To be honest,and I dont mean to be ageist or any other 'ist',all the members look over 65 or total nerdy social outcasts.....not like the nutters at all LOL!!!:wink:I appreciate its mainly about the photography.....but.................

[Oy]

I can relate to that. The problem with most camera clubs is that they are largely populated by "older people" and are certainly not very welcoming to youngsters, other than those dragged along because their parents are there.

You can't even compete properly until you're 18. Under 18's are relegated to the "B Section" - Ludicrous in my opinion. If camera clubs in general are to survive then they must evolve into something that at least looks like it belongs in this century.

That won't happen by itself. It needs people to do it - which is why Adrian and I are trying to help the process along by getting new blood in there!

One of the main problems is the first impression syndrome. Once you get to know the setup and the people there - Wigan PS is a good place with some good and friendly people. However, the first impression is very poor. I think getting out into the community more and getting known as somewhere friendly and forward thinking is the way forward.

[Slacky]

I know SPS has a section for children who meet once a month for an hour....but again my daughter can't go as she has other commitments.

The school she is going to has a club also which I will be encouraging her to join as she has a good eye for things

[Galatas]

As I'm practically teetotal because of my job , the free tea and biscuits is appealing.

For me photography is just something I do for enjoyment and relaxation.
Whilst I do try to learn and improve I'm not chasing perfection in the photos I take.
The emphasis on competitions is what puts me off coming to the club.

It's nice if someone passes kind remarks but I'm just not competetive by nature so
I would find it hard work , rather than a pleasure , trying to reach competition standards.

Besides , you need young blood , not stubborn old gits like me , if you want to revitalise the club.

[spud]

Whats wrong with being over 65? you are as young as you feel I have met a few nerds of all ages,but I do agree you need to encourage the younger end.:cheer:

[ranger]

well if its free drinks and biccis then i am in.

let me know what time you are going oy and i will either pick you up or if i can follow you down for the first time and i will give it a blast.

:cheer: :cheer:

[Oy]

This Tuesday ranger! :D

One point about the competitions. Entry is not compulsorary. Not everyone there enters photographs - some never do. So coming along just for a look is not going to be a problem. Liking it and wanting to join without entering competitions is not a problem.

Not got a printer? Don't feel you can produce good results at about A3 size? Print competitions are just one aspect. There is also a monthly slide / projected image competition. Projected images are a max of 1400 x 1050px and well within the reach of everyone here.

[notbresson]

Rather than having a false impression of what a Photographic Society is, come this Tuesday to our meeting, where we are having our monthly print competition and see work printed at 3000 x 4000 pixels and not limited to 1000px.

Adrian
Is there a print comp. on Tuesday?
It's not on the meeting schedule for this year ending 31/07/07.
I need to know 'cause I have a print! It's a cracker.
Cheers
Jeff

PS for non members. The unique sp about Wigan PS is that everybody gets to examine all the comp. prints in as much detail as they like for prety well as long as you like ( a couple of minutes anyhow) as well as at distance. Makes a nice change from those clubs where the prints slide from box to box with a few seconds in the spotlight at the front of the class while the judge pontificates.

[Oy]

Hi Jeff

And about time too! :D

You've got a cracker of a print? Ermmmm.... no - no print comp this week mate :thumbup:

:whistle:

[Dvorak]

I have been asked for my opinion...

>The internet shudders<

I've been to the aforementioned club and indeed other clubs over the years: I've even been a trustee and committee member of a local media club and so nothing I'm saying is personal or specific (much).

Clubs are often insular and with politics which can be off-putting or lead good people to leave or go mad (or in my case, both). Indeed this very forum could go that way one day...so regular friendly meetings and honesty are vital. We MUST be able to say, in a friendly way, what we think of each other's pix, in an atmopshere of trust and respect.

I've seen some truly bizarre competition results in club competitions, but as long as people feel free to comment and ask, I'd be happy to be part of it - it's the only way to learn.

If we move from just being on the web, we need to think: It all depends what the end result of your pix taking is for you: is it to earn money from it, a hobby in which you do better than just play, or a chance to meet folk and perhaps compete with them.

I'm wary about formalising anything so far that it becomes hard work and politics emerge. So we need our best people and our nicest people if we're going to descend on mass on a poor, unsuspecting group and become their friends. And that means young and old, men and women, eager socialites and wise old sceptics, Canon users and decent photographers...

I'll stop before I make any sense.

But I'd like to come along again this week...

[ranger]

i'll pm you oy. but yes this week if thats ok with you?

[Sgt_Major]

Do you guys know of any fellow clubs on our side of the channel?

I'd like to get involved more, but dont know where to start.

[Galatas]

http://www.niphoto.co.uk/

[Sgt_Major]

Thanks mate - there are a couple of possibilites there....