Last night Simon Ellingworth gave us a very professional and fascinating talk on Street Photography. While 'Street' is not everyone's cup of tea, we had a great evening, it was more of a discussion than a lecture and it was great to be able to chat about the images and Simon's ideas and opinions. It is a genre that I really enjoy, so my opinion might be biased, but I thought it was a really well put together and insightful presentation, he is obviously a skilled 'Educator' as he calls himself.

In the first half we talked about a few images by well-known street photographers, what made them work (or not), whether we liked them or not. He gave us some great definitions and quotes from these photographers.

'Street Photography is the home of rebels, free thinkers and witty rule breakers'!!! - Saul Letner said 'A touch of confusion is a desirable ingredient'

'Sharpness is a bourgeois concept' - Carier Bresson- that's my personal fav!! - and many others

Simon's own definition of Street photography is 'The photographer's artistic reaction to a candid moment'. He stresses that there are 3 important things to bear in mind with Street, - the moment, composition and light.

In the second half we discussed some of Simon's own images, what we liked and didn't and he pointed out what he felt made the image work well. Many of the images were multi international Street Photography Award winners - put us in our place after we'd said not very complimentary things about an image!! His attention to detail is amazing and after he had pointed out some little detail (angle of a guy's hat or cigarette) we began to see how important these details are.

I hope some of his tips will make this genre more accessible and acceptable to others. - As he said - give it a go, it's fun!! He has promised to share the slide show, so I will circulate them when I get them. I found it a really stimulating and interesting evening - loved it!!

For those who missed the presentation, many of the images shown are in the show reel on his website, without his (or our!!) comments! - well worth a look or even a second look!

Simon Ellingworth

Not many notices, next week we're back in the Rugby Club for the November Competition.

The committee have a meeting next Tuesday, if there is any matter you would like discussed, please let me or Peter T know.