
North Wales Photographic Association
Cymdeithas Ffotograffig Gogledd Cymru
Member of the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain
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Latest News
2022 Exhibition Acceptances Gallery
The 2022 Exhibition Acceptances Gallery is now live click here (or in the menu above under Ehibitions/NWPA/Results/2022/Gallery)
NWPA Exhibition results
Our Exibition Selection day took place yesterday at Craig y Don, Llandudno, with our selectors for the day being Dave Butler, Gareth Martin and Diana Magor (who stepped in last minute due to Bob Dennis being injured). No issues during the selection as it all ran smoothly, but a huge thanks to all three selectors for being diligent and meticulous in their choosing of the awards.
To view the award winners please click here
A huge thank you to all who helped to make it a very enjoyable day all round.
Awards presentation
Ken Lester being awarded his DPAGB award by the Vice Presiden, Linda Bell
Peter Williams being presented with his CPAGB award by the Vice President of the NWPA, Linda Bell.
Facebook Page Live
We now have a Facebook group page for the NWPA, the page is open for all affiliated clubs and their members to use. We also hope to use this page to keep you informed of any relevant news items, invite you to any upcoming events, as well as promote discussion between clubs and members.
Could all NWPA delegates please inform their members and furnish
them with group the link below
https://www.facebook.com/groups/304807048308339
Any issues please e mail Chris V Evans
Or message via Facebook messenger Chris V Evans
KEVIN HIRST, LRPS, CPAGB, Hon.NWPA, APAGB
Kevin Hirst is a long-standing member of Mold Camera Club and the Eryri Photo Group in North Wales. He has been on our Judges and Lecturers list for many years and is always welcomed across the federation for his friendly judgements and helpful hints.
He has served as NWPA Secretary and President and is currently Chairman of Mold CC. Recently he has been very involved with the digital side of N.Wales exhibitions and competitions, but has always been willing to give his time to help others, whether beginners groups or participating in club and federation events.
The NWPA is proud that Kevin’s contribution to photography has been recognised with this award of APAGB.
Kevin been presented with his award by Ian O'Neill, NWPA President
NWPA Print Battle
Following the relaxation of the meeting numbers issue at CyD the competition is going ahead as planned on Saturday 2nd April commencing at 2pm.
Clubs are invited to enter the competition with just 8 prints - each mounted on a 50x40 board. The total entry should contain at least 3 monochrome prints, at least 3 colour prints and that an entry should not contain more than 2 nature prints.
To encourage our smaller clubs to take part, there is no restriction on the number of prints/author, there is no entry fee.
Please contact the organisers to book your club in for the competition Email them HERE to let them know that you are interested in entering.
NWPA Exhibition
The NWPA Exhibition entry portal is now open TO ENTER CLICK HERE
Information, rules and ways to pay are on the Exhibition Rules page click here
Well done to Gary Jones (Mold CC) won the People's Choice Award for his image "Romeo the Puffin" in the recent North Wales Open exhibition at Theatr Clwyd, resulting in a goodly number of sales.
Andy Polakowski (Mold CC) has been awarded GPU-VIP1 status by the Global Photographic Union for gaining Gold Medals with 5 different images in International Salons and GPU-Crown3 for further International Acceptances.
Results of the PAGB Trophy and Cup added to the Newsletter Click here
PAGB Awards in Audio Visual (CPAGB-DPAGB)
From Phil Chadwick Awards Officer (NWPA) has informed us that on Monday 15th of May 2022, the PAGB will be holding an adjudication via Zoom, guidance notes can be downloaded here. If any mentoring is required, our very own AV group will no doubt be able to help, their contact details can be found on our members clubs page HERE.
WELSH INTERNATIONAL SALON OF PHOTOGRAPHY
On Sunday 20th February at 7.00pm Peter Young, the Chairman of the Salon will show,via Zoom, acceptances from the Salon together with a commentary.
This will be available to all NWPA club members and the link will behttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/85020451960
Several NWPA club members had acceptances and even awardsand it will be good to see the standards and variety of images.
The first Newsletter of the year is out... Click here
40 minute Zoom lecture by Nigel Beidas
Nigel has informed us of his available lecture, it is a 40 minute talk available to do either on Zoom or in person (circumstances allowing) entitled Sheepfolds of the Carneddau. The talk includes drone pictures and covers the use and history of sheepfolds in the area.
If interested you may contact Nigel direct via his email Click here
United Photographic Postfolios
We have been requested to advertise a long running and highly rated club, United Photgaphic Postfolios, which send portfolios to you, to critique and enjoy. Should you be interested in joining, please contact Ray Grace Email me here
PAGB Cup & Trophies for clubs
Opening date 18th Oct '21, Closing date 14th Jan '22. Judging to take place 22nd & 23rd 'Jan '22.
Rules & how to enter can be downloaded here
PAGB Distinctions
A huge congratulations to Ken Lester, Deeside, in achieving his DPAGB, as well as Peter Williams also of Deeside, in acheiving his CPAGB.
BPE distinctions
Congratulations must go to Anne McDonald of Deeside, who has achieved her BPE1.
Next Years APM (CPAGB, DPAGB & MPAGB) dates
APRIL 2022 ADJUDICATION – REDNAL, BIRMINGHAM
Applications are slowly coming in for the next Adjudication due to take place in Birmingham
over the weekend of 23/24 April, organised by the Midland Counties Photographic
Federation. There is therefore plenty of space at the moment in all sections.
NOVEMBER 2022 ADJUDICATION – ANTRIM, N.I.
This event is planned for the weekend of 26/27 November 2022 in Antrim, Northern Ireland,
hosted by the Northern Ireland Photographic Association. I have a few applications already
for this Adjudication.
If anyone is interested please contact Phil Chaddwick first, our Awards Officer.
PDI Challenge
Our very own PDI Challenge was run for the first time in two years (due to Covid), with Phil Abbot, Rhyl, being the organiser, Past President of the PAGB and L&CPU Gordon Jenkins HonPAGB being the judge for the day. A tie in first place meant that, Mold and Rhyl had to go tie break, with Mold the successful club, congratulations to them for winning. Results are in the november newsletter, here or download a PDF result file here.
Congratulation to Emyr Roberts of Dyffyn Ogwen, as he was presented with a long service award from the NWPA, to mark his 40 years continued service to the photographic comunity in North Wales. Unfortunatly for us, Emyr is due to leave Wales and move down south to be closer to family, we all wish him the very best in his new venture over the border.
November Newsletter can be viewed here
Congratulation to Ken Lester, Deeside, for being awarded his AWPF distinction from the Welsh Photographic Federation.
MPAGB Distinctions
It gives me great pleasure to announce that Sharon Prenton-Jones, of the Conwy Camear Club, has been awarded the highest award possible from the PAGB, MPAGB. Well done to Sharon, we look forward to seeing the 20 images she has to put before the Judges to get the award. A soon as we receive the images they'll be posted on the MPAGB gallery. Sharon being presented with her Award by Ian O'Neill, NWPA President with Phil Chadwick, Awards Officer for the NWPA.
2021 Exhibition award winners, receiving their awards can be viewed here.
August Newsletter is now available here
PAGB Distiction
Congratulation to Michael Dyment, of Hawarden PS, for being awarded a CPAGB.
RPS Distinction
We are pleased to announce that Robert Prenton Jones has been awarded an LRPS from the Royal Photographic Society, cangratulations on his success.
Frontiers - A Project in collaboration with the RPS
The North Wales Region of the Royal Photographic Society (RPS) and the North Wales Photographic
Association (NWPA) launch a joint project. We want to support photographers of all levels to work on a photography project, and to engage with fellow photographers.
Click here for more info also found under "Events" in the menu
To Register Click here
NWPA EXHIBITION RESULTS
We are pleased to announce that the Selection for the Exhibition took place on Saturday 8th May without a hitch. Everyone who enterd should have had an email with their score, if not please contact the organisers.
All acceptances and Award winners are now on the web for all to view, from the menu above in "Exhibition & Salons > NWPA > Results > 2021 > Gallery...or click here
A huge thanks should go out to Kevin Hirst who has been outstanding running the Photocomp software in the background.
Club Walks and COVID19 Restrictions
With all the restrictions being slowly lifted, and clubs can now think about normality, Mold CC has sent the NWPA a small guide for Club walks and trips, these are precautions that the NHS has handed out, but in a handy handout format. Click here to download the editable Word document.
NWPA Award
Congratulation to Dave Jones of Deeside Camera club, seen here being awared his HonNWPA award by the Vice President Linda Bell, Dave was the founder member of Deeside Camera Club and has been active in the club and the NWPA for many years.
Exhibition 2021
Entries closed at Midnight Saturday 10th April, and we are pleased to announce there are 1005 entries over the five catagories.
Selection day will be on the 8th May, and the results will be sent out by no later than the 10th May to all who entered.
Awards and succesfull images will be available to view from the 10th May on web site.
Good luck all who entered.
NWPA Award
Congratulation to Mike Heller of the Caernarfon Club, seen here being awared his HonNWPA award by the President Ian O'Neill, for all his 40 years of services to the Caernarfon Camera Club as well as his support to the NWPA.
NWPA Award
It is our pleasure to announce that Phil Chadwick of Eryri Photo Group has been awarded the HonNWPA for his services to the NWPA and for clubs he's been a member of, over the last 17 years. He is seen here being awarded his plaque and badge by our President Ian O'Neill.
MFIAP
We are pleased to announce that Sharon Prenton Jones, Conwy CC, has been awarded MFIAP, This is the highest award for photographic merit that FIAP grants and requires photography of the very highest standard and equates to a “doctorate” in educational terms. She was required to submit a C.V., an introductory text explaining her Portfolio and the creative concept, plus a Portfolio of 20 images.
She is only the second to be awarded this accolade in NWPA, CONGRATULATIONS from all of us in the NWPA.
Welsh Photographic Federation Distincions
Congratulations to Tom Dodd, Robert Prenton Jones & Ralph Pinch who gained their AWPF distinctions. Tom is a member of Blaenau Camera Club, Robert is a member at Conwy Camera Club & Ralph is a member of Deeside Camear Club.
Guidance and Nominations form
The latest guidance and nomination form for HonNWPA has been uploaded and can be downloaded from the documents part of the menu within the web site or click here
Asia Photo Festival has just started
Click here to view the web page
December Newsletter is read for your perusal. click here
RPS Distinction
Congratulations to Phil Tugwell who is a member of both Rhuthin and Mold camera clubs, on his success, in gaining his LRPS.
Andy Polakowski APAGB
Earlier this year the PAGB approved the award of APAGB to our own Andy Polakowski for his 40 plus years of
service to the photographic community of North Wales and beyond. Congratulations Andy a well deserved accolade.
Royal Photographic Society Distinction
We are delighted to report that Iona O’Neill of Blaenau Camera Club was awarded her Licentiate with Royal Photographic Society.
Congratulations are offered to the following who have been succesfull in this year's FIAP Distinctions announcement:
EFIAP/platinum Robert Prenton Jones (Conwy CC)
EFIAP/platinum Sharon Prenton Jones (Conwy CC)
EFIAP/gold Andy Polakowski (Mold CC)
Irish Photographic Federation Distinctions
On Saturday 29 February the Irish Photographic Federation held their Distinctions Assessment Day in Portlaoise. This was a well-organised and well-attended day with very interesting panels at all three levels. We are delighted to report that Iona O’Neill was awarded her Licentiate and Ian O’Neill was awarded his Fellowship. Many congratulations to both of them.
Congratulations to Sian Davies for acheiving the goal of PPSA from the Photographic Society of America, well done.
Congratulations must got to Sharon Prenton-Jones for her success as the Bristol International where she was awared the FIAB Blue Pin Best Author Award.
She had 14 acceptances including 5 awards as follows: Silver for Memories, Silver for Pearl, Judge’s Award for The Secret Diary, HM for Merlin, Judge’s Award for The Olive Branch. The other acceptances were - Fallen Angel, Framed, Guinevere’s Vigil, Penance, Samhain, Oslo Opera House, Broken Doll, Night Hunter, Night Life.
2019 AWPF Distinctions
The Associateship of the Welsh Photographic Federation assessments were held on Sunday 3 November at Talbot
Green, South Wales. There were 21 assessments in total, 20 Print and 1 PDI, resulting in 12 new AWPF awards being
made.
Congratulations to the successful North Wales applicants:
Pammy Sheldon - Mold Camera Club
Iona O’Neill - Clwb Camera Blaenau Ffestiniog
Congratulations to Tony Davies (Conwy CC) for achieving his GPU Aphrodite.
A change to BPE "last call" to enter... and Results, can now be found on separate pages. Last Calls here with the Results available here. Both can be found under " Exibitions and Salons" - BPE on the above menu. Hope this will make things a bit easier.
Vanguard World is trying to help local photography and support the clubs and PAGB. Having said this we as a company strive to support photographers of all levels. We have decided to give the NWPA and any of its members a discount on our website, as well as provide a prize here and there just for sponsorship to have our name in a newsletter and on the sponsor link of the website. We can also provide Demonstration sessions, where members can get a feel for the products and ask whatever questions they may have, try kit in bags to make sure they are fit for purpose. Should they wish to see a range they can visit Cambrian Photography or Jason Wharam email me by clicking here
The voucher code is 30% off entire order at checkout.
This means if it is below the min for delivery there will be a delivery charge.
Code: NWPA30
The NWPA would like to thank Vanguard for their kind offer and sponsorship.
Frontiers Project - a collaboration between the RPS and NWPA
RPS web site link to the project can be found here.
Link to the registration page click here
Project “Frontiers” - project description and brief
The North Wales Region of the Royal Photographic Society (RPS) and the North Wales Photographic
Association (NWPA) launch a joint project. We want to support photographers of all levels to work on a photography project, and to engage with fellow photographers.
The project is called “Frontiers” because it should serve to explore often overlooked subjects, to look at geographical boundaries and also help overcome personal boundaries.
WHAT:
The topic is the photographic exploration of peri-urban areas, often also called “edgelands” or “fringelands”.
These are the transition zones between urban areas and the natural environment. For further information on the theme, please see below.
Contributions to the project can employ a variety of photography genres and approaches.
Each participant’s contribution consists of an artist’s statement and five images, edited and arranged as a sequence. Each photographer can provide further, additional information on the subject and the chosen photographic approach if she or he wishes to do so.
WHY:
Edgelands are vital to settlements and their communities, but often overlooked or not appreciated. We want to explore the use, function and aesthetics of edgelands, and to further the photographic skills of the participants.
WHERE:
In each photographer’s geographical vicinity. This allows repeat visits to the chosen location, it should encourage the photographers to look at their immediate environment in new ways, and to cut the need to travel to the bare minimum.
WHEN:
21st June to 19th September 2021.
WHO:
Everybody can participate, no matter on what photographic skill level you are. You don’t need to be, or become, a member of any photographic organisation. But an absolute requirement is intrinsic motivation, the commitment and dedication to put the required work and thought into the project, and the participation in (online) meetings.
HOW:
While the participants generally work on their own, we encourage the formation of (online) peer group(s) to discuss the work and to inspire each other. The participants receive advice and support throughout the project.
OUTPUTS:
At the end of the project we will self-publish curated photo book(s), put an exhibition together (print and/or digital), and further disseminate the work through appropriate outlets (print and e-journals, website, enewsletters, online talks etc).
HOW TO PARTICIPATE:
- Please carefully read this brief and the accompanying ‘Questions and Answers’ document.
- We encourage you to send a short text (max. 100 words) as a preliminary draft of your artist’s statement to northwales@rps.org before the 21st June 2021. This text should give some information on your chosen subject, why you chose it, and any additional info you want to include. You can change and adapt the text anytime before 19th September 2021.
- Register your participation on this website https://rps.org/north-wales/frontiers before the 21st June 2021.
COSTS:
Participation is free of charge.
At the end of the project, the photobook(s) can be purchased. The price per copy depends on the pagination and the number of copies printed. Once available for sale, the price will be advertised. Of course, there’s no obligation to purchase the photo book(s).
THE THEME:
Interpretation of the term ‘landscape’ and the meaning of “edgelands”:
We often associate the word and concept of ‘landscape’ with the picturesque, the pastoral or even the sublime. However, if we understand ‘landscape’ in a broader sense, then it can include much more, even the built environment. The built up land is basically land which has been landscaped in a particular way. In some cases beautiful cathedrals, surrounded by cobbled streets, have been built on this land; in other cases it’s residential areas and housing estates; and sometimes it’s storage facilities, business parks, waste water treatment plants, or scrapyards.
These landscapes are often located at the periphery of more densely populated areas, wedged between the urban development and the countryside. They are frontier land, an interface, and form transition zones and boundaries alike. They are sometimes termed “fringelands”, “rurban” areas or “edgelands”, and display unique characteristics , . Different planning permission rules apply, land prices differ markedly to the price levels in the town/city centres, and the erected buildings are more often than not purely functional and either lack or display their own unique aesthetics. Nevertheless, these frontier- and edgelands, and the way we use them, are vital for the settlements they are attached to. While they may or may not have historical value, some edgelands surprisingly provide ecological value.
These places are a mirror for our society, and so rather than close our eyes to them, we should explore and try to understand them, not least through a photographic approach.
We should encourage ourselves to photographically approach landscapes we are usually inclined to regard as not worthy to be photographed. To say it with the words by J.A.P. Alexander: “It is not necessarily the land that makes the landscape, but how the photographer approaches, works with, and presents the finished photograph wherein the artistry lies” .
And to quote J.A.P. Alexander once more: “The possibilities for landscape subject matter are not limited to how far you can travel geographically, but rather by how much of yourself you are willing to invest in your photographs.” 3
Jennifer Jenkins (Ed.): Remaking the landscape - The changing face of Britain. Profile Books Ltd., London (2002).
Project “Frontiers” - Questions and Answers
Why ‘edgelands’?
Many edgelands can be reached without extensive travelling, and in this way we can photograph even during times of restricted movements, keeping the carbon footprint low, and visit the location repeatedly until we are satisfied with our pictures.
Looking at and visually exploring something we would usually overlook, and exploring our immediate surroundings, could even be considered a mindful approach.
Edgelands might not always be pretty, but they are the location of vital infrastructure. Exploring edgelands poses a challenge on how we approach a subject and how we visualize it. To quote Andreas Feininger from his book on composition in photography: “… what counts is not what you look at, but how you look at it.”
What is the definition of ‘edgelands’?
There are definitions of edgelands in the literature, but for the purpose of this project we want to keep it simple, and so as a loose definition we consider the transition zones between the built and the natural environment as ‘edgelands’. We don’t want to be too specific, in order to give the participants the most freedom and leeway for their creativity.
Can I go out and take pictures during times of government imposed restrictions on movement?
Under no circumstances do we ask or encourage participants to contravene government imposed restrictions and breaking the law.
What do I do if the edgeland I want to photograph is privately owned?
You would need to obtain permission from the landowner to photograph on private land, and also to receive permission for the intended use of the images. It might help if you point out that you are working on a photographic project, and that you are a member of an NWPA affiliated camera club or of the RPS.
Please note that permission for the usage of the images can be very specific, for example the landowner might allow you to use them for a photobook but forbid to have them published on social media and other digital platforms. In this case the project will be a nogo, as the photobook will also be published electronically incl. websites.
Please be non-confrontational and don’t argue with landowners, they’ve got the law on their side. It is the photographer’s responsibility to abide by the current privacy laws.
If in doubt, it’s better to pursue a different project.
Is aerial photography eligible? Yes.
Why do I need to send in an artist’s statement and/or additional text?
The artist’s statement supports your vision and the message you want to convey with your images. A concise statement helps you focus on the key points of your project.
Additional text might further enhance this message and give the viewer additional information on your chosen topic. The requirement for accompanying text may vary by region or group, please check the requirements published by your region or group.
Can I change my artist’s statement and/or additional text during the project? Yes. If your project changes for any reason, you can amend or change your statement up to the final submission deadline of 21st September 2021.
Do I need to post-process the images?
If you want to, but it’s not a requirement. Straight out of camera is fine, if that suits you. However, please keep in mind, that images often benefit from post-processing and adding the final touch. If you process your images, you are in charge of what the picture looks like, and not the engineers and programmers working for the camera manufacturers.
Please note: due to the file size, raw images will not be accepted for publication. For technical image specifications, please see below.
What are the image specifications?
Jpg format, file size below 10Mb, longest edge 4000 pixels, resolution 300 dpi, colour profile sRGB (please note: colour space and colour profile are two different things, please make sure that you apply the sRGB colour profile).
How do I need to name the files?
Please use the following file naming convention: Your full name (first name followed by surname) followed by a number in ascending order to reflect the sequence of the photographs. Example: John Smith - 1.jpg This will be the first image in John Smith’s sequence.
Who does the image sequencing?
You define the sequence of the images. They will be printed in the order you specify (see file naming convention).
What happens to the copyright of my images?
The copyright stays with the creator of the images. All photographers are credited.
Where will the images be published?
All images will be published in a photo book or several books, depending on the number of participants. All participants will be sent a pdf copy of the book(s). We will publish the work through NWPA platforms and communication channels, on RPS websites, in RPS communications like newsletters of the regions and special interest groups, as well as on RPS social media accounts.
What happens to my electronic images after the book has been printed?
We will keep the images on the OneDrive for maximum of a year after the submission date, for the further creation and dissemination of outputs. After a year, all images will be deleted.
Do the images need to be in digital form?
Yes. We cannot accept film negatives, prints or slides. All images need to be in digital form. Please see image specification.
Who do I contact if I want to participate?
See section “How to participate” in the project brief.
How do I get the pictures to the coordinator?
Via the free browser-based file transfer services WeTransfer.com or Dropbox.
Can I apply image processing techniques like HDR?
Yes, but please keep in mind that the processing technique should suit the subject matter. It might be a suitable technique for urbex or gritty scenes, but probably less so for a documentary approach or fine art approach.
Can I apply creative techniques like multiple exposures?
Yes, but please keep in mind that the processing technique should suit the subject matter. Multiple exposures, intentional camera movement (ICM), Orton effect and the like might suit some subject matter better than others.
Can I use a creative approach or does it need to be ‘straight’ photography?
Every photographic approach, straight/representational or artistic, is fine. It all depends on the subject matter and how you want to visualise it. The finished picture counts - it needs to convey your intention and what you want to express.
Is work eligible which is part of a project I already started working on?
Yes, you can use images of a project you have started in 2020, but it’s important that you add new work created during the time window (May to August) of project “Frontiers”.
I have a finished project I really like. Can I use these pictures?
No. It’s a requirement that new work is being made during the time period from June 2021 to August 2021. However, you can use a project you started in 2020 as a starting point as long as you add new work, or you can revisit a previously finished project and add new work.
Do I have to purchase the book made with the images of project “Frontiers”?
No. There’s no requirement to purchase the book, but of course it’s nice to have a tangible product of the collated work, which can adorn your bookshelf and which you can show to relatives and friends. It could also make a nice gift. Also: the more people choose to purchase the book, the lower the price per copy.
I don’t feel comfortable shooting in edgelands or engaging with the land owners to seek access to their land, e.g. an industrial or business park. What do you suggest? Edgelands come in many different forms. It doesn’t need to be deserted edgelands, dodgy areas, or privately owned land. Look for easily accessible, public areas. As an example, I work on a project highlighting the importance and the use of a local cycle track which was created by the conversion of a disused railway line.
Can I mix text with images?
Yes, collage/overlay is fine, as long as the final image is one digital file. You can blend text with images using digital manipulation or lay text on an image and then rephotograph it. If you want to add separate text, then please use the statement, which is part of every submission, to add further text.