Hope Valley

Camera Club

Most of our members use a compact camera in preference to a heavier SLR. Compact cameras can be very capable devices, but are often used in automatic mode. The aim of the group is for those with any kind of camera to have fun getting to know them better, and learn how to override the automatic settings where necessary to get an even better image. Whilst improving our technical ability, the emphasis remains on capturing what catches our eye.

Before the Covid lockdowns, our meet-up location changed each month, typically in a car park or visitor centre. This was e-mailed round the group in good time. We typically ambled less than two miles, stopping to photograph anything we individually found of interest. Afterwards we would retire to a suitable cafe to chat, reflect on what we had just seen and exchange ideas.
Our early meets were themed on important aspects of photography, 'Shutter priority' at the Wyming Brook waterfalls, 'Aperture priority' to control the depth-of-field of flowers at Thornhill, 'Composition' on Higger Tor and 'Black and White photography' at the Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet.

Back in 2019, the group's first year, members were encouraged to choose their best three photos from each meet, and email them round to each other.

In 2020 we introduced a 'Theme of the Month'. Members were encouraged to use their cameras between monthly meets to take photos on a given subject and share their best three with group members.

We also introduced an on-line poll where members could vote for their favourite circulated photo to find the 'Photo of the Month'. Sharing our photos and voting on them in this way has helped members keep in touch with each other throughout the Covid lockdowns.

With the easing of Covid restrictions we have resumed our monthly meets, but keep them socially-distanced, and normally outdoors. This usually involves a stroll with our cameras, retiring for a chat in a cafe afterwards.

For more information contact the Camera Club Convenor, John Pearce.