At the February meeting of this group was John McCormack whose subject was Discovering Digital Photography. This had been arranged at the request of several members who are interested in this new technology and either wanted to improve their skills or to

At the February meeting of this group was John McCormack whose subject was Discovering Digital Photography. This had been arranged at the request of several members who are interested in this new technology and either wanted to improve their skills or to make a start on it themselves. The start started with a picture taken by John's father in 1909 on a glass negative and of a woodland scene in misty greys, no white or black. He promised to return to this picture later and while we waited, we were told all about the most suitable camera to acquire, some have such a fine definition that the quality is as good as that used for films (the ones you see at the cinema). One of the disadvantages is, of course, the cost, but this is diminishing all the time and you do not need film, all this is supplied by your computer. It is possible to see the quality of your photograph immediately and hundreds or thousands of pictures can be kept in a very small space. It is possible to juggle your pictures inserting a figure here or a tree there, although the Royal Photographic Society has strict rules about this if you are taking pictures for a specific purpose. The best advice that the speaker could give to new owners of a digital camera is to read the instruction book carefully before even starting to take pictures. If you jump straight in without trying to learn just what these cameras can do, you will probably never trouble to learn what fine results you can achieve. This sensible advice was followed by some superb slides showing what can be made by using the correct focusing or exposure. Features can be brought forward and the background blurred, fine close ups may be taken and you can send your picture into infinity! We then had our promised return to the 1909 photograph, highlights were brought out, definition enhanced and the result was a delicate landscape which could have been taken yesterday. The Group hope to arrange a visit to the great Plant Fair at Chateau Courson near Paris on October 13, 14 and 15 and would like to open it to the general public, the cost will be around £250, for details ring Roger on 01234 782977. The next meeting is on Saturday, March 4 at the Weatherley Centre, Biggleswade at 2pm when Wol Staines from his famous garden and nursery in Essex will speak on A year in the garden at Glen Chantry, visitors welcome, admission is £2.

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