THE POWER OF A PHOTOGRAPH

A photograph can be more than a headline. A photograph can grab attention. A photograph is the first thing we see when we turn a page. More than anything else, a photograph can tell the natural history; it can show both the drama and the devastation, both the perfection and the pathetic. With the ability to show so much with so little, the photographer is in a unique position.

The Photographic Group has much to offer as it aims to encourage a greater awareness and wonder of the natural world and to document fauna and flora. Meetings include a range of activities: guest speakers are invited to provide insights into different aspects of natural history; an annual competition is held; we also share ideas by viewing each other's work and offering support, critique and advice. During the summer months we organise a range of field trips; locations are chosen for their particular fauna and flora, and for the possibilities of good photographs without having to carry heavy equipment too far.

In recent months we have decided to seek a wider audience for our work. An exhibition of our work was recently held in the Penzance shop; we are also providing pictures for the Trust's Internet web site and photographs for the magazine. All our events appear in the magazine's diary of events and we will endeavour to keep you abreast of developments in the specialist groups section.

We would be pleased to welcome anyone interested in joining. New members and ideas would serve to enrich the group, so if you are interested in taking nature photographs or in viewing such work, no matter what your ability, please come along. The Photographic Group meets on the second Monday in each month at 7.30pm. The meetings are held in the Trust's offices at Allet. We do make a collection of 50p per person at meetings and use this money to pay for speakers, exhibitions and so forth; the remainder is donated to the Trust. We do not charge for membership.

I think we should regard ourselves as lucky that such a specialist group exists, with a wealth of experience within it. We must make sure that we share ideas and learn from each other. If you consider yourself interested in photography and natural history, whether as a beginner or as an experienced photographer, I think you ought to support this group in order to improve both your own skills and those of the whole group.

If you would like more details of any of the events, or have suggestions for speakers, please contact me.

David Chapman

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

On 12th October Charles Perry will show the flower slides that earned his ARPS (Associateship of the Royal Photographic Society).

On 9th November we present our annual competition - anyone can enter a total of four images in any combination of prints and slides for each of the following categories: composition and form (can include landscapes with a strong natural history content); most amusing; flora; fauna. (So one person could enter up to 16 images in total.) Images must have been taken in the last three years and not previously entered in this competition. Entries must be brought to the meeting held in October or posted to David Chapman before that date (12th October 1998).