February 2026

03rd February - 7.45pm

Members' evening.

• "Malcolm's Treasure Hunt" - portfolios of 8 images per entrant - 1 image from each of 8 categories:
  • Anyscape (Land; Sea; City; Night: Cloud; Panorama; etc);
  • Water;
  • Street;
  • Creative/Abstract;
  • Creature;
  • Architecture;
  • Plant;
  • Transport
• The images should be quirky, amusing and unusual.
• This fun competition will be judged by our own Ian Bailey LRPS CPAGB.
• NB Categories will be confirmed at 26th Jan meeting.

Images should be in the normal competition format: 1600 x 1200, sRGB, under 2 MB. Can you bring them on a memory stick please.
Create a folder on the memory stick called MTH2026, and then copy all the images into the folder.
Rename them so they are titled
1 Anyscape.jpg, 
2 Water.jpg, 
3 Street.jpg, 
4 Creative.jpg,
5 Creature.jpg, 
6 Architecture.jpg,
7 Plant.jpg, 
8 Transport.jpg. 
This is so that the projectionist can easily find them on the memory stick because often people leave all sorts of other stuff on them and it is hard to find the relevant images. The images need to be numbered so that they project in the correct order to help the judge compare them with other ones. Do not use your own titles; use the ones given above. Remember - using memory sticks like this means there is no opportunity to correct any sizing or other mistakes. What you bring is what will be projected. The treasure hunt is usually a fun evening, good luck all.

23rd February - 7.45pm

Assignment.

Aspects of Motion

Take 12 images showing a selection of the following aspects of motion:

1. Freezing Action

• How it works: Uses a very fast shutter speed to completely eliminate blur.
• The effect: Captures split-second moments invisible to the naked eye.
• Best for: Sports, wildlife, and expressive dance photography.

2. Panning

How it works: Uses a slower shutter speed while smoothly moving the camera at the exact same pace and direction as a passing subject.

The effect: Renders the moving subject in sharp focus while streaking and blurring the background horizontally.

Best for: Racing cars, cyclists, and running animals.

3. Intentional Camera Movement (ICM)

• How it works: Slowing your shutter speed and actively dragging or shaking the camera during the exposure.
• The effect: Turns a recognizable scene into an abstract, impressionistic piece of art emphasizing colour, light, and chaotic energy.
• Best for: Forest scenes, ocean waves, and vibrant cityscapes at night.

4. Long Exposure

• How it works: Securing the camera on a tripod and using a slow shutter speed (ranging from a few seconds to several minutes).
• The effect: The background and static elements remain razor-sharp, while any moving elements turn into ethereal blurs.
• Best for: Smoothing out crashing water, capturing car light trails, ghostly moving subject or showing cloud movement.

5. Zoom Blurs

• How it works: Twisting or adjusting the lens's zoom ring inward or outward during a slower shutter-speed exposure.

• The effect: Creates a dynamic, warp-speed visual effect where lines stretch outward or inward toward the centre of the frame.