Newsletter July 2008

Welcome to another newsletter from "Fotographic Images" and yes, this time it is on time, well nearly!!!

This year I was asked would I like to exhibit in the "Arts" marquee at the "St Helens Festival", I agreed and what an enjoyable weekend I had.

I had a selection of A3 framed images mounted on a display panel and two portfolios containing around another 50 or so pictures to view.

Throughout the two day event I was continually visited by many old faces of friends and colleagues, along with many new people who came up to say hello. What was really nice and enjoyable was having the opportunity to have a chat to who ever stopped by. Many thanks to all of you.

There is one thing for certain, if I am asked back next year, I will certainly be there, bigger and better than ever, with plenty of new images for you all to see.

Not wishing to start a war or even a conflicting discussion, I for one was pleased to receive notification on the outcome of the potential Badger cull. Just in case you haven’t heard, the cull is not going to take place.

Recently I was invited to visit a new badger set to observe their actions, with view to using the camera gear at a later date. On our first visit we had only been present for approximately two minutes when low and behold two badgers appeared. For the following couple of hours they continued to re-appear, eat and play and then disappeared.

A local company "Artemis Picture Framing Company" in Prescot Merseyside has recently agreed to dedicate a certain amount of space as a trial gallery to exclusively exhibit a selection of my work. Why not call in and have a look around, Artemis is open from Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4.30pm, and Saturday 9.00am till 12.00 noon.

In addition, should you have any framing requirements I suggest you speak to Alex or Eric as their products and finish are excellent.

As you may recall, in my last newsletter (May edition) I told you about my recent appointment to the Canon test and review team, well since then I have been testing 3 pieces of kit, the Eos 450D, one 17/40 f lens and a 580 MKII flash gun.

In addition I have also established a new relationship with one of the UK’s largest photographic importers "Intro 2020". To start the ball rolling I have been asked to look at the new electronic spirit level by "Seculine" and distributed in the UK by "Intro 2020".

Since my last newsletter I have held five very successful one to one workshops which have all gone down a storm.

The main objectives behind all my workshops and courses are: (1) To conquer any specific photographic problems which you may have, and at the same time to improve your own photographic skills and results. (2) And without question have fun. Why not give us a ring and have a chat about organising something specifically for you.

These days make a great present, gift or just why not treat yourself.

Recently I was fortunate enough to be awarded a grant for some new imaging software from the "Arts Division" of "St Helens Council". The software I chose was the new "Mask Pro 4.1

This software enables you to cut-out an image without loosing any detail what so ever.

For example, this software will enable you to cut out an entire Peacock and place it onto a new background such as a solid white background without loosing any feather detail, and all in a matter of minutes, if not seconds. Brilliant. Thank you "St Helens Arts".

I have also amended and added a few new pages to the site, including one new page called "Any Questions". This section is not a "FAQ’s" page, but as it happens it does include a page called "Frequently Asked Questions" (FAQ’s) along with some other topics which I didn’t know where to put. I do hope that you enjoy.

I have been recently uploading some new images into the gallery section of my web site, however this is not yet finished. The way in which I decided to do this is to remove and replace certain images, if by doing this I remove one of your favourites, please let me know and I will do my very best to re-instate it for a while longer. I will be uploading new images at least once a month.

If you have any questions or would like to view or try any piece(s) please don’t hesitate in getting in touch with me.

Being a long term member of "The St Helens Camera Club" I took it upon myself to organise a members day out, to photograph some of "West Yorkshires" most prestigious waterfalls. The falls visited where "Hardraw Force", "Askrigg", "Aysgarth", and "West Burton".

Whilst organising the day, there was one subject totally out of my control, the weather!! Not enough rain and the falls would dry up and was it going to rain on the day. Well leading up to the actual day and even at 7.00am on the day, the heavens where continually opening.

However on the actual day it was either sunny or cloudy but most of all it was dry.

We all had a great day out, and it would appear that everyone managed to get some excellent shots.

Well that’s all for now, enjoy your photography in the forthcoming weeks and don’t be put off by bad weather.

Keep on clickin.

John F.