The Rye and District Camera Club (RDCC) hold competitions throughout the year and in the first competition of 2023, Norman Ferguson was the winner of the mono section.
Norman explained how he came to love photography: “I am a Scot and trained in Glasgow in medicine. I arrived as a GP in Rye on January 1, 1979. I worked as a partner for thirty years In the Rye Medical Practice (Postern Gate Surgery) before moving to new premises in Playden. I retired about twelve years ago.
When did you start taking photographs?
My dad was keen on photography so as a boy I got interested and at school did my own dark-room processing. What followed was cupboards full of holiday snaps, both negatives and transparencies.
What camera do you use?
I use a Canon 5D Mark IV with a variety of lenses.
What are your favourite things to photograph?
I tend to capture landscapes mostly but have been fortunate to travel to Costa Rica and Ireland to do wildlife. If I had another life that might have been the answer.
Can you describe the feelings and emotions you have when you have captured something special and you see it for the first time on your computer?
Coming back from Costa Rica with 15,000 images is quite a challenge sorting out which are the keepers. I find the whole process enjoyable and eventually get down to about 150 or so shots which are technically good and, in my opinion, nice to look at.
Who has given you advice, support and encouragement while on your photographic journey?
I have been on many trips with Guy Edwardes who runs workshops all over the place. These are hard to book as he has a two-year waiting list. He is patient and has taught me most of what I know. Processing, I am self-taught with help from a huge resource on the internet.
What do you gain from being a member of the RDCC?
Initially being shy and in awe of the images the members produce, I have developed and love the competitions and feedback from fellow photographers.
All competitions need a judge and the RDCC were lucky to have the expertise of Ray Bridges for the latest one. Ray explained a little of his background and what he looks for when judging.
“My passion for photography began when I joined Maidstone Camera Club in 1978. I have since had over 400 images accepted in national and international exhibitions worldwide. I have been judging since 1982, but now only do this on an occasional basis. I also hold five photographic distinctions and have been fortunate enough to win many awards. I am also a member of the Disabled Photographers Society and Tenterden Camera Club.
“When judging I always look for input from the photographer that lifts an image from being a pure snap. This needs to involve an understanding of appropriate photographic technique, both in camera and post-processing. Good composition and print quality are, of course, very important. The initial impact an image has is also important, but I bear in mind that some images have an appeal that grows with time.
“The standard of work was generally very good with some excellent images. Many of the images showed a good understanding of photographic technique, but for me, it was the images with an obvious understanding of composition and their aesthetic appeal and a good seeing eye that stood out for me.”
RDCC Photography competition winners
EXPERIENCED Norman Ferguson, winner, Mono comp ‘Old Age’ (Lead Photo)
LONE TREE Paul Praeger, runner-up, Delamare print comp
GUILLEMOT TAKE OFF
Don Clarke, winner, Douglas Moss PDI ‘Open’
Image Credits: Norman Ferguson , Ferguson archives .