I became interested in photography in the late 60s and the hobby took over my life when I became a darkroom technician for the County Council and later an Assistant Photographer at the National Museum. I joined Beddau Camera Club in 1980, have held almost every committee position since and was one of the instigators of the name change to Gwynfa. My own photography developed both as an amateur and professional when I gained my FRPS in 1987 in the applied category and achieved an MA in Documentary Photography in 2001. In 2006 I jointly published 'Moods of Kilvert Country' (Landscapes in Radnorshire) with Nick Jenkins. I get motivated by moments in time and by looking at the inspirational work of many of my fellow workers at club level but also by the many great figures from the history of photography.
I won a 'school trip' photo competition aged 11 but serious interest began in 1981 when my father gave me a Retina Reflex III SLR kit so I could photograph the British Grand Prix. John Watson won but my photos were awful! Ten less than fruitful years followed until, seeking help, I joined Gwynfa in 1991. Later, when digital photography took hold I found my enthusiasm renewed as for the first time I was able to control everything from camera to paper, previously having relied on trade processing. Since the old Retina Reflex days I've used Canons (A1, T90, EOS5, D60, 40D and now a shiny new 5D MkII). These days I'll have a go at photographing anything and in 2003 I achieved my AWPF distinction. This would not have been possible without Gwynfa where I learned almost everything I know about photography but more importantly where I have made many close and valued friends.
Gary Were ARPS ARPS Secretary My Gallery E-Mail Main point of contact for all general
club matters and membership.
I started photography with a Kodak Brownie 44B at 15. Not long ago then! Printed my own pictures in school and from then I was hooked. Got serious with my first SLR in 1983, a Minolta X700. I tried all kinds of film initially, but settled on Kodachrome and latterly, Velvia 50 in the end. In 1999 I bought a Mamiya RZ 67 Pro ll, on the basis, better camera, better photographer. Right and wrong in that order! I now use a Canon 5D (fantastic piece of kit!), but I still love the Mamiya. Wide range of interest, some commercial work too. Gwynfa club nights are an inspiration when the imagination is flagging or I need to learn something new.
Gerald Pinkham Treasurer E-mail Point of contact for financial matters.
Gerald will hopefully provide some information soon...
I got the bug in my early teens, when I was shown how to use darkroom equipment.Developing the black and white photos was alright – the problem was gettingthe damn things off the dryer. Many photos later I now had a 35mm Zenith SLR camera, a wife, two children, a house and almost no money. My saviour was Agfa slide film. I eventually got an Olympus OM1, still my favourite camera. In September 1999 I joined Paul Cabutt’s photography course at Tonyrefail. I mentioned camera clubs to him and he invited me up to Gwynfa wherehe was giving a talk on Composition. Ilike landscape photography and being a member of an active cameraclub.
In the summer of 2005 I visited an exhibition of work by members of Gwynfa Camera Club (at The Circle Gallery in Pontypridd. Ed.) and was impressed by the quality of the exhibits produced by artist / photographers. Both my wife and I applied for membership of Gwynfa and received a warm welcome. My platform is digital photography and since joining I have been encouraged to participate in internal and external competitions. I also enjoy the excellent programme of events. Thursday evenings are now SPECIAL evenings.
Jeff Thomas AWPF
Equipment Email Point of contact for equipment hire.
Jeff will hopefully provide some information soon... or we'll just make something up!
I was first introduced to the world of photography by one of my Dad's friends who took me birdwatching. He owned a Zenith E camera with a telephoto lens. This sparked my interest and at about the age of 13 I became the proud owner of a Zenith EM camera. 2001 saw me purchase my EOS 3 which I still use today (yes that involves film). My passion is wildlife and I became serious about my photography and wanted to improve. As such I joined Gwynfa and started to take part in competition. I have not looked back since, the people at the club are warm and friendly and give help and encouragement freely. My photography has improved but more than that I have made some great friends.
Betty Walker Communications & PR E-Mail
Point of contact for all news
and PR matters.
Betty will hopefully provide some information soon...
Andy Baker
Exhibitions Email Point of contact for exhibition matters.
My interest in photography started when I was about 10 or 11. I was fascinated by my grandfathers collection of Great War images and he gave me my first camera. However, I had limited opportunity to develop my skills, until about 15 years ago when I embarked on a project to photograph the Birmingham Canal network before it was modernised. Although the majority of images were in black & white, they never quite captured the atmosphere of contemporary pictures; then I was introduced to Photoshop and could recreate period images. I took early retirement in 2006, enrolled in a Photoshop course at Gartholwg, where I met neighbour and Gwynfa member, Graham Handley. Graham introduced me to the club and having been impressed by the web-site and the warm welcome, here I am, an enthusiastic amateur with an interest in industrial heritage.
Dennis Hale
Archives
I joined my first camera club when I was 17. Later my activities changed and I left after 3 years but I still retained my interest in photography. When my children were small I took lots of photos of them so I joined another club but it was 12 miles away and I was not a regular attender. Later, when I could see retirement coming I thought I should revive my interest and this time I joined Gwynfa simply because it was the nearest. I've never regretted it. I enjoy all the various activities that the club offers and have made many good friends. I now look forward every week to the next meeting.
My interest in photography goes back many years. Initially I used slide film and then tried colour processing and cibachromes. I developed an interest in monochrome printing which I did until I went “digital” in 1999. I intended scanning and printing my slides and negs but soon I joined a digital group and bought a 2nd hand Coolpix 990. My film scanner became virtually redundant. I first became aware of Gwynfa in Nov 2006 when I attended a talk at the club given by a friend of mine. I was made welcome and joined in Jan 2007. I have never been any good at drawing or painting and producing digital prints is the nearest I can get to creating something “artistic.” My wife Beth and I enjoy travelling. I still have fun with photography and taking pictures adds another dimension to our travels.
