On arrival on Monday evening, members were greeted by a display of several stunning prints which immediately led to much discussion of their outstanding quality and originality. The images belonged to award winning Les Forrester AFIAP ARPS BPEI of Wakefield who was here to share the way he captured and then processed images until he had achieved the quality and impact he envisaged. For someone who had only purchased his first camera just over a decade ago, he has achieved so much probably helped by undertaking a degree in photography as a mature student! The images shared spanned several different genre: landscapes, cityscapes, portraits, fashion, equine, architecture, trains and sport in both monochrome and colour.

Research is a key part of his photography, recognising possibilities in new venues, where to place the camera, and timing. A key example was in the Natural History Museum. Capturing the central hall minus crowds? Arrive very early, anticipate that most visitors will head for the dinosaur section; time is short; know exactly how you want your camera to be set and shoot! If you are Les, it invariably works. Stage two follows at home. Study a particular image for ten to fifteen minutes then process knowing the outcome wanted.

He showed a few images as they emerged straight from the camera and then the various stages each had passed through to move from a satisfactory image to one that was stunning. A close up of a model in a fur hat was called From Russia with Love. The image was desaturated; then cropped to reduce the dominance of the hat and intentionally to bring her right eye and mouth into position on one of the thirds of the whole image. Earrings were removed. The image was then transformed. Similarly, a photograph of a Scottish bothy was transformed largely through Lightroom into a striking monochrome image with atmospheric landscape and sky.

Equine images were invariably close ups of intricately woven manes, tack, and horses’ heads often taken against a black background. Again, there was the reminder that preparation is key. Horses need to be understood and a treat in a pocket can be very useful as a way of commanding attention!

Whichever genre, Les has chosen to work in, his photographic skills have shone through enabling him to produce a staggering range of amazing images. Well worth googling his name to see some of them.

Next week, there will be a digital and print battle with Northallerton Camera Club at their venue.