We offer a variety of photographic events during the season for our members and enjoy having guest speakers to widen our understanding and appreciation of our hobby.
Our October Club Night was one of those occasions as we welcomed Mike Radcliffe who is well known for his dramatic images of the sea, although he also enjoys nature, landscape and sports photography.
In a presentation fittingly titled “Still Chasing The Perfect Wave” Mike included a painting of the perfect wave shape that he is seeking. The next slide was his image of a wave that was remarkably close in form and shape, although he is not satisfied yet, and led into a series of waves of every size, colour and shape, showing the sheer drama and beauty of the sea.
Mike’s favourite places for waves are Kallow Point and Scarlett but he offered advice on other locations for when the wind direction changes. He also stressed the importance of protecting your expensive photography equipment from salt water and spray, and detailed the lengths he goes to to keep his gear clean and dry.
In addition to his camera and lenses, Mike showed us his current tripod and explained that he is on his third after two suffered from the salty environment he works in. The damage extends to his outer clothing and he held up a rotting boot showing the effects of prolonged exposure to sea spray.
A lot of his work is carried out with a telephoto zoom, which allows him to pick out details in the waves and after years of practice he can often predict when and where a wave is about to break. Always honing his art, Mike will walk the shore and study rocks to predict what height and shape of wave is likely to be formed there.
The evening also included a selection of nature images, mainly concentrating on the seals that frequent the coastline and the antics of their photogenic pups, some of which have featured in the Daily Mail. All images were taken from a distance using a long telephoto lens.
Landscapes and scenery from local spots like Druidale were followed by the beauty and wildlife of Svalbard in Norway, and the evening ended with a selection of aurora images. We were treated to colourful skies over local landmarks before moving north to the drama of the Northern Lights over Iceland and Norway, and the green swirling patterns seen overhead.
The evening was packed with photographic advice and anecdotes as well as excellent images, and it was a very enjoyable evening. Thank you to Mike.
Visit Mike’s Facebook page to see more of his work.
