The first meeting of the season went well, we also had a few new visitors which is always welcome.

David Hardy took us through what we can expect during the coming season, from upcoming speakers to competitions (Which he said is now available in Photo Entry), and not forgetting the project group.

After David the meeting was taken up with images from members who attended the final meetup (Wilmslow walk about). Thanks to Bill for supplying the ideas for us to photograph.

The second half was a follow on of the wilmslow walk images followed by a great presentation from Steve Miller on his foray into garden wildlife. 

Geoff Drake - Photographing Liverpool

Our first speaker of the season Geoff Drake below is an excerpt from his web site describing who he is and what he does.

My photography career started in 2016 when my image of the Liver Birds surrounded by fog went viral via my social media channels. A lot of people messaged me wanting to buy a print of the photograph. This success of 'Rise Above' pushed me on to learn as much as I could about photography, and to try my best to capture the beauty of Liverpool. I am completely self taught, relying on various photography books, YouTube tutorials, as well as being inspired by other great photographers.

Liverpool is one of the most photogenic cities in the world and I have always approached my work with the aim of photographing somewhat 'different' compositions to those that have been taken previously. This is not always achievable but over the years I have been fortunate to take what many consider to be some of the most original and unique images of the city.

In 2019 I was commissioned to write and photograph for a new title in the fotoVue book series 'Explore and Discover Liverpool'. The book was published in 2024. The success of the book led to fotoVue also publishing a follow up 'coffee table type' book, 'The Beauty of Liverpool', later the same year. Several companies and organisations, including Visit Britain, have licensed some of my images for commercial use around the world.

I also love to inspire other people and to pass on my passion for photography by doing talks at various societies and groups, and through guiding photographers of all abilities on photography walks around Liverpool.

I cannot understate the mental health benefits that can be gained from being outdoors with a camera or phone camera.

Away from photography, I live with my wife and teenage daughter just across the Mersey from Liverpool. I am a football and music fan, and enjoy keeping fit by running regularly, playing 5-a-side, and spending time hiking up in the hills and mountains both in the UK and abroad (with my camera!).

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I currently offer two engaging presentations, each lasting just over an hour and a quarter, followed by a Q&A session. If you require a longer session, I can also combine both talks.

'Photographing Liverpool - One of the most photogenic cities in the world' explores how I first got into photography and shares the captivating stories behind my Liverpool images, from capturing the Liver Birds emerging from the fog to moments like 'The Batman.' I highlight how light and conditions are so influential in my work, and how much I appreciate the chance to capture the diverse beauty of Liverpool.

'Photographing Liverpool 2 - Inspiration' showcases my photography from the past five years. I talk about photographing the city's events & culture, stunning classic & modern architecture, skyline from across the Mersey and the unique perspectives I’ve captured with my drone. I also delve deeper into my editing process and provide insights into my photography book, Explore & Discover Liverpool.

Project Group

Here's something to keep you busy over the summer break.

Thanks to Ian for taking on the role of regular projectionist and making improvements to a long established system of actually getting members images onto the screen.

My thanks go to all who contributed images and supported the group throughout the season.

Lastly, the themes chosen for the first meeting of next season.(date has yet to be fixed).

1. (Up to) 10 images from the Summer. Whatever you choose! The good, the brilliant, the bad, what went wrong, how do fix this, I pressed that and got this, whatever…………...

2. Silhouettes.

Bill Salkeld