Photographic Society’s Exhibition of Spectacular and Colourful Prints

Published on: 26 Jul, 2023
Updated on: 24 Jul, 2023

Report by Len Walker

A major photographic exhibition showcasing the skills of local photographers returns to the National Trust’s River Way Navigations at Dapdune Wharf in Guildford.

This annual event, hosted by Woking Photographic Society, consists of a gallery of more than 140 spectacular and colourful framed prints.

The images, taken by members of the society, comprises a wide range of subjects, from outer space to the River Wey!

The ‘shutterbugs’ saw through their viewfinders the beauty of the natural world, astronomy, perfect portraits and compelling landscapes.

Hoar front at Triggs Lock by Emma Rowland.

Emma Rowland photographed the spectacular hoar frost at Triggs Lock.

She said: “The shot was taken from the footbridge looking back towards Triggs on the Wey Navigation. The frost-encrusted trees lead the viewer’s eyes to the lock and the lock keeper’s cottage, with the added interest of the boats and the towpath on either side. I’m so glad I did – it was stunning.”

David Sweeney was at the seaside with his daughter and granddaughter and wanted a picture of them near the water.

“Wow mum” by David Sweeney.

He sat with his camera focused on them waiting for them to turn, and his granddaughter’s reaction was unexpected. “Wow, Mum”.

John Axtell is a well-known local astronomer. His image of a lunar dawn across the surface of the moon features the Bay of Rainbows and the large lake of solidified lava that is the Sea of Shadows.

Lunar Dawn at the Bay of Rainbows off the Sea of Shadows by John Axtell.

It was taken at Newlands Corner using an iPhone attached to the eyepiece on his reflecting telescope, and has been broadcast on the BBC’s Sky at Night programme.

Dave Lally was in the monkey house at Edinburgh Zoo, when he snapped a shot of a primate.

Portrait of a chimpanzee by Dave Lally.

He said: “Although the lighting looks studio-like; the chimpanzee was actually at the top of an indoor climbing tree.”

Different seasons can add a touch of colour. Last autumn Cath Ind visited Winkworth Arboretum near Godalming

The boatman by Cath Ind.

She said: “I was looking out over the lake from the boathouse when I noticed the man in his boat, fishing. I waited until he rowed out of the shadows, and then captured him and his reflection silhouetted against the water, with the morning mist and autumn colours as the backdrop.”

Winter, with its short days and less light does not allow time for mistakes, especially for landscape photography.

Snow storm over Snowdon by James Smith.

James Smith was in North Wales. He said: “I took the photograph from the shore of Llyn y Dywarchen when there was a snow storm blowing over Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon).

“There was a very cold wind blowing making waiting for the shot a challenge. This wasn’t the shot I had anticipated, but best captures the conditions on the day.”

Exhibition organiser Jane Hibbert added: “This exhibition is an important event in Woking Photographic Society’s calendar allowing all members, however experienced, to showcase their work and engage the public.

Bee collecting nectar by Jane Hibbert.

“We really appreciate the interest shown by passers-by in previous years and hope this year’s exhibition inspires people to get out their camera and have go!”

Entry to the exhibition at Dapdune Wharf, Wharf Road, off Woodbridge Road, is free, and runs daily from Sunday, July 30 to Sunday, August 26 (excluding Saturday, August 19), between 11am and 5pm.

For more details see: www.wokingps.uk; or on Facebook: WokingPS, or Instagram: Wokingps.