WHERE WE MEET
From September to May we meet every Wednesday at 7.30 p.m. at the ABD Community
Centre, Burnley Road, Bacup, OL13 8AB, where we have modern facilities for our
lectures, competitions and a small studio setup. Access is via the side door on Harcourt
Street, the narrow lane between ABD and the Post Office. Please leave parking here for
disabled people, speakers and unloading of equipment. There is ample parking on Burnley
Road, Fern Street and elsewhere in Bacup.
EXHIBITIONS AND DISPLAYS
The primary objective of most photographers is to exhibit their work although there is no compulsion if
members are uncomfortable about this. We have two main exhibitions each year, the first being a
display of our annual competition images and the second is an opportunity for each member to display a
‘panel’ of their images which reflect their current approach to photography. We are constantly exploring
new ways to exhibit our work and currently these include public areas of business premises, shop
windows, a local health centre and, of course, this web site. More ideas are welcomed.
TRAVELOGUES
In recent years we have had talks and
audio visual presentations from
independent traveller photographers
More …….
LECTURES
From the basics of how to use a camera and
editing software to higher level techniques for
more More …….
PORTFOLIOS
We receive portfolios of images from regional
bodies such as the ICPA and L&CPU which are
compiled More …….
APPRAISALS
A few sessions each year involve members
bringing images that they may be working on to
get constructive More …….
WORKSHOPS
Possibly the most popular sessions, these have
developed into a ‘doctor’s surgery’ approach ,
whereby More …….
COMPETITIONS
We have a variety of external competitions,
both regionally and locally. Some of our
members choose not to compete More …….
HOW WE WORK
From September to May we have a
programme of Wednesday evening meetings.
These take the form of More …….
OUR ETHOS
We encourage members to follow their own
photographic style. Whilst competition can be
an enjoyable diversion. More…..
WHAT WE ARE
Bacup Camera Club is a charity (HMRC Ref: XT33069). Its aims are to expand photographic
knowledge and skills of the local community through a mixture of lectures, competitions,
tuition and other activities within a social environment and by outreach working with other
local charities and schools. For a full version of the constitution please see the
Documents page. because we are a charity we encourage members who are
tax payers to pay their subs by Gift Aid.
OUR ETHOS
We encourage members to follow their own
photographic style. Whilst competition can be an
enjoyable diversion, judges, particularly external
judges, tend to work to a formula which, if
followed, can inhibit the developing style of club
photographers. What really matters is what you
like, not anybody else, and we can help you to find
your style and develop your techniques
accordingly.
COMPETITIONS
We have a variety of external competitions, both
regionally and locally. Some of our members
choose not to compete and others thrive on the
challenge. Subjects are generally open and
involve a mix of colour and mono prints and
digitally projected images (DPIs). We also have
2 or 3 internal ‘Merit’ competitions each year,
with subjects being agreed at the preceding
AGM. We mark each others images and calculate
an average score. Our main internal
competition, marked by an external judge, is
held annually and is the basis of many of our
trophies and awards, (see the Documents page
for competition rules and the Trophies page.
APPRAISALS
A few sessions each year involve members
bringing images that they may be working on to
get constructive comments on how they might be
further improved. We also meet with other clubs to
appraise each other’s images, sometimes led by an
external facilitator. There is no judging or scoring
for appraisals.
PORTFOLIOS
We receive portfolios of images from regional
bodies such as the ICPA and L&CPU (see the
Photographic Organisations page) which are
compiled from the highest scoring images from the
regional competitions. These can be invaluable for
developing ideas and styles.
TRAVELOGUES
In recent years we have had talks and audio
visual presentations from independent traveller
photographers on destinations including Iceland,
South India, Cuba, the Himalayas, Antarctica,
South America and South Africa. Not only giving
an insight into independent travel, these
presentations offer inspirational images and tips
on how to manage camera equipment in
challenging conditions.
HOW WE WORK
From September to May we have a programme of
Wednesday evening meetings. These take the
form of internal and external competitions,
lectures on photographic techniques, travelogues
from around the world, workshops, appraisals and
portfolios of images circulated by regional
organisations. During the summer months we
meet on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday evenings for
an informal programme of outings or workshops,
depending on the weather. There are also at least
2 weekend day trips.
WORKSHOPS
Possibly the most popular sessions, these have
developed into a ‘doctor’s surgery’ approach,
whereby members can receive one to one tuition on
specific problems or techniques. There is no better
way to learn than to see a demonstration and then
to actually follow it under guidance.
LECTURES
From the basics of how to use a camera and editing
software to higher level techniques for more
advanced members. Speakers are prominent experts
in their fields.
