Issue 149

Smile, say cheese

20th November 2006

The Photography Society was recently given two brand new digital cameras by the Student Union, President Owen Franks runs us through how the new equipment will help the society, and what they've been up to with the new cameras.

Relatively new, the Photography society has been bursting with events, activities and from this year new equipment! With a large number of members, ranging from keen novices to some more experienced members, there is room for all.

Our main interests obviously are taking pictures, and we hope to give as many opportunities for our members to achieve good quality snaps as we can. So far, we've gathered for moon-shoots and dawn photography to name but a few, as well as smaller meetings for portraits, landscapes and other areas of photography. When we're not meeting to photograph things ourselves, we sometimes visit other artists' work in and around the Swansea area, or simply have fun in socials. Many of our members also shoot for Waterfront, who we work alongside, taking pictures and getting involved in local events.

On top of this, we also have an Image of the Month Competition, where each month judges select what they agree to be the best or most interesting image submitted, as well as updates on national and international photo competitions of all types for everyone to get involved in.

We are also very quickly acquiring a mass of equipment, available for members use. Presently we have 3x 35mm Film SLR (Single Reflex Lens Cameras - you know the big ones, with the sticky outy lenses) Cameras, Tripods, Monopod, Lighting equipment, lenses, and a Dark Room, all of which we can help you with using.

Also, and with a very big thank you to the Student Union, we have now received 2 x Digital SLR cameras, along with kits. These can be hired out for a tiny fee of £1 for members to practice and learn with, as well as being taken to club events for all to use.

Already we have seen a huge benefit from this new equipment, as beginners can get to grips with the more complicated aspects of SLRs with the added bonus of being able to see the effects of what they are doing straight away.

While being great for club members to learn and get great pictures on, they've also proved very useful for Waterfront as members take cameras with them to events they are covering for the paper.

Bonfire night proved a huge success with these cameras, as many members got to capture stunning images they simply wouldn't have managed with cheaper cameras. It was a good night, with a big fire, lots of people eating jacket potatoes and marshmallows, and taking photos.

With more activities coming up throughout the year, why not get involved. We society cameras, so don't be put off if you don't have your own.

If you would like more information about the Photography Society, feel free to email or visit our website at uwsphotography.com

Waterfront Online