From the outset, the club has been affiliated to N.I.P.A. (Northern Ireland Photographic Association).
An important element of this has been the league competitions with the other associated clubs. Such competitive involvement helped raise the standard of photography and has certainly raised the profile of the club within Northern Ireland.
CompetitionsWelcome to another new season at Ballynahinch Camera Club! I’m excited to serve as the new chairman of the club and can’t wait to work together to further enhance our profile in NIPA.
It is my personal goal to see our novice and unstarred members advance this year. You have my full support in achieving this.
When normally we would have stopped activities in April, some members have been meeting informally through the summer to work on portrait techniques. This is a genre that does well in open rounds, but it is by no means the only genre popular in the club.
This season, we’ve put together a varied and inspiring program designed for photographers of all experience levels, from seasoned veterans to those just starting their journey behind the lens. Our schedule features a blend of interactive workshops, and insightful guest speakers. Ten nights will be dedicated to critiques and judging of the five NIPA rounds.
In addition to our Thursday meetups at Edengrove, we’re launching a Monday night Zoom session focused on hands-on Lightroom and Photoshop training, the goal being to help our novice members develop the skills needed to compete with more advanced participants.
I urge members to inspire each other, to look at the successes of others and ponder exactly what is needed to elevate your own photography. Whether you’re here to refine your craft, learn new techniques, or simply enjoy the company of like-minded individuals, this season promises to be full of inspiration and creativity. Your participation is what makes this club so special and I’m excited to see the amazing images you produce this year.
~ Keith
We also had a very successful year in the NIPA interclub competition finishing in fourth place overall, and a second place in the novice mono category.
The annual internal Charlie Rutledge mono competition, held in tribute to a founding member of BCC, attracted many entries and was judged by Brian Maguire.
We again went to battle with Christian Brothers and this year’s competition was hosted by them.
There is always a lot of friendly banter but I know both clubs enjoy the competition and chance to meet up socially.
John K has developed an excellent relationship with the local papers through his regular articles and on-line blogs including previous week’s activities. Last season we worked with Edengrove Presbyterian Church in helping them celebrate their 250th anniversary. This project involved taking photographs which capture the many activities which are associated with the church and these images will become part of the history of the people and the place.