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Paul James, via Gary Shinner, the PSA CMD for Wales, has sent us the story of an image that achieved a Gold Medal award.
Wisdom in Silence – Agile Photographic Society, Bangladesh. Gold Medal Winner in the portrait section.
“Wisdom in Silence” – Behind the Image
One of the greatest joys of amateur photography, at least for me, is the chance to meet so many like-minded, passionate people. When any of them reach out with an idea or a request to collaborate, my answer is always an enthusiastic yes.
So when Peter Young — a highly respected figure within amateur photographic circles across the UK and beyond — mentioned that he needed a new portrait for use when judging exhibitions, I was genuinely honoured that he asked me to create it. I agreed immediately… though with a few “conditions”.
From the moment he asked, I could see the creative opportunity. Not only would I be helping a friend, but I’d also get the chance to photograph a truly remarkable face — one full of character, texture, experience, and presence. As someone who loves capturing emotion, the passage of time, and the quiet beauty of authenticity, I knew that the right portrait of Peter had the potential to become something special.
On the day of the shoot, Peter arrived at my home studio where the lights were already set. As always, we enjoyed a good chat and a catch-up, and by the time the camera came out, we were both completely at ease. I made several images that I felt would serve Peter well for his judging work, and then we experimented with a few alternative looks using some clothing and props I’d prepared in advance.
This image — titled “Wisdom in Silence” — was originally created with Peter’s portrait brief in mind. Several images from the session have gone on to perform well in competitions, but this one has always stood out as my personal favourite.
What I love about it is the quiet intensity. The steady, unwavering gaze. The beautifully textured beard and coat. The way the light wraps around his face, revealing a lifetime of stories without a single word being spoken. There’s a sense of strength, dignity, and introspection here that only a truly collaborative and comfortable session could produce. For me, it encapsulates exactly why I love portrait photography: the privilege of capturing something honest, something real.
My sincere thanks again to Peter for being such a wonderful subject and for trusting me with this portrait. And if anyone else fancies collaborating — you know where I am.
(Details correct at the time of compiling this list)
Congratulations to all members listed above, who reported back to me with their recent awards, medals and other successes in the PSA affiliated salons. If there are any other members of the PSA have some successes – then please e-mail me directly – gary_shinnerlrps@sky.com (Note the underscore)
Anyone out there wants to find out any more about the PSA, please again contact me, I’ll do my best to help you. However you can go to their website: https://psa-photo.org/
Good luck to everyone with their photographic journeys.
We have received yet more very sad news, this time from Pete Howell at Bristol PS.
It is with great sorrow that I have to tell you that long-time BPS member, Barry Mead, died yesterday, Friday 19 June. Barry had been diagnosed with bowel cancer earlier in the year and was admitted to hospital about two weeks ago for, what he told me the night before going in, was due to be a fairly routine “robotic” operation to remove a short length of his bowel, with an anticipated release date some 3 to 5 days later. During the operation they unfortunately found that the cancer had spread and he was returned to the ward for what became palliative care and where he sadly died.
Competition – The competition was judged on Saturday 20th June 2026 and the results are now available here.
The WPF achieved a very creditable 7th place (out of 15) in the Colour Print Section. We were =13th in the Monochrome Print Section and =10th in the Nature Print Section.
Our congratulations go to Owen Edmonds of Bargoed CC on receiving a Judge’s Award for his Monochrome Print, ‘Solitude’.
My thanks go to all the photographers whose work was selected to represent WPF.
Exhibition – The opening will be at 2pm on 18th July 2026 at The Old School House, Churchbridge, Oldbury, B69 2AS (the home of Smethwick PS) when the awards will be presented.
Print Returns – I do not yet know what prints will be included in the exhibition. I will be collecting the prints which will not be used, together with those included in the 2025 exhibition, on 11th July 2026. When I know whose prints I have, I will arrange for their return.
