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We have received the sad news that Bill Grundy passed away peacefully on Friday 10th July, aged 94 years.
Bill was one of four original members who started Hay Camera Club in the 1940s. His accomplishments included numerous international awards and honours, including global gold medals. He and his wife June, who passed away in 2020, were also members of Merthyr Tydfil CC for many years.
Bill’s funeral service will take place at Hereford Crematorium on Friday 7th August at 11.15am. Family flowers only.
For further information contact A.W. Hughes & Son Funeral Directors on 01544 370217 or 01544 267778.
Exhibition
I have now been informed of the prints that have been accepted into the exhibition from WPF. Congratulations to the following:
Annette O’Connell AWPF EFIAP CPAGB
Gwent
Racing Vultures
Paul James AWPF CPAGB EPSA
Bridgend
The Silence of Surrender
Christine Tidman EFIAP/b BPE4* CPAGB
Gwynfa
Curious Cows
Emma Woodhouse
RPC
Having a Splashing Time
Owen Edmonds LRPS AWPF
Bargoed
Solitude (Ralph Snook’s Award)
Those prints will be returned about this time next year.
The exhibition can be seen at The Old School House, Churchbridge, Oldbury, B69 2AS until 2-Aug-26. I’ve been to see it. I do urge you to go to see what other parts of the UK are doing.
Returns
I also have the returns of the prints not accepted for this year’s exhibition and those accepted into the 2025 Exhibition. The score attained by each print is recorded on its back.
I have returned or have arranged for the return of prints to Afan Nedd CC 6 prints, Morriston CC 3, Gwent PS 2, and Bridgend & District CC 12.
Please will someone from the following clubs contact me to arrange for returns:
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.
