Author: Leigh Woolford

Posted on

Sharon is New UK GPU Representative

We have received this from Sharon Prenton Jones who has become the GPU representative for the UK.

I want to introduce myself as I am the new GPU (Global Photographic Union) Representative for the UK.

In this role I am particularly interested in encouraging fellow photographers to obtain distinctions. GPU operates its own photographic distinctions scheme. There is something for everyone whether you enter international salons or not.

Photographers collect points from acceptances, mentions and awards in international exhibitions (CROWN and VIP distinctions) or by submitting their own portfolio and gaining titles (Aphrodite, Hermes, Zeus and the recently added highest title of Grand Master).

We (Rob and I) joined GPU just over three years ago and have been impressed by the friendly and supporting Group – it feels like a world-wide camera club. We joined the Photo Festival last year in Krakow it was such good value for money and a great way to meet everyone.

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if I can be of any assistance with anything

GPU related. My email is: prentonjonesphotography@gmail.com

Best wishes and Happy New Year – Sharon.

Posted on

Entries Invited for the Memorial Trophies

Entries are now invited for the 2026 Memorial Trophy competitions which will take place at Dingestow Village Hall. Nr Monmouth on Saturday 21st February 2026.  Everyone is welcome to attend.

The closing date for your entries is 15 February 2026 and all the information you need can be found in the attachments below.

Invitation

Conditions of Entry

Entry Form – Walter Morgan

Entry Form – Gwyn Morgan

Entry Form – Past Presidents

Posted on

Bristol Salon Open for Entries

The 80th Bristol Salon is open for entries, closing date 1st February 2026. 

Colour, Mono, and Nature sections in both PRINT and PDI.  Prints can be forwarded to the Midland Salon.  Entry via the Salon website at https://bristolsalon.co.uk

We expect to make 200 + awards, would appreciate your support, and look forward to receiving your entries.

Posted on

Story of an Image – Busy Day Sacre Coeur

Busy Day Sacre Coeur

Like many of you I have thousands of images stored on a number of external hard drives and yes, even on CD’s ! Recently I have been looking through some of these and discovering that some captures which I have overlooked, but not sent to the recycle bin, that are worthy of further work. This often because over the 20 plus years since I started digital photography with Photoshop 5.5 massive improvements have been made and so many more useful plug-ins and alternative systems are available for us to use.

This image was taken 10 years ago when we spent a few days in Paris. I was using a Nikon V1 camera converted to Infra red with exposure 1/800 sec, f5, ISO 200. Bringing it in to my current version of Photoshop I was able to apply a few tweaks especially to darken the sky.  I entered this into the Photo Travel section of a PSA recognised Salon in Bangladesh where it scored top points and was awarded a Gold medal. The image was also accepted in the 2025 PSA International.

So, do you have gold lurking away in folders on your hard drives. I recommend having a look through and see what you can find you may be pleasantly surprised.

Ian Ledgard, GPMSA/b

Posted on

PSA Successes July to October 2025

Below is the list of people who achieved PSA successes from July 2025  to the end of October 2025.

  • Ian Ledgard – Gold Medal x6, Silver x2, Jury Choice x1, Chairman’s Award x1, Merit x1, Diploma x2 & 11 HM’s
  • Tont Grubb 2 Star Colour Print Level Achieved
  • Paul James – Gold Medal x1,  Merit x1, & HM’s x4
  • Rhodri Phillips – Best Portrait Award & Ribbon Award.
  • Gary Shinner – Gold Medal x1, HM x1.

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 also go to their website. Good luck to everyone with their photographic journeys.

I wish ‘everyone’ reading this letter, Compliments of the Festive Season, and also a happy, healthy & prosperous New Year in 2026.

Posted on

Laurence ‘Laurie’ Saurin

We have this week received sad news from Rhondda Camera Club of the passing of one of their past president and well respected elder statesmen, Laurence Saurin (known to all as Laurie).

Laurie served Rhondda Camera Club for many years as president and was well known by many for his services as a proud Welsh Guardsman and protector of the Royal family.  One of his many claims to fame was that he was the first guardsman to model for Queen Elizabeth 11 the guardsman’s fur hat, commonly known as the Busby, which is still worn with pride.

He was a true gentleman who will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

Laurie’s funeral will take place at Glyntaff Crematorium, Pontypridd at 1:00pm. on Monday 15th December, 2025 for those wishing to pay their respects.

Proudly powered by WordPress