Mike makes the final cut of Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Lion playing with a Leopard Tortoise by Mike CullisIt’s that time of the year again and the results of the World famous prestigious Veolia Wildlife Photographer of The Year competition are now published. The competition is organised by the BBC Wildlife Magazine, Natural History Museum and Veolia Environment and boasts Worldwide coverage. Some 48,000 images were submitted from Professional and Amateur photographers from 98 countries; 62% of entries coming from professional photographers and the panel of 14 judges were drawn from people at the top of their photographic profession from around the world. Tenby Camera Club’s Mike Cullis entered some images from his recent trip to the Masai Mara into the Mammals Behaviour section and his shot of a female Lion playing with a Leopard Tortoise made it through two selection processes and into the final cut.  Whilst this didn’t make it to the award winning 5 images it was an impressive achievement to have made it so far.  Mike has had similar images showcased in the BBC Wildlife Magazine, Advanced Photographer and National Newspapers. Well done Mike, an incredible achievement. The photo in question features in Mike’s newly developed presentation ‘Images of Masai Mara’ that focuses in on the behaviour of animals in the Mara. Why not ask him along to your club? His details are in our presenters section here.

Derek Rodway FRPS

We have received the following sad message from Brian Coleman.

It is with regret that I have to inform you that Derek Rodway FRPS of Newport Camera Club passed away this week. For those of you who have been around camera clubs for while, you will remember Derek’s wonderful photography, his informative talks and the way he helped so many people with their photography and gaining of honours. He was a genuine and helpful man. 

When he was no longer able to continue his wildlife photography, after being struck by Parkinson’s Disease, Derek turned his hand to still life and elevated that to an art form.Those of us who saw the stunning glass photographs were inspired to try them ourselves. In my case with Little success in the outcome.

Our thoughts and condolences go to Newport Camera club.Derek will be much missed.

Brian Coleman,WPF President.

New Newsflash Editor

We have a new editor for WPF Newsflash. Leigh Woolford will be taking over for a while from Jan Cawley.  If you want anything added to Newsflash (or indeed to the WPF website), please email newsflash@thewpf.co.uk  (newsflash at thewpf.co.uk).

Dave Lingham has a new website.

“There is no digital effect or computer program or an “add-on” or “plug-in” for Adobe PhotoShop Creative Suite, that can simulate or equal watching the magic that happens in the developing tray when you can turn on the safe light, and see the image begin to faintly form on the print and come up on the paper.” (anon). If this quote appeals to you, then you may well enjoy the fantastic new website of Dave Lingham FRPS.

Philippa Leaves for the Antipodes

Would all Club Programme and Competition Secretaries please note; Philippa Wood would like to thank everyone for their welcome to their clubs over many years. She is now relocating to South Australia from the beginning of 2013 and will no longer be able to accept bookings.

Neil Jones Sentenced

The former treasurer of the Welsh Photographic Society, Mr. Neil Jones, has been sentenced for the theft of monies totalling approximately £16,500 from the society after pleading guilty to all charges brought against him. The honourable judge, justice John Curran said said that this was a serious breach of trust in taking the members subscription money for his own ends and his decision was to sentence Mr. Jones to 12 months, suspended for 2 years including 6 months on probation. He further said that Mr. Jones should not be relieved of his responsibility to repay the funds but realising his situation he was making an order that he should do so at a rate of £20 per week. Consequently, Mr Jones will have repaid the money he stole in around 16 years.

The WPF Exec would like to take this opportunity to thank all the clubs and their members for their generous and sympathetic support during what has been a very difficult couple of years.