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Bridgend Beats the Best

Huge congratulations to Bridgend Bridgend & District CC who won the recent Cwm Rhondda Battle (organised by Rhondda CC) with a total of 76 points. It is great to see a WPF Club finishing ahead of clubs like Smethwick, Bristol, Catchlight, Carluke, Edinburgh and the like.

Joint second were Dublin and Smethwick with 75. Joint fouth on 74 were another WPF Club, Gwynfa along with Bristol and Johannesburg. The final scores can be seen here and for anyone who missed the battle, it can be viewed on Youtube.

The judge was Margaret Salisbury FRPS, MFIAP, FIPF, FSITTP, FSINWP, AWPF, APAGB.

The clubs involved were: Sheffield PS, Camera Club Johannesburg South Africa, Baglan Bay, Dublin CC, Western Valley CC, Hay On Wye CC, Bridgend CC, Visions PS. Aberdeen, Bromsgrove PS, Edinburgh PS, Catchlight (Belfast), Smethwick PS, Exmouth PG, Hermanus PS South Africa, Rhondda CC, Dumfries CC, Tenby CC, Gwynfa CC, Afan Nedd, Bristol CC, Aberdare CC and Carluke CC.

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WPF Success at PAGB APM

Four WPF Photographers were successful at the recent PAGM Awards for Photographic Merit.

Congratulations go to Dave Brassey and Annette O’Connell, both of Gwent CC, who have attained the distinction of CPAGB (Credit award of the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain) and also to Peter Wyles and Lin Wyles, both of Monmouth PC who achieved thei DPAGB (Distinction award of the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain).

Below are Dave & Annette pictured with President of the PAGB, Daphne Hanson DPAGB HonPAGB.

In the photo below, Lin is to the right of Daphne Hanson and Peter is above Daphne’s head.

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Results from of 2024 Stanley Chell

The 2024 Stanley Chell Memorial Trophy was jointly won by Gwynfa and Cwmbran with both finishing on 75 points. The two clubs could not even be separated by countback: both scored two 20s, one 18 and one 17. Third placed Afan-Nedd also scored 75 but finished third as they only had one print scoring 20. The detailed scoresheet can be seen here.

Judge was Ralph Snook ARPS, EFIAP/b, DPAGB. also made the following individual awards:

The Hans Hover Trophy for Best Monochrome Print was won by Iain Blacklock of Aberdare CC for ‘Marilyn’.

The Glyn John Trophy for Best Colour Print was won by Jenny Hibbert of Bridgend for ‘Golden Eagle Moving Magpies On’.

The Glan and Mair Trophy for Best Landscape was won by Leigh Woolford of Gwynfa for ‘Lone Photographer’.

The Doris Chell Memorial Trophy for Best Image in the Competition was also won by Leigh Woolford of Gwynfa for ‘Lone Photographer’ which can be seen below.

Aberdare Camera Club thanks all clubs that entered and all those who attended. The greatest victory of the day was meeting friends and enjoying one hundred remarkable prints. Thank also you to judge Ralph Snook for giving very clear and precise critique’s.

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My Journey to AWPF

My Journey to a Successful AWPF Panel – Jan Wilson-Chalon AWPF.

In the first of a series of articles, our AWPF coordinator Paul James asks photographers who were successful in achieving the AWPF distintion to tell us about their journey towards creating their successful panel.

First up is Jan Wilson-Chalon AWPF who successfully submtted the two panels you can see below for consideration on the 2024 Assessment Day.

You can read about her journey here.

If you’re interested in pursuing an AWPF distinction, you can find more information here.

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Welsh Photographic Federation Associate Assessment Day

The 2024 AWPF Assessment took place on 3rd November at the Talbot Green Community Centre, and it was heartening to see so many attendees from across the country supporting this significant event in Welsh photography. I extend my sincere thanks to everyone who came to witness the assessment process and to those who contributed to its success.

I am pleased to report that this year’s AWPF assessment had a total of 18 candidates: 16 submitted printed panels and 2 submitted digital panels. It was inspiring to see the quality of work presented, with 11 out of 16 print submissions meeting the rigorous standards required for the award, resulting in a 69% success rate in the print category. While the digital submissions were not successful this year, the overall success rate for the assessment was 61%.

Congratulations to the following candidates who achieved the AWPF distinction for 2024:

Candidate Club Theme
Elisa Best Monmouth Big Cats of South Africa
Allan Pick Afan Nedd American Classics
John Nash Cleethorpes
 Lincolnshire Insects
Liz Clayton Morriston Dead Structured
Pat Frewin Colchester Moments in Time
Ken Jacob Abergavenny Bisking – Street Musicians
Jan Wilson-Chalon (1) Mold Backlighting of Wildlife
Roger Harrison Barry Churches & Cathedrals of England & Wales
Steve Greening Maesycwmmer Nature
Jan Wilson-Chalon (2) Mold Birds of Prey
Melvyn Frewin Colchester Intimate Landscapes

Assessors
The day was led by a panel of experienced assessors who brought their expertise, fairness, and insightful feedback to each candidate. We are grateful to:

  • Leigh Woolford, AWPF DPAGB EFIAP BPE4 HonFWPF (Chairman)
  • Jenny Hibbert, MPAGB AWPF EFIAP/G BPE3
  • Gary Shinner, LRPS EFIAP/s MPSA2 AWPF BPSA GAPU A.APS CMD for PSA in Wales
  • Peter Brisley, DPAGB EFIAP BPE2
  • Sue O’Connell, DPAGB EFIAP/d3 ABPE MPSA ABPE

Each assessor took the time to provide thoughtful critiques, ensuring candidates understood the high standards of the AWPF distinction and offering guidance for continued growth.

Acknowledgements
This event’s success relied on the dedication of numerous volunteers who generously contributed their time and effort. Special thanks go to:

  • WPF President Ron Lines for opening and closing the proceedings.
  • Cliff Emery for providing display stands.
  • Dave Condon and Dave Lewis for transporting equipment.
  • Dave Condon, Del Jones, and Guy Butler-Madden for setting up and organizing the prints for display.
  • Cliff Emery and Peter Young for managing the laptop and projector.
  • Martin Smith, who provided refreshments throughout the day, and to Mrs. Smith for the wonderful cakes enjoyed by assessors and helpers.
  • Guy Butler-Madden for serving as the official photographer for the event.

Mentorship and Support
This year, the high quality and the success rate is a testament not only to the hard work of the candidates but also to the invaluable mentorship they received. I would like to extend my gratitude to mentors Peter Young, Dave Condon, Julie Morgan, Suzanne Slee, and Les Loosemore, whose guidance played a crucial role in the success of many candidates. Their encouragement and constructive advice reflect the supportive spirit of the WPF community.

To those candidates who did not achieve the distinction this year, we commend you on your efforts and urge you to continue pursuing your photographic journey. The assessors provided valuable feedback, and we hope it will serve as inspiration for future submissions.

In closing, the 2024 AWPF Assessment Day was a resounding success, showcasing the talent, dedication, and collaborative spirit that define the Welsh Photographic Federation. Thank you to everyone involved in making this event a memorable one. Your contributions help uphold the high standards of the AWPF distinction and inspire the wider photographic community.

Paul James, AWPF

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Arena Seminar 2025

The 2025 Arena Seminar will be held in Bournemouth in March.

The event has been running for over 25 years and has a reputation of obtaining unique speakers that clubs and societies are not always able to get or afford. Click here for more details.

 

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Jenny Hibbert Steps Down

Dear Member,

It is with huge regret that Jenny has decided to step down from her role as President of the WPF and from the WPF Executive Committee.  Jenny has some personal health issues and feels if she is to manage and recover from these, she needs to relinquish her WPF responsibilities to ensure she can concentrate on getting well.

The Executive Committee fully appreciate Jenny’s decision and very sadly accept her resignation.  Jenny has given many years to the WPF in her various roles on the Executive Committee and in particular the last couple of years when as Past President, Jenny stepped into the breach when Sue had to step down from the Presidents role and then agreed to complete another year whilst our Vice President Ron Lines found his feet.  The Executive Committee can’t thank Jenny enough and are hugely appreciative of her time and commitment to the WPF.  She leaves a huge void in the team and will be greatly missed.

Ron Lines as Vice President will take up the reigns as President until the point of the AGM and David Del Jones has agreed to fully support Ron as Interim Vice President subject to his nomination at the AGM in March.

On behalf of the WPF Executive, and the Membership, we would like to congratulate and sincerely thank Jenny for her many years of service and commitment to the WPF and convey our very best wishes for a quick and speedy recovery.

Very best wishes Jenny from all your Friends across the WPF.

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A Convention Thank You!

A thank you to all who supported the WPF weekend at the Heronston in Bridgend.

Riccardo Beghini with superb atmospheric prints from the heritage coast and surrounding areas (the feel of a photo).

Nick Upton with an encyclopaedic knowledge of Wildlife re-introductions (who could forget the Cranes’s parents?)

Paul Sanders the boy who failed at everything including photography yet became photo editor of The Times before leaving the rat-race to become his own man.

Simon Brinkworth who socked it to us with the history of medical imaging and NHS organisation then went on to hold us riveted with medical prints. (everybody checked their moles?)

Thanks to Jenny Hibbert WPF President for the formal opening and welcome to the event and to Ron Lines Vice President of the WPF for the formal closing address. Jenny also expressed our appreciation of the work of Nick and Ron that of Simon. Leigh Woolford of Gwynfa and Julie Morgan of Abergavenny thanked Riccardo and Paul respectively.

The range and excellence of the presentations has been captured through phrases like “you could hear a pin drop” and “and merited a standing ovation”.

Thanks to the working team of Ed Cloutman (projection and computing), Les Loosemore (equipment and especially for use of his illuminated stands that do so much to show prints to the best advantage), Gareth Martin (event publicity and advertising), Dave Condon (ticketing, badging and finance), Pat Hollis (raffle organisation and ticketing), Martin Smith (also raffle and event photos). Dave Lewis (coordination).

Many thanks to all executive members who so generously donated raffle prizes (you know who you are). Similarly, thanks to all who entered a print for the WPF Convention Trophy – the winner of the shield was Pat Hollis with “End of Summer”; selection was by Paul Sanders.

My thanks also to Trevor Waller and Jeff Howe of Cardiff together with Huw Edwards of Aberdare for providing consultancy on convention issues. As ever, Fotospeed and PhotoProlab (Cardiff) supported with discounts on their products and services. Fotospeed (Tim Jones) together with Les Loosemore held an “after-hours” print surgery. The Heronston also kindly provided two spa vouchers for our raffle.

Last but most important our thanks to you who make it all worthwhile and possible through your attendance and appreciation of the event, of the speakers and the work behind the scenes.

We hope to see you again next year at the 53rd WPF weekend event!

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Congratulations to Pat Hollis

At last weekend’s WPF Convention, the winner of the delegates Print Trophy was Pat Hollis of Barry CC.

Thanks  all the delegates who entered their prints which were judged by Paul Sanders. Pat & Paul are pictured below.

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PSA News from Gary Shinner

Here is some information of Welsh photographers gaining notable successes in the last few months. The list is in no particular order.

Sian Davies EPSA – Achieved EPSA (E = Excellences) and two awards.
Susan Rees – Achieved her first Star in Colour Division.
Mike Bray EPSA – Achieved 1 award
Tony Grubb QPSA – Achieved a Gold Medal & 1 Award.
Paul James EPSA – Achieved 2 Gold Medals and 7 awards.
Ian Ledgard GMPSA/B – Achieved a Gold medal, a Silver medal, 2 bronze Medals and 7 awards.
Andy Polakowski  – Achieved 2 Gold Medals, a silver medal and 3 awards.
Kev Robertson PPSA – Achieved 6 gold medals
Gary Shinner MPSA2 BPSA – Achieved Galaxy colour 8 level, 1 Gold & 1 Silver Medal.

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 journey’s

Gary Shinner MPSA2 BPSA (CMD  for Wales)

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