Settle Photography Exhibition

SETTLE PHOTOGRAPHY GROUP: ANNUAL EXHIBITION

SETTLE PARISH CHURCH 3-11 SEPTEMBER

Opening the third annual exhibition Rev Kendra commented on not only the talent on display but also the imagination and skill which went into creating such a stunning exhibition. These are themes which have been echoed in the comments of visitors to date. From its small beginnings in 2008 the group has rapidly grown from only 12 members to in the region of 40 and the current display shows a wide cross-section of the group with over 90 photographs on view. Members choose two of their favourite photographs taken in the past twelve months and these are initially displayed in the windows of local shops and businesses to create a town trail before being gathered together to in one place to allow members of the public to peruse them more carefully. There are no set themes or categories and so the final display represents a mixture of individuals’ interests as witnessed by the number of horticultural examples and the views of steam trains through to examples of work which demonstrate numerous hours spent exploring the intricacies and multitudinous possibilities presented by computer manipulation of images. The joy of this sort of freedom of choice is that it gives rise to a huge range of subject matter with pets and portraits rubbing shoulders with fairground phantoms and a variety of flowers. There is also the opportunity to see a wide range of interpretations of one popular scene as many photographs feature the famous Ribblehead Viaduct but show it in various seasons, from unexpected angles or simply at differing times of day so that there are no two shots alike and all show off the photographer’s creative skill. The creative aspect should not be underestimated as it is extremely apparent that each photo has been carefully composed, skilfully edited and enhanced and often very wittily named! There is certainly no doubt that the standard of this exhibition is rising each year and that in many instances the photographer is seeking to encourage the viewer to look on scenes with new eyes, thus there are domestic scenes striking contrasts with stunning statues and the everyday and the exotic are equally represented. The setting too complements the work wonderfully, as the stillness of the church gives a perfect place to view the images in their entirety. Congratulations to all concerned in staging this thought provoking show: from the photographers through to the church and the local businesses but particularly to those responsible for the practicalities of the event who have done such a wonderful job. This truly is an exhibition with something for everyone and should inspire locals and visitors alike to get out and actually starting looking at their surroundings with a new vision.

The group meets on the third Monday of each month at 7.30pm at the Friends’ Meeting House in Settle and new members are always welcome. To find out more go to www.settlephotos.org.