Highland photographer blows hot and cold at East Sutherland Camera Club season kickstarter
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East Sutherland Camera Club were delighted to welcome Owen Cochrane, president of Inverness Camera Club to start their new season in Dornoch Community Centre.
His presentations were at two extremes: the heat of Chobe River in Botswana and the cold of a snow bound February in Iceland, writes club secretary Andy Kirby.
Owen had been on organised trips for photographers. As he pointed out with both these trips the facilities, destinations, guides and transport were geared up to the needs of a small group of photographers in a way in which more general group holidays could not be. But that didn’t mean beginners were not catered for – even to the extent of a camera loan – and there was always plenty of advice for those who asked for it.
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It takes a little courage to show your failures to a group of photographers but Owen developed this into a learning experience demonstrating how with wildlife photography a number of things were critical, not least anticipating the movements of animals and birds and getting the right backgrounds. It was also important to know your camera controls so that they could be changed quickly to seize the ever changing scene. On the basis that he was unlikely to return he aimed to capture good record shots but then sought out fascinating detail in the creatures such as skin textures. Of course tropical sunsets gave the different opportunity of creating bold animal silhouettes against the setting sun. But there were more intimate subjects such as a lioness and cubs drinking.
In Iceland weather presented the very different challenge of snow storms blocking visibility and cold causing camera batteries to discharge quickly. Weather proof cameras were essential, not to mention weather proof clothing! At times composition proved difficult with the jumble of ice flows from glaciers. Again Owen showed us some of his poorer images to demonstrate the challenges he had encountered and how he had met them. Met them he did!
Naturally, given Owen’s skill, there were some outstanding successes in the images he showed the members: from close ups of animals and birds showing incredible detail and charm to crashing waves and frozen waterfalls. One, the view from a glacier ice cave, was featured on the cover of Amateur Photographer magazine. That the evening lasted longer than usual reflected both the diversity of the images as well as Owen’s enthusiasm. It was good to see some new members coming along too at the start of a new season.
The club is looking for new members and all are welcome to come along and sample the first month without commitment. No fancy kit needed, just an interest in taking photographs. So why not come along and give it a try?
The club website is www.eastsutherlandcc.org.uk where next season’s full programme is available and where membership enquiries can be made.
