The Photography Development Group’s aim is to support, inspire and encourage members in progressing their photography in a variety of ways. This can be through seeking external recognition with bodies such as the Royal Photographic Society and PAGB, the N&EMPF annual exhibition or other routes including our Society’s internal competitions and supporting the Society’s participation in external events. This could also be in terms of personal advancement, creative development, book making, project development, practice development and technical development, or anything that members are interested in learning more about and sharing with the group.
The group looks at the work of past and contemporary photographers as sources of inspiration, but the most important element of the group’s meetings is looking at our own images, discussing them in a constructive manner and offering advice and where appropriate on a one-to-one basis. Members have an excellent range of experiences which contribute to a most valuable way of encouraging each other in our aims and the ability for the group to offer mutual support and inspiration to all our members. The group encourages members to share their work in a very friendly environment, helping to build confidence in sharing their work with a wider audience. Meetings can also include a guided discussion of current interests to members such as printing, papers, re-sizing, post processing techniques, and how to respond to setbacks, etc.. From time-to-time outside speakers may be invited to visit and talk on specific aspects of photography such as up-to-date information about the requirements of the distinctions process, what external judges are looking for in competition work, individual experiences of achieving distinctions, and much more.
The group meets on Saturdays in Keyworth Parochial Church Hall from 2pm to 4 pm on dates shown in the programme. Meetings are relaxed, friendly, supportive, fun and all members are welcome. There is no commitment to attend every meeting, although the greatest value is in attending as many as possible. There is a nominal fee for the meetings to cover the cost of room hire, refreshments and the occasional external presentation.
