Andy McDonald ARPS: Chairman

I have had a lifelong interest in photography, which was probably to be expected given that my parents were professional photographers. I have previously worked in 35mm film but moved into digital around 2007 and now specialise in black and white.
Throughout the years I have been active on various online photography-related sites and forums but increasingly struggled with the lack of constructive feedback to help me improve. Being a member of a camera club has given me what I couldn’t get online, through competitions, exhibitions and general discussions. I have found Rushcliffe PS to be a welcoming and friendly club with a membership that encourages all members regardless of their level of experience.
My aim as chair of the committee is to help the club to continue offering our members support and encouragement in pursuing their photography.


Wendy Stanton LRPS : Secretary

I first became interested in photography through my husband, Ray, when we took early retirement in 2014. Following a visit to one of the club meetings, when everyone was so friendly and welcoming, we decided to become members. One of the strengths of the club is the range of opportunities to improve and develop your skills through an extensive programme of talks. competitions, workshops and specialist Project Groups. It is through these activities, and particularly the Distinctions Group, plus a lot of encouragement from the membership, that I was successful in gaining my LRPS in 2021.

This will be my third year on the committee and I’m very grateful for the support that I have received from the committee members, especially as I continue as Secretary for 2025-2026 session.


Judy Thomason LRPS, CPAGB : Treasurer

I have taken photographs since my childhood and have many lovely memories stored in photo albums and books. I joined our club in 2018 to develop my photographic skills and it has been a very steep learning curve, which is both challenging and enjoyable. Our club is very welcoming, friendly, and sociable. I have been inspired and learnt so much from the active and varied programme and have been well supported and encouraged by other members. I am pleased to be both a committee member and treasurer; and endeavour to contribute what I can to the continued successful running of a great club.


Jim Clark

My Aunt bought me my first camera, a Kodak Coloursnap, when I was 10. I bought my first SLR, second hand, shortly after leaving university. I was a keen hobbyist photographer during the holidays but often did very little in between. When my camera equipment was stolen, I made the transition to digital with the insurance payout. After retiring I decided to look for a Photographic society and by chance saw that Rushcliffe Photographic Society were holding an exhibition in one of the Churches. I went along and attended a talk given by one of the members entitled “Getting off the Green Button”. At the end I thanked him for explaining to me what the green button was as I had never used it – I still haven’t – but I found the society to be friendly and welcoming and they seemed to be just what I was looking for. I have learnt a lot from the talks, the groups and of course the members and look forward to making a contribution to the society by serving on the committee.


Roger Gittings

I’ve been taking photographs for many years but have always wanted to improve my skills and techniques. Looking for a local camera club in 2016, I visited Rushcliffe PS where I received a warm and enthusiastic welcome, I attended several enjoyable evenings and joined in 2017, becoming a Committee Member in 2018 and Secretary in 2020. Over the years I have been encouraged to develop my photography not only by our experienced members, but also by the many groups within the society, the Distinctions and Monthly Project Groups have helped me develop in different ways, not only how to take, but how to see and interpret the thought behind my images.


Alan Hurst LRPS

I received my first camera for my 12th Birthday and have an interest in photography ever since, acquiring my first SLR when I was 18. Even then my interest was in wildlife and natural history photography. I have belonged to a number of camera clubs from college days to the present—joining Rushcliffe Photographic Society in 2009, and have always found clubs, Rushcliffe in particular, to be a great social forum for developing photographic interests, knowledge and skills; and for gaining inspiration and motivation from others’ work. Having been the Society's secretary from 2011-12 to 2016-17 I am delighted once again to be able to continue supporting the Society as a committee member.


Chris Keenan

My interest in photography started aged 10 when I was given a Brownie 127 and has flourished since I joined the Society nine years ago. Although I had initial doubts about joining a camera club these were quickly dispelled as everyone here is really welcoming, encouraging, supportive and friendly. The programme is always broad ranging and although I have my own particular interests, such as street photography and architecture, I’ve found that listening to our guest speakers and taking part in workshops and competitions has greatly broadened my outlook. I’ve enjoyed learning more about composition, landscapes, and portraiture and feel that I am becoming more confident, competent and creative when I am out and about with my camera.


Trevor Lax

My photography days probably started back in my teenage days. I remember shooting with film, even black and white. When I lived in Holmfirth I often blacked out our kitchen and developed my own black and white prints.
Music has given me many opportunities to photograph some of the wonders of the world, especially the USA.
When I retired, I decided to join a camera club to advance my skills and meet others with a similar interest. Rushcliffe has filled this space in my life. Everyone is so friendly and encouraging.


Simon O'Halloran

Like many of us I started photography at a young age getting a Kodak instamatic around 12 years old and then taking a keener interest from the late 90’s onwards.
I have always been fascinated with wildlife and landscape photography and I’m now fortunate to have more time to further my passion. As a recent member, only joining in September 2023, I have been so impressed with how inclusive and welcoming the club is and the number of activities available throughout the season. I have leaned much in my past two years from speakers and fellow members and look forward to learning and developing further in the coming years.


Jeremy Richings

Photography is my artistic outlet, though I’m in no doubt that my artistic talent needs further development! Like many others, I started out taking holiday & family snapshots as a youngster, but it was only when I bought my first SLR film camera that I started to think about things like composition and lighting. I joined the Society in 2008 soon, after ‘going digital’ and was immediately impressed not only by the support and encouragement that the club offered, but also by the varied programme of speakers and practical sessions provided in the programme. This all spurred me on to develop my own technical and critique skills and has enabled me to think more about how I might express my emotional intent through my pictures. As a committee member I hope to be able to assist others in improving their photography, and also to the continued success of the Society


Stuart Senior

As digital photography continues to evolve through innovation in post-production, technology, and sharing. I’ve long been passionate about how photography and computing complement one another. I enjoy exploring emerging tools that enhance creative expression and to share what I learn along the way. Since joining the Photographic Society, I’ve quickly found a welcoming group of like-minded people, which has made the experience even more enjoyable. I’m looking forward to deepening our shared knowledge, collaborating with others, and celebrating the art of image-making—while having fun in the process.