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Welcome to Preston Photographic Society
Whether you've just started out in photography or you've being taking pictures for years, Preston Photographic Society (PPS) is a community of like minded people who understand your goals and challenges and want to help you succeed in what ever you want to achieve.
We have a range of passionate photographers who take pictures of all genres from landscapes, events, weddings, portraits, birds and many more in between, who would be happy to share and offer advice, encouragement and education to watch you develop as a photographer.
We have a range of passionate photographers who take pictures of all genres from landscapes, events, weddings, portraits, birds and many more in between, who would be happy to share and offer advice, encouragement and education to watch you develop as a photographer.
History of Preston Photographic Society
Preston Camera Club was founded on the 14 November 1905.
The original members were from the Preston Scientific Society who wanted a society for photography.
Professional and amateur photographers were attracted to the club which held lectures, competitions and events with the aim of promoting photography.
For over half a century the Club met at Stanley Chambers on Lancaster Road. During this time the club took part in regional and national competitions where it became known for its natural history and portrait photography.
Some members achieving notoriety:
Preston Photographic Society as it is now known, is a member of the Lancashire and Cheshire Photographic Union (L&CPU), which is a member of the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain (PAGB).
We have about 72 members ranging in age from 24 to 70 covering the full range of abilities from beginners to professional photographers.
The original members were from the Preston Scientific Society who wanted a society for photography.
Professional and amateur photographers were attracted to the club which held lectures, competitions and events with the aim of promoting photography.
For over half a century the Club met at Stanley Chambers on Lancaster Road. During this time the club took part in regional and national competitions where it became known for its natural history and portrait photography.
Some members achieving notoriety:
- Natural history photographer Joseph Speed, who was the first to capture the flight of a bumble bee at 1/5000th of a second
- The photo-journalist Noel Combes
- Art photographer Jack Nicholson.
Preston Photographic Society as it is now known, is a member of the Lancashire and Cheshire Photographic Union (L&CPU), which is a member of the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain (PAGB).
We have about 72 members ranging in age from 24 to 70 covering the full range of abilities from beginners to professional photographers.
Who's who, Meet the Committee
Visit the Preston Photographic Societies meet the Committee page to view a list of Committee members and what their role is within the club.
A list of current Committee members for 2021/22 are:
A list of current Committee members for 2021/22 are:
- Mick Porter - President
- Iain Jack - Secretary and Vice-President
- Sandra Wiseman - Treasurer
- Peter Bunting - Internal Competition Secretary
- Angela Kershaw - Syllabus Secretary
- Lee Inskip-Clarke - Photo Walks Co-Ordinator
- Louise Ollerton - Social Secretary and Exhibition Co-Ordinator
- Tim Gilbert - External Competition Secretary
- Ian Heslop - Media Co-Ordinator
So what do we do?
We take Pictures and have Fun!!
We meet on a Thursday evening usually at Moor Park Sports and Social Club (was Fulwood Conservative Club). During Covid-19 we held Zoom online meetings which have been successful and maybe something the club will explore in the future.
A season runs from September to the end of May, for example September 2022 to May 2023.
Our syllabus is structured to cater for a wide variety of photographic interests and includes:-
We are on Facebook, where we have a PPS website and issue a Weekly Newsletter to members.
We meet on a Thursday evening usually at Moor Park Sports and Social Club (was Fulwood Conservative Club). During Covid-19 we held Zoom online meetings which have been successful and maybe something the club will explore in the future.
A season runs from September to the end of May, for example September 2022 to May 2023.
Our syllabus is structured to cater for a wide variety of photographic interests and includes:-
- Lectures by experts in a diverse range of photographic fields
- Practical demonstrations of techniques (Members Nights)
- Photo-walks
- Competition nights and Inter-club events,
- Photo event opportunities through Preston City Council (Guildhall/Preston Live), Winckley Square, Preston Flag Market
- Critique nights
- Occasional Big Speaker Events (Famous Photographers)
- Social Activities and a monthly raffle on competition nights.
We are on Facebook, where we have a PPS website and issue a Weekly Newsletter to members.
Where can I find out what is going on at the club?
Check out the Syllabus section on the website for a full run down of events and activities.
The club has two Facebook groups, one for potential members and another for fully paid members.
The club has two Facebook groups, one for potential members and another for fully paid members.
Where are we
We meet at Moor Park Sports and Social Club (was Fulwood Conservative Club) on Blackpool Road.
If you are using a Sat nav, it may direct you incorrectly at the traffic lights nearest to the club at the junction of Blackpool Road and Garstang Road. If you are travelling from the M6 from junction 32, it may direct you right at the lights instead of left.
Limited parking is available within the clubs car park. Alternative parking is available opposite the club at Flame Urban Spa.
We do use Zoom virtual meetings from time to time, joining instructions will be emailed to all members.
If you are using a Sat nav, it may direct you incorrectly at the traffic lights nearest to the club at the junction of Blackpool Road and Garstang Road. If you are travelling from the M6 from junction 32, it may direct you right at the lights instead of left.
Limited parking is available within the clubs car park. Alternative parking is available opposite the club at Flame Urban Spa.
We do use Zoom virtual meetings from time to time, joining instructions will be emailed to all members.
Our Syllabus and Lectures
Please visit the Syllabus section on the website, where you will find the latest information on the syllabus and what is coming up.
The syllabus is made up of key speakers, who visit the club to talk to us about a variety of photography topics, genre's of photography, such as portrait, wildlife, travel and many others.
We also offer members nights where this is an opportunity for you to get out your camera and try new skills and techniques from some of our more experienced members. These sessions are aimed at learning, practicing techniques, for example, capturing water drops, Light/Star trails, portrait photography and night photography, to name just a few.
The syllabus also covers a monthly internal competition where you can challenge your photography skills against other members.
The syllabus is made up of key speakers, who visit the club to talk to us about a variety of photography topics, genre's of photography, such as portrait, wildlife, travel and many others.
We also offer members nights where this is an opportunity for you to get out your camera and try new skills and techniques from some of our more experienced members. These sessions are aimed at learning, practicing techniques, for example, capturing water drops, Light/Star trails, portrait photography and night photography, to name just a few.
The syllabus also covers a monthly internal competition where you can challenge your photography skills against other members.
Portrait Evenings
The club also have portrait nights using various models. Members experience shooting in a studio environment and learning to use lighting equipment.
Places are limited to 6 people on Portrait nights to allow people enough time. I promise you will get some great images. This evening is an additional cost to cover room hire and the cost of the model. More information can be found on our portrait night page.
Places are limited to 6 people on Portrait nights to allow people enough time. I promise you will get some great images. This evening is an additional cost to cover room hire and the cost of the model. More information can be found on our portrait night page.
Photo-Walks
Photo-walks take place through the summer and winter months, outside of the club's normal season and are open to anyone (including non-members).
Photo-walks are a good opportunity to learn from other photographers and socialise as well. Some examples of destinations we visit include:
All these events are advertised on our Facebook page, newsletter and website.
Photo-walks are a good opportunity to learn from other photographers and socialise as well. Some examples of destinations we visit include:
- Brock bottoms
- Albert Docks - Liverpool
- Fleetwood Wrecks and Mary's Shell
- Anthony Gormley's, Another Place in Crosby
- Abbey Ruins at Heysham
- Fairy Glen at Parbold
- St Annes Pier and Beach Huts
- Salford Quays in Manchester
- Avenham and Miller Parks.
All these events are advertised on our Facebook page, newsletter and website.