articles/Landscape/scottishaffair-page3

A Scottish Affair - part 3 of 1 2 3

Published 01/12/2001

A typical working day would start with individual members of the group going their separate ways to make their own pictures, probably in the immediate vicinity of the Centre, often no farther than the garden. Then, if negative film was being used a return to the darkroom to develop and print the results was required. If, on the other hand, transparency material had been loaded then a later return would be in order just so long as there was sufficient time for E6 processing to enable the results to be assessed that same evening after dinner.

The assessment usually took the form of each individual member setting out his or her latest work ( prints or slides ) for general viewing. Then Thomas would start his probing: ' what motivated you to make a photograph of that particular subject? What were you trying to say? How would it have looked from a different angle? So, then, why didn't you try a different angle ( closer, farther away )? Would a another lens have been better or worse? Could you have affected the lighting at all?'

Constantly, one was being forced to question one's motivation and technique in making that specific picture. After Thomas would come the deluge: the individual group members were then each allowed their questions and criticisms.

This was not quite so bad as it might seem.

We all knew that each of us would have his or her turn in the spotlight and this knowledge was a great incentive to be constructive with any criticism of another's work. Also, it enabled us to appreciate and understand the thinking that had gone into the production of each image.

But let me quash any idea that these sessions were all hard unremitting toil. Apart from the invigoration brought about by being constantly stretched, proceedings would frequently be punctuated with gales of laughter occasioned by some remark from one of the group. And, by the end one would have feelings of well being and amity towards the other group members -- not all of these feelings having been engendered by the consumption of a fine old malt from Andre's well stocked bar.

But, enough of this cogitating on an Autumn hillside. I had to be on my way. Naturally, I wanted to hand in my exposed film for processing so that it could be viewed that evening. But if I wasn't quick about it I might miss afternoon tea with more of Linda's delicious home made cake.

Oh! I suppose you want to know which one of us eventually gave way? Well, can you believe it? I did. I guess the matter was settled the moment she stopped looking at me and lowered her beautiful head. The horns on Highland cattle can be very intimidating!

Len Shipley

• A Scottish Affair page 1
  
• A Scottish Affair page 2
  
• A Scottish Affair page 3
  

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