A SUGGESTION FOR THE WINTER Photography
By W. R. AYLING
Wins the passing of summer and the lengthening of the evenings opportunities for outdoor photography become less frequent. For those blessed with leisure and the ability to use that leisure to advantage, some very beatniful photographs can be secured in the autumn hours of daylight. For the others, weekends and perhaps an occasional day of freedom from business must suffice. Many amateurs lay aside the camera in October, forgetting it until the spring returns. This is a great pity because photography is no less interesting in winter than in summer.
Generally speaking photographers are a friendly lot. They like to discuss their plans and failures and to feel a reasonable amount of pride in their achievements. Seldom outside the realms of scientific work does the photographer care to work alone. This is one of the reasons why photographic clubs and societies flourish. No matter how experienced the amateur may be, he can still learn from others. These clubs and societies formed for the dissemination of knowledge and for friendly intercourse, do splendid work: Distinctions of colour, class and creed are broken down, and all men meet on a common footing to talk over the problems which interest them most. With certain exceptions photographic clubs are organised and maintained by the members themselves, truly democratic and controlled by a committee of members elected by the usual methods. There are also postal portfolio clubs, limited to a certain number of members to whom a collection of photo- graphs is circulated.. With the pictures—the work of members —a notebook is enclosed and the members in turn make comments and criticism, forwarding the packet to the member next on the list. This system of communication between photographers permits members many miles apart to meet through the medium of the post.
In the case of the photographic clubs and societies, meetings are arranged throughout the winter months and in some clubs summer meetings are also part of the season's programme. Lectures are given by experienced members and well-known authorities in the world of photography give lectures on the branches of the work in which they are especially accomplished. Some of the meetings are devoted to general discussion and exchange of ideas among members. Quite a lot of these clubs have darkroom facilities with apparatus for printing and enlarg- ing, and it is customary for the older or more experienced members to help newcomers if the latter desire assistance. The cost of membership varies with the nature of the club, some having an annual subscription of shillings and others of guineas. I do not know of any club where the annual cost exceeds three guineas, so that the expenditure should not prevent any amateur from joining his local club. The one great exception in clubs and societies is the " Royal."
To give it its full and proper title, The Royal Photographic Society of Great Britain, was founded in 1853 and is open to any person interested in the art, craft or business of photography in its many branches. It is the mother of all photographic dubs and is considered the one authoritative body in Great Britain. In its possession are some of the world's finest examples of early photography and the finest library of works on the art of photography and its technique from early times to the present day. The annual subscription is quite modest and the society publishes its own magazine. Facilities for carrying out work on the premises are very limited but it must be remem- bered that the R.P.S. exists as a learned society rather than as a workroom. Non-members may see over the premises and view the exhibition prints almost any day. The secretary, H. H. Blacklock, will no doubt explain that since brand new premises have been acquired in Knightsbridge, more comfort and greater facilities will be available to members early next year.
Quite a number of the London and Provincial clubs are affiliated to the R.P.S., and can be considered as branches as far as lecture facilities are concerned. Amateurs really inter- ested in improving their work and knowledge, and anxious CO get more pleasure from the pursuit of picture-making should certainly join the local club, if there is one within reach. Join the R.P.S. also. You can be certain of good company, photographic fellowship and friendly instruction if you want it.
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