Just when you thought you'd heard the last of me (Polly) - here I am again, Gail has asked me to stand in for her for the report of last night's talk - happy to help out!! And what a talk it was. It was a bit different and not all about the gear, and f stops etc!! It wasn't about producing artistic images and adding textures or anything . It was about another side of photography which is often overlooked, particularly in Camera Club Competitions! It was a great example of Documentary Photography. I found it very emotional and moving, punctuated with great photographs. Judy and Daryl Ford talked to us about their trips to Romania over several years. The first was an organised photographic tour when the country and more importantly the people and their lives obviously touched them. They went back again with a guide and their fascination continued. They photographed and talked (mainly through their guide as interpreter) to the people scratching a living in their rural homes, producing wonderful documentary style photographs. Judy pitched to the RPS and managed to obtain a bursary to help fund their future visits. I imagine this was no mean feat! I think they said they had made 6 or 7 visits and have got to know some families well. Judy wanted to find out more about their attitudes to change and the fact that many of the younger generation were leaving to go to Europe where they could earn more money. They were able to help several people out along the way. The last part was a reading and showing of a book that Judy has written and produced about 2 of the people she met. Very hard hitting and emotional. I found it a very interesting, emotional and moving talk. The photography of the people in their environment was stunning. I likened it to James Ravilious, little knowing that his widow Robin is a friend and neighbour and that James was their inspiration behind the photography! Their delivery was so relaxed, they continually referred to, corrected and contradicted each other. Perhaps this is what photography is all about? Or at least an important function of photography? I think it's a shame that so many members missed this talk!! After the talk we were reminded that next week is at Wellington Rugby Club and is our February competition - 'Weather', judged by Rose Atkinson.