Valerie Elliot 98 FEBRUARY

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1 98 FEBRUARY WHAT ARE DISTINCTIONS? Distinctions are standards of achievement recognised throughout the world LRPS Applicants need to show good photographic competence in five key areas ARPS Evidence of a creative ability and personal style, plus complete control of the technical aspects of photography FRPS Our highest Distinction is given for excellence and a distinguished ability in photography Valerie Elliot ARPS CREATIVE I had just gained my Licentiate when I visited Santorini in May 2014 and was ready for a new challenge. I found myself entranced by the Aegean light on the white walls, uneven steps and unusual corners. I enjoyed the lines and curves of the cubist church and loved the tones of blue, a colour which has always been a favourite. But what inspired the portfolio was the sense of peace and uplift of spirit that I experienced in this environment. This work was produced especially for submission. After my first visit to the island, reviewing my images at home, I wondered if some might be of Associate standard and sought advice from an FRPS panel member. Some images were deemed to be of the quality required so I decided that light on white with touches of blue should be my theme. I was not in a hurry; I wanted to learn a lot and enjoy the process. Having chosen the theme, I found that my seeing eye developed. On subsequent visits I knew what I was looking for. I found myself noticing the lines and angles, the shadows, the textures creating the pictures in my mind and composing them in the camera. There is hardly any cropping in my portfolio. I learned about the correct exposures for shooting whites in different situations and light conditions. I spent a lot of money repeatedly printing each image and trying several textured papers until I was sure of the best tonal balance of whites and blues. The whole thing took me 17 months, including three trips to Santorini. Clockwise, from above: Church near Akrotiri; On the caldera, Imerovigli; Pyrgos 98 / THE RPS JOURNAL / FEBRUARY 2016 / VOL 156

2 FEATURE SPONSORED BY VOL 156 / FEBRUARY 2016 / THE RPS JOURNAL / 99

3 100 DISTINCTIONS ASSESSOR S VIEW ANN MILES FRPS, CREATIVE DEPUTY CHAIR Above: Oia 3 Left: Oia 5 As the images of Elliott s panel were being put up for assessment, the first thought was Another set of images from that Greek Island. But it quickly became apparent that this was very different from the bright, high-contrast images that were the norm in transparency days. Here we have subtlety in the tone, shape and texture of the images, with a great deal of thought having been put into the subject matter both in content at the taking stage and in the processing. Elliott s statement of intent clearly defines her objective without overelaborating details of technique or location. Unlike some other categories, Creative asks the question why? rather than how, where or what. Her intention is to share with us images that show her spiritual experience of the location and I feel her panel fully achieves this aim. A good panel is the result of personal vision (knowing what you are hoping to achieve) and having the skill to achieve your aim. This panel has that individual sense of design and composition. The hanging plan resembles a building with vertical images forming a strong central column radiating out but held in at the corners by strong images. There is good balance to the panel, with the different depths of blues carefully located in symmetrical pairs. The danger of such a panel is always repetition but we felt that there was sufficient variety in the shapes and textures. Elliott s panel is a cohesive body of work showing an individual approach in style and technique to a well-photographed subject. It is well up to Associate standard. 100 / THE RPS JOURNAL / FEBRUARY 2016 / VOL 156

4 TREVOR CRAIG FEATURE SPONSORED BY LRPS DISTINCTIONS 101 On the caldera towards Firostefani VOL 156 / FEBRUARY 2016 / THE RPS JOURNAL / 101

5 102 DISTINCTIONS Clockwise, from above: Exo Gonia cemetery; Megalochori; On the caldera, Oia / THE RPS JOURNAL / FEBRUARY 2016 / VOL 156

6 FEATURE SPONSORED BY WENG SANG WONG ARPS DISTINCTIONS 103 HANGING PLAN There is good balance to the panel, with the different depths of blues carefully located in symmetrical pairs FACT FILE Valerie Elliott s interest in photography deepened when she retired from working in education in She enjoys photographing a variety of subjects and is a member of Shillington and District Camera Club VOL 156 / FEBRUARY 2016/ THE RPS JOURNAL / 103