Life at Leeds Photographic Society will be taking a big step in the direction of normality in the next few days, with a return to face-to-face meetings and the showing of its first exhibition since 2019.
The exhibition of members’ work in the roof space of Salts Mill in Saltaire will be held over the weekend of Friday to Sunday, September 17th to 19th, coinciding with the Saltaire Festival. Entry is free and the show will include print displays and images projected on large screens. Members of the society will also be on hand to chat with visitors and answer any queries.
The society came into being in 1852 just a few months after the birth of photography as a medium, predating the inauguration of the Royal Photographic Society by several months. The society, which currently has over 60 members, has had to adapt to deal with the challenges posed by the pandemic. But it has continued to thrive during the past 18 months, conducting a full programme of meetings via internet video link. It aims to start its in-person meetings on – or as soon as possible after – Tuesday, September 7th in Saint Edmund’s Church Hall, Lidgett Park Road, Roundhay, Leeds. The aim is to stream meetings simultaneously via Zoom for members unable to attend.
Meetings on Tuesdays between 7.30pm and 9.30pm will include externally judged photographic competitions, discussion sessions, and illustrated presentations by both the society’s own members and a series of keynote speakers. The talks will cover areas from wildlife photography to creative landscapes and in keeping with the times, a session on iPhone photography.
President Monty Trent said whilst there are many excellent photographers in the society, its membership spans a range of skills. He adds: “We really are a friendly group and welcome new members of all abilities, whether you are an experienced photographer, or an absolute beginner looking for the inspiration to move on to the next level. “It’s great news that we shall resume face-to-face meetings in September as soon as we can screen them simultaneously via Zoom. This will enable all our visiting speakers, guests and members to join into the 44 exciting meetings we’ve planned for 2021/22.”
The programme for the coming season and information on becoming a member can be found at www.lps1852.org.