At SPS, we have a number of Special Interest groups that meet regularly. Some groups meet weekly or twice weekly, others fortnightly or sporadically. Please have a look at the general schedule on the weekly meetings schedule HERE.
Technique Group
Group Leader: Bob Dallow
Meets Monday evenings (8pm onwards) and most Saturday mornings (10 – 12 noon). Please check with Bob.
The group offers members an informal and practical approach to acquiring the necessary technical skills required for successful photography, including image processing and printing. Those attending have access to the Society’s studio equipment and darkroom.
Bob Dallow – Still Life
Studio Group
Group Leader: Roger Parry ARPS,EFIAP, MPAGB, Hon PAGB
Meets every other Tuesday at 7pm unless otherwise advised.
The Studio Group is for Members only and offers the opportunity to work with experienced models in a professionally equipped studio. A charge is made at each meeting to cover model fees.
Photographs taken at these sessions can be entered into internal and external competitions, but must not be used for commercial purposes without the permission of both the Society and the model concerned.
Dave Airston – Fredau
Natural History Group
Group Leader: Barbara Lawton, FRPS, DPAGB
The aim of the Natural History Group is to bring together photographers with an interest in natural history and to allow an exchange of ideas and techniques in order to broaden our approaches to nature photography.
Meetings are arranged throughout the year and are a mixture of indoor sessions plus field trips in the warmer months. Dates for the indoor meetings will be published on this website’s Programme Calendar. Dates for field meetings will also be published on this website as well as the club notice board.
Photographers of all levels are welcome.
Barbara Lawton – Male Orange Tip Butterfly
Friday Focus Groups
Group Leader: Vacant
Normally meet on the third Friday evening of each Month and aim to inform, inspire and encourage. Groups include Black & White Group, AV Group and Critique Group as well as specialist demonstrations.
Our evenings are therefore based on talks and demonstrations aimed at improving our photographic skills both at the taking and post processing stages.
Subjects covered include Photoshop, Digital Printing, Colour Space, Advanced monochrome, various Plug-in filters, Pictures to Exe, Manufacturer visits, obtaining photographic distinctions etc. Each evening is led by photographers competent in the subject with the specific aim of raising your standards and aspirations.
Group activities are broadcast via the SPS Members Email System as well as being detailed on this website’s Programme Calendar.
Doors Open at 7pm and the two hour programme commences at 8pm sharp.
Ray Dowding – French Restaurant
Social and Out and About Group
Group Leader: John Moore
The aim of the group is to bring members together at locations throughout the country in a social environment.
Field trips are arranged to various venues and events and are a chance for members to exchange of ideas and techniques in the company of their fellow photographers.
All are welcome irrespective of the level of your photography. Group activities are broadcast via the SPS Members Email System.
John Moore – Fun in a Car
Distinctions and Exhibition Group
Group Leader: Roger Parry ARPS,EFIAP, MPAGB, Hon PAGB
Many members at Smethwick have improved their photography by entering external exhibitions or gaining photographic distinctions. The Distinctions & Exhibitions group has been formed for all those members who wish to work towards attaining a qualification with the Royal Photographic Society (RPS) or with the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain (PAGB), or who wish to prepare images for entry into BPE/FIAP/PSA and other exhibitions.
Support will be available from a number of experienced club members who have attained the required distinctions or are regular exhibitors in external exhibitions. Advice will be available on selecting which images to enter for exhibitions or use in a panel, as well as how to improve individual images to increase their chance of success.
It is hoped that all members attending will contribute to the discussions over images. Members must bring between 1-3 images along to each meeting they wish to attend, either prints or PDIs.
Members may join the group at any time, and all club members may attend no matter what their photographic standard.
Doors Open at 7pm and the two hour programme commence at 8pm sharp.
Judith Parry – The Hat and the Curl