Public Go Mad for March Hares
Visitors to St Laurence’s Church in June were treated to an exhibition of photographs by Ludlow Photographic Club, displayed in the Lady Chapel, beneath the awe-inspiring Tree of Jesse window.
Over 60 photographs were presented, featuring everything from abstract to landscape and wildlife to castles. There was a 22% increase in visitor numbers over last year, with 1,875 people coming from as far afield as New Zealand and Mexico, in addition to all parts of the UK. Club chairman Trevor Patchett commented that the exhibition, now in its third year at the church, had been a huge success with visitor numbers climbing year-on-year.
A particular feature was the request that visitors vote for their favourite photograph, something most found both engaging and challenging. The winning image was March Hares by Peter Lomas, taken earlier this year in Norfolk. This marks the second time Peter has taken top spot, following a successful outing two years ago. Also popular was Hospital Corridor by Justin Smith, with many visitors commenting on the way it draws them in. Other popular photos can be seen on the club website.
Trevor went on to say, “Exhibiting at St Laurence’s Church, we’d hoped that visitor numbers would be good, but they far exceeded our expectation, and many seemed genuinely interested in the display and the opportunity to talk about the photographs with club members.”
The club holds fortnightly meetings where there is an opportunity to learn from a wide range of visiting, (often award-winning) specialist speakers, to hear critique of your work from experienced judges at competitions (whose opinions usually generate much discussion in the pub afterwards), and to contribute your skills and knowledge for the benefit of others. The club also organises monthly photo-meets around the area and, once or twice a year, travel further afield for three or four days, having recently returned from a trip to the Netherlands.
It’s a friendly and sociable group, with a good mix of ability and camera preferences including film, DSLR and phone. Whatever the camera, it’s the photo that counts! To see more photos from the exhibition and for anyone interested in joining the group, visit www.ludlow-photographic-club.org.uk.
