Presenter:David duChemin
Description:
The Heart of the Photograph
An Evening with David duChemin
A compelling photograph is more than visual — it’s visceral. We don’t only see it, we feel it. Beyond focus and exposure lies something deeper: mood, story, mystery, timing, energy, and the emotional pull of a moment honestly seen.
In this inspiring presentation, David explores the human side of photography and the creative choices that give images life and meaning. From the way focal lengths shape emotion to the power of juxtaposition and gesture, The Heart of the Photograph invites photographers to move beyond simply making technically good images and towards making photographs that truly connect.
With more than 35 years behind the camera, David has taught photographers on all seven continents and spoken for audiences including Amazon and Apple. He is the best-selling author of acclaimed books including Within The Frame and The Soul of the Camera, and is known for helping photographers rediscover both purpose and joy in the craft.
Whether you’re feeling creatively energised or looking to reignite the spark, this talk will challenge, encourage, and inspire you to go deeper with your photography.
Please note: this presentation will be streamed
Date:
Time:
Address:
Presenter:Chris Palmer
Description:
We’re delighted to welcome Chris Palmer to our Print Critique Evening. Chris is well regarded for his clear, thoughtful commentary and his ability to highlight both strengths and areas for improvement. His balanced approach makes his feedback accessible and useful for photographers at all levels. We look forward to an engaging and constructive session.
Two Black and White and Two colour images per person.
Image: Shortie on the Lookout; Dave Atkinson
Date:
Time:
Address:
Presenter:18:00 - 19:45 HRS
Description:
From 18:00 hrs – to 19:45 hrs
Thursday 7 May, Westgate Library, Oxford
PRIVATE VIEW – MEMBERS’ ANNUAL EXHIBITION
Invite your friends and family to join us at the Westgate Library to view the Annual Exhibition and celebrate another great year of photography and friendship.
Drinks and nibbles will be served in the Community Space from 18:00 hrs (events room in the library). Guests will be encouraged to take their refreshments to the exhibition area and view the work on display.
The Shelagh Roberts Annual Exhibition Award will be presented.
Date:
Time:
Address:
Presenter:Members
Description:
Join us to close a rich and varied season of all things photography.
The AGM will be followed by a show of the “Reflections” Submissions and a winner will be chosen.
After Tea we will celebrate the year with our Annual Best of Year display – full details of how to contibute to follow shortly.
Image with thanks to Les Gordon
Date:
Time:
Address:
Presenter:Uwe Ackerman
Description:
We are delighted to welcome Uwe , a long-standing member of the Oxford Photographic Society, who will take us on a curated journey through his peripatetic mind!
Inspired in part by presentations on photographic projects by fellow members, Uwe’s talk brings together a diverse and thoughtfully assembled body of work. In the first half of the evening, he will share images created across a range of themes, including “Water”, “Landscape with a Twist” and “Wordsalad”, offering insight into both his creative process and the ideas behind the images.
In the second half, Uwe will present “Hospital Sounds”, a powerful 30-minute illustrated sound piece developed during his 14-week stay as a patient at the John Radcliffe Hospital. This deeply personal work combines imagery and sound to reflect on that experience.
Date:
Time:
Address:
Presenter:Quintin Lake
Description:
Signed copies of the book will be available on the night £35
WEBSITE: https://theperimeter.uk/
Date:
Time:
Address:
Presenter:Rob Farrands
Description:
Consider photography as a Practice; does it make any difference to the making and showing of our images. I have come to believe that it does by shaping imagination within ideas of change and continuity; what may otherwise be considered as haphazard is dignified by the idea of a developing practice through time. Practice becomes a deliberate frame within which we may see the world and exercise our imagination. I will help us consider these ideas by showing the results of my own practice over the last 15 years; illustrating how I have imagined and created and sought to hold it all together as a practice.
Date:
Time:
Address:
Presenter:Anna Bruce
Description:
Anna Bruce is an award-winning photojournalist and author of Tequila, Mezcal and More. She has worked extensively in Mexico, documenting agave spirits, their makers, and the culture around them. Anna regularly contributes to Mezcalistas and has self-published projects highlighting the people and stories behind these spirits. Based in Oaxaca with her partner and rescue dogs, she also runs Rambling Spirits, offering bespoke photography experiences with mezcal producers. Anna brings her storytelling eye and documentary expertise to her engaging talks.
TBC
WEBSITE: https://www.annabruce.photos/about-4
Date:
Time:
Address:
Presenter:Colin Clarke ARPS
Description:
THE CAMERAMAN’S CUT – Colin, a documentary cinematographer and photographer, draws on fifty years behind the lens in his memoir “The Cameraman’s Cut”, reflecting a life spent observing the world through imagery. In the first half of his presentation, he will explore how still photography and cinematography overlap and diverge, using stories and visuals from his extensive career to illustrate the craft. The second half turns to his photographic practice, showcasing a selection of studio and environmental portraits, including work from his ARPS panel.
Copies of his book will be available on the night – £14.99
More info on the book website: cameramanscut.com
Website: http://colclarke.co.uk/
Book reviews:“A gripping account of an intriguing career. At one moment, Colin encounters cave-dwelling crocodiles in Madagascar; next, he is filming on stage with a rock’n’ roll legend. He also delves deeper with perceptive insight into serious human and geopolitical stories. His perspective on the art of cinematography, along with the nitty-gritty of what is involved behind the camera and his witty, light-hearted storytelling style, make for a very compelling read.”Robert Swan OBE. Polar pioneer, author and environmental spokesperson“It was my privilege to work with Colin Clarke in the late 1990s and early 2000s on two television documentary series that took us all over the world. Colin is brilliant at what he does, and in The Cameraman’s Cut, he offers unique insight into the craft, the joys, the ordeals, and the adventurous travels of documentary filmmaking. Highly recommended.”Graham Hancock, Author, Broadcaster and Archaeological Investigator
Date:
Time:
Address:
Presenter:Peter Cox
Description:
We are delighted to welcome Peter Cox back to OPS as judge for this year’s popular Best Use of Light competition. Peter’s insightful and thoughtful comments have always been warmly received, and he has become a firm favourite with members.
We are looking for images that make interesting or effective use of light — whether natural or artificial. All members are invited to enter.
Please upload your entries (maximum four images per person) via Photo Contest Pro by midnight on Sunday 15 March at the latest:
We look forward to seeing your creative interpretations of light!
Image by John Boteler – 2025 Winner
Date:
Time:
Address: