OPS Weekly Newsletter 8 February 2026
- Last meeting held on Tues 3 February: Breathless in Nepal – Julian Elliott, an award-winning landscape and travel photographer, writer and modern-day nomad
Julian showed an excellent set of images of the remote region of Upper Mustang in Nepal which borders on China. It is one of the last truly remote and culturally preserved corners of the Himalayas and a place that few travellers, and fewer photographers, ever see. There is one road in and one road out and tourists need to buy a permit to visit.
The culture is rooted in Tibetan Buddhism, but is some parts there are traces of the Bon religion, an even older spiritual practice that predates Buddhism in Tibet. The coexistence of these two belief systems is reflected in the monasteries, rituals, and festivals of the region. Ancient sky caves carved into sheer cliffs hold secrets of both religious traditions, some adorned with centuries-old murals that tell stories of deities, spirits, and cosmic order.
His trip to this mountainous region came after he had been contacted by a travel company which was trying to develop tourism to the region. There are several ‘trekking’ companies that operate guided trips to the region and Julian was asked if he would visit and raise the profile of the area. He jumped at the chance and has developed a photographic tour of Upper Mustang.
Being mountainous and having views of the Annapurna mountain range to the east it is a great area for landscapes and panoramic shots, of which Julian showed many examples and spoke about how he shot them.
The towns and villages of Mustang are also captivating. The walled former capital city of Lo Manthang, once the seat of the Mustang royal family, is still surrounded by imposing mud-brick walls. Its narrow alleys, whitewashed houses, and monasteries transport visitors into a world where time seems to stand still. Locals dressed in traditional attire go about their daily lives, herding yaks, spinning prayer wheels.
Julian showed images of the prayer flags, colourful rectangular cloth, often found strung along trails and peaks high in the Himalayas. They are used to bless the surrounding countryside and for other purposes.
Though the area cries out for shots of the vastness of its emptiness he also showed some excellent intimate images: a close-up shot of a monk dressed in deep red chiming a Buddhist bell in his hands, a woman’s hands counting a string of beads and a monk moving his finger across the writing of a scripture.
Upper Mustang sits at an average altitude of 3,000 to 4,000 meters (9,800 to 13,100 feet) and if you are not acclimatised to this altitude things can become a little scary if you go down with altitude sickness – which is what happened to Julian.
Altitude sickness can kill and you can get it if you are in an area above 2,500 meters. You are advised not to travel from an altitude that’s less than 1,200 metres to an altitude that’s more than 3,500 metres in one day. Also travel to a high altitude slowly to give your body time to get used to lower oxygen levels, spend a few days at an altitude below 2,500 metres before going any higher, have a rest day at the same altitude every three to four days (if you’re at an altitude of 3,000 metres or more) and drink enough water so you do not get dehydrated.
Fortunately, Julian was driven down to a lower region and was treated by a doctor at the local hospital. After a rest and recuperation, he continued his trip.
Julian also showed some of his very colourful shots of Nepal’s capital Kathmandu, one that particularly stood out was a monk in a temple walking past a large prayer wheel.
A fascinating look at a very remote part of the world and if you want to join him on one of his photography tour and workshops please see his website here.
- Next meeting Tues 10 February: Print Competition No. 2.
Our judge will be Peter Cox
- Upcoming meetings/events
- 17 Feb: Rose Bowl Competition – Judging round at OPS
- 24 Feb: Short Term Project, Long Term Lessons: Photographing Life of Moroccan Nomads with Michal Lewek plus + Panels: A Practical Guide with Phil Joyce
- 3 March: Panel Competition
- 10 March: The Perimeter with Quintin Lake documenting an 11,000km walk around the coast of Britain
You can see the programme up to the end of the year and beyond here and download it:
https://oxfordphotosociety.co.uk/programme-download/
- Photographic events in and around Oxford
High Resolution Satellite Imagery for Monitoring Vulnerable Communities, in Changing Environments
Satellite imagery provides an amazing window into the diverse landforms, flora and fauna, and natural processes of the world around us, not only beautiful but useful too. Humanity has left a significant ‘footprint’ on our environment: from forest clearance, war impact, and pollution of the earth, sea, air, and even space. Dr Chris Lavers’ exhibition reflects on mankind’s impact on the earth, and on the most vulnerable elements of humanity, and emphasises the risks and suffering experienced daily by indigenous communities.
Pembroke College Art Gallery,
5, Brewer Street,
Oxford
OX1 1QN,
Fri 23 January – Fri 13 March 2026
https://www.pembrokejcrart.org/current-exhibitions
The Wild Encounter
Wildlife photography by Robert Edwards
10 January to 28 February 2026
Oxford-based journalist and photographer Robert Edwards is channeling his passion for the natural world into a positive local effort, bringing wildlife photos captured during his travels to patients and staff at the Churchill Hospital.
All proceeds from print sales will go to Oxford Hospitals Charity.
Follow Robert on Instagram @robertpedwards
https://www.ouh.nhs.uk/artlink/exhibitions/south-street-gallery/?ref=oxfordclarion.uk
Jon Dunn – Oxford Botanic Garden & Arboretum, Winter Lecture Series
Natural history writer and photographer Jon Dunn addresses the OBGA Winter Lecture Series.
Oxford University Museum of Natural History
7.00-8.30 Thursday 19 February
https://www.obga.ox.ac.uk/event/jon-dunn-winter-lecture-series
Camera Club: Spring Exhibition
Camera Club is part of The North Wall’s YouthLab programme, which supports young people aged 12-17 in developing their creative skills alongside professional artists. Every year a group of 6-8 aspiring photographers works with artist Elina Medley to create images using digital SLR cameras and then to curate an exhibition of photography.
Sat 28 March to Thur 2 April.
This exhibition takes place at Magdalen Road Studios
https://www.thenorthwall.com/whats-on/camera-club-exhibition-2026/
Dylan Brennan THE BIG SHOT with Greg Brennan
Blackwell’s, Broad Street Oxford
Wednesday, 27 May from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Dylan Brennan will discuss his new photographic book, The Big Shot with Britain’s most celebrated press photographer, Greg Brennan.
The Big Shot: Photographs by Greg Brennan showcases the work of one of Britain’s longest standing and most celebrated press photographers, offering an intimate look at three decades of celebrity, entertainment and major events.
From Hollywood and music legends to sporting greats, fashion visionaries and members of the British royal family, Greg Brennan has spent a lifetime chasing every opportunity to provide the public with rare behind-the-scenes insights, capturing encounters with the likes of Jack Nicholson, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lady Gaga, Kate Moss and Queen Elizabeth II.
- Exhibitions further a field
Best photography exhibitions to see in 2026
- Astronomy Photographer of the Year, National Maritime Museum
- Bird Photographer of the Year, touring
- RPS Landscape Group Members’ Outdoor Exhibition, touring
- Wildlife Photographer of the Year 61, Natural History Museum
- Boris Mikhailov: Ukrainian Diary, The Photographers’ Gallery
- Lee Miller, Tate Britain
- Taylor Wessing Photo Portrait Prize 2025, National Portrait Gallery
- Richard Avedon: Facing West, Gagosian Grosvenor Hill
- The Last Resort, Martin Parr Foundation
- Catherine Opie: To Be Seen, National Portrait Gallery
- Sony World Photography Awards 2026, Somerset House
- Marilyn Monroe: A Portrait, National Portrait Gallery
- Tim Walker’s Fairyland: Love and Legends, National Portrait Gallery
- Taylor Wessing Photo Portrait Prize 2026, National Portrait Gallery
More detail here:
https://amateurphotographer.com/latest/articles/best-photography-exhibitions-to-see/
- General photographic interest
RPS’s February Update
Welcome to the February RPS Update. This month we’re showcasing the newly launched Don McCullin exhibition at the Holburne Museum, we have an exciting announcement for the touring International Photography Exhibition 166, and details on how to get 20% off your tickets for the Photography & Video Show.
Coral, fungi and butterflies: check out the winners of the close up photographer contest
The winners of the seventh edition of the Close-up Photography of the Year (CUPOTY) contest have been announced. This year’s competition drew more than 12,000 entries from 63 countries, with images revealing wonders of the world through macro, micro and close-up photography.
https://www.dpreview.com/articles/1064216388/close-up-photographer-of-the-year-2026-winners
Wildlife photographer of the year – people’s choice 2026
A shortlist of 24 images has been selected for the wildlife photographer of the year people’s choice award. You can vote for your favourite image online. The winner will be announced on 25 March and shown from that date as part of the overall wildlife photographer of the year exhibition, which runs until 12 July at the Natural History Museum in London
Gorgeous pictures of rural creatives – see how it’s done
Described as an antidote to throwaway culture, Suzy Bennett’s beautiful book Artisans of Dartmoor celebrates inspiring individuals who work in traditional crafts. Tracy Calder talks to her about the challenges involved in environmental portraiture
‘They’d rarely seen television’: childhood magic in rural Colombia – in pictures
Wendy Ewald’s novel Magic Eyes is interspersed with photographs of the children she taught in a village outside Bogotá – and the stunning pictures she taught them to take