Well, that's another year gone and I have received my third request from our Editor for a 'few words', this time for the Autumn issue. It sounds so innocent, that is until you ask yourself "What am I going to write?" It is only then that a mild attack of panic sets in. Anyway here goes...
In February the Federation held the Club Championship at Washington again. Everything seemed to go well, and a great day was had by all, helped I am sure by the customary hospitality supplied by Washington CC and the staff at Harraton Hall. Plans are already in the pipeline for next year's event, which I expect will be on the same lines as this year. That being said, we are aware that as photography changes we may have to change also; watch this space.
Also in February we held the 1st Northern Counties International Print Salon. The event turned out to be a stunning success with an entry exceeding the last South Shields International (from whom we took over this year) by over 90%. This has given everybody confidence in the future success of the event; but it also brought with it problems that need to be solved for the future. Most urgent was the pressure on volunteers because without their good will nothing will happen.
That has already been addressed. In 2008 the Prints Salon will be merged with the long standing Slide International, creating one event to be held in October. This will be known as the "29th Northern Counties International Salon of Photography". We are also extremely fortunate to have been able to find new volunteers to take on the work of those who, for one reason or another, have had to 'retire' from the teams.
The Annual General Meeting was held in March with a new streamlined format. Whilst the numbers attending did not increase, at least they did not fall and, judging by the comments received, the changes that were implemented were well received. I did ask those present for their views and there was near unanimous agreement that we should persevere with the new format for 2008. We will of course not be able to show the Print International there due to its move to October, but I am sure we will be able to come up with another absorbing display.
April saw the Federation holding our Annual Competitions under the new revised rules; and with an Electronic Imaging Section for the first time. Everything seemed to go like clockwork; the new section was a great success and no doubt will develop further over the next few years.
Most noticeable was the drop in slide entries, especially in the Beginners Section, where there were only two entrants. This factor resonated with me especially as my own club (Northallerton CC), which has been and still is very strong in slide entries; found it had none at all in the equivalent section of our Annual Slide Exhibition this year. This trend cannot be ignored, as it is apparent that largely, new recruits to club photography are already committed to the digital age. As a result the Federation already has plans for the 2008 Beginners Slides to become dual projection, so including digitally projected images as well as traditional transparencies in the same competition.
Looking back at the events I have described there is a common thread and it is that of continual change, as we adapt to the changes in club photography. To some we will be moving too fast, whilst to others we might appear to be dragging our feet so to speak. What is clear to me though is that change, whilst necessary, generally means extra work for the teams of volunteers who organise events on your behalf.
It is to this happy band (who said they're happy did I hear someone say?) that I now turn as without them, as I have already said, things just don't happen. The Executive Officers, also volunteers, who lead these teams often have additional work in the background preparation that generally goes unseen and is often spread over many months. On behalf of everybody in the Federation, I extend a huge thank you to all for their commitment and effort; it is an immeasurable contribution.
One factor, which often motivates volunteers, is the thought that they are putting something back into a hobby, which has given them so much. I well remember how I first became involved with the Federation. I had attended one of their events and was so impressed that I felt it only right to drop the organising chairman a short letter of thanks. That lead to me joining the Sub-Committee, and the rest is history.
My point is that, surely there are others out there who have had a similar experience. There is one thing that I can promise you; it is that if you do become involved you will find that enjoyment of your hobby only increases. Why not come forward and offer to help, even if it has to be in a small way, we do appreciate that not everybody has the time to take on large amounts of work. Remember you will only get out of photography what you care to put in.
Dave Coates