Personal Profile _ Simon Allen

        Simon first became interested in photography when his mother upgraded her camera and passed her Zenit on to him. Simon thinks that it may not be much of a camera by today's standards, but he thinks anyone starting out in photography would be well advised to spend some time with an entirely manual camera. He believes it's all very well having an auto-everything piece of kit but, unless you understand what it's doing for you, the chances are that you will never realise it's full potential, or be aware of when it's time to provide a degree of personal input. This first 35mm camera will have come into his possession around 1976.

        Although he first started taking photographs on a fairly regular basis from the receipt of the Zenit, his real interest in photography as something other than a means to an end occurred during his years at college in Paisley. During that period he met two fellow students who provided him with his first "photographic enthusiast" and "motor sport fanatic". Between them they generated in him an interest in the creative possibilities of photography and an appropriate subject matter on which a male teenager might experiment without "losing face".

        Although it is now many years since Simon participated in motorsport photography, he is grateful, from a technical viewpoint, that it was his starting point. However, for Simon, coping with all that decision making while trying to capture a speeding car, lead him to his second camera. Simon's photographic pal who had the nickname of "Wombat" had a Canon AE-1. So guess what? Simon purchased a 28mm lens and later a 75-200 mm zoom. (As Simon says. student grants were more generous in those days) and his interest in photography rapidly overtook his love of motorsport.

        Simon's interest in photography took another significant step forward when, for his 21st Birthday, his Parents presented him with a Paterson developing and enlarging kit. Thus his lasting fascination with the art of photographic printing commenced. Not being someone who felt the need for "Instruction Manuals" he learned the basics of printing through trial and error and error and error! But despite a rather rocky start, his enthusiasm for the creativity afforded by undertaking one's own printing, whether traditional or, latterly, digital, has never waned for him.

        After graduating college and returning home to gainful employment in Dumfriesshire, Simon decided that steps should be taken to further his interest in photography. This eventually lead Simon to join Dumfries Camera Club in 1983, a decision that has possibly had a greater influence on his life than any other. He remains an active member to this day. Long may it continue in the future.

        During his years with Dumfries Camera Club he has had the dubious pleasure of having been a committee member since 1986 during which time he has been President (twice), Honorary Secretary for several years and now is Syllabus Secretary.

        Simon's photographic "career" has developed at a steady pace, from initial involvement purely within Dumfries Camera Club and entry within club competitions to eventual success in International Exhibitions throughout the world as well as involvement in lecturing and judging at club, national and international levels.

        Simon first entered an international exhibition, "The Scottish", in 1986 when fellow club member Rod Wheelans cajoled him into submitting four slides. One of those slides received a FIAP Ribbon, which generated more excitement in Rod than in Simon, as he did not have a clue what it was or what it signified. However, it captured his lasting interest and although it was sometime before awards happily became a regular reward for his efforts, the entering of international exhibitions and the eager anticipation of result cards and catalogues had him well and truly hooked. Continued success eventually gained him an AFIAP in 1992 and EFIAP in 2001.

        Simon also became involved with the PAGB Awards from the very start, receiving his DPAGB at the very first adjudication in 1994 and MPAGB in 1999. He considers this system of awards to be a wonderful opportunity for club photographers and he can assure any individual wishing to apply that attending an adjudication day is the most nerve wrecking experience they are likely to encounter. Simon now finds himself on the other side of the fence as he was one of the adjudicators at the judging weekend in November 2002.

        Equally rewarding is his involvement in the lecturing and judging circuit. Not only does it give him a chance to put something back into his beloved hobby, hopefully for the benefit of others, but gives him a chance to meet a wide ranging cross section of people with interests matching his own. To act as a selector at an international salon almost brings him full circle and it is a most rewarding and humbling experience.

        Simon's initial photographic interest was in slides, but on discovering the joys of monochrome printing, his allegiance altered. Eventually he found his involvement in colour work reduced to the stage when a colour image was basically and hand-coloured monochrome print. This was not a particularly conscious shift in emphasis and, he is glad to say, the advent of Photoshop has brought colour back to his life!

        In terms of photographic topics, his preferences have changed on numerous occasions over the years. In general terms he is happy to try and capture anything on film although he likes to work on thematic panels as he finds this a great way to learn and further one's own ability in any particular field. One particular change he has experienced during the past five years is the inclusion of the human form. Once to be avoided at all costs, they are now to be found in the majority of his images, whether from a studio sitting, a candid portrait or simply to add scale or depth to a picture.

        Simon is the first to say that he does not have any particular dislikes in photography although there are probably certain types of image that he would personally avoid. One pet hate however of Simon's, is the quality of photographic image produced in the vast majority of scenic calendars!

        Competitions have probably become more important to him than he might like to admit. However, he likes to think that this has proved to be a positive attribute as it is often the next competition appearing on the horizon that has generated the enthusiasm and motivation to grab the camera and actually do something useful with it. Simon would like to add at this point that it was an absolute joy when he eventually realised that an individual judge's opinions are not that important in the scheme of things and that everyone should always produce images for themselves and not for others. If you are pleased with the end result, then that is all that really matters at the end of the day.

        Simon has been fortunate enough to win several FIAP and PSA Gold Medals in international competitions and it was probably the first of these that provided the greatest personal thrill in his time as a keen photographer. Fortunately no one else was in the house when the report card from Canada dropped on the doormat!

        However, the most exciting moment during his years of involvement in photographic competitions was when Dumfries Camera Club won the PAGB Print Championship and he received the medal for best colour print in the competition. As Simon comments, having others to share a special moment with always adds that extra buzz!

        Of course there are plenty of occasions other than competitions that provide equal excitement and reward. There are those moments, which we hopefully all experience on odd occasions, when you press the camera shutter and just KNOW you have captured a grade A, gold plated jaw-dropping image. He (like everyone else) knows of nothing to beat it.

        As far as current projects are concerned, Simon is involved with a small group of photographers, mostly sourced from Dumfries Camera Club, who call themselves Teamworks. Their main reason for existence is to provide an outlet, through exhibitions, of personal work which may not have particular competitive worth but which they nevertheless consider to be of at least equal value and interest. Teamworks normally work on thematic panels and Simon is currently making an effort to return to landscape photography by producing a range of colour panoramic images. Each picture will comprise approximately four individual negatives, brought together in Photoshop. It is a great release to work purely for one's own enjoyment without restraint and with the input and encouragement of friends.

        In combination with his photography he is currently making a concerted effort to become more involved in hillwalking and has joined a growing band of Dumfries Camera Club members enjoying this pastime. Needless to say, the photographic opportunities are endless.

        While photography takes up most of his spare time, he also enjoys drinking, a good book or film, a good meal (with drink), the occasional game of golf and ... drink. Well, he is a photographer after all!

        What long term objectives or aims does he have, you may ask. Well, photography has, over the past twenty years or so, provided him with a great deal of pleasure, friendship, excitement and moments of unbridled joy. All he asks is for more of the same. However, he does not want to become involved professionally in any shape or form!

        During his years as an enthusiastic amateur photographer there have undoubtedly been many interesting and humorous moments, most of which are probably forgotten. However, Simon remembers the following recollections as a conclusion to his "Profile".

        While photographing at Ullswater on one occasion he courteously jumped into his car and drove it forward a few feet to enable the car behind easier access from the layby. Do not rely on being rewarded for your good deeds, says Simon as he drove over the top of his gadget bag!

        While on holiday in Greece recently he approached an old fisherman standing in his boat and, in something approaching Greek, asked if he could take his picture. He agreed and Simon set about the task. After taking a dozen or so images from varying angles and with different lenses his new found friend pointedly uttered in passable English "Thank you". Some people just do not have any patience.

Editor