Winter Programme 2025-2026
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Tue06Jan20268:00 pmSt Ives Free ChurchWhat are the Chances? - the Pros and Cons of Nature Travel PhotographyIn this presentation Gary will discuss the kit and general settings he uses for his nature photography. His go to workflow from capture to final print. He will tell us how he goes about planning a trip, managing expectations and what he calls his ‘wish list pyramid’. The talk will be illustrated with photos from his trip in February 2025 to Uganda and will also include some multimedia audio visual presentations. Gary's prints of African Wildlife will be available to view and discuss with him on the night.
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Tue13Jan20268:00 pmSt Ives Free Church
20George Dellar Trophy
1. Held annually.
2. Image to be taken within Cambridgeshire (including Peterborough).
3. Images should feature one, or a combination of, a Landscape, Building or Landmark, People or
Events within the county.
4. The features must be easily identifiable.
5. DPI images only, not previously entered in any internal competition.
6. Maximum of 2 entries.
7. The location of capture must be entered in the “Entry Reference” box of PhotoEntry.
8. Only the highest scoring image from each member is counted toward the final scores.
9. Only one image is to be awarded the maximum of 10 points, to ensure that there is a clear winner.President’s Challenge Trophy
1. Held annually - this year the President's theme is "Shadows"
2. Digital images only, not previously entered in any internal competition.
3. Maximum of 2 entries.
4. Only the highest scoring image from each member is counted toward the final scores.
5. Only one image is to be awarded the maximum of 10 points, to ensure that there is a clear winner. -
Tue20Jan20268:00 pmSt Ives Free Church
A practical session which will allow you to try out techniques that you may not have tried before. Please bring your camera and a tripod.
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Tue27Jan20268:00 pmSt Ives Free Church
The fourth of our 6 Open- Themed Competitions. Entries close one week before the competition. We have two sections - a Print section and a Digital section. All entries to be submitted using PhotoEntry.
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Tue03Feb20268:00 pmSt Ives Free Church
An evening of two parts. We will firstly see the results of the work by the Buddies, who have been working on their joint project since the beginning of the winter season.
Then we will have a chance for other members to show work and talk us through their thought processes. Tony Cole will also give a presentation on "The Joy of shooting with an old camera".
On this night, the committee will be on hand to give any advice to members who would like any information about entering the annual competition in print or DPI.
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Tue10Feb20268:00 pmSt Ives Free Church
Pont au Change, bridge over the Seine, Paris. Blue skies graced our late September visit nearly every day, and the crisp autumn breeze seemed to make the the river shine. The @conciergerie.paris and Tribunal de Commerce #tribunaldecommerce are both just visible in the skyline.
20Abstract geophotographs with an ephemeral, intimate, painterly aesthetic, often incorporating geological subjects and made with intentional camera movement.
This promises to be an amazing and inspirational evening.
Sara Rawlinson is a contemporary photographer specialising in both abstract fine art and heritage architecture. She has had a camera in her hands most days since she was six years old.
Rawlinson spent a decade in academia, teaching seismology and natural hazards, before returning to her childhood love of photography in 2013. Her academic years still heavily influence her photography – often showcasing textures, landscapes, geological features, and geological current events such as sea level rise and volcanic eruptions.
Current work with abstract geophotography addresses the inherent noir dishevelment of tectonic forces and sea level rise / climate change around the world. The photos themselves have an ephemeral, intimate, painterly aesthetic: subtly luscious and dangerously timely. Water, sun and rock all mingle together — eroding cliffs, mingling with lava, interrupting horizons. Intense texture and colour are layered with seeming tranquility throughout series, thus leading the viewer to further explore the hidden complexities of dishevelment and humanity’s inherent piercing yet calming reactions.
Rawlinson’s work has won and been shortlisted for several international awards and she is a Brother of the Art Workers’ Guild.
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Tue17Feb20268:00 pmSt Ives Free Church
Our tongue in cheek "speed dating" night is one of the fun and very popular evenings on our programme. Members bring their own work on a laptop or in prints, and show this to another person who will give feedback on the image for three minutes. After feedback is given both ways, one person moves on to chat to someone else.
This gives everyone a chance to talk to people in the club that they might not normally chat to, and also gives plenty of opportunity for feedback without any judging.
A fun night
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Tue24Feb20268:00 pmSt Ives Free Church
The fifth of our 6 Open- Themed Competitions. Entries close one week before the competition. We have two sections - a Print section and a Digital section. All entries to be submitted using PhotoEntry.
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Sat28Feb202610:00 amSt Ives Free Church
Our annual Inter-club print competition and exhibition.
Please see our dedicated page here: Interprint 2026
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Tue03Mar20268:00 pmSt Ives Free Church
Robin Erithacus rubecula adult bird carrying nesting material in its beak on a garden fork handle
Introduction to garden photography - Split into two halves with one a seasonal journey around the garden and then some tips / tricks and technical details about how to capture garden images.
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Tue10Mar20268:00 pmSt Ives Free Church
We were incredibly lucky that Jonathan was able to fit St Ives into his very busy schedule to deliver this talk.
A member of the London Salon of Photography, Jonathan is a multiple exposure (M.E.) specialist. Most of his work involves in-camera techniques along with final image adjustments in Photoshop. Based in Bedford, he works as a photographic educator for many organisations including the RPS. He is known for teaching Photoshop from the basics to advanced techniques. He works with individuals and professional photographers at all levels as well as assisting them to discover and develop their creativity. He also leads residential workshops throughout Europe in conjunction with Travelling Lens Photo Tours. He is a Permajet Envoy, affiliated to Q-Image, Jessops, Cartridge Monkey, WEX Photo and Video and DxO Labs, teaching the NIK collection on their behalf. He is an A panel National Judge and a member of Beyond Group
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Tue17Mar2026
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Tue24Mar20268:00 pmSt Ives Free Church
A talk by one of our Members Stuart who specialises in studio photography. We look forward to hearing more about his methods and to seeing his images.
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Tue31Mar20268:00 pmSt Ives Free Church
The last of our 6 Open- Themed Competitions. Entries close one week before the competition. We have two sections - a Print section and a Digital section. All entries to be submitted using PhotoEntry.
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Tue07Apr20268:00 pmSt Ives Free Church
Louisa is well known for her textured images which are artworks taken from various elements of her photography. In this session she will talk us through how to work with textures in order to create effects to elevate your photography.
Please bring a camera!
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Tue14Apr20268:00 pmSt Ives Free Church
DPI Images should be entered in 4 out of 6 categories of the entrant’s choice.
The 2025-2026 season categories are:
Creative – defined as Altered Reality. There must be a change to an original image, although the main content should still be identifiable. Artwork or computer graphics generated by the entrant may be included as part of the image. The image cannot have been constructed by computer.
Landscape - Images of inland, coastal or maritime scenes.
Natural History – Images conforming to the definition of Nature, which is as follows:
▪ May depict landscape, geologic formations, weather phenomena, and extant
organisms as the main subject matter.
▪ This includes subjects in controlled conditions, such as zoos, game farms, botanical
gardens, aquariums or enclosures.
▪ Scientific bands, scientific tags or radio collars on wild animals are permissible.
▪ Processing of the captured image, by cropping, exposure adjustment, colour
correction, noise minimisation, dodging/burning, HDR, focus stacking and
sharpening, is allowed.
▪ Cloning of image defects and minor distractions, including overlapping elements, are
permitted.
▪ Photographs of anthropology or archaeology, human created hybrid plants, cultivated
plants, feral animals, domestic animals, or mounted specimens are ineligible, as is
any form of manipulation that alters the truth of the photographic statement.Architecture - An Architectural image must have the primary emphasis on either the interior or exterior of a building or architectural structure.
Macro - A macro image must portray either a small subject (such as an insect) or a small part of a larger object (such as a leaf on a tree) in great detail. The subject is not limited to the natural world.
Street - Informal, candid portraits of people and incidents in public places.
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Tue21Apr20268:00 pmSt Ives Free Church
Prints should be entered in 4 out of 6 categories of the entrant’s choice.
The 2025-2026 season categories are:
Creative – defined as Altered Reality. There must be a change to an original image, although the main content should still be identifiable. Artwork or computer graphics generated by the entrant may be included as part of the image. The image cannot have been constructed by computer.
Landscape - Images of inland, coastal or maritime scenes.
Natural History – Images conforming to the definition of Nature, which is as follows:
▪ May depict landscape, geologic formations, weather phenomena, and extant
organisms as the main subject matter.
▪ This includes subjects in controlled conditions, such as zoos, game farms, botanical
gardens, aquariums or enclosures.
▪ Scientific bands, scientific tags or radio collars on wild animals are permissible.
▪ Processing of the captured image, by cropping, exposure adjustment, colour
correction, noise minimisation, dodging/burning, HDR, focus stacking and
sharpening, is allowed.
▪ Cloning of image defects and minor distractions, including overlapping elements, are
permitted.
▪ Photographs of anthropology or archaeology, human created hybrid plants, cultivated
plants, feral animals, domestic animals, or mounted specimens are ineligible, as is
any form of manipulation that alters the truth of the photographic statement.Architecture - An Architectural image must have the primary emphasis on either the interior or exterior of a building or architectural structure.
Macro - A macro image must portray either a small subject (such as an insect) or a small part of a larger object (such as a leaf on a tree) in great detail. The subject is not limited to the natural world.
Street - Informal, candid portraits of people and incidents in public places.
Monochrome Competition
Any monochrome image entered in either class of the monthly competitions or in either class of the annual competitions, scoring 9 or over, shall also be eligible for the monochrome trophy.
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Tue28Apr2026
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Fri01May2026
Summer Events 2026
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Tue05May20267:00 pmThe Old Ferry Boat carpark
Join Mark Hudson for a walk along the River Ouse at Holywell.
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Tue19May2026
Details TBC - early evening
For more details and to book your place please email externalcompetitions@stives-photoclub.org.uk
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Sun31May202610:00 amCambridge Botanical Gardens
Cost £8 (free to Friends of CBG) 10am to 1pm
Meet inside gates at 10am for a morning of floral photography. We will stop for a coffee as we wonder around these beautiful gardens. Bring a picnic or stop for lunch in the café before the tour ends. Members free to stay on if they wish to have longer.
To reserve your place please contact Louisa competitions@stives-photoclub.org.uk
Please note, no tripods. Bring a macro lens if you have one
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Tue02Jun20266:00 pmThe Quay, St Ives
Provisional booking - hope to confirm soon. An hour and a half on the river, photographing the scenery and wildlife. The boat is run by the Electric Riverboat Company from the Quay, St Ives. The cost will be £135 for the boat, to be split between a maximum of 12 people (11 ideal). Please contact Nicky if you would like to go - strictly first come, first served. Programme@stives-photoclub.org.uk
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Sun07Jun202610:00 amCambridgeICM PhotoWalk in CambridgeJoin award-winning photographer Sara Rawlinson on an ICM PhotoWalk through Cambridge. We’ll meander past some famous sites and some hidden delights, combining their classic viewpoints with creative ICM techniques to make completely unique ICM photos. The only gear you’ll need is your favourite camera, an open mind, and enthusiasm! 10am-3:30pm. £95/pp/day.https://sararawlinson.com/p/icm-photowalk-in-cambridge/
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Sat20Jun20269:00 amFrinton On Sea - details will be sent to participants
Nicky has arranged to host the Frinton / Walton outing again this year. We will be on the beach in the morning finding all kinds of photo opportunities. There is a boat trip in the afternoon to see the seals in the Naze backwaters but unfortunately there are now no places left on the boat. Those not on the boat will be able to do coastal photography instead. The day will be based as usual around Nicky's family house on the seafront. Croissants and coffee will be provided on arrival. Please bring your lunch. Please see Nicky if you would like to be included in the trip.
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Tue23Jun20266:00 pmIvo Lounge
6pm until dark
Meet Outside Ivo Lounge.
A walk around St.Ives focusing on everything textures. Bark, bricks, concrete, rust….anything that makes a good texture to build your portfolio.
Afterwards - Tapas in the Ivo Lounge - 3 plates & a glass of vino for £14.
Bring any lens you wish to use.
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Wed08Jul2026TBCIvo Lounge
Exact time TBC early evening
For more details and to book your place please email externalcompetitions@stives-photoclub.org.uk
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Sat18Jul2026TBCGary's Garden
More details to follow. A macro session in Gary's garden
Early morning - time TBC
For more details and to book your place please email externalcompetitions@stives-photoclub.org.uk
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Sun26Jul202610:00 amCambridge Mosque
10:30 - 11:30 (Free, donations recommended)
The mosque has very interesting architecture and gardens.
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Sun02Aug202610:00 amJohnson's Farm
Photography round the farm - entrance fee of £6.50 applies.
For those who wish to join us we will be booking a table in the steak house at 1pm for the Sunday carvery. The carvery is £23.50 (senior citizens £17.50). There are a range of desserts from £5.50 to £9.50. Places for lunch will be on a first come, first served basis. Contact Nicky programme@stives-photoclub.org.uk
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Sat08Aug202610:30 amLouisa's House
10.30am until 2ish
The art of cyanotypes is one of the oldest forms of photography using chemicals & the sun. Louisa will run this from her house/garden in St.Ives. As we need sunshine, if it’s raining it will be postponed. Louisa will provide a list of materials you will need to bring. Further details to follow.
Louisa can accommodate 8 members, so this will be on a first come, first serve basis.
To reserve your place please contact Louisa competitions@stives-photoclub.org.uk
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Tue18Aug2026TBCFenstanton
Evening in Fenstanton
To book your place and for more information please contact programme@stives-photoclub.org.uk
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Sun23Aug202610:00 amNicky's Garden
Photograph little people in various still life setups in Nicky’s garden in Needingworth.
Bring your camera and tripod if you have one.
To reserve your place please contact Nicky - programme@stives-photoclub.org.uk
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Sun06Sep202609:30 - 14:30Anglesey Abbey
From around the end of August into the autumn the Dahlia garden is beautiful at Anglesey Abbey and definitely worth a visit. As well as photographing the Dahlia’s this is a chance to visit and photograph these beautiful gardens, visit the house and mill. There is a café and restaurant onsite for lunch or you can bring a packed lunch whichever you prefer. The Gardens open at 9.30am and close at 5.00 pm for anyone wanting to stay longer. The House is only open from 11.00 am to 4 00 pm. If you are a National Trust Member you can enter free of charge, just bring your card along. For those not members of the National Trust the cost is £20.90 (with gift aid) or £19.00 (without gift aid).For those that have not visited before there is ample parking (free of charge) and chargeable electric charging points on site.
Book your place via Eventbrite
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/anglesey-abbey-and-lode-mill-dahlia-walk-tickets-1987786612267?aff=oddtdtcreator
or email Programme@stives-photoclub.org.uk
There are a number of trails on site see map anglesey-access-map-2025.pdf
Provisional Winter Programme 2026-2027
Event Information:
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Tue20Oct20268:00 pmSt Ives Free Church
Passion for Wildlife - Kevin Pigney
Following on from his last talk to the club in the 2025-6 winter programme, we are delighted to welcome Kevin back to talk to the club about his passion for wildlife. This promises to be an interesting and engaging evening.