RECENT NEWS
David remembers an old friend.
An inspiration in Black and White!
25/04/2025
The late Dr. Anthony (Tony) Cooper was very well known in the Western region of the Royal Photographic Society as a very talented photographer, with a particular penchant for mono images produced both traditionally in the darkroom and digitally as well as with specialist infra-red cameras. His good friend, our member, David Bathard, knew Tony and his work well, and is keen to ensure that his images continue to be presented to as wide an audience as possible, to ensure that his considerable photographic skills continue to be appreciated and developed by others in the modern technological world beyond the developing tray.. It was in this context that David offered to lead our club evening for members this week in a relaxed atmosphere that afforded plenty of time to look and learn.
Tony’s panels were put together with care and in-depth knowledge. Explained in detail, they provided the context for the high-quality images that he ultimately printed on deliberately chosen, often subtly textured papers. David illustrated a number of these, drawing our attention to the processing techniques used by Tony to specifically direct the viewer’s eye within the frame, and the ways in which his images differed from others in their subject matter and composition.
Tony’s first panel illustrated Venice, but not as many photographers do. Tony’s was a more personal, intimate view of the famous city, that fascinated and intrigued at every corner. Equally, his interior views of churches rarely featured the obvious altars and naves but rather the nooks and crannies of bell towers and side aisles. Tony’s street photography was up close and personal, showing life in the city as it is, whilst the study of the infamous prison at Shepton Mallet showed life as it was for the incarcerated and the condemned in all its stark reality. On a lighter note we were treated to characterful images from the Bath Fringe festival and Tony’s local pub!
Like many of us, Tony was confined by Lockdown, but used the time to explore his own home from every angle, using familiar techniques of lead in lines, light and composition as well as borders and mounts to create stunning , often minimalistic images. There was much to admire and ponder, and we were indeed privileged to have the opportunity to view the work that could so easily have been lost, were it not for David’s stewardship.
Members handed in their prints for the last Open competition of the season, and look forward to next week's presentation by Tobny Worobeic "The Water's Edge".
Jenny Short. 24.04.2025
Tony’s panels were put together with care and in-depth knowledge. Explained in detail, they provided the context for the high-quality images that he ultimately printed on deliberately chosen, often subtly textured papers. David illustrated a number of these, drawing our attention to the processing techniques used by Tony to specifically direct the viewer’s eye within the frame, and the ways in which his images differed from others in their subject matter and composition.
Tony’s first panel illustrated Venice, but not as many photographers do. Tony’s was a more personal, intimate view of the famous city, that fascinated and intrigued at every corner. Equally, his interior views of churches rarely featured the obvious altars and naves but rather the nooks and crannies of bell towers and side aisles. Tony’s street photography was up close and personal, showing life in the city as it is, whilst the study of the infamous prison at Shepton Mallet showed life as it was for the incarcerated and the condemned in all its stark reality. On a lighter note we were treated to characterful images from the Bath Fringe festival and Tony’s local pub!
Like many of us, Tony was confined by Lockdown, but used the time to explore his own home from every angle, using familiar techniques of lead in lines, light and composition as well as borders and mounts to create stunning , often minimalistic images. There was much to admire and ponder, and we were indeed privileged to have the opportunity to view the work that could so easily have been lost, were it not for David’s stewardship.
Members handed in their prints for the last Open competition of the season, and look forward to next week's presentation by Tobny Worobeic "The Water's Edge".
Jenny Short. 24.04.2025