At the last meeting we had the delight of a presentation by Ann Miles entitled Digital Photo Art. She gave a history of manipulation of photography as an art.

At the last meeting we had the delight of a presentation by Ann Miles entitled Digital Photo Art. She gave a history of manipulation of photography as an art. She explained that photography was launched in 1839 and that originally it was viewed as a science and not an art. Many believed that it was a soulless mechanical process which couldn't be compared to art. Ann then showed us images which proved that manipulation of photographs had been used from the beginning by, among other techniques, manipulating the shutter speed, converting monochrome to colour, retouching with a brush to removed defects, particularly with portraits which were very popular at the time. Her work also showed us how photography would be guided by fashion. Early work was used for astronomy, portraits and travel. She showed us some images as an example of manipulation such as Fading Away by Henry Peach Robinson in 1858, which was a collage of five pictures, and Claude Monet's Capturing the Moment where he would photograph a scene and then paint if afterwards. Ann progressed to her own work which the members thoroughly enjoyed. She employed techniques which did not require the computer, such as vaseline on filters which gave a good backdrop for trees. Her picture of boarding houses was overlaid with a net curtain to give the impression of someone looking through a window. She presented both digital images and prints. She pointed out that photography should be an experience which will not only represent, express and interpret but should also challenge, question and provoke. Our evening with her certainly did that. Peter Lockyear gave the vote of thanks and spoke for us all when he remarked that her knowledge and astonishing talent and skill made for a very memorable evening. The next meeting will be at Trinity Methodist Hall, Park Road, Lowestoft from 7.15pm for the fourth print competition.