Meet the Committee
Chairman: Iain Scott
In 2018 upon my retirement from full-time work, I returned to photography after a sabbatical of 40 years! Not knowing whether my return to photography would flourish, I bought a Lumix FZ1000 Bridge camera and thankfully my love of photography was fully rekindled. In 2021 I moved to the Fuji X-Series Mirrorless system (Fuji XT-3). My genres of interest are Street Photography, Wildlife, Aviation & Urban Landscape. I try to take my camera out with me all the time, because you never know what you may come across at that ‘decisive moment’. I have been fortunate that a number of my images have been published in local newspapers as well as an international Street Photography magazine.
I read that joining a camera club was advantageous to anyone with an interest in Photography. Therefore, I joined Ponteland Photographic Society (PPS) in September 2022. The Society describes itself as the “Friendly Society” and after two years as a member I can unequivocally state it is aptly described.
I am deeply honoured that after such a short membership I have been asked to hold the position of Chairman at the Society for 2024-25. I will look to maintain the core values of the Society and promote the same within the local area and in the Northern Counties Photographic Federation. My Gallery
Secretary: Graeme Young
My interest in photography stems from my passion for travelling having visited over 100 countries the vast majority with my late wife. Aside from memories I think my best travel souvenirs are the photos I take. I regularly create a phonebook of each trip so I have something tangible to look at rather than simply viewing my photos on the computer. I do particularly enjoy wildlife photography and have chosen many of the places I have visited because of the wildlife in that particular region/country. When I joined Ponteland Photographic Society in 2023 I did not know anyone at the club. I was made very welcome and soon felt at home. I really enjoy the varied programme the club offers.
Treasurer: Ian Morton
My interest in photography started when I purchased a Zenit B for £20.00 in my teens and migrated through Pentax to Nikon which I have remained with for well over 30 years. I was invited to attend Ponteland Photographic Society by a past Chairman who assured me a warm welcome would await me which was totally correct. I joined Ponteland Photographic Society in September 2017 and since then I have met some very friendly like-minded people and thanks to them, has opened doors into the world of photography I never knew existed. The club accepts members of all capabilities and provides a basis for personal development which I have founds extremely useful. I enjoy street photography where permitted and exploring for ‘different subjects’ wherever I happen to be.
Publicity: June Atkinson
I was given a Box Brownie camera when I was nine and have been hooked ever since, exploring with various cameras including my 35m Pentax, Konica and Olympus , which sadly crashed recently onto the stone flags in Wallington Walled Garden. My favourite subjects are Wildlife, Architecture, Landscapes and Macrophotography. Several courses with local professional photographers have helped me to broaden my experience and an Open University Course in Digital Photography is a continuous reference guide. We are so fortunate in having a spectacular County backdrop whether it be country or coast, but France has also been a favourite. Being a member of Ponteland Photographic Society brings me engagement with like-minded folk and the encouragement to keep on exploring the mysteries beyond the lens. My Gallery
Competition Secretary: Phil Robson
My interest in photography started in 2013 when I was looking for a possible retirement hobby and needed to purchase a new camera. I joined PPS in 2016 and have greatly enjoyed the club sessions and learning new things . I started with a NIKON D7000 DSLR but moved to FUJI X series mainly because of the size and weight of the equipment allied to great quality and ease of use. I cannot see myself changing to a different manufacturer. My SmugMug Gallery
Programme Secretary: Colin Russell
I am not young, but Photography is not the preserve of an older generation. Great images are created on mobile phones and at PPS there is no stigma about entering them in competition. It is all about the final image and then if the judge rates it! My interest in photography started in the early 70s with a Cosmic 35mm. Not even a light meter. In my teenage years I progressed to a Pentax ME Super and found printing in black and white. I have always been interested in photography and whilst my work required the use of a camera, creativity was not appropriate or encouraged. I am always keen to learn but was apprehensive about joining a camera club. I found PPS through a former work colleague. Since joining I can confirm it is a friendly and welcoming group. Through my enthusiasm I became the Programme Secretary and now have the privilege of arranging events each week during the season, September to March. I aim to maintain a diverse programme featuring a variety of speakers. These range from explanation of basic principles, such as composition, through to practical demonstrations and group outings. I have found you do not need special equipment to join in. My best result in competition to date was taken using my phone. It’s the camera I always have with me and captured an unusual light. Finally, I am always keen to receive offers to present to our Monday evening meetings in Ponteland. Please contact me at:
Committee Member: Gillian Weedy
I have been taking photos since I was a child. My father was a keen photographer and I used to watch him setting up his tripod and then spend hours photographing his home grown flowers. I have fond memories of when I got my first wee camera, I would sneek up and take a photo of the same and much to my dads annoyance it would be a better photo than his!
Throughout growing up I have always had a camera somewhere from Kodak Instamatics, Bridge Cameras and progressing to a DSLR in later years. I saw an advert for a photography basics course in Alnwick some years ago, and from that went on to do further courses and was asked to join his elite camera club. I was hooked and encouraged to upgrade my camera from a Bridge to a DSLR. Later that year I attended the Photographic Show at the NEC and bought a new camera, Nikon D5300 only to decide after 1 year I needed a more sophisticated camera. So back to the show it was and I bought a Nikon D750 and a Sigma 150 – 500 lens! I was set, I even became the photographer at work recording wildlife in the nature Reserve amongst other things. I was known as the Intrepid Explorer!!
Since those days I have a passion for wildlife, flora, people and the quirky. I have done several studio photoshoots with my family. On my foreign travels the camera is always with me round my neck or in my back pack. To discover on my return I have taken hundreds and as I shoot in Raw the editing process can be tedious, but enjoyable. Photography for me is a passion of which I enjoy, BUT its all about making those lasting memories.
Over the years I have had numerous success at local shows winning trophies with my photographs, and this it is how I got involved with Ponteland Photographic Society as I won a membership to their club from a local flower show in 2022 ! I was made very welcome and in 2025 I was asked to join the committee. I look forward to its continued success.
The Committee want to encourage all members of the Society to be involved in shaping the programme of meetings, how our meetings are run and the Society’s other activities. If you have ideas for future sessions, new initiatives, or views on the current meetings or anything else, please talk to any Committee member.