WE asked you last month what we might do to help re-invigorate your interest in photography and the club following the easing of lockdown. The response from members came mainly from the handful of those active on Zoom. This article suggests what we might do as a club in the short-term whilst following the guidelines necessary during the coronavirus pandemic.
Photowalks and visits to places for photography can still take place as long as individuals commit to following the Government guidelines on keeping safe.
From Saturday, July 4th, then when you are outside you can continue to meet in groups of up to six people from different households, following social distancing guidelines. Gatherings of more than 30 people are not allowed. Whilst outdoors you should limit your interactions with people outside of your household (or your support bubble if applicable) as much as possible.
In light of the above guidelines then we cannot organise meetings inside our club venue the Haven Arms. However, we can suggest that members take up similar projects and challenges whilst abiding by the guidelines.
Therefore, we are going to suggest places where members might like to visit for photography purposes, and at staggered times, and whilst members may see each other for the first time for months, they must still stay apart but can engage in the photography of land and seascapes, public art, architecture, street photography, etc.
Photo Walks:
One of our first such events has been arranged for next Tuesday 7th July from 8pm at Paull. The first of us will meet outside the Humber Tavern from 8pm and then disperse around the village and estuary, we can then have a second group if necessary gather at 8.15pm. Whilst around the village and estuary, members from different households must stay apart. During our time at Paull, members can keep in touch via mobile phones, so while hands-on advice and help with settings, exposure, etc will not be possible, some coaching can be possible over the phone. Following the event members can share the best of their work from the visit via the website and social media.
Other places where members might like to visit for photo walks that we have agreed to arrange, are;
- Walk along Hedon Road/King George Dock/Siemens/Victoria Dock which can be broken down into manageable slices for both walkers/car-drivers.
- Maritime Trail on the outskirts of Hull City Centre.
We will arrange dates and staggered times for each of the above.
Speakers/Subjects:
We intend to organise a series of online talks/workshops for members. The following subjects are being considered – but we need your ideas too:
- Sports photography
- Macro photography
- Wildlife photography
- Architecture and buildings
- Wedding photography
- Portraits/people photography
For the talks, we need your guidance as to the best format to hold them. Are you more likely to listen to speakers and ask questions afterwards via Zoom, Facebook Live or YouTube Live? There will be costs involved in organising these events so we need to ensure that members are willing to use the appropriate technologies.
In addition, we will be looking at socially distanced outdoor photography opportunities which will need to be booked but giving interested members the chance to shoot portraits, modern and vintage motor vehicles and a night time shoot (with a generator, lights and other essential props).
Moving forward out of strict lockdown has been particularly difficult, but we hope the above provides some interest and incentive for members.
We are after your comments and ideas and invite you to give them below:
It’s Bank Holiday Friday 8 May 2020 the 75th Anniversary of Victory in Europe. Perhaps one of the most unusual and unique ‘days off’ in history, overshadowed as it is by our common foe today – coronavirus. 
