The Isle of Man Photographic Society’s meeting last week was a social evening, an opportunity to relax with fellow photographers and enjoy a chat, as well as to share refreshments and to review progress during the first half of the season.

A discussion about the issues of judging proved a topical subject, the island lacking any officially accredited judges by the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain which is the club’s federal authority.

With only three clubs in the island and the need to have independent judges for competitions, we are incredibly dependent on (and very grateful for) the goodwill of members from the other two clubs to provide judges. The expense of bringing in judges from across means it is obviously not possible even during ’normal’ times when travel arrangements are much easier.

However, we feel very fortunate to have been able to hold a fairly normal sequence of meetings since September, in marked contrast to our colleagues across, who are now limited to Zoom sessions.

More good news followed with the announcement of a successful application for a grant from the Arts Council towards the expense of a new laptop - their continued support is always much appreciated.

The evening continued with a showing of digital images from four of the members of images taken for ’monthly challenges’ held over the club’s summer closed season - challenges with a specific assignment such as ’boats’, ’summer’ and ’liquid’. First up was Andrew Cairns with a super selection of well-exposed images, including several illustrating the theme of ’liquid’, a number of architectural shots showing patterns and shapes and a colourful foxglove with an elegant curve in its stem which is included here.

Phil Watterson showed his selection next, which had an emphasis on boats both large and small - an action shot showing a kayaker in the surf being particularly striking.

Beryl Quayle’s images are always noteworthy, a particular interest being natural history subjects such as insects and flowers where she excels with her macro work.

This was very apparent in the selection she showed which included several flower heads taken in her garden and which I think will do well in competition later this year.

The evening concluded with Ruth Nicholls showing a range of her images including, in particular, a selection of shots taken at this year’s Tynwald Day ceremony at St John’s - an unusual and obviously heavily curtailed occasion given the pandemic circumstances with no canopy on the hill, and few dignitaries or spectators in attendance.

The IoM Photographic Society is now on its Christmas break, with the next meeting being held on Wednesday, January 6 when Dorothy Flint will be presenting her folio of images on ’Tuscany and Dalmatian Pelicans’ - an evening sure to please with some superb images in store.

The meeting will be held the St John Ambulance HQ on Glencrutchery Road, starting at 7pm.

Full details of the club’s programme may be found on the club’s Facebook page or at www.iomps.com.

The meetings are open to the public (non-members with a modest entry fee) and all will be given a very warm welcome. Meantime, we would wish all our readers a very merry Christmas and a happy new year.