It is always a pleasure to have members of the Isle of Man Photographic Society show their work.

It shows a confidence in their own work and a willingness to share their knowledge and expertise with other members, something the committee is particularly keen to encourage.

This week, husband and wife team, Chris and Ruth Nicholls gave two travelogue presentations, both of a very high standard and both warmly received.

A presentation on ’Sicilian Secrets’ started our evening, with Ruth providing a wealth of detail in a comprehensive tour of the sights of northern Sicily and a visit to the island of Lipari - her tour took us from Palermo (the capital) to Trapani and Marsala, and then on to Cefalu and Lipari.

The warm colours of the Italian sunshine, the lovely images of the landscape and of life in the towns and villages provided a real escape on a cold Manx evening - and all accompanied by a clear, indeed vivid commentary as to the day’s activities, together with an explanation of local history and stories.

A part of the world perhaps not often visited but one which Ruth’s images will certainly have encouraged !

After the break, husband Chris then introduced his presentation on Provence, a part of France which he and Ruth have visited frequently, and clearly very much enjoyed.

With an emphasis on images rather than commentary, Chris’s presentation of over 200 images had a genuine ’ambience’ - his shots carefully composed, the warmth and textures of the stonework of the buildings, and his enjoyment of local life very obvious.

Many of the travel hot-spots of the lower Rhone valley appeared in the presentation - Le Baux, Rocamadour, Roussillon, Ales, Uzes, and Gordes for example, but all treated with a genuine understanding and feeling - we were there, with him!

Club president Chris Blyth gave the vote of thanks for an evening of photographic excellence by two very talented and skilled members - and one that was very obviously greatly enjoyed by the audience.

The dociety meets at the Art Society Building (Thie Ellyn) in Withington Road, Douglas, with all meetings starting at 7.30pm.

Our next meeting on Wednesday, 28th February, will include the judging of a Two -Way Digital Battle with the North West Bristol Camera Club - judged individually but the winner decided on the aggregate results from both clubs. Meetings are open to the public, and all will be given a very warm welcome.

Full details of our programme can be found on our website at www.iomps.com.

Chris Blyth