A practical portrait evening using studio lighting with models provided by a ’steam punk and burlesque models’ group was the subject for this week’s meeting of the Isle of Man Photographic Society.

This was organised by Barry Murphy in collaboration with Hazel Walsh, Jooles Morrison and Rachel Dee Dee Crellin as an evening for some serious photography but also to be a fun event.

Such an action-packed evening is unusual and, given our models, possibly even a first for the society - but perhaps understandably, one which had been eagerly-anticipated by many of our members.

Three lighting sets were established by members of the committee - Jeremy Broome-Smith, Nigel Owen and Barry Murphy - two sets with standard studio flash lights operated either by a synch lead connected to the camera or remotely by a wireless trigger, and one set of continuous lighting - all working under normal daylight settings of 5500 Kelvin.

Our models, eight in total and in a variety of costumes, rotated around the various sets, and the members given opportunity to take their shots - the more experienced giving helpful advice as to the camera settings to be used.

The evening passed very quickly with all attending - both models and members - enjoying the banter, much laughter and the opportunity to get some great shots, some of which are almost certain to emerge in competitions later in our season.

Meantime, in return for the models giving us their time and particularly their effort with costumes and make-up,

Photographic Society members have been required to donate some high resolution images to the models for their portfolios.

Comments later suggested that the evening had been a success for all involved......

The society’s official programme now breaks for Christmas and new year, resuming with the president’s evening on Wednesday, January 9, when I will be presenting a selection of images.

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

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.

Meantime, we would wish all our readers a very merry Christmas and a happy new year.

Chris Blyth