Western Region Newsletter number 16
May
2007 Editor
– Rod Wainwright LRPS – 01249 656297: email editor@silver-fox.com
Regional Organiser’s Report by Robert Albright FRPS
The Society’s Profile
At a recent Advisory Board Meeting we discussed the public image of The
Society and, in particular, its low appeal to young people.
I've given
some thought to this discussion about branding and making The Society more
attractive to the young. The keynote phrase on The RPS website gives the
RPS mission, taken from the original Charter, as 'to promote the art and
science of photography'. This is a little worthy, dare one say
Victorian? The date 1853 and the word 'mission' (rather than 'purpose') reflect an
outmoded social context. ‘Mission’ was a buzz-word in business circles in
the 1990’s but in the context of the 19th Century Charter it
conjures up thoughts of Dr Livingstone and converting the heathen to
Christianity.
I think we
need to reflect contemporary drivers and motivations of The
Society and its members using modern language. Perhaps a
more dynamic phrase would be 'See Now, Visualise More,
Capture Better.'
In the
context, of course, 'seeing' is as much about mental perception as about the
physical activity. In different language, I would call this 'Extending and Enhancing the Visual Experience'.
Do any of
our readers have a better slogan? I’m sure your Editor would offer a modest
prize to the best suggestion.
A positive
note from the Advisory Board is that RPS banners will soon be available for all
Groups and Regions. These banners, when displayed at meetings and exhibitions,
project a much more professional and dynamic image than the improvised signs we
have used previously.
There was
no Western Region meeting in April due to a clash with the Easter weekend and
other room bookings on alternative Sundays. We return in May with members
bringing their prints for display and discussion. We can all look forward to
the usual mix of the earnest and the hilarious.
Editors
note. Certainly a prize – perhaps the usual Jessops £10 Gift Voucher would be
appropriate. Given the current sales and
financial situation at Jessops however, by the time the entries are judged
we might have to find an alternative retailer!
Jessops shares plunged nearly 70% at the end of March after the group
slashed profit forecasts for the third time since January and parted company
with its commercial director
The Western Region 2007 Print Exhibition
On the reverse of this Newsletter is your entry form to send in with your entries for the exhibition. As you will see, Kevin Thomas FRPS will make the selections at the Western Region Meeting on July 8th. Let’s have a good entry from all the regulars as well as from the other 550 RPS members who are part of the Western Region and are unable to be with us for whatever reasons at the monthly meetings. Don’t be shy – you are GUARANTEED one image will be selected and exhibited
Forthcoming Meetings
13
May Members'
Prints – Colour and Black & White
10 June Lecture
by John Devenport FRPS EFIAP
MPAGB
17
June Distinctions Workshop
8 July Selection
of Members' Prints for Exhibition by
Kevin Thomas FRPS
12 August Field
Day at Malmesbury.NB - venue is not Bath HQ
Meet
at The Market Cross at the top of the