Eleven members went along to the National Waterways Museum in Ellemsere Port on Saturday 8 June for a Portrait Workshop led by Manchester photographer Sam Chaloner.

We spent some time examining some of “The Greats” of portrait photography over the years, and learning about what motivated them, before getting into the practical tutorial on how to achieve good quality portraits.

Sam had brought along two professional models who very kindly and patiently allowed us to practice our new skills, in the mini-studio he had set up as well as using natural light in the museum. Since it was raining, we were limited to working indoors which nevertheless allowed plenty of scope for interpretation.

Word has it that the models were convincingly upstaged by one of our very own. We will let you judge for yourself.

London Camera Exchange Chester and Sony will be holding a hands on event at Chester falconry and Nature Gardens with brand ambassador and wildlife photographer Luke Massey whose work has been awarded in the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year as well as winning Travel Photographer of the Year’s Wildlife category 2016 and the Wildscreen Panda award for Emerging Talent in 2018.

Along with demonstrations and talks from Luke during the day attendees will also have the opportunity to try the very latest Sony equipment and have a chance to try and capture that perfect shot of the Cathedrals birds of prey in flight.

The event is open to photographers of all levels and is not limited to just Sony users so why not bring your current kit along to compare. Tickets for the event are £25 and booking can be done in store or by contacting LCE Chester on 01244 326531.

We’ve all got images that we think are truly wonderful, – but which judges pass over with barely a mention.

Well don’t trash them in a fit of frustration. Next season we are having an interactive session with an experienced judge who has only recently moved into the LCPU patch. First he is going to discuss his experience of judging giving you plenty of opportunity to air some of your gripes and grievances. Then he wants to reassess around 20 images that in competition have failed to live up to their creator’s expectations. And again, he wants you to discuss why you think it should have done better.

So don’t tear up or dismantle your disappointments. Put them carefully to one side and they may get picked out for reassessment in what should be a really interesting evening.