SUNLIT SLICE OF ICE by RODNEY DINNAN

Alisa Yates posed the question, “Why do we take photographs?” The answer is probably different for everyone – capturing cherished moments, recording materials and structures, telling stories, learning new techniques and communicating with others, to name but a few! However, in her talk, Alisa explored emotion and artistic expression by revealing multiple moments in time that she had captured through her lens. By demonstrating that photography can be about expressing yourself, being immersed in the moment and creating images that are pleasing to the photographer, rather than aiming to impress an ‘expert’ judge, Alisa’s style is refreshingly different.
It was therefore pleasing to see that several of our members reflected her sentiments in their own unique way for the gallery submissions.
There might only have been 13 images to choose from but selecting a single photograph as my favourite was not an easy task! Many members found this a challenging gallery but, with difficulty also comes success, making my job even harder! Andy’s misted rose with contrasting background was well executed and Chris’s ‘in memoriam’ macro shot of Chinese witch hazel, with its colourful toning, was interesting. I have only once before seen the wonderful Hair Ice fungus which Elaine had found in Gisburn Forest, so that was a revelation in itself! The purposely overexposed, high-key image of yellow Chrysanthemums produced by Graham conjured up a cheerful mood, whereas Margaret’s intentional camera movement of silvery floating bubbles at Stainforth evoked mindfulness.
As an example of social documentary photography, Mike was fortunate to capture the amazing expression conveyed by the child’s eyes in a wedding photo. Paul’s pussy willow, photographed with flash and a narrow field of focus, was striking in monochrome. The merging of two watery images, one adjusted using a ‘burst’ technique by Rod, embraced the simplicity of an image of which Alisa would have fully approved. Sue’s image of forlorn mauve tulips, contrasting with a pleasing blue backdrop, probably most closely resembled Alisa’s work, as did Vonny’s submission of beautifully delicate poppy heads, silhouetted against a white background.
That left me with a dilemma: a choice between the splendid images submitted by Rodney and Peter! I’m a sucker for beautiful flowers so Peter’s rich red rose, with somewhat harsh one-sided top light for dramatic effect, was a close contender. Finally, I selected Rodney’s ‘Sunlit Slice of Ice’. I’m not usually one to choose more abstract images but this one, with its silver tracery of air bubbles in the ice, is intriguing. Apart from the fact that it seemed to be well liked by members, and generated several thought-provoking comments, Rodney had clearly enjoyed capturing the image – a key theme throughout Alisa’s talk. The clever use of natural sunlight shining through the upended sheet of ice has resulted in a strong, sharp and crisp image of spheres and cylinders reflecting the light. Well done, Rodney!
If the aim of this gallery was to invite members to pause, to reflect and to learn, at the same time as finding beauty in the world around us, then I think it achieved its purpose. Maybe those who opted out should give it a go when the time and place is right for them as I’m sure they will find it both enlightening and rewarding.

Sue Haddrill