Great shot, simple camera
I bought Amateur Photographer for the first time, and was delighted to find many interesting articles, including the one on the photographs from the tomb of Tutankhamun (AP 13 October). However, the item that really caught my attention was the caption accompanying Pete Sharpe’s atmospheric depiction of breakfasting deer in Reader Portfolio, that the best camera is the one you have with you. I use only ‘the camera that I have with me’, which is a small compact Canon IXUS 115 HS. With a keen eye, a steady hand and patience I find that great results can be achieved with this simple camera.
Recently I photographed the underside of a wolf spider on its web, which faced into the sun, and I wanted to capture the markings on its back. Knowing that pointing into the sun would be disastrous, I positioned the camera so that its shadow covered the lens, and was delighted with the result, as the light shone through its body (see picture above).
Having read about the specifications and functions of a range of digital cameras in your magazine I shall now set my sights on something more adventurous. Thank you for encouraging a real amateur photographer. Glenys Adams A nice shot, Glenys. I hope that whatever you buy inspires you to even greater heights – Nigel Atherton, Editor
More prizes in contests
Martin Norden posed a question about what stops people from entering APOY ( Inbox, AP 20 October). I have a suggestion.
Many competitions these days focus on a magnificent prize for the winner, and little or nothing else. They attract a lot of good pictures – and all but a couple are unrewarded. That’s great for those who are highly competitive, and have a generally alpha male (or female) view of life. Most of us aren’t like that, though. So why not have more, but smaller prizes. The move to Photocrowd is good, in that it allows everyone to see all the pictures at a decent size – a plus in terms of developing one’s perception and ability. And maybe the cost of paid membership is not that different from what we paid out in the ‘good old days’, by posting prints and slides with a stamped addressed envelope to two/three magazines every month. John Duder
Let’s see moor Yorkshire
AP’s apparent failure to support its advertisers amazes me. North York Moors National Park have had a full-page ad for weeks – if not months – and not a single peep from editorial. Or does the advert overwhelm you all? That main picture is an interpretation of Robin Hood’s Bay I would have never thought of, with Baytown somewhat subdued. And it’s late in a clear summer day as the sun’s orb is in the northwest.
The supporting pictures are as dramatic, with Anna Cross on Lastingham Moor, an evening shot of Staithes, a view of Dalby Forest and the loco Sir Nigel Gresley charging up Murk Esk Vale. Not exactly ‘run of the mill’, are they? I doubt if anyone from AP Editorial has been anywhere in this area. Bill Houlder Our advertising and editorial teams are completely separate. Editorial features are planned several months in advance of the ads and we don’t see them until the magazine comes out – when you do. Our Location Guide series covers all of the UK, and although it may not have featured North Yorks recently, our Reviews Editor Michael Topham went there in August to shoot our filter test (AP 20 October). AP also visited HIPFest in Hull last month and will be attending PhotoNorth in Harrogate this weekend – Nigel Atherton, Editor
Visit Dartmoor
Living just a couple of hours from Dartmoor I enjoyed Claire Gillo’s Location Guide (AP 20 October). Her words of warning, I believe need to be expanded. There are three military live-firing ranges, so when planning an expedition, I check the range diary information for the days I’ll be there. Dartmoor is one of the few areas in Britain where wild camping is legal but as she said there is a no-impact rule, certainly no fires or barbecues and take all your waste away with you. Carry water as the rivers and leats can be contaminated by animals. Finally, there is a strict 40mph speed limit on roads in all parts of the moor. This is closely checked by community speed guns at all times. Keep speed down and your money will stay in your pocket. Enjoy! There is space for all. Mike Durrans
Candid photos
Thank you for printing my letter (AP 20 October). As this is a very important subject, I do not feel abashed in continuing the conversation. You are quite correct in your reply that asking permission of people before taking a shot changes the genre from candid to posed, most especially if the photo is taken immediately. However, those of us who prowl the streets with our cameras know that if, after obtaining permission (which may be done merely with a ‘thumbs-up’ gesture), you ask your would-be subjects to continue their activities, they will quickly forget about you and your camera. The candid shot may then be taken, but no bother will ensue. While I would defend our rights in law on most occasions, I do believe that people, and their feelings, are more important than photography. Tony Cole