IT’S been a great summer for photography. So says Ilkley Camera Club after over 20 outings for members and friends. Here are just a few of the fascinating images they have taken. Outings organiser, Peter Farmer, said: “Every week we’ve had one or two interesting trips. We’ve seen the smoke and excitement of a Napoleonic battle. We’ve had evening trips round Leeds as the lights come on and we’ve seen buildings literally in a new light.”

Photographers clearly love steam. “We’ve enjoyed rides on the Kirklees Light Railway and photographing the huge stationary engines at Bancroft Mill,” says Peter. And nature has not been forgotten as members have descended into Ingleborough Cave, wandered through beautiful meadows, waited patiently in hides for special birds, and enjoyed watching animals in Yorkshire Wildlife Park. The Club has also had fun capturing race horses at full gallop and the thrills of a three-day event water-jump.

Now, as the new indoor season approaches, the Club has been busy updating its equipment. Club President, Larry James, explained: “We’ve bought a top-end digital projector and new laptop, and we are very excited at the outstanding quality of the images we can show on our big screen. It means our programme of Friday evening shows, lectures and competitions can be viewed digitally to great effect. But, of course, we’ll still be having our print events for those who love to sniff the pixels!”

Great photos need skill and inspiration, so In May and June the Club ran eight public talks on photography. Topics included starting out in photography, selecting focus effects, taking portrait photos, creative shots, undertaking a photo project and capturing great landscape images. Larry said: “We plan to continue offering education and advice in photography with our extensive evening programme of lectures from top flight visiting speakers and our own opportunities to seek comments from members on our images. Plus, we’ll have additional special training events. It is not surprising that we are regarded as one of the top photography clubs in Yorkshire.”

Larry added: “The Club has a good balance of male and female members and of experienced and less experienced photographers. New members are assured of a friendly welcome and they soon join fully in the activities.” The first meeting of the new season is this Friday at 7.30pm at St Peter’s Church Hall, Church Lane, Addingham. See the Club’s website for more details.