FORGET rules and be creative.

That was the theme for Bridport Camera Club as they embraced the opportunity to be experimental with their images either by camera or computer.

Penny Piddock, a visiting judge from Dorchester Camera Club, commented on gave an insight into how she believed the ‘creative’ brief had been satisfied.

In total, there were 54 entries, encompassing a range of techniques - from creative use of light in camera, painting with light, double exposures, traditional cyanotype, an interesting array of Photoshop manipulations and creative deconstruction of a portrait.

The members saw depictions of Armageddon, trees transformed into fireworks, an elephant with butterfly wings as ears, positive and negative cyanotype images printed onto fabric, as well as a host of transformations through creative use of filters, layers and sliders.

As well as being an interesting set of pieces of art to consider, members were able to ask specific questions about the processes used.

The winners were:

  • First prize Group B prints: ‘Tree of Life’ by Charlie Duggan. A six minute exposure of a woodland at night ‘painted’ with torchlight.
  • First prize Group B digital: ‘Sweet Pea’ by Kim Butcher.
  • First Prize Group A section: A beautifully-made fabric lampshade bearing an abstract image of water reflections from Venice.
  • First Prize Group A digital section: Rosie Mathieson with her depiction of an abstract landscape

Bridport Camera Club will welcome wildlife photographer Colin Varndell to give a presentation on 'A Year in the Country.'

It covers a typical year of wildlife through the seasons and comprises mostly new images. Species covered include all wild mouse species found in Dorset, badger, fox, water rail, common frog, butterflies, various invertebrates, sparrowhawk, polecat, red squirrel, water vole and hedgehog.

The presentation will be in two parts; the second half will be a mixture of how, when and where images were taken, with a short update at the end on hedgehogs.

A Year in the Country will take place at Bridport Town Hall at 7.30pm on Wednesday (24).

Tickets cost £6 and you can book in advance at info@bridportcameraclub.co.uk or call the club secretary on 07737 405474.