I’ve been a member of DTPC for over 38 years. From the start I sensed I was joining a warm and friendly club.
I built a darkroom in my new home, but it wasn’t until a very experienced DTPC member and dear friend (Arthur Boulton) taught me to really understand the art of printing in monochrome: more than I could ever learn from a book. He was an Associate of the Royal Photographic Society (ARPS), and held a Distinction from the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain (DPAGB).
Before long I was learning new skills and ideas from other club members’ work. That’s what happens in all good clubs. I won a few awards within our Club, and had work accepted for the Western Counties Members’ Exhibition. Arthur encouraged me to try for my Licentiate (colour slides) of the Royal Photographic Society, and a few years later for my Associate (mono prints), both with great success. The skills and expertise I had acquired were a result of learning from club members. Later came a Distinction from the PAGB. I was then honoured and very moved to receive DTPC life membership.
In 2021, due to Covid lockdown, I had time to prepare a successful Fellowship application for the RPS. It’s their highest distinction, and sought-after world-wide. I was surprised a few months later when I was invited to become a member of the assessment team that awards that very same distinction.
So why make this a blog? Not to show off, (that’s not my way at all) but to say that our fantastic club has enabled me to achieve all this. I know I could not have done it on my own. I owe a huge debt to our club members, past and present, who have (whether they know it or not) helped me on this journey. Special thanks go to Tony Wilson, who has been an ever-present during my time in our club, and who has taught me so much, and continues to inspire us all with his superb photographs.
So to all our new or inexperienced members… there is no limit to what you can achieve with the help, encouragement, friendship and support of like-minded club members. Maybe some of you might be tempted to follow the same path as I have. I know it’s not for everyone, but if you are interested I’d be delighted to help you. I wish you well.
Ken Holland
13 Nov 2023
www.lowenna.co.uk
These three photos are examples from each of my three RPS panels
