As the 98th Norwich and District Photographic Society Annual Exhibition begins today, Trevor Heaton previews some of the spectacular images on display.
Back in Victorian times, photographers had to get used to lugging round heavy glass-plate cameras and sweet-talking their subjects into staying very, very still while they pressed the shutter...
In contrast, of course, today's photographers can use the latest digital technology, with more megapixels at their command than you can shake a tripod at.
But they have one thing in common: an eye for a great picture. And this is illustrated - more than 200 times over - in the latest exhibition from Norwich and District Photographic Society, which runs in The Hostry at Norwich Cathedral from today to July 26.
The society is one of the oldest of its kind in the country and although the present society began in 1903, it has its roots in the middle of the 19th century. Its current president Alan Taylor says: 'From the beginning the Society has had members both technically highly skilled and imaginative, who produced work of the highest order.'
The first annual exhibition was held in 1904, but the outbreak of the First World War led to its cancellation. In fact, it wasn't until 1923 that the annual exhibitions returned.
Today's 69 members of the society have seen the big switch from film to digital in the last few decades. They have embraced the new digital photography and image manipulation technologies to produce photographs to appeal to both traditionalists and those interested in more creative images.
As Mr Taylor pointed out: 'The Annual Exhibition not only provides the platform to display members' work but also indicates the changes to photography from year to year and the competitive element encourages the individual to progress.
'Members use the latest developments in photographic technology and equipment furthering the art and craft of photography.'
That is reflected in the fact that the exhibition will feature 102 prints but also 84 digitally projected images. It covers a wide range of genres, including landscapes, nature, portraits, creative, architecture and photojournalism. It also includes prints from Foto-Club Koblenz, its sister club in Norwich's twin city.
The 98th NDPS Exhibition will be held in The Hostry, Norwich Cathedral, from today to July 26, open Mondays to Saturdays 9.30am-4.30pm, and Sundays (noon-3pm).
NDPS meets weekly at 7.30pm on Tuesday evenings between early September and late May at Chapel Field Methodist Church Hall, Chapelfield, in Norwich.
There is a varied programme of presentations, demonstrations, competitions, workshops, member-led evenings and a studio group.
• For more information visit www.ndps.co.uk.
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