Whilst her presentation to members on Thursday took us far and wide across the world, we also enjoyed the images of waves crashing off Cornish coasts, the serenity of Scottish lakes and mountains and the familiar colours of Westonbirt in Autumn.

Whether illustrating her considerable talents in Tuscany or Truro, Sarah’s gentle, engaging commentary gave us valuable information and insight into how to create mood and atmosphere in our own efforts, and will surely inspire those of us usually less inclined, to get up early and follow the light!

Sarah gave us detailed explanations of the techniques she herself uses to make the most of available light, reflections, composition and colour.

Many of her locations were familiar to us all either as places we had visited or locations well known for their intrinsic beauty, but these as well as the more anonymous woodland scenes, were rendered all the more special by the authentic, faithful style for which she is known, and her determination to embrace the unexpected- the sudden shafts of light, a break in threatening storm clouds, a sudden downpour or lingering mist in an otherwise mundane scene.

We certainly had the opportunity to learn a great deal in an evening that was well put together and very engaging. Sarah spoke passionately about the power of light at different times of the day or seasons, but also about the use of long exposures and subtle colours to transform the usual, and elevate it to the unexpected. She did not disappoint those of us who like to work in mono, describing how the conversion to black and white can deconstruct and simplify an image, and give it a classic air of mystery and intrigue.

There was something for everyone and the presentation might even motivate us to get out in inclement weather, looking for that special ingredient that will make an emotional connection with those who view (or judge) our work.

Sarah was thanked warmly for the evening.

Next week we shall be viewing images entered for the Knightshayes Trophy 2022 and looking forward to an evening led by Tony Nineham on 19th May.

In the meantime, there is the WCPF Exhibition to be enjoyed at Bovey Tracey Golf Club, the lovely village of Nunney opens up its gardens on 29th of May and we have an invitation to photograph some village cricket at Timsbury !

Jenny Short