The NRPS’ regular Thursday night Zoom meeting featured a fascinating and thought-provoking talk by Jim Holmes, a professional photographer who has, for many years now, worked on documentary assignments across the world for a number of well known charities and organisations.

Through his images Jim seeks to promote a “humanitarian vision” of the countries and communities devasted by war and natural disaster. With minimal manipulation in post processing, he faithfully records a “sanitised view of disaster”, but through a series of simple metaphors, using tilted horizons and his two preferred lenses for maximum impact, he conveys the moving dramas behind the image with passion, sensitivity and empathy.

We were taken back to key moments in time when Tsunamis struck Sumatra, or cyclones devastated the Bay of Bengal. Jim’s

images skilfully portrayed the boats deposited by walls of water on rice fields far from their moorings, and the tenacity for life of those left in buildings stripped bare by the elements. They hinted at the loss of life, but when they featured recovering infants and the smiles of the children, they raised our spirits and rekindled a faith in the ability of humans to survive the worst that is thrown their way.

Jim’s is a powerful message told through the people he has photographed. His talk was moving and very well received by members, having taken our minds off the pandemic, if only for a couple of hours.

This week, members will hear the judge’s verdict on our Pictures of 2020.

Members are reminded to hand in their images by then for the upcoming DPI Open competition which will be judged on 18th February by John Taylor.

Jenny Short